Those who attended last year’s Melbourne Guitar Show already know how inspiring the event can be. This year, we like to think we’ve turned it up a notch. With over 80 exhibitors showcasing their wares and just as many musicians performing on 4 stages over 2 action packed days, here’s just ten reasons to get down to the Melbourne Guitar Show August 6 & 7 at the Caulfield Racecourse, presented by Triple M and Australian Musician. In no particular order …
GENUINE AUSTRALIAN GUITAR LEGENDS
We’re honoured this year to present two of Australia’s most respected guitar players and living legends, Kevin Borich and Phil Manning.
Kevin Borich was a founding member and of The La De Das, the leader of Kevin Borich Express, and a member of The Party Boys, as well as a session musician for numerous acts. Australian rock music historian, Ian McFarlane has described Borich as “one of the most celebrated guitar players in the history of Australian rock. He also remains an underrated songwriter, as proved on his current album ‘Totem’.
KB performs on Saturday August 6 on the AON Courtyard Stage at 3pm
Phil Manning first came to our attention in pioneering Australian blues band Chain. As a solo performer in the acoustic sphere, Phil has also been ahead of the game, as one of the first electric gunslingers to begin working in both realms before ‘unplugged’ became a catch phrase. As well as headlining his own shows, he has toured with a remarkable number of artists including Muddy Waters, Sonny Terry and Brownie McGee, Albert Collins, Freddie King and dozens of others, both in the blues and rock genre.
Phil appears on the AON Mezzanine Stage on Saturday August 6th on the acoustic floor at 12.45pm. He’ll then immediately join the Nick Charles hosted acoustic session at 1.15pm, featuring Geoff Achison, Shannon Bourne, Jimi Hocking, and Sam See.
THE GUITAR PLAYERS SESSION – Acoustic Blues & Roots hosted by Nick Charles
With decades experience touring the world and more than a dozen albums of critically acclaimed acoustic roots music, Nick Charles is known internationally as “Australia’s virtuoso of acoustic roots and blues”. It’s fitting that Nick Charles hosts our special acoustic blues and roots session, which will feature Geoff Achison, Shannon Bourne, Jimi Hocking, Sam See, and Phil Manning. Each artist will perform a song or two each and there’ll be plenty of interplay between them all too.
A really unique acoustic event, not to be missed. 1.45pm AON Mezzanine Stage. Acoustic Floor.
FRETTED FEMMES IN SONG
This year’s Melbourne Guitar Show spotlights some of Melbourne’s finest new female singer, songwriter, guitarists. This session includes; Cat Canteri, Heloise, Leisha Jungalwalla, and Megan Bernard, showcasing their songs with guitar and chatting about the creative process.
SHRED HEAVEN
Not one or two but 3 amazing progressive metal bands; Teramaze, I Built The Sky, and The Delusion, will grace the AON Courtyard stage at the Melbourne Guitar Show. They’re slick and melodic, playing complex, driving rhythms, yet will appeal to a broad range of music fans.
I Built The Sky 1pm Sat Aug 6 AON Courtyard Stage. Teramaze 4pm Sat Aug 6 AON Courtyard Stage. The Delusion 1pm Sun Aug 7 AON Courtyard Stage.
THE DEALS! (on guitars, amps, pedals and accessories)
If you have plans to buy a new guitar, amp, pedal or guitar related accessory, there’s no better place to do so than the Melbourne Guitar Show. Over 80 exhibitors will be showcasing more brands and models than you’ve ever seen before in one venue in Australia. The best part is that many of the exhibitors will be offering one-off special Melbourne Guitar Show deals. There will be a ton of stock on stands and the exhibitors would rather see it in the hands of happy customers than have to pack it all up and ship it back to the shop again. Check out the exhibitor list on the website, see what brands are where and do some planning.
WIN STUFF!
Many of the participating exhibitors will have competitions running over the weekend. Plus from the show organisers, a chance to meet a true international guitar hero. By attending the Melbourne Guitar Show, you can enter the draw to win two tickets to American blues legend Joe Bonamassa’s Melbourne concert on October 5 at the Palais Theatre and also get to meet the great man.
LEARN SOMETHING!
One of the most popular features of last year’s guitar show was the Professor Guitar and Professor Bass sessions. On the Ground Level at the Cafe Corner, a rotating roster of some of Australia’s most respected guitarists and bass players will offer FREE lessons. Come on down. Watch and learn and most importantly, it’s a great opportunity to ASK! Professor Guitar sessions include: Simon Patterson, Troy Male, Bob Spencer, Tim Gaze and Peter Hodgson. Professor Bass features: Robbie Little, Joe Fernand, and Wayne Jones.
UKE CAN’T MISS THIS!
Presented by Matt Fagan, and featuring AJ Leonard, Sarah Carroll, Dan MacKoin, and Mike Jackson. Spend a relaxing Sunday morning (10.30am AON Mezzanine Stage) listening to some of Melbourne’s Maetros on the Ukulele.
THEN… Learn to play the UKE instantly – Jam along with our all-star line up. Led by education legend Mike Jackson and Dan MacEoin. Sponsored by Kala Ukuleles and Music Sales
BEIJA FLOR
As well as the shredders, the blues pickers and full on rockers, we also bring you the exotic. Don’t miss the 7 string acoustic guitar duo Beija Flor, when they play original compositions inspired by the music of Brazil and Argentina, along with a range of fingerstyle and traditional South American repertoire. After years performing extensively in Australia and internationally, from playing on radio, TV, theatre and cruise ships, Melbourne based guitarists Jeremy Bourke and Lachie Robertson now collaborate on this new exciting project Beija Flor. Acoustic Stage 1.30pm Sunday August 7
THE TRIPLE M FINALE JAM
It’s Sunday afternoon, you’ve spent the weekend watching some of Australia’s finest guitar talent, you’ve picked up 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, plus Tim Gaze … and you never know who else might join them!
Triple M Finale Jam. Sunday 3pm- AON Courtyard Stage
Triple M and Australian Musician present the Melbourne Guitar Show Aug 6&7 Caulfield Racecourse. Ticket info here
Here’s a highlight reel from last year’s show