Guitarmania: 11 concerts by exceptional guitarists!
For its second edition, the Montreal Guitar Show
has stepped up its programming considerably with Guitarmania, an all-new concert series
featuring well known guitarists performing in the intimacy of Place des Arts’
Cinquième Salle.
Tickets go on sale Saturday, March 1 at noon.
Tickets for these Montreal Guitar Show concerts go on sale Saturday,
March 1, at noon:
- at the Metropolis ticket office (59 Ste-Catherine Street East);
- Place des Arts (175 Ste-Catherine Street West – 514 842-2112 or
pda.qc.ca);
- and at Admission (admission.com
or 514 790-1245).
Diehard guitar fans will want to treat themselves to one of the attractive packages
offered:
- $180 to attend every show in the Guitarmania series
(plus taxes, service charges and venue fees)
- $90 to attend two shows per time slot
(2 for each time slot: 6 p.m., 8 p.m. and 10 p.m., for a total of 6 shows) (plus
taxes, service charges and venue fees)
June 26, 2008
Erik Mongrain
Famed among Montreal metro riders for his lap-tapping style – the guitar flat on
his knees, played like a piano – Erik Mongrain has taken his talents to the U.S.
and Germany, and had Japan’s national NHK television cameras show up on his doorstep!
He’s just as comfortable standing in the normal guitar-slinging position, but in
his chosen seated position, this wildly-talented self-taught virtuoso will conjure
echoes of the late, lamented Michael Hedges. Listen to his 2006 Fates album
with Serge Fiori, and experience this live- he’ll bring you to your knees!
Michel Haumont / Jean‑Félix Lalanne
One word best characterizes the music of Michel Haumont: charm. This French guitarist
recorded his first album back in 1974. Even then, at the tender age of 17, he already
displayed the finesse of and delicate touch of talented player. For this concert,
he’ll be accompanied by Jean-Félix Lalanne with whom he recently recorded the live
album Ensemble in Paris. Jean-Félix Lalanne is also a gifted musician,
whose playing has been likened to the touch of a butterfly’s wings. This French
duo no doubt show Montreal the depth of their guitar artistry.
Jordan Officer
Jordan Officer’s main project has been the Susie Arioli Band, formed by Susie and
Jordan in 1997. Their four CD's feature Jordan as guitar and violin player as well
as arranger and producer of the most recent one, Learn To Smile Again.
By deftly combining elements of blues, country, jazz and pop – the classic and the
obscure – the Susie Arioli Band has created its own intoxicating sound. The group’s
undisputed artistry and uncluttered sound are refreshing in an era many would agree
is short on depth.
June 27, 2008
Antoine Dufour
Antoine Dufour is emerging as a star Canadian fingerstylist. His third recording
of compositions is critically acclaimed. With prestigious national and international
prizes under his belt, he is building an impressive reputation as an innovator in
the genre.
John Jorgenson
In addition to having been a founding member of the groups Desert Rose Band, Hellecasters
and his own quintet, and to having played for Elton John for six years, John Jorgenson
played the role of his mentor Django Reinhardt in the film Head in the Clouds. In
demand by the greatest names in music, including Barbara Streisand, Bonnie Raitt
and Earl Scruggs, and known as one of the pioneers of gypsy jazz music in the United
States, this guitarist offers a dazzlingly eclectic repertoire, moving with ease
from pop or rock to country, whether on guitar, clarinet, or simply with his voice.
But above all, John Jorgenson epitomizes manouche (gypsy) jazz!
Jake Shimabukuro
Though many still have trouble pronouncing his last name and the instrument he plays,
Jake Shimabukuro (she-ma-BOO-koo-row) is becoming recognized as one of the world’s
top ukulele (oo-koo-LAY-lay) musicians. Renowned for lightning-fast fingers and
revolutionary playing techniques, Jake views the ukulele as an “untapped source
of music with unlimited potential.” His virtuosity defies label or category. Playing
jazz, blues, funk, classical, bluegrass, folk, flamenco, and rock, Jake’s mission
is to show everyone that the ukulele is capable of so much more than only the traditional
Hawaiian music many associate it.
June 28, 2008
Andy McKee
Andy McKee is one of the world’s finest acoustic soloists. After receiving over 20 million
views collectively for his Youtube videos which were posted by the independent record label
Candyrat Records. Andy’s success is a testament to the changing nature of the music industry as
well as people’s desire for something new and interesting to listen to. Andy has performed to
sold-out shows in all over the world.
Don Ross
At the age of 10, Canadian guitarist Don Ross was already experimenting with the
alternate tunings that woud lead him to develop his stunning fingerstyle technique.
He would go on to win the U.S. National Fingerstyle Guitar Championship in Kansas
in 1988… and again in 1996, a feat unequalled by any other player. Integrated into
the peerless technique, his blend of jazz, folk, rock and classical gives his music
a distinct quality that makes him one of Canada’s musical treasures. Experience
the intensity.
Martin Taylor
Award winning guitarist Martin Taylor has established a unique musical career as
an internationally acclaimed musician, and his inimitable style has seen him recognised
as the world's foremost exponent of solo jazz guitar playing. Although completely
self taught, he has enjoyed a remarkable musical career spanning across four decades,
and during that time has invented and developed a way of playing the guitar that
is admired, and often imitated, by guitarists all over the world. As well as being
a true guitar innovator, he is also a master concert performer, dazzling audiences
with his solo shows, which combine virtuosity, emotion, humour, with a strong stage
presence.
June 29, 2008
Gareth Pearson
Gareth Pearson is an acoustic guitar player and composer from Cwmbran, South Wales
in the UK. Gareth has toured with Tommy Emmanuel, Jan Akkerman, played at the Chet
Atkins Appreciation Society Convention in Nashville and was personally invited to
open for Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes at their New Year Party in New York.
Gareth’s influences are wide, ranging from guitarists such as Tommy Emmanuel, Chet
Atkins, Merle Travis, Jerry Reed and others but his own distinctive voice is clearly
audible in his own compositions, some of which appear on his new release Adrenaline
Rush.
Pierre Bensusan
Pierre Bensusan is amongst the French musicians of today who have become world-renowned
for their music. His spectrum has grown throughout his albums, incorporating inspiration
from many cultures. In terms of world, jazz and folk musicians, he is amongst the
most eloquent of our time. He constantly explores the depth of his own voice in
a way that transcends his instrument, creating a unique result, none other than
the "Bensusan" sound.