NORMAL – Jim Bland still has the guitar he took with him to Vietnam in 1967. He still has calloused fingertips, fond memories of students he taught and stories of his own experiences as a musician. Now it's time to activate or sign up for unlimited access! We have not been able to find your subscription. But soon Central Illinois will not have Bland's Guitar World, a fixture in downtown/uptown Normal for 47 years. He is closing his store at 129 E. Beaufort St. on Thursday after nearly half a century in the guitar and music lesson business. Waning interest in guitar lessons and competition from internet sales led him to shut the doors, but the 72-year-old isn't putting down his pick. Bland plans to continue playing with his band, Velvet Groove. He will still have his GW Sound company and do installations for live music at schools and festivals. “I've been blessed,” he said. “I started doing this for a living in high school.” The first band he played with was paid $15 a night to play for four hours. All five members are still alive and three are still playing, said Bland. He is still in contact with...from News Page http://ift.tt/2BHWWiT https://youbrandinc.com
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