The 2013 ELLNORA Guitar Festival will host Buddy Guy, Dweezil Zappa, Paco Pena, and many more.
Champaign, IL (June 11, 2013) -- On September 5, 6, and 7, 2013, a prodigious array of the worldās most distinctive and influential guitarists will gather for ELLNORA | The Guitar Festival, presented by Krannert Center for the Performing Arts at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, situated in the vibrant micro-urban setting of Champaign-Urbana, Illinois. The biennial event provides an unparalleled mixed-genre experience being emulated by other festivals and features performances from a diverse lineup of distinguished music makers.
The internationally recognized event, deemed āone of the worldās most forward-thinking guitar festivalsā by Fretboard Journal, has emerged as a favorite destination for musicians and fans from around the world and will host more than 20 performances by artists rooted in the United States, South Africa, India, Canada, England, Australia, Spain, Croatia, and Norway.
Krannert Center for the Performing Arts incorporates seven distinctive performance spacesāboth indoor and outdoor, both formal and informalāthat make it uniquely suited to showcase the festivalās impressive range. This yearās incarnation of ELLNORA incorporates 11 individually ticketed events, along with 11 free shows (including concerts by Del Castillo, Buke and Gase, Gyan Riley, and El Ten Eleven) and even more events still being planned.
For 2013, ELLNORA will once again feature an artist-in-residence. Austin-based Dobro/steel master and three-time festival alum Cindy Cashdollar will lend her imaginative virtuosity to collaborations with Dan Zanes and Friends, Kevin Breitās Sisters Euclid, The Lee Boys, and others throughout the three-day guitar celebration. Luther Dickinson, the 2011 artist-in-residence and one of Rolling Stoneās āNew Guitar Godsā will also be backāthis time with a musical configuration that joins Delta traditions with an eclectic set list and the all-female ensemble The Wandering. Speaking of Rolling Stone favorites, bluesman and consummate entertainer Buddy Guy, number 23 on its 100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time list, also returns.True to the festivalās international nature, ELLNORA 2013 includes sets from Norseman Andreas Aase on a guitar-bouzouki hybrid, South African Derek Gripper who plays Malian kora music with influences from four continents on a nylon-string classical guitar, Andalusian flamenco ambassador Paco PeƱa, Hindustani slide guitar master Pandit Debashish Bhattacharya, and French-born impressionist/gypsy jazz composer Stephane Wrembel. And ELLNORA welcomes Sam Bush, Del McCoury, Jonny Lang, Del Castillo, John Scofield, El Ten Eleven, Dweezil Zappa, and many other American musicians.
ELLNORA, which bears the name of its venueās visionary founder, Ellnora Krannert, also provides a vital showcase for some of todayās most prominent female artists. In addition to Cindy Cashdollar and the women of The Wandering, female artists for 2013 include the intense and multifaceted Kaki King, the classically trained Ana Vidovic, the peerless jazz guitarist Sheryl Bailey, and the raw and gutsy country rocker Lucinda Williams.
Originally known as the Wall to Wall Guitar Festival before being rechristened ELLNORA in 2009, the event is organized by Krannert Centerās director, Mike Ross, and his staff in collaboration with curator and artistic advisor David Spelman, who is also founder/artistic director of the world-renowned New York Guitar Festival. In the years since its debut, ELLNORA has served as a model for other events in the United States and around the world.
Performance Details:
Opening Night Party
Fiona Boyes Trio
Stephane Wremble and His Band
The Lee Boys
Sam Bush/Del McCoury Duo
Jonny Lang
Thursday, September 5, 2013, at 6pm
The Opening Night Party kicks off ELLNORA 2013 with Fiona Boyes and soulful blues. Stephane Wrembel and His Band regale with a jazz blend for two sets in the Amphitheatre. Audiences indoors can get up and dance to sacred steel tunes from The Lee Boys, and then Del McCoury will meld with Sam Bush for jamming bluegrass. The howling vocals of Jonny Lang close the night.
