Five Masters to Headline Key West International Guitar Festival June 21-23

KEY WEST, Fla. — Classical, jazz, Latin and blues guitar are to be showcased at the Key West International Guitar Festival, providing music lovers a melodious long weekend on the continental United States’ southernmost island.

Scheduled Friday through Sunday, June 21-23, the festival is to present five guitar virtuosos in a series of intimate concerts, workshops for musicians and an audience-friendly recording session.

The event is the creation of internationally acclaimed classical guitarist Mateo Jampol, a longtime Florida Keys resident. In addition to his own artistry, the weekend features the talents of jazz greats Larry Baeder and Mike Emerson as well as Latin maestros Rolando Rojas and Prince.

The three-day festival begins with a “Jazz Masters” concert celebrating the skills of Keys musical legends Baeder and Emerson. The performance is set for 7:30 p.m. Friday, June 21, at the Key West Theater 's Back Stage Listening Room at 512 Eaton St.

Guitar players can hone their abilities and learn the secrets to musical mastery from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday during exclusive instrumental workshops. Taught by all five featured performers, workshops are to be held in classical, jazz, Latin and blues guitar.

Beginning at 3 p.m. Saturday, music lovers can observe a recording session featuring the festival guitarists. The unique session is to take place in the Key West Theater’s professional recording studio, which is also available for booking.

Saturday night brings a concert of Spanish and Latin guitar highlights performed by Rojas and Prince. Also featuring vocalist Belle, the musical evening begins at 7:30 p.m. at the Back Stage Listening Room.

Attendees can enjoy live jazz guitar at three unique Key West venues Sunday, setting the stage for Sunday night’s festival finale.

A musical brunch is scheduled at 11 a.m. at the Hard Rock Café, 313 Duval St., followed by a 1 p.m. showcase at the funky Green Parrot, located at 601 Whitehead St. and known for its eclectic musical offerings. At 5:30 p.m. the shaded grounds of The Gardens Hotel, 526 Angela St., become the backdrop for evocative instrumental stylings.

The festival’s climax is the 7:30 p.m. Guitar Summit, presenting all five performers in a collaborative fusion that showcases their individual skills as well as their collective artistry and improvisational talents. The night of memorable music takes place at the Back Stage Listening Room.

To purchase tickets for festival events, visit thekeywesttheater.com.

Event information: keywestinternationalguitarfestival.org

Key West visitor information: fla-keys.com/keywest or 1-800-LAST-KEY

(L-R) Mateo Jampol and Rolando Rojas are featured performers.

(L-R) Mateo Jampol and Rolando Rojas are featured performers.

A “Jazz Masters” concert celebrating the skills of Keys musical legends Baeder and Emerson is scheduled for the Key West Theater 's Back Stage Listening Room.

A “Jazz Masters” concert celebrating the skills of Keys musical legends Baeder and Emerson is scheduled for the Key West Theater 's Back Stage Listening Room.

Mateo plays Hummingbird Freedom for audiences.

Mateo plays Hummingbird Freedom for audiences.

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