Guitar Player Live Rocks the Tri-Valley

Michael Jackson's guitarist, Bill Owens photos highlight weekend of rock 'n' roll

Think you can strum like Santana? Think again.

From Froday, September 11–Sunday, September 13, guitar aficianados of every level are heading out to Livermore for the Guitar Player Live! weekend. Out of hundreds of entries from hopeful guitarists worldwide, ten finalists will battle for the “Guitar Superstar” title – and the crown – at 8 p.m. on Saturday, September 12 at the Livermore Valley Performing Arts Center. Hosted by Adult Swim’s Metalocalypse co-creater Brendon Small, the contestants will perform in front of a live audience and a panel of internationally recognized guitarists including The Cars’ Elliot Easton; Steve Lukather from Toto; Greg Hampton, producer of Alice Cooper; and the King of Pop’s guitarist Jennifer Batten. Each performance will be judged for technique, creativity, charisma, and overall vibe in order to determine the ultimate Superstar and two runner-ups.

Vicki Genfan, the 2008 Guitar Superstar, will perform at the competition and on Sunday, Sept. 13 at 3 p.m. for the “Triple Threat Guitar” show with Laurence Juber and Batten.

An event described in the past as “total badass madness,” by Guitar Player editor in chief Michael Molenda, the magazine’s fifth consecutive Guitar Superstar competition is part of a three day Guitar Player LIVE! weekend that includes concerts at the Bankhead Theater and free performances on four outdoor stages by select local bands, as well as an exhibition of Bill Owens’ photographs in honor of the Altamont Raceway Free Concert’s 40th anniversary. Various taverns and restaurants will host local band performances, and well-known guitar films will be shown at the Vine Cinema for those superstars who just can’t get enough of the guitar action.

The Guitar Superstar competition takes place Saturday, September 12, at 8 p.m. at the Bankhead Theater, Livermore Valley Performing Arts Center, 2400 First Street, Livermore, California. Admission $23.00. Tickets can be ordered online at bankheadtheater.org or call 925-373-6800.
 

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