NZ's first guitar fest - only in New Plymouth

New Zealand's first guitar fest - only in New Plymouth

Some of the biggest names in guitar playing will be descending on New Plymouth for New Zealand's first international guitar festival G-TARanaki from 14-19 July 2008.

Guitar hero Joe Satriani will head an all-star lineup in the six-day celebration of all genres of guitar playing that will include workshops, forums, concerts, and jam sessions that everyday New Zealanders can take part in.

The event will also showcase other legendary axemen including Glenn Hughes, former frontman of Black Sabbath and Deep Purple, Uli Jon Roth, Guns and Roses' Gilby Clarke, Tim Donahue, and the Alex Skolnick Trio.

Aimed at providing a learning experience like no other, G-TARanaki will move beyond concert venues and out into local schools for Sky Academy workshops in Opunake, Inglewood, and Waitara.

"G-TARanaki will be unlike any concert or series of concerts ever seen in New Zealand. This will not be a case of the artists coming in, playing a concert, and leaving again," says Venture Taranaki Events Manager Garry Sharpe-Young.

"A key objective of the Festival is to give every guitarist in New Zealand the opportunity to learn from, and be inspired by, guitar legends like Joe Satriani, Gilby Clarke, or Glenn Hughes."

For six days New Plymouth will become New Zealand's guitar capital, offering something for all guitar players and fans across a variety of musical styles.

"In the last few months Taranaki has hosted concerts by Sir Elton John, Jack Johnson, the Beach Boys, and the huge WOMAD festival. The addition of G-TARanaki is an opportunity to put on a major event that will build the reputation that New Plymouth really is, according to TVOne 'New Zealand's event capital.'"

G-TARanaki
New Plymouth, 14-19 July 2008

More information: www.gtaranaki.co.nz
Contact: Garry Sharpe-Young, Venture Taranaki, 027 636 1725

G-TARanaki - artist background:

JOE SATRIANI
Headline artist is the world renowned guitarist Joe Satriani. Nominated for no less than 15 Grammys, Joe first came to world attention as the man who taught both Metallica's Kirk Hammett and Steve Vai to play. Since launching his solo career he has defined the instrumental guitar album concept, and sold over 20 million albums in the process. He has toured with Mick Jagger and Deep Purple but it is his solo career that has made him a household name. Joe's last played in New Zealand in 2005, to a rapidly sold-out crowd, His G-TARanaki concert, promoting a brand new album, 'Professor Satchafunkilus And The Musterion Of Rock' through Sony, is a New Zealand exclusive.

GLENN HUGHES
Former Deep Purple and Black Sabbath vocalist Glenn Hughes is known to his legions of fans worldwide as 'The voice of Rock'. Glenn has since built a funky solo career on recording performances with former Jane's Addiction guitarist Dave Navarro and Red Hot Chili Peppers drummer Chad Smith, and plays New Zealand for the first time exclusively at G-TARanaki. The festival will partner Glenn with Kiwi musicians for a unique show, as well as give local guitarists the chance to get involved and learn from this legend through a series of workshops and forums.

ULI JON ROTH
The revered Uli Jon Roth is regarded as one of the greatest classical rock guitarists of all time by practicing musicians, and will give an exclusive New Zealand first concert with his full 8 piece band, including singers Liz Vandelle and Mark Boals. Roth also brings his unique Sky Academy tutorial workshops to Taranaki, and his trademark multi-fretted Sky guitar collection, which he will use to interact with and teach local guitar students in schools across Taranaki.

G ILBY CLARKE
High profile Guns n' Roses guitarist Gilby Clarke brings his band, which includes bassist Johnny Colt of The Black Crowes and drummer Brian Tichy from Slash's Snakepit and Ozzy Osbourne. Gilby will not only be giving an exclusive New Zealand performance but will also be involved with Uli Jon Roth's Sky Academy and play a unique acoustic set.

TIM DONAHUE
Tim achieved cult status on the rock scene with his one-off fretless harp guitars. His pedigree is such that his latest album has attracted guests ranging from Paul Rodgers of Free and Queen to James LaBrie of Dream Theater. Tim will be demonstrating his technique over a range of custum built instruments in an exclusive NZ performance.

ALEX SKOLNICK TRIO
Alex Skolnick may have made his name with metal legends Savatage, Testament and Ozzy Osbourne but will be bringing a much cooler jazz lounge style to G-TARanaki. Another NZ exclusive, the supremely dextrous Alex will surprise many with his chilled repertoire.

ENDS

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