Calvary by the Sea hosts Emmy-winning guitarist for fundraising concert

Emmy award-winning guitarist-composer Billy McLaughlin will headline “An Acoustic Night
of Thanksgiving” concert set for 6 p.m. Sunday at the Calvary by the Sea Lutheran Church to raise funds for Angel Network Charities.

McLaughlin has a neuromuscular disorder called focal dystonia that has severely affected his ability to play the guitar, according to a news release.

Angel Network Charities is housed in the Lutheran church at 5339 Kalanianaole Highway. The food bank serves more than 2,000 people each month and also offers laundry and shower facilities and food.

Also appearing in the concert will be local artists including Jon Osorio, Bobby Moderow, Michael Piranha and Sean O’Malley.

McLaughlin was diagnosed more than 10 years ago with focal dystonia, which has no known cure. The disease diminished his ability to play with his right hand, derailing his career and his marriage.

“Then he did what for many would be unthinkable — if not impossible. He taught himself to play left-handed,” the news release said.

McLaughlin is now working with the international Dystonia Medical Research Foundation, based in Chicago.

A concert film entitled “Coming Back Alive” has also been produced, and this year McLaughlin was featured in a PBS television special titled “Starry Night,” which aimed to help raise awareness about focal dystonia.

The special won an Emmy for outstanding achievement in musical composition and arrangement, the release said.