Business notebook: Revealing guitar secrets and Sunday brunches

Warwick - Local guitar instructor Mark Sly believes the reasons for his success is that he allows his students to learn guitar while playing the music they like and having fun while doing it. And, since many of his students are youngsters with parents who have busy schedules, Sly drives to your home to teach his method. He recently released a guitar instructional video, “Mark Sly’s Secrets guitar teachers don’t want you to know.” The video shows the easy way to get started, what to buy, tuning and how to master the fret board, chords and scales without drudgery. “I teach my students the basics,” said Sly, “but then I ask them, ‘What are you into?’” He explained that a student could learn how to play the guitar with any type of music including classical. But learning is much easier, he argues, if it’s the music the student enjoys. According to Sly, many youngsters are also learning something about the guitar from popular music videos and the Internet. His new instructional video, he promises, will be especially helpful to those who have a working knowledge of the instrument. Sly’s own musical background had an interesting twist. After graduating from Berklee College of Music, he moved to New York because he had signed a production deal with Dreamworks Records. But to pay the rent, he needed a day job. Sly became a temporary worker for a time and was then offered a full time job with Fuji Bank on the 81st floor of World Trade Center Tower Two. Just two weeks before Sept. 11, 2001, Fuji Bank transferred him to their office on the 48th floor of World Trade Center Tower One. On Sept. 11, his old office, where he once sat at a desk, was struck by the second plane in the brutal terrorist attack that day which destroyed the skyscrapers. His co-worker Stanley Praimnath, featured in a BBC TV special, remained in the old office. Although he miraculously escaped with his life, he actually saw the airplane approaching the South Tower seconds before the impact and was in the office where the right wing crashed through only 20 feet away. “While trying to escape that day,” recalled Sly, “I made a promise to myself. If I ever made it out alive, I would dedicate my life to music.” In October 2001, Sly moved back to Warwick and began playing nights in local clubs and offering guitar and bass lessons during the day. “I think the secret of my success is that I drive to the student’s home and I do not require a contract,” he said. Two years ago, in answer to the heavy demand, Sly hired another instructor: local guitarist and bassist John Bendy. “And, about this time,” he said, “I realized that if I made a video my students could have my lessons anytime they wanted.” The new video is sold through Customflix, an Amazon.com company and can also be purchased by going to www.slymarkmusic.com. It lists for $25.99. For information, call Sly at 988-6263. Anniversary On Friday and Saturday, May 11-12, B. Page & Co., 28 Railroad Ave., Warwick, marked its first anniversary with a two-day celebration. In classic B. Page style, guests were treated to Champagne and strawberries along with other delectable anniversary treats and special sales promotions. Owner Brooke Martis-Sarmiento also stated that she had recently brought in some exciting new lines for the occasion that she was sure her customers would love. “Trina Turk is one line that I am very excited to have,” said Sarmiento. “Trina does wonderful prints and great silhouettes that are very appealing for summer.” She added that other new designers that will also make their debut at B. Page this summer season include Ya-Ya, The Wrights, Gryphon. Lia Kes and Susana Monaco. B. Page & Co. also carries an exclusive line of candles from DayNa Decker, which were introduced during the anniversary celebration. “DayNa Decker has created the most amazing candle,” said Sarmiento. “The scents are elegantly floral and the wick is made from Cedar which makes a very subtle crackling noise when it burns.” For additional information, call 987-8004. Sunday brunch Beginning Sunday, June 10, the Iron Forge Inn in Bellvale will begin offering brunch every Sunday from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The restaurant is currently closed for renovations but plans to open during the first week in June. Gourmet selections will include Eggs Benedict, Buttermilk Pancakes, Truffle Cheese Sandwiches, Seared Organic Scottish Salmon and Chicken Breast Francaise. The Inn is located on the site of an historic forge in a revolutionary era home built in 1760. Head chef Erik Johansen, a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, emphasizes local ingredients. And guests dine in intimate colonial rooms decorated with antiques, original artwork, paintings, furniture and carvings. For information or reservations call 986-3411. Think snow May 31 is the deadline to purchase the Mt. Peter Ski Area unlimited 2007-2008 season pass for $139. For information, call 986-4940 or visit www.mtpeter.com.