Joel Harrison’s Guitar Choir is a roving quartet of guitarists who draