The first Spa City Guitar Festival will be held Friday, March 18 to Sunday, March 20 at Universal Preservation Hall. This debut will become an annual event in Saratoga Springs and will provide audiences with a three day guitar extravaganza full of concerts, masterclasses, workshops, guitar displays and vendors.
Due to unforeseen circumstances, this event has been cancelled.
The Performers
The first in line to perform is none other than Brazilian guitarist Badi Assad, whose specialty is to mix her culture’s music with ethnic sounds from across the world. Therefore, she defies the idea of sticking to one genre of music. Her singing is known to be vibrant, while as a guitarist she is known to be innovative, inspiring, and breathtaking. Assad has moved the masses not only with her unique voice, but her fingers as well. She will perform at 8 p.m. on Friday, March 18.
Next up on the itinerary is Germán López, who is known internationally as one of the most notable and outstanding guitarists. He adheres to Canary folk music traditions, Spanish Flamenco, West African rhythms, the flourishing spirit of jazz, as well as his own original approach to “island music.” Having performed nearly 100 times while on tours globally, the Spa City Guitar Festival will only elevate his career. He will take part in a Spanish folk performance featuring Antonio Toledo at 2 p.m. on Saturday, March 19.
The festivals third performance is by Grammy-nominated guitarist Mark Lettieri. He has experience not only professionally playing the guitar, but as a composer, producer, and instructor as well. Unlike many, Lettieri does not stick to one style of music, but rather a multitude of them, whether he works with an independent or a major label artist. As a composer and producer, he creates original music of his own. Additionally, he is highly known to play in Snarky Puppy since 2008, a music group that combines jazz, rock, world and funk. His work with the group has resulted in four Grammy Awards. Lettieri will perform at 7 p.m. on Saturday, March 19.
Last but not least, is 21 album and chart-topping guitarist Gary Hoey, who will perform at 7 p.m. on Sunday, March 20. With his hit for hit catalog, Hoey secured himself a spot as one of the top 100 guitarists of all time. He is known for his fiery vibe and amazing connection with his audience. Hoey was first discovered by Ozzy Osbourne in 1987 and has excelled ever since. He is known to perform thrilling solos that are comparable to Clapton or Stevie Ray at their peak.
Passes available consists of the $35 single day pass, $45 single day pass and masterclass, $75 festival pass, and the $150 VIP Pass. For more information about the passes, as well as to purchase them visit the Universal Preservation Hall website.
