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Videos showcase talents of Dykes and Kruger Brothers
June 22, 2010 (El Cajon) – A full house packed a benefit concert held at Cuyamaca College to support shop programs at local high schools—including a guitar-making course and a class in which students rebuilt a classic roadster car. World-famous musicians Doyle Dykes and his daughter, Haley performed, along with the famed Kruger Brothers. 
Highlights included a performance by Dykes on a Taylor Guitar made from the last liberty tree in America, which was toppled by a storm. The trees served as gathering spots for patriots in the Revolutionary War era. Bob Taylor, owner of Taylor Guitar, salvaged seeds and has planted them across America. Dykes has since played sweet strains of patriotic tunes on a liberty guitar in USO shows for American troops overseas.
View a video of Taylor telling the story of the liberty trees here.
View a video of Dykes playing patriotic songs on a liberty tree guitar here and here.
View a lickety-split gospel rendition by Dykes here.
View videos of Doyle and Haley Dykes and the Kruger Brothers performing together here.
The event, sponsored by the East County Economic Community Development Foundation, also included awards presented to local shop students by Taylor, who received an honorary doctorate degree earlier in the day from California International Business University.
Instruments by Taylor Guitar and Deering Banjo, two world-famous musical instrument makers based in East County, were auctioned off to benefit the cause.
Also on the auction block was a refurbished 1923 Ford T-bucket roadster rebuilt by 58 students in Valhalla High School shop classes. Students spent several months welding and fabricating parts for the eye-catching silver car.
No bidders were able to offer the modest minimum bid amid a down economy, so this customized roadster—perfect for cruising the streets of East County and beyond--is still available.
Below are details on the car provided by the Foundation's website:
• A California Custom Roadster 23 "T" stretched body (for extra leg room) with Sports Deck
• A custom 2"x3" rectangular tube frame (wall thickness of .188 ")
• 1968 "E" type Jaguar rear independent suspension with disc brakes
• Vintage Independent Front suspension from Fatman Fabrications with disc brakes
• 350 cubic inch Chevrolet engine rebuilt and assembled by the advanced students
• Chevrolet 350 Turbo automatic transmission
• Custom steel "T" fenders, front and rear, with custom fabricated steel running boards with imported hardwood inserts and stainless steel trim
• Chevrolet Vega steering box Full instrumentation Custom interior from California Custom Roadsters
• Goodyear Eagle tires on Eagle Alloy polished wheels: Front - 245/45ZR 17 Rear - 295/40ZR 20
• Custom Build Book that documents the re-build process and parts
The title and California registration documents will be available. If you are considering adding this classic to your collection or would like to make an offer, please contact Erica Asbury at erica.asbury@eastcountyedc.org or call (619)258-3670 for additional information.
*A significant portion of the asking price may be considered tax-deductible for certain buyers; the Foundation recommends checking with your financial professional.
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