Lobby (Stage 5 and Stage 6), Amphitheatre, and Southeast Terrace; a free ticket is required for anyone 5 and under; tickets for those 6 and up are just $5
Andreas Aase/Derek Gripper
Friday, September 9, 2013, at noon
Andreas Aase nimbly manipulates the bouzouki to weave traditional Scandinavian and Norwegian tunes with atmosphere-inducing electronic sampling techniques. Derek Gripper calls on his own South African roots with virtuosic melodies and hints of European, Indian, and Brazilian influences in his kora music.
Stage 5; free (donations welcome)
Keynote: A Conversation with Paco PeƱa
Jason Vieaux, interviewer
Friday, September 6, 2013, at 3pm
In this keynote event, classical guitarist Jason Vieaux will interview flamenco guitarist Paco PeƱa. The duo will cover PeƱaās life and approach to performance, his Andalusian heritage and explorations of flamenco as a cultural expression, and the importance of mentorship.
Foellinger Great Hall; free (donations welcome)
Luther Dickinson & The Wandering
Friday, September 6, 2013, at 4pm
Luther Dickinson, bassist Amy Lavere, drummer Sharde Thomas, and guitarist/vocalist Shannon McNally combine the best of Delta musicianship with an unconventional set list of traditional and contemporary numbers ranging from tunes by Kris Kristofferson, The Byrds, and Howlinā Wolf to gospel music.
Amphitheatre; free (donations welcome)
Del Castillo
Friday, September 6, 2013, at 5pm
OUTSIDE at the Research Park vets Rick and Mark del Castillo earned an astonishing 18 awards for their Latin-flavored and rock-fueled debut CD. Expect an evening of incomparable energy, driving flamenco beats, and a good dose of Latin blues on dueling Gibson guitars.
Stage 5; free (donations welcome)
J. Spaceman
Friday, September 6, 2013, at 6:15pm
J. Spaceman has fronted the rapturous British indie rock band Spiritualized for over 20 years and has collaborated with Dr. John, Primal Scream, and Yoko Ono. Through these travels, he has arrived at an artistic junction of underground rock, passionate musical imagery, and reflective melancholy.
Foellinger Great Hall; $10-$40
The John Scofield Ćberjam Band featuring Andy Hess, Avi Bortnick, and Tony Mason
Friday, September 6, 2013, at 7:30pm
The modern jazz-rock master John Scofield earned his wings with bandleaders such as Chet Baker, Gary Burton, and Miles Davis in the 1970s and 1980s and has been flying ever since. He brings to ELLNORA the jam of all jams, reuniting his legendary Ćberjam Band to revel in a smart, gritty fusion.
Colwell Playhouse; $10-$48
Buddy Guy
Friday, September 6, 2013, at 9pm
No stage can contain this legendary Louisiana-born bluesman who journeyed north to help define the electrified Chicago blues sound. At 77, the mischievous and flamboyant Rock and Roll Hall of Famer draws fans worldwide with his outrageous and crowd-roaming solos, fierce fretwork, and frenetic licks.
Tryon Festival Theatre; $10-$48
Buke and Gase
Friday, September 6, 2013, at about 10:45pm (immediately following Buddy Guy)
Arone Dyer and Aron Sanchez take their unusual moniker from two self-made instruments: a baritone ukulele and an alternately guitar- and bass-stringed āgase.ā The duo surges with revolutionary chamber punk, grungy grooves, and seething lyricism to create a hyperkinetic new musical experience.
Sonic Garden; free (donations welcome)
El Ten Eleven
Friday, September 6, 2013, at about 10:45pm (immediately following Buddy Guy)
The looped effects of drummer Tim Fogartyās pedals are the only augmentation needed for Kristian Dunnās doubleneck guitar/bass instrumentation. This power duoās resume includes extensive touring, television soundtracks, a Lexus commercial, and original music for Gary Hustwitās design documentaries.
