Guitar legends present two days of exclusive performances
John 5 and the Creatures take the stage Saturday. The innovative shredder is known for his work with some of the top artists in the world including Rob Zombie, Alice Cooper, Marilyn Manson and more. John 5 has a vast collection of vintage Fender Telecaster guitars that inspired the unique design of his signature model, the Fender J5 Telecaster. His incendiary playing style and tone is reflected in each of his ten solo records.
David Ellefson, bassist and co-founder of Grammy award-winning thrash metal titans Megadeth, will perform Saturday. His aggressive style of bass playing has been at the foundation of Megadeth’s vast catalog of metal classics, including “Symphony of Destruction”, “Peace Sells…But Who’s Buying”, “Hangar 18”, and “Holy Wars,” Ellefson is also an accomplished producer, clinician, music business lecturer and entrepreneur.
World-renowned guitar craftsman Paul Reed Smith will host a special presentation showcasing his newest products on Saturday. Smith is known for his trademark craftsmanship, technology and intricate design of guitars and has created custom instruments for artists including Carlos Santana and John Mayer.
Trevor Gordon Hall, who recently played onstage with John Mayer at the State Theatre Center for the Arts, will perform both days. Additional artists include Muscle Shoals Swamper’s Will McFarlane and Tacoma Guitar Festival favorite Carl Tosten.
Confirmed sponsors include Yamaha, Fender, Paul Reed Smith Guitars, The Guitar Store, Lollar Pickups, Guitar Maniacs, Vashon Guitars, GTR Magazine, D’Addario, Pyramid Staging & Events, Thunder Roads Guitars, TV Jones, No Limit Guitar Co., American Music, Ted Brown Music and Eventide.
Exhibition booths and sponsorships are available now.
Tickets: Event tickets ($15 per day, two day pass $25) are on sale now at TacomaDome.org and the Heritage Bank Box Office at the Tacoma Dome. Student discounts ($5 off) are available at the Box Office with a valid student ID. The first 200 guests through the door each day receive a complimentary package of guitar strings. Free parking available in Tacoma Dome lots, provided by the Tacoma Guitar Festival.
Who: Tacoma Guitar Festival
When: Saturday, April 21 – 9:30 am to 5 pm
Sunday, April 22 – 10 am to 4 pm
Where: Tacoma Dome
What: The Tacoma Guitar Festival returns to the Tacoma Dome for its fourth year featuring iconic musicians and guitar experts. The two day festival showcases more than 150 vendors, collectors and exhibitors in addition to live performances.
– City of Tacoma, Tacoma Venues & Events
