Styles run the gamut for International Guitar Night

International Guitar Night, an acoustic guitar extravaganza, returns to the O’Shaughnessy Center in Whitefish Feb. 8.

The concert starts at 7:30 p.m. and is part of Whitefish Theatre Company’s 2012-13 season.

Brian Gore, founder of International Guitar Night, along with Scotland’s Martin Taylor, Solorazaf from Madagascar and Celso Machado from Canada via Brazil, will grace the Whitefish stage with their original compositions in a splendid combination of solos, duets and quartets.

“With the International Guitar Night, Brian Gore has created a new niche for the myriad of styles that can be played by the unaccompanied acoustic guitar, as well as marvelous opportunity for virtuosos to interact and learn from one another onstage,” said Michael Parrish of Dirty Linen.

Gore plays a lyrical California fingerstyle guitar. His compositions draw inspiration from myth and modern literature. Taylor is revered in jazz circles for his smooth chord-melody style and walking bass lines. Solorazaf has a unique Malagasy style, mixing vocalizations with rhythmic guitar patterns and foot percussion. Internationally acclaimed guitarist Machado is both singer and composer, known for his dynamic one-man band performances.

This combination of acoustic specialists will give a particularly lyrical version of International Guitar Night, with a nice mix of playing and singing.

Tickets are $27 with reserved seating and are available at the box office, 1 Central Ave., between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and one hour before the performance; by calling 62-5371; or at www.whitefishtheatreco.org.

 In addition to the evening performance, Whitefish Theatre Company will present its 11th annual free afternoon concert for Flathead Valley senior residents and community members with disabilities featuring International Guitar Night. The concert will be held from 3 to 4 p.m. Feb. 8 at the O’Shaughnessy Center.

This special concert is sponsored by local residents Paul and Ann Jeremiassen, with additional support from National Endowment for the Arts, Montana Arts Council and Montana Cultural Trust.

Reservations for the afternoon performance are not necessary unless you need assistance. Whitefish Theatre Co. will coordinate transportation for seniors needing a ride to the concert. Handicapped seating and hearing assistance devices are available.

Those who wish to take advantage of these services must let Whitefish Theatre company know in advance. Call 862-5371 ext. 2 to sign up for special services or transportation.