Orrin Foslien

Orrin Foslien grew up around music. He started out playing the ukulele, then moved to the banjo and guitar. In high school he began singing in the choir and playing the trombone. Around 1962, he traveled to San Francisco hoping to play music, but ultimately ended up working in manufacturing. After working all day, he would then go perform in the local nightclubs.  Soon Orrin moved to Detroit where he operated Da Eastside Guitar Werks – a shop where he built custom guitars and repaired instruments. Over the years, Orrin has met and played for people such as Ronald Reagan, George H.W. Bush, and Henry Ford II. On July 9, 2015, Carlson Music hosted a special event to celebrate his contributions to music, which included a Believe In Music Award from NAMM and the mayor, Sara Carlson,  proclaiming it Orrin Foslien Day!