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ASU Hosts 12th Annual GuitarFest April 13 to 15

Story by David Brewer

The Broyhill Music Center at ASU will be teeming with six-string action this weekend, April 13 to 15, as the Hayes School of Music hosts the 12th annual Appalachian GuitarFest and Competition.

“There are so many fans that get to come here for a weekend of just guitar,” said festival director and performer Douglas James. “It just seemed an obvious thing to do.”

Since arriving at ASU 12 years ago to take over as director of guitar studies, James has organized the international festival. The event has since inspired other schools to host similar events.

Headliners for this year’s GuitarFest include James, Lily Afshar, Carlos Pérez and Andrew Zohn. Jazz guitar instructor Andy Page will host a special workshop in conjunction with the mostly classical event.

In addition to the world-renowned performers, the competition portion of the festival will feature nearly 30 skilled classical guitarists from all over the world vying for the $1,000 top prize.

Weekend tickets for festival participants, including all concerts, master classes and workshops are $60. Competitors are required to pay an additional $40 competition fee.

Individual tickets for evening concerts and the competition finals are $20 and will be available at the door or in advance at Farthing box office, 828-262-4046.

For more info, click to www.music.appstate.edu or call the ASU School of Music at 828-262-3020.

Want To Go?

Date: Friday to Sunday, April 13 to 15
Location: Broyhill School of Music, ASU
Cost: $20 for nighttime concerts & competition finals