USA: Rock star in benefit concert for nuns who gave him his first gig

Carl Verheyen, one of the top ten guitarists in the world, according to Guitar Magazine, returns to his old convent school in California for a benefit concert for the nuns who taught him there - the Sisters of St Louis next month.

Verheyen, member of the legendary rock group Supertramp, got his first guitar and lesson for his 11th birthday. At twelve years old he had his first paid gig…at the St Bede Church Carnival. Verheyen returns to his roots and brings his band with him for a concert named 'Where It Began'.

Verheyen went on from St Bede School and St Francis High School to do composing, arranging, and playing for more than 200 motion pictures and 500 television episodes. He has collaborated with the best musicians in the world and regularly tours Europe and the United States with his band and has a string of albums to his credit.

Carl Verheyen Concert 'Where It Began' takes place in the Hall at St Bede 215 Foothill Boulevard La Canada, CA at 9pm on Saturday, 3 May. Tickets at: www.Where-It-Began.com

The concert will be produced by Verheyen’s classmates, the St Bede Class of 1968. The publicity says: "Proceeds go to those women who gave up a large portion of their lives wearing overflowing robes and headgear made of heavy, hot fabric in sunny Southern California, teaching us how to think and do, and scaring us just enough so that nothing much bothers us since."

Spokesman Bob Bavasi said all the sisters are of retirement age now - but as his wife noted "They always remain teachers". Several of them will be attending the concert and Bob said: "We're even flying one out from Ireland"

To see photos of some of the sisters, go to: www.bede1968.com/nuns.html

For more about Carl Verheyen, see: www.carlverheyen.com/