THE MONTREAL GUITAR SHOW: A PHENOMENAL WEEKEND!

The 4th edition of the Montreal Guitar Show drew over 6,000 amateur guitarists and aficionados in the space of three short days. These visitors were absolutely thrilled with the rich slate of activities offered, many of them free.

A look at the 4th edition in numbers:

• Over 130 luthiers exhibiting their acoustic and electric masterpieces.
• Over 200 musicians and specialists from around the world, featuring big names such as Jean-Luc Thievent, Charlie Hunter, Bruce Foreman, Andy McKee and Yamandu Costa.
• Concerts galore... Around 60 mini-concerts presented by Premier Guitar, a dozen concerts in the Guitare Guitare series presented by the Hyatt Regency Montréal, the Guitarissimo The Gazette series, and the Soirée CandyRat Records.

• Special moments dedicated to knowledge sharing in the form of workshops, lectures and memorable meetings.

The Montreal Guitar Show also means...

... the Tribute Award

Inaugurated at the Show's 3rd edition, the Tribute Award underscores the outstanding contributions made to the history of the guitar and of music in general, by a select handful of the world's best guitarists. Jeff Beck was the first to receive the award (2009). And this year's recipient was George Benson, of The New Boss Guitar fame, who, more than 45 years after the release of this first album bearing the title that would foretell his destiny, has proven that he is indeed an almighty master of six-string magic.

... and the Collection Ste-Cat

Each year since the collection was created in 2006, renowned luthiers have contributed to this beautiful Ste-Cat guitar adventure, with every instrument exclusive to the MGS. Not only do we recognize the importance of acknowledging the talent and genuine works of art of the luthiers participating in the Montreal Guitar Show, but we also lend a hand to the most promising up-and-coming musicians. We do so by giving them the means to develop their artistic talent and technique, mainly through access to premium-quality, highly valuable instruments that would otherwise be beyond their reach.

The 2010 awardwinner is Mr. Juha Ruokangas.

Our sincere thanks to all the luthiers, suppliers and partners present at the Montreal Guitar Show for so generously sharing their art and passion with us.

The 5th edition of the MGS will have an entire slew of new features in store for you from July 1 to 3, 2011.