For lovers of guitars and music masters, there’s an event happening in Melbourne this weekend you may want to get yourself to. Held at the Caulfield Racecourse, the Melbourne Guitar Show is a celebration of the stringed instrument, with various performances, workshops, lessons and special offers.
Musicians and fans alike will flock to the event, which is tipped to be even bigger than the 2015 incarnation, which saw over 5,000 people through the door. The floor plan has been extended to accommodate more performers, more fans and an acoustic only level, for those who prefer the quieter side of all things six-string.
Looking at the program is quite overwhelming, so we’ve run down a few of our highlights that you should head to.
Saturday, August 6
12.30PM MATTHEW FAGAN: A gifted virtuoso guitarist and composer, he has accrued over 30 years of performance, composition and educational experience. Matthew is capable of stunning the listener with attack, as well as melting you with elegance. Held at the Exclusively Acoustic Stage.
1.45PM Peavey’s History of Rock ‘n’ Roll: Join Michael Smith, Global Product Manager for Peavey Electronic MI Division to take you through the history of Rock’n’Roll and how a young passionate Hartley Peavey started his empire and created his now legendary tones. Held at the Winners Circle Workshop Room.
3.30PM JAMIE PYE for Cole Clark Guitars: Featuring Jamie Pye, talking about the latest innovations in the Cole Clark family, from unique designs in Australian and exotic woods along with some stunning playing from Jamie. Held at the AON Mezzanine Stage. Presented by Cole Clark Guitars
4PM TERAMAZE: Featuring guitar wizard, Dean Wells, Teramaze is something special to experience and has been described as one of the finest prog metal bands in Australia. Presented by Ernie Ball Musicman at the AON Forecourt Stage.
Sunday, August 7
10.30AM Kala Instant Uke Orchestra: Hosted by Matt Fagan and featuring AJ Leonard, Sarah Carrol, Dan McKeoin, Mike Jackson and the NCAT Ukes. Spend a relaxing Sunday morning listening to some of Melbourne’s Maetros on the Ukulele. From classical to Hawaiin and everything in between. Then … Learn to play the UKE instantly – Jam along with our all-star line up Led by education legend Mike Jackson and Dan McKeion – in Hawaii it’s called a Kanakatila. Sponsored by Kala Ukuleles and Music Sales. Held at the AON Mezzanine Stage.
12PM Maton Custom shop seminar: As the head of Maton’s Custom Shop, Andy Allen has the ability to build a guitar that will produce the sound that the customer has ordered and wants to hear – learn about tone woods and techniques and what goes into a Maton custom shop guitar. Held at the Winners Circle Workshop Room. Alternate between this and a performance by Dallas Frasca.
12PM DALLAS FRASCA: With over 750 shows under their belt, this award winning outfit is a stand-out in its class. On-stage this three-piece features two guitars a beast behind the kit and a mighty presence at the mic. Held at the AON Forecourt Stage.
3PM TRIPLE M FINALE JAM: You’ve spent the weekend watching some of our finest guitar talent, you’ve got your dream guitar bargain, seen a cool demo or two and thinking life couldn’t get any better… BUT … we’ve saved the best until last! Some of Australia’s slickest pickers will come together on one stage for the Triple M Finale Jam. The line up includes: Bob Spencer, Brett Kingman, Phil Ceberano, James Ryan, Simon Hosford, Shannon Bourne, Tim Gaze …and you never know who else might join them! Held at the AON Forecourt Stage.
For more information and to purchase tickets, visit: www.australianmusician.com.au.