International Guitar Night Returns Showcasing World-Class Guitarists

International Guitar Night, the much-anticipated event known for its unique guitar mastery, is making a return with its 24th installment, adding another chapter to its history of incredible performances. The event is not just a mere gathering of skilled guitarists but a burgeoning platform that fosters unexpected collaborative magic between artists during the tour.

Bringing their talent to the Bay Area, this tour will be a part of a vast 40-city North American journey, making stops at three notable venues: the Herbst Theatre in San Francisco on February 22, Bankhead Theater in Livermore on February 23, and Carriage House Theatre at the Montalvo Arts Center in Saratoga on February 24.

Intriguing Lineup

Under the discerning curation of founder Brian Gore, the lineup this year boasts of Italian guitar phenomenon Luca Stricagnoli, renowned for his mesmerizing videos featuring innovative multi-neck guitars. Stricagnoli has captivated a substantial online audience with his boundary-pushing techniques and performances.

Fellow performer Thu Le hails from Vietnam, a former child prodigy who began her guitar journey at the tender age of seven, becoming the youngest student admitted to Hanoi's National Conservatory of Music. Her presence adds an international flair and remarkable artistry to the mix.

Making her debut in this year's tour is Australian slide guitarist Minnie Marks, known for her dynamic playing and her victory in the 2011 Bluesfest Busking Competition. Alongside these new talents stands Brazilian virtuoso Marco Pereira, a recurring artist in Guitar Night and a significant contributor to its international success.

Pereira, born in São Paulo, carries on the rich Brazilian guitar tradition, molding his sound with jazz influences but always remaining true to the Brazilian soul of his music. His pairings with Marks bring an exciting fusion of acoustic sounds and rhythm which promises to be one of the tour highlights.

The Concert Experience

The concert format is carefully designed to showcase each guitarist's individual prowess before bringing them together in unexpected partnerships. The first act of the night allows the artists to shine solo, while the second act features various duos and group collaborations, ending with a grand all-inclusive finale.

Pereira showcases Brazilian rhythmic sophistication in his solo segments, while Marks is set to surprise audiences with her one-woman band setup, that incorporates a 1956 Gibson ES-295 Goldtop guitar and a foot-powered drum kit.

Starting from more modest beginnings in 1995, International Guitar Night has grown into a platform for cross-genre and cross-cultural exchange, with the mission of introducing audiences to a wide spectrum of guitar styles and backgrounds.

While the show's roster changes over the years, it ensures a fresh experience for attendees and maintains a loyal following. Founder Brian Gore's vision of bringing together emerging artists and seasoned professionals continues to enrich the global guitar landscape.

After a long teaching career at the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, the esteemed Pereira hints that this tour could potentially be his last extensive one, adding a layer of significance for fans and newcomers to see these masterful performances.

guitar, music, tour