The Sydney Guitar Festival announces its 3rd and final round of artists and events, adding to an already massive line up, this years event is the biggest and most ambitious yet.
The inaugural SGF Gala, taking place on Thursday, August 9 at the Concourse in Chatswood promises to be an event like no other; an expertly curated showcase of world-class guitarists including;
Kaki King (US), Derek Gripper (RSA), Daniel Champagne, Turner Brown Band (US/Aus), Z-Star Trinity (UK) Pioneers of Rock n Roll showcase and MC Luke Escombe, and more..
Leading the final wave of artists is South African guitar maestro, Derek Gripper, who skilfully transcribes music from West Africa’s Kora masters for guitar, a feat classical guitar legend John Williams thought was ‘absolutely impossible’ until he heard Derek do it!
Derek conjures anew the centuries old African musical heritage by interpreting complex kora compositions written for 21 string harps and plays them on 6 string guitar to mesmerising effect!
Voted as one of the Top 50 greatest blues players of all time by Guitarist Magazine, Carvin Jones is ‘The New King Of Strings’. Having shared stages with BB King, Santana, Jeff Beck, Joe Cocker and more, Carvin is a players player and revered by the legends themselves. Eric Clapton has praised him as ‘the next up and coming blues player’ Joining Carvin is another of the new breed of blues players, Simon Kinny-Lewis. With his Bonnamassa style vocal tones and compelling playing, Simon is well established as one of the countries finest players. His latest album, Catfish reached #1 on the Australian Blues And Roots Airplay Chart!
Australia’s premiere blues artist, Ray Beadle, is known for his endless residencies in famous blues clubs all over the USA as well as being a familiar face and blues and jazz festivals here at home. His harmonic and emotional playing is the stuff that many strive for but few capture.
After receiving rave reviews from his sold out SGF2017 performance, Canadian born but Aussie based Brian Campeau will reprise his ‘Get Blind With Brian!’ show. A unique performance featuring his complex playing and long, sorrowful vocals, all mixed into his odd sense of humour. Prepare to really listen to Brian. You’ll have no choice as the audience is to be blindfolded!
Tesse is the collaborative project of Sydney singer-songwriter, Tom Stephens, performing songs songs from their recently released debut album ‘How It All Unfolds’. Their sound is characterised by frigid, full tone ebbs of acoustic and baritone guitar, stitched together by steady, hypnotic rhythms. The night will also feature revered Sydney jazz guitarist, Sorcha.
Performing as a very special guest with The Spin Drifters, slide guitar master Lucky Oceans makes his return to Sydney Having experienced a stunningly wide range of music as a radio presenter on Radio National and as a musician, he is involved in music at a high level in many different contexts and styles, but always with warmth, wit and erudition.
The Multi award winning Richard Smith is known as a picking expert. Having mastered various thumbpicking and fingerstyles across such diverse genres as classical, jazz bluegrass, ragtime and more, Richard is a thrill to watch. Richard is Tommy Emmanuel’s special guest at the Concourse Concert Hall and it will be his first ever Sydney performance!
Acclaimed flamenco guitarist Paco Lara from Jerez de la frontera, Spain, together with ARIA nominated flamenco guitarist Damian Wright from ensemble Bandaluzia presenting a performance of spectacular flamenco guitar music as well as music by Chick Corea, Jorge Cardoso & more, supported by The Dancing Fingers.
This lineup joins artists such as Tommy Emmanuel, Kaki King, Grigoryan Brothers and the Beijing Guitar Duo, Albert Lee, The Brewster Brothers, Marc Ribot, The Turner Brown Band, Pedro Javier Gonzalez & Paco Lara and the inaugural Sydney Guitar Festival Gala, showcasing some of the best guitarists doing what they do best.
SGF 2018 Headliner Tommy Emmanuel was to have his brother Phil Emmanuel join him at both SGF shows as a special guest.
Following Phil’s recent and sudden passing Tommy now intends to incorporate a very special tribute to honour one of this country’s greatest guitarists who has just recently been posthumously awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia OAM for his service to music.
Venues housing the diverse lineup of events include Marrickville’s largest hub of arts and culture, The Factory Theatre, Northern Sydney’s performing arts gateway The Concourse and Sydney’s most iconic music venue The Enmore Theatre.
PLUS The Sydney Guitar Festival invites you to take part in the World Record attempt for the Largest Guitar Ensemble playing AC/DC’s Highway To Hell at The Concourse in Chatswood on Sunday, August 12!
Tickets for all Sydney Guitar Festival events are on sale now. For more information regarding lineup, tickets, venues and more visit sydneyguitarfestival.com.au
