World's top guitarists converge in Bigfork

The Crown of the Continent Guitar Festival announces a seventh public performance to its lineup of music events scheduled for Aug. 24 through Sept. 1.

The most recent addition is the semifinals of the international Lee Ritenour Six String Theory Guitar Competition, featuring 12 contestants vying to be the world champion. The event will be held from 1 to 4 p.m. Aug. 26 on the Crown Festival Stage at Flathead Lake Lodge in Bigfork.

The semifinals offer a chance to hear the most promising guitarists from all over the world competing in six guitar genres: acoustic, blues, classical, country, jazz/fusion and rock. The finalists come from Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, France, Israel and the United States.

The six winners will go on to compete at the Six String Theory World finals Aug. 29 at the Bigfork Center for the Performing Arts. Legendary jazz musician Lee Ritenour conceived of the competition two years ago as a way to support up-and-coming young guitarists.

A $20 donation is suggested for the Aug. 26 event.

For more information about the Crown of the Continent Guitar Workshop and the lineup of public festival events, visit the website www.cocguitarfoundation.org or call 249-4671.