Schedule

After celebrating its 25th anniversary last year, the New York Guitar Festival was ready for a new challenge – and here it is: two free evenings at one of New York City’s most iconic outdoor spaces, Bryant Park.  “Think global, act local,” the saying goes, and the NYGF has done just that, putting together an eclectic night of guitar music from various parts of the world on July 3, as well a celebration of America’s own rich blues tradition on July 4.  Guests range from the well-known, like Louis Cato, leader of The Late Show Band, to the emerging, like the 16-year old phenom Marel Hidalgo.   Both events will be hosted by John Schaefer, host of WNYC’s New Sounds.  

Friday, July 4 lineup:

Grammy-nominated bluesman Jontavious Willis keeps the sound of traditional blues alive without sounding like someone trying to copy Robert Johnson.  He has a soul singer’s croon, and an effortless sense of swing to his guitar playing.  Growing up steeped in the long history of West Georgia blues, Willis has an encyclopedic ability to play everything from Delta to Chicago blues.

Jackie Venson is a native of Austin, Texas, and she brings the sounds of Texas blues to listeners around the world, first through her live streaming during the pandemic and then through her recordings, which incorporate the sounds of funk, jazz, and pop.  She has an annual residency at “Austin’s Home Of The Blues,” Antone’s. 

Louis Cato leads the house band on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, a job that requires a musician who can play anything and be able to turn, musically speaking, on a dime.  Being an entertainer himself is also an important part of the deal.  Cato is most often seen with a guitar, but it’s just one of a number of instruments he plays, and he’s gained a lot of attention for his songwriting as well, a catchy blend of soul, blues, jazz, pop, and less easily identifiable sounds.  His last appearance on the NYGF resulted in a memorable, sold-out set; we are eager to see what he has in store for us this time.