The Guitars In The City series brings together past, present and future generations of South Australian guitarists over three sessions at The German Club.
Organised by promoter and long-time local guitarist Rob Pippan, Guitars In The City is a showcase of all styles and genres of guitar-centric music, from classical and rock, to jazz fusion and everything in-between.
Session one (14 July) features Brewster Brothers John and Rick from The Angels performing their ‘Bloodline’ show. “‘Bloodline’ is a show about the Brewster Brothers’ history in music,” Rob says.
Session two (21 July) is ‘Night Of The Guitar’, with three sets featuring local guitarists such as Chris Finnen, Andy Salvanos, Peter Jenkins and Nick Panasakis paying tribute to Joe Satriani and Jeff Beck. “My over-arching idea was that I wanted to have a centrepiece where the biggest concentration of guitar players in one place at one time will be at this venue on the ‘Night Of The Guitar’,” Rob explains.
“I’ve gathered 12 really well-known Adelaide guitar players across all genres who have been around for decades now. So they’ll do two songs each during the night and that’ll be a drawcard because that’s a lot of firepower onstage at one gig.”
The session also includes a youth talent portion seeking South Australia’s best young guitarists. Four guitarists each from the two categories (13-18 years and 18-24 years) will battle it out for $250 cash, plus a spot in the encore performance.
The series concludes with session three (28 July) and the legendary Phil Emmanuel performing the hits of Dire Straits and The Shadows in what Rob calls the crowning jewel of Guitars In the City. “To me, Phil [Emmanuel] is Australia’s greatest living electric guitar player,” Rob says.
“The guy is unbelievable… I’ve played with him many times over the years and I’ve got to tell you, it’s like being strapped to the front of a freight train that’s out of control.”
Guitars In The City Takes place at The German Club (Adelaide) as part of Umbrella: Winter City Sounds 14, 21 and 28 July.
