ZFEST 2009 Announces Line UP
2009 Zihuatanejo International Guitar Festival Artists:
Arina Burcéva, Ukraine
Contemporary Classical
Talented young classical guitarist and composer, Arina Burcéva has delighted numerous audiences with her artistry. Born in Sumy, Ukraine, Arina completed her studies in classical guitar performance and composition at San Francisco Conservatory of Music, under the tutelage of such eminent artists as D.Tanenbaum, D.Bogdanovic and S.Assad. She has won first prizes at classical guitar competitions, has given concerts in the United States, Europe and Latin America, appeared on public radio and television, collaborated with chamber ensembles and orchestras, was invited to perform for the U.S. President and for the Governor of California. As a composer, Arina draws inspiration from nature, visual arts, poetry, mythology and personal experiences. Her unique compositional style reflects elements of such musical genres as Classical, Contemporary, Impressionism, Ethnic and Jazz.
Cienfue, Panama
Rock, Latin
Cienfue (alias Camilo Navarro) is a solo rock guitarist from Panama that specializes in mixing Panama’s peculiar folklore with alternative rock, shamanism and social lyrical content. Inspired by Latin American lore and revolutionary roots (The devil’s hat he usually wears is a tribute to the “diablicos sucios” of Panama’s folklore), Cienfue has toured Colombia, Cuba, Venezuela, Ecuador and Costa Rica in the past year, invited to major rock festivals such as Rock al Parque and Quito Fest, among others. While Cienfue usually plays as part of a “power trio,” at Zihua he will adapt his repertoire to use only guitar and vocals.
Cienfue (alias Camilo Navarro) es un guitarrista/solista de Panamá que se especializa en mezclar rock alternativo en español con una fuerte influencia de musica folklorica panameña, chamanismo y contenido lirico social. Inspirado por la historia Latinoamericana y raices revolucionarias (el sombrero de diablo que suele usar es un tributo a los “diablicos sucios” del folklore panameño), Cienfue ha ido de gira por Colombia, Cuba, Venezuela, Ecuador y Costa Rica en el ultimo año, invitado a grandes festivales de rock como lo son Rock al Parque y Quito Fest, entre otros. Mientras que Cienfue usualmente toca como parte de un “power trio,” en Zihua adaptará su repertorio a guitarra y voz solamente.
Philip Claypool, USA
Country, Blues
Born and raised in Memphis, Tennessee, Philip Claypool considers himself a “Southern” singer/songwriter. With his first CD, “Circus Leaving Town,” Claypool garnered national critical acclaim including USA Today’s top 10 of 1995. His new release, “Perfect World”, defies categorization as it brings an even broader range of influences and appeal to listeners of all musical genres. Philip resides in San Francisco, California.
Jose Luis Cobo, Mexico
Latin
Zihuatanejo’s own poet lauréate and Zihuatanejo International Guitar Festival Ambassador. Local legend who has recorded and performed across Europe and Mexico but prefers to entertain his loyal following at his legendary Zihuatanejo bar, El Canto de la Sirena, named after his popular song.
Cliff Eberhardt, USA
Singer/songwriter, Blues
In another age, Cliff Eberhardt would have found his niche on Tin Pan Alley or writing for broadway shows. Growing up in a musical family in suburban Philadelphia, he knew by age seven he would be a singer-songwriter. Fortunate enough to live close to The Main Point (one of the top folk clubs on the east coast), his musical radar tracked the likes of James Taylor, Joni Mitchell, Bruce Springsteen, Howlin’ Wolf, Muddy Waters, Bonnie Raitt, and Mississippi John Hurt, offering a diverse tutorial in music. At the same time he was also listening to songwriters like Cole Porter, the Gershwins, and Rodgers and Hart, informing his appreciation for great melodies and clever lyrical twists.
Mark Wayne Glasmire, USA
Singer/songwriter, Country
Mark is a seasoned singer/songwriter with an amazing voice and songs. He loves to perform for people of all ages and has a family friendly show. He has performed all over North America to crowds as large as 10,000 people and as small as 2. He has had his songs recorded by major artists including Bette Midler. He has recently won several songwriting competitions, as well as, being a top 10 finalist and many more.
César González “Chico,” Mexico
Singer/Songwriter, Acoustic
César González “Chico” began as a songwriter at the first meeting of Roleros conducted in December 1997 in México City. In his songs can listen to a well-balanced mix between swing, jazz, blues, bossa, the more traditional and social songs. http://www.myspace.com/cesarchico
César González “Chico” se inicia como cantautor en el Primer Encuentro de Roleros llevado a cabo en en Diciembre de 1997. En sus canciones podemos escuchar una bien equilibrada mezcla entre son, el swing, el jazz, el blues, el bossa; la trova mas tradicional y la canción social.http://www.myspace.com/cesarchico
Pat Guadagno, USA
Americana, folk
Pat has appeared in concert with Blues Legends B.B. King, Keb Mo’, and Stevie Ray Vaughn , Country Stars Tanya Tucker, Delbert McClinton , and The Mavericks as well as ‘Folkies’ Roger McGuinn, Peter, Paul and Mary and America, (most all of whom were unaware of his presence ). A Saloon singer who, according to Guitar World “Would sooner re-tool a forgotten song than bring a new one into the world, Guadagno combines robust vocals and rapid-fire picking with effortless intuitiveness to give new meanings to old songs.” His unique adaptations have been featured on Film and TV soundtracks and are showcased in his highly acclaimed debut album Live at the City Lights Saloon. Pat’s version of Warren Zevon’s Don’t Let us Get Sick is featured on the hit Showtime series Californication, Starring David Ducovney …who was also unaware of his presence.
Stan Hirsch,USA
Blues
Hirsch, a master of solo acoustic blues, can drive a fiery bad-ass boogie that sounds like a 3-piece band, or soar with a gut-wrenching, sweet, string-bending slow blues. Together with his commanding vocals, Hirsch delivers a dynamic performance, blending a big full sound with his intimate, personal delivery. Rooted in old-style blues traditions, Hirsch will satisfy the blues purists as well as challenge those who seek something new. “Guitar God Stan Hirsch, phenomenal doesn’t begin to describe his playing. Complete mastery of the six-string is more accurate. His guitar work is mesmerizing and his soul-drenched vocals are unlike any west of the Mississippi Delta. If acoustic blues is your bag, then your ship is about to arrive.” -Michael Henningsen, Weekly Alibi
Jenny Kerr & Phil Milner, USA
Americana, Blues
A multi-instrumentalist as well as a poetic and passionate songwriter, Jenny Kerr is known for foot-stomping live shows and powerful, authentic voice. Kerr is a skilled player of fingerstyle guitar, clawhammer banjo, harmonica, piano, and dobro. Her music is steeped in contemporary production values, but informed by the eclecticism particular to that time, stretching the boundaries of genre, style, and race.
Phil “Philbillie” Milner has been a player, producer and guitar tech for over twenty years. During a two-year stint as roadie for Bob Weir & Ratdog, he traded licks with the likes of Hot Tuna, Los Lobos, Bruce Hornsby’s band and The Black Crows and also worked for Tracy Chapman, Bonnie Raitt, Primus, Graham Nash, and a few other cool players. Now Jenny Kerr’s long-time guitarist, he also engineers and produces hers and others records, including guitar virtuoso Eric McFadden.
Josie Kuhn, USA & Mexico
Singer/Songwriter, Country
Josie Kuhn has been called, “One of the leading women in the Americana movement,” by more than one reviewer. A singer/songwriter/guitarist she has four CDs to her name and has toured the world building a vast fan base. Her songs conjure up visions of moonlit mesas, Mexican cantinas, and lonesome reservation roads. Her songs will make you think, make you cry or make you laugh and the words and melodies will stay with you long after the curtain has closed. “If you can imagine a cross between Patsy Cline and Buffy St. Marie you’re not far off the mark,” -Jim Ridley, Nashville Scene
Jimi Mamou, USA & Mexico
Blues
A legendary blues artist, a singer/guitarist who has been playing the blues, R&B, Soul, Reggae, Zydeco & Mamou for over 40 years. He has played with John Lee Hooker, Big Momma Thortin and Chuck Berryto name a few. He recorded a live CD in Paris and most recently his “Old Mexico” CD recorded here in Mexico.
Eric McFadden, USA
Alternative, Gypsy-blues
“McFadden is a master of guitar and mandolin, a 25-year veteran who waltzes the dark, eerie corridors between Jimi Hendrix and Django Reinhardt.” -Jonathan Zwickel, San Francisco Bay Guardian, October 2004.
