The Guitar’s the star at Sage Gateshead

North East Guitar Festival 16 – 30 October 2015 The North East Guitar Festival returns to Sage Gateshead from 16 to 30 October.  Now in its second decade, the Festival celebrates the most colourful and versatile of instruments.  The stunning line-up features some of the greatest established guitarists from across the world as well as the best new talent. Highlights include flamenco duo Juan Martin and Chaparro De Malaga, jazz from the Nicolas Meier Group and blues flavoured hard rock from Ryan McGarvey Band.  The weekend is packed with concerts and events and includes artist debuts, new music commissions, workshops and free concourse performances. Rated in the top three guitarists in the world by US magazine Guitar Player, Juan Martin is one of the big names of the flamenco world. His newest collaboration is with celebrated accompanist Chapparo De Malaga.  Award-winning Nicolas Meier is one of the stars of the vibrant British jazz scene, drawing on a multitude of influences with his passionate and heart-felt acoustic modern jazz originals. With strong songs, award-winning vocals and fierce guitar playing, Ryan McGarvey is drawing in the accolades – he was voted “Best Guitarist” in the European Blues Awards 2014 and picked up “Best New Talent” in Guitar Player Magazine’s Annual Readers Choice Award in 2013.  It’s been 3 years since the Ryan McGarvey Band first visited our shores and since then they have gathered a huge fan base following performances at festivals and venues throughout the UK. Ryan McGarvey said:  “We are all really looking forward to returning to Newcastle/Gateshead with our new album, The Road Chosen.  It will be something special to have all of our fans with us, especially in such an iconic venue as Sage Gateshead. They’ve been with us from day one and are always so supportive and welcoming – they’re awesome.  We love the area – the North East has produced some highly respected musicians and I feel honoured to walk in their footsteps”. North East Guitar Festival is presented by International Guitar Foundation & Festivals.  For the full festival line-up and for tickets go to sagegateshead.com or call Sage Gateshead Ticket Office on 0191 443 4661.