front of at Mansion on the James in Syracuse

Performing at The Mansion on James for Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day is a celebration of love, and what better way to set the mood than with live, intimate guitar music in a historic setting? This year, I had the pleasure of performing at The Mansion on James in Syracuse—a venue steeped in history and elegance. The experience was unforgettable, blending romantic melodies with the […]

Dennis Winge playing solo latin jazz guitar

Keeping the Groove in Solo Latin Jazz Performances

Performing music is a journey of highs and lows, growth and setbacks. Not long ago, I shared my struggles with feeling “beat up” on stage after an open mic performance where I attempted a solo instrumental set of Afro-Cuban Latin Jazz. The experience was a wake-up call, reinforcing the importance of time-feel, audience connection, and […]

Dennis Winge playing guitar at 1244 Tavern

Working On My Time-Feel to Suit Multiple Genres

For most of my guitar-playing life, I didn’t focus on rhythm. Like many guitarists, I was more concerned with technique, theory, and phrasing. It wasn’t until about five or six years ago, during the making of my album What Are the Odds?, that I began to truly study rhythm. I sought out a teacher and […]

Dennis in recording studio

Why I Love Studio Work

When legendary studio guitarist Tim Pierce talks about the essence of great studio playing, he highlights something that resonates deeply with me: having fun and bringing emotion to every part you play. Tim’s words reflect a universal truth in music—no matter your technical prowess or the gear you own, what truly matters is the heart […]

front sign at Gratitude & Grace

Jazz Under the Stars at Gratitude & Grace Wedding

Jazz Under the Stars: A Rehearsal Dinner at Gratitude & Grace A Long-Awaited First Visit There are some places that you hear about long before you ever set foot there. For me, Gratitude & Grace was one of those places. Nestled just outside Ithaca—close enough to be convenient, but surrounded by open fields that make it […]

sunset salsa band at cinco de mayo party

Two Cinco de Mayo parties with live salsa music!

Cinco de Mayo weekend 2025 was a milestone for me and my ongoing love affair with Latin music. It was a weekend that reminded me how far my Latin band, Sunset Salsa, has come in a year, and how rewarding it can be to both lead and participate in Latin music at all levels—from tightly […]

Dennis' new album Sunday Brunch as it appears on Spotify

Behind the Scenes of My New Album: Sunday Brunch

One of the most fulfilling aspects of being a musician is sharing my music with others. Earlier this month, I released my newest solo guitar album, Sunday Brunch, and I couldn’t be more excited! This project holds a special place in my heart—not just because of its concept, but because it encapsulates the joy and […]

sign at 50th anniversary party with Blue Train blues band

Blue Train’s Blues Band’s first private party in Finger Lakes

Some gigs leave a deeper mark than others—not necessarily because of the size of the crowd or the prestige of the venue, but because of what they reveal about the heart of the music and the flexibility of the band. For Blue Train, our first private party gig was one of those nights. We’ve played […]

image of Thich Minh Tues' pilgrimage, which is the subject of a song I recently wrote for a client from his lyrics

I Love Turning People’s Lyrics Into Songs

As a musician and songwriter, some projects resonate more deeply than others. I recently had the privilege of writing and recording a song titled “Following the Buddha’s Path” for a long-time client. This project not only challenged my creativity but also offered an opportunity to contribute to a meaningful message about spiritual growth and enlightenment. […]

Dennis Winge performing at Art of Solo Guitar concert at Downstairs in Ithaca NY

Performing at The Downstairs Ithaca

Ithaca, New York, is known for its vibrant arts scene, and venues like The Downstairs have become a cornerstone for local musicians and creatives. Located on State Street, this intimate listening room and art gallery offers a perfect setting for unique musical events. On a recent evening, I had the pleasure of hosting an event […]