“The Eric McFadden Trio’s Joy of Suffering gets my vote as the best and most original guitar recording of the year so far. The overdriven tones McFadden conjures by amplifying an ancient Gibson archtop (as well as a classical nylon-string) are as unique as his Gypsy-jazz-inspired trills and carnival-noir tales of sin and redemption. McFadden has been an underground sensation for years – finally gaining recognition playing mandolin and guitar with George Clinton’s P-Funk All Stars from 2000-2004 and Eric Burdon & The Animals 2005-2007.” -Jimmy Leslie, Guitar Player Magazine, October 2005.http://www.ericmcfadden.com
Los Pistoleros, USA
Nuevo Flamenco, World
Taking time from their solo careers, recording artist-guitarist Kevin Schaelling, vocalist-guitarist Jason Hatch, and Flamenco guitarist Michael Stacy, have joined forces to form the eclectic Texas based musical group “Los Pistoleros.” Los Pistoleros performances include both instrumental compositions and guitar accompanied vocal stylings with selections from Jazz, Pop, Rock, and Flamenco music. With the combination of romantic Flamenco guitars, burnin rock riffs and powerful vocals, a “Los Pistoleros” performance will surely leave you with a truly genuine musical experience! Viva!! Viva! Viva!!
Roger & Valerie Scannura, Malta & Canada
Latin, World
Roger and Valerie Scannura of the group Ritmo Flamenco are Nuevo Flamenco at it’s finest. Guitarist Roger Scannura, and dancer/choreographer Valerie Scannura have received wide exposure on world and Hispanic press and radio across the country and overseas. They have thrilled sold-out audiences in Canada, the United States, Mexico and Europe. Their brand of authentic, high-energy flamenco has garnered them rave reviews wherever they have played. They have performed for dignitaries, Prime Ministers and celebrities namely Russell Crowe, Sting and Renee Zellweger. Their latest CD Noche Flamenca has been very successful with songs from it being picked by Nike for World Cup 2005 and Shakira’s new MTV show. Most recently Roger and Valerie Scannura played an opening recital for world-renowned flamenco guitarist Paco de Lucia at Massey Hall in Toronto. www.ritmoflamenco.ca www.rogerscannura.ca info@ritmoflamenco.ca Tel. 416-435-4223
Patrick Sweany, USA
Americana, Blues
Patrick Sweany likes the spaces in between. On a given night (or on a given album) he’ll swing through blues, folk, soul, bluegrass, maybe some classic 50s rock, or a punk speedball. He’s a musical omnivore, devouring every popular music sound of the last 70 years, and mixing ‘em all together seamlessly into his own stew. Yet, the one thing that most people notice about Patrick isn’t his ability to copy – it’s his authenticity. Like his heroes, folks like Bobby “Blue” Bland, Eddie Hinton, Doug Sahm, Ray Charles, Patrick somehow manages to blend all of these influences into something all his own.
Doug Towle and De La Terra, Canada
Latin, New Age/Ambient
New World Flamenco from De La Terra. A unique blend of world music and Spanish guitar this group is fueled by the passion and talent of guitarist Doug Towle. De La Terra is jazz-infused Rumba Flamenco with a dash of modern world beat. De La Terra uses the guitar to take the listener on a journey around the globe. Combining traditions rooted in Andalusia with modern techniques and rhythms from all over the world, the music creates atmospheres of joy and excitement and accomplishes it all without words. A stunning combination of musicianship and entertainment De La Terra brings to the stage a show that is all at once engaging and exhilarating. Truly music that is “Of The Earth.”
Nick Vigarino, USA
Blues, Funk
Slop Jar Delta Funk – “Lightning-slide guitar, new roots blues, and sultry vocals crown an array of deep homegrown grooves… tradition respected, brought into the present, and nudged towards the future”.(J.Zentelis-National Public Radio).”That slide is naaasty!”(Bo Diddley)”You shouldn’t miss this experience. It’s cut and dried…this guy kicks ass”.(Musician Magazine 4/06) Winner of the Washington Blues Society’s “Best of the Blues” awards: 2008- Best Acoustic Blues and 2008-Best Slide Guitar.
Drew Wright, Canada
Singer/Songwriter, Rock
Drew is a resident of Collingwood, Ontario Canada-Sister City to Zihuatanejo, Mexico. He was selected from over 10,000 contestents to finish third in the 2008 Canadian Idol Competition. Drew is writing material for his first album with his new band, Fall & Divide, to be released in the summer of 2009.
Juanito Zihua, Mexico
Latin
My work is my passion. I play Cuban, rock, tropical, ballads, cumbias, salsas, boleros and much more. I have performed in Mexico City and all over the Mexican republic, also in Canada (Montreal Jazz Fest), London, Liverpool, Spain and Cuba ! My mission is to make people happy with my talent, you will always find me in Zihuaaaaa.