Stage 5; free (donations welcome)
Dan Zanes and Friends
Saturday, September 7, 2013, at 10am
ELLNORA audiences treasure the exuberant sounds of Grammy Award-winning, four-time guitar festival alum Dan Zanes. Rootsy Americana tunes mix beautifully with West Indian folk inflections, Latin rhythms, and dance party grooves whenever Zanes takes the stage with his merry band of musical friends.
Tryon Festival Theatre; $5-$15
Morning Raga: Pandit Debashish Bhattacharya
Subhasis Bhattacharya, tabla
Anandi Bhattacharya, vocals
Saturday, September 7, 2013, at 10am
When Hindustani slide guitar master and instrument architect Debashish Bhattacharya plays his chaturangi and anandi, he represents the legacy and future of Indian slide traditions. With his brother Subhasis and daughter Anandi, Debashish builds mesmerizing, groundbreaking raga improvisations.
Stage 5; free (donations welcome)
Ana Vidovic & Jason Vieaux
Saturday, September 7, 2013, at 11am
Jason Vieauxās accomplishments since his 1998 Sunday Salon Series performance at Krannert Center have marked him as a leader in his generation. From training with Manuel Barrueco to global touring, Ana Vidovic has emerged as a skillful player with stylistic sensitivity, exceptional technique, and a soulful demeanor.
Foellinger Great Hall; $10-$38
Paco PeƱa
Saturday, September 7, 2013, at 1pm
Viewed by many as the best player in the world, Paco PeƱa embodies authenticity and innovation in flamenco. He continues to communicate the spirit of the art form through his dazzling performances and cultivation of flamenco as a musical style and a social and cultural component of Spanish heritage.
Tryon Festival Theatre; $10-$38
Dan Zanes: Buster Keatonās Steamboat Bill Jr.
Saturday, September 7, 2013, at 2:30pm
Almost 50 years after Buster Keatonās death, his films still rank in ābest ofā polls. ELLNORA fan favorite Dan Zanes has created a musical voice for the 1928 Keaton film Steamboat Bill Jr., heightening the tale of love between a steamboat captain and the daughter of his fatherās business rival.
Colwell Playhouse; $5-$12
Don Ross/Kaki King
Saturday, September 7, 2013, at 4pm
Guitarist, composer, and two-time US National Fingerstyle Guitar champion Don Ross grew up on a diverse musical diet, eventually finding his own voice on six strings. Guitar festival alum Kaki King was named one of Rolling Stoneās āNew Guitar Godsā and has played with Foo Fighters and Timbaland.
Foellinger Great Hall; $10-$38
The Hendrix Electric Ladyland Project featuring Sheryl Bailey and Vic Juris
Saturday, September 7, 2013, at 5:30pm
The rock of guitar god Jimi Hendrix makes a rendezvous with jazz in this supercharged showcase. Sheryl Bailey, whose burning jazz work captivated ELLNORA crowds in 2011, joins forces with Vic Juris, Lincoln Goines, and Tommy Campbell for inspired interpretations on the astounding Hendrix continuum.
Stage 5; free (donations welcome)
Gyan Riley
Saturday, September 7, 2013, at 6:30pm
Gyan Riley received the first full scholarship in guitar at the San Francisco Conservatory thanks to his uncanny ear and diverse musical palette. Collaborations with Zakir Hussain, Dawn Upshaw, and the San Francisco Symphony earned him a reputation as a fresh voice in classical guitar.
Sonic Garden; free (donations welcome)
Zappa Plays Zappa
Roxy & Elsewhere 40th Anniversary Tour
Saturday, September 7, 2013, at 7:30pm
In this family-sanctioned tribute to Frank Zappa, the iconoclast and Rock and Roll Hall of Famer who died in 1993, his son Dweezil Zappa and an acclaimed band take on all tracks from the classic Roxy & Elsewhere to commemorate its 40th anniversary.
