The Adelaide International Guitar Festival returns to the Festival Centre in Adelaide from 29th November until 7th December 2008 with support from the world’s premier musical instrument manufacturer, Gibson Guitar. Once again, the lineup features the finest selection of local talent along with some of the most acclaimed and exciting international artists. The festival kicks off with a free concert in Elder Park and an attempt to break the ‘Guinness World Record for the Biggest Guitar Band, this time to the tune of AC/DC’s seminal hit It’s A Long Way To The Top.
The most significant development of this years event, is the addition of legendary guitar manufacturer and global entertainment brand Gibson Guitar, as a major festival partner. Founded in 1894 in Kalamazoo, Michigan, and headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee since 1984, Gibson is known worldwide for producing classic models in every major style of fretted instrument, including acoustic and electric guitars, mandolins and banjos. Gibson’s HD.6X-PRO Digital Guitar and the Gibson Robot Guitar represent the biggest advances in electric guitar design in over 70 years. It’s family of brands now includes, among others, Epiphone, Kramer, Steinberger, Tobias, Slingerland, Valley Arts, Maestro, Baldwin and Wurlitzer. Visit Gibson’s website at www.gibson.com
“With so many great artists performing, Gibson Guitar is proud to be playing an integral role at this year’s Adelaide International Guitar Festival. Its particularly rewarding to witness such a thriving artist community and to enjoy the music which has become a tradition at this event. ” said Henry Juszkiewicz, Chairman and CEO of Gibson Guitar.
Throughout the festival, Gibson Guitar will be profiled across a number of platforms including a purpose built ‘Walk Of Fame’ area. This area will highlight some of Gibson’s most famous guitars, many of which have helped shaped musical history – from the legendary and iconic Les Paul and SG models to the Firebird along with classic Gibson acoustic guitars such as the J-45 and Hummingbird model.
With all this in mind, Award winning Xavier Rudd will headline a world-class line-up of Roots performers that includes Mia Dyson, Ash Grunwald, Rob Sawyer and The Mason Rack Band. Other standouts include Lior (accompanied by a string quartet) and Jesse Harris. Also on the bill are the Backsliders, featuring Rob Hirst from Midnight Oil and Dom Turner on guitar along with Australia’s premier Blues-woman Fiona Boyes and The Derek Trucks Band.
Elder Park will also play host to a huge rock concert event. Adrian Belew (USA), David Bowie’s guitarist of choice, headlines a stellar line-up of Australia’s leading guitar-driven rock acts. Fans get ready to rock out to the awesome sounds of Grinspoon, SHIHAD and Magic Dirt. Adrian is a current member of cult prog rock band King Crimson, alongside Robert Fripp, and has worked with a list of legends from the music business including Frank Zappa, Talking Heads, Paul Simon, Laurie Anderson and most recently, Nine Inch Nails.
Hang on to your hats Country music fans: Saturday will see five of Australia’s leading contemporary artists take to the stage in Elder Park. Join Troy Cassar-Daley, Peter Denahy, Sara Storer, Bill Chambers and Travis Sinclair for a night of country rock and bush ballads, suitable for all the family to enjoy. Also on Saturday, the Festival Theatre hosts a unique Bass concert featuring Steve Hunter, Al Slavik and Guy Pratt (UK) – possibly the most “in-demand” bass player in the world. Guy’s career includes stints with one of the most famous acts in music history – Pink Floyd – as well as recording with Madonna, Bryan Ferry, Robert Palmer and Michael Jackson. Guy spent some of his formative years in Australia as bass player with Icehouse and supported David Bowie on his legendary 1983 world tour.
The festival finalé on Sunday 7 December in Elder Park is a tribute to a much-loved music icon. This year the festival honors the career of Australia’s own AC/DC with a night of high voltage rock’n’roll. It is the first time a concert of this nature has been staged in Adelaide and brings together a long list of household names who will showcase their versions of their favourite AC/DC tracks. Original members Mark Evans (bass) and Dave Evans (vocals) are also joining the line-up. The Hoodoo Gurus head the list and take to the stage alongside Angry Anderson, The Party Boys (including Kevin Borich, Swanee, Paul Christie, Rob Riley, Buzz Bidstrup, Vince Lovegrove and others), Jimmy Little, Stevie Wright (The Easybeats), SHIHAD, Adrian Belew, Adalita Srsen (Magic Dirt), Slava & Leonard Grigoryan, Troy Cassar-Daley & Sara Storer (as a duo), Backsliders and many, many more.
To keep up to date with Guitar Festival news, exciting competitions and “early-bird” ticket offers, visit the web site and subscribe to Twang! the official monthly e-newsletter. Get your guitar, your friends and family and come to Adelaide for a one of the world’s premier guitar and music festivals.
For more information on the The Adelaide International Guitar Festival please check out www.adelaidefestivalcentre.com.au/guitarfestival
Photo Credit: Helen Trepa