More than three years since it was last staged, the family-friendly Melbourne Guitar Show is back in 2023 for two massive days (4-5 March) of live showcases, jamming and demonstration sessions, a gear expo and much, much more.
Some of the county's finest guitarists (and a number of international arrivals) will break open their cases, dust down their guitars, oil their necks and tune them to perfection for a grand return in 2023.Those showcasing include American Eric Bibb (plus a Q&A session) and Canadian Nick Johnston as well as Aussies Steph Strings, Hussy Hicks, Simon Hosford (who plays Yngwie Malmsteen's 'Trilogy'), Kathleen Halloran, Lloyd Spiegel, and Kyran Daniel.
Other recent additions to the line-up include Phil Manning, Nick Charles, Blues Roulette, Josh Smith (Northlane), King Canyon, Chris Bieniek, Opal Ocean, Joyce Prescher, Marcel Yammouni, Corey Legge, Charlie Bedford, Monica Weightman, James Ryan and Leon Todd.
"It's exciting to see the show back again adding value to the live music industry after the unusual times of the last couple of years," MGS organiser, Rob Walker says.
"We are proud to present such a broad range and quality of guitars, amps and gear from the big brands to local artisans. And each year we get to put together a programme of live music featuring the considerable talents of our guitar community.
"It's a great weekend for anyone into music, particularly guitars, and we encourage you to bring the kids to inspire our next generation of guitarists."
Rob is also excited about the gear expo with plenty of bargains to be found with with 60 exhibitors featuring a huge variety of electric and acoustic guitars, basses, effects pedals, amps and state-of-the-art guitar technology, both home-grown and from around the world. Basically Australia's largest pop-up guitar shop.
"Not only will #MGS2023 provide a hands-on chance to see and play such a broad range of gear, there'll be bargains a plenty. All the guitars you can eat in the biggest buffet of gear you can imagine."
Adds Kathleen Halloran: "I'm really excited to do my own set at the show this year, and I also love the jam session finale. It's an incredible hour, and so fun to play with my guitar heroes, who I rarely get to hang out with because you're never in the same room, you're always out doing different gigs.
"I want to soak up as much as I can after my show. Simon Hosford is doing his Yngwie Malmsteen's 'Trilogy' show, which only Simon could pull off. That's definitely piqued my interest."
Tickets are on sale.
Melbourne Guitar Show takes place at Caulfield Racecourse 4-5 March.
Melbourne Guitar Show 2023 Line-up
Blues RouletteCharlie Bedford
Chris Bieniek Fusion
Corey Legge
Eric Bibb
Hussy Hicks
James Ryan
Josh Smith (Northlane)
Joshua Batten
Joyce Prescher
Kathleen Halloran
King Canyon
Kyran Daniel
Leon Todd
Lloyd Spiegel
Luke Bailey
Marcel Yammouni
Monica Weightman
Nick Charles
Nick Johnston
Opal Ocean
Phil Manning
Sammy Vincent
Simon Hosford plays Yngwie Malmsteen's 'Trilogy'
Steph Strings