Colwell Playhouse; $10-$35
Lucinda Williams
Saturday, September 7, 2013, at 9:30pm
In 2002, Time Magazine named this multiple Grammy Award-winning six-string siren āAmericaās best songwriter.ā Performing since age 17 and possessing an astonishing recording career, Williams slides from bruised defiance to bold survival in her personal and raw blues/rock/country compositions.
Tryon Festival Theatre; $10-$48
Evening Raga: Debashish Bhattacharya
Saturday, September 7, 2013, at about 11pm (immediately following Lucinda Williams)
The Hindustani slide guitar master returns for a soulful late-night session in the Sonic Garden.
Sonic Garden; free (donations welcome)
Kevin Breitās Sisters Euclid
Saturday, September 7, 2013, at about 11pm (immediately following Lucinda Williams)
Grammy Award-winning Kevin Breit has brought down the house with his guitar pyrotechnics at three Krannert Center guitar festivals. With boundless imagination and matchless energy, Breit and Sisters Euclid will tear up Stage 5 as we close out festival number five!
Stage 5; free (donations welcome)
For more information:
ELLNORA
Two Iconic Titans of Rock & Metal Join Forces for a Canāt-Miss North American Trek
Tickets Available Starting Wednesday, April 16 with Artist Presales
General On Sale Begins Friday, April 18 at 10AM Local on LiveNation.com
This fall, shock rock legend Alice Cooper and heavy metal trailblazers Judas Priest will share the stage for an epic co-headlining tour across North America. Produced by Live Nation, the 22-city run kicks off September 16 at Mississippi Coast Coliseum in Biloxi, MS, and stops in Toronto, Phoenix, Los Angeles, and more before wrapping October 26 at The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion in The Woodlands, TX.
Coming off the second leg of their Invincible Shield Tour and the release of their celebrated 19th studio album, Judas Priest remains a dominant force in metal. Meanwhile, Alice Cooper, the godfather of theatrical rock, wraps up his "Too Close For Comfort" tour this summer, promoting his most recent "Road" album, and will have an as-yet-unnamed all-new show for this tour. Corrosion of Conformity will join as support on select dates.
Tickets will be available starting Wednesday, April 16 at 10AM local time with Artist Presales. Additional presales will run throughout the week ahead of the general onsale beginning Friday, April 18 at 10AM local time at LiveNation.comTOUR DATES:
Tue Sep 16 ā Biloxi, MS ā Mississippi Coast Coliseum
Thu Sep 18 ā Alpharetta, GA ā Ameris Bank Amphitheatre*
Sat Sep 20 ā Charlotte, NC ā PNC Music Pavilion
Sun Sep 21 ā Franklin, TN ā FirstBank Amphitheater
Wed Sep 24 ā Virginia Beach, VA ā Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater
Fri Sep 26 ā Holmdel, NJ ā PNC Bank Arts Center
Sat Sep 27 ā Saratoga Springs, NY ā Broadview Stage at SPAC
Mon Sep 29 ā Toronto, ON ā Budweiser Stage
Wed Oct 01 ā Burgettstown, PA ā The Pavilion at Star Lake
Thu Oct 02 ā Clarkston, MI ā Pine Knob Music Theatre
Sat Oct 04 ā Cincinnati, OH ā Riverbend Music Center
Sun Oct 05 ā Tinley Park, IL ā Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre
Fri Oct 10 ā Colorado Springs, CO ā Broadmoor World Arena
Sun Oct 12 ā Salt Lake City, UT ā Utah First Credit Union Amphitheatre
Tue Oct 14 ā Mountain View, CA ā Shoreline Amphitheatre
Wed Oct 15 ā Wheatland, CA ā Toyota Amphitheatre
Sat Oct 18 ā Chula Vista, CA ā North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre
Sun Oct 19 ā Los Angeles, CA ā Kia Forum
Wed Oct 22 ā Phoenix, AZ ā Talking Stick Resort Amphitheatre
Thu Oct 23 ā Albuquerque, NM ā Isleta Amphitheater
Sat Oct 25 ā Austin, TX ā Germania Insurance Amphitheater
Sun Oct 26 ā Houston, TX ā The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion
*Without support from Corrosion of Conformity
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Jackson's new Pro Series Signature Misha Mansoor Juggernaut guitars, including the HT6 and ET6 models, are designed for classic and progressive metal players. Featuring premium construction, innovative pickups, and advanced bridge options, these guitars deliver the modern sound and performance needed to ignite your tone. Visit jacksonguitars.com for more information.
Jackson is once again partnering with Misha Mansoor to release three new signature guitars, The Pro Series Signature Misha Mansoor Juggernaut HT6 in Red Crystaland Blue Sparkle and The Pro Plus Series Signature Misha Mansoor Juggernaut ET6 in Riviera Blue. Developed in close partnership with Misha, these Juggernaut metal guitars are built to withstand the demands of Mishaās steadfast and fleet-fingered technique. Perfect for both classic and progressive metal players, these guitars deliver the modern sound that every shredder needs to ignite their tone.
āThis refresh came about because every few years we want to see what we can doā¦these guitars travel around the world and they need to be road ready,ā said Misha Mansoor on his new signature guitars.āItās a no-nonsense guitar that looks good, sounds good, and plays good.ā
Djent forefather, Misha Mansoor, has gained widespread acclaim as the mastermind behind the axe-centric progressive metal band Periphery. Based in Washington D.C., Periphery is renowned for pushing the limits of progressive metal, using detuned, extended-range instruments to craft a sound that is both technically complex and unapologetically heavy. Misha Mansoor, guitarist and producer, co-founded the band in 2005. With the same precision and innovation that defines Misha's playing, the Juggernautsignature gives players the power to transform their sound.
The premium Juggernaut models feature a 25.5ā scale length, poplar body, and bolt-on caramelized maple neck with graphite reinforcement, wrap-around heel, and oiled back finish for greater playing comfort. With a 20ā flat radius ebony fingerboard that features rolled edges, fans can enjoy blazing fast leads. These models feature 24 jumbo stainless steel frets and offset dot inlays. Lastly, the Luminlay side-dots will guide the guitarist's path even on the darkest of stages, while the heel-mount truss rod adjustment wheel allows for convenient neck relief tweaks.
Misha worked closely, as he did with past models, to develop the exceptional uncovered direct-mount Jackson MM1 pickups. Unwilling to sacrifice tone, these pickups can be shaped with a five-way blade switch, single volume control, and a single tone control with push/pull feature that allows for players to engage or disengage tone options. Designed for articulate heavy picking, the humbuckers deliver a well-balanced sonic range with rich dynamics, intentionally left uncovered to enhance brightness and clarity.
The Pro Plus Series Signature Misha Mansoor Juggernaut ET6 comes equipped with an EverTune F6Model bridge, engineered to maintain perfect tuning and intonation across the entire neck, even with low tunings. Its counterpart, the Pro Series Signature Misha Mansoor Juggernaut HT6, features a string-through-body hardtail bridge that delivers enhanced sustain, rock-solid tuning stability, and simplified string changes. Both bridges are built to withstand intense playing conditions, providing the unwavering stability essential for Misha's signature heavy metal style.
āWeāre beyond thrilled to be partnering with Misha Mansoor on his latest signature guitar collection. His innovation and vision perfectly align with our passion for pushing the boundaries of tone and design, āsaid Jon Romanowski, VP of Product of Jackson Guitars. āThis collaboration reinforces Jacksonāscommitment of providing for players who demand nothing but the best.ā
For more information, please visit jacksonguitars.com.
Introducing The Pro Plus Series Misha Mansoor 6-String Juggernauts | Jackson Guitars - YouTube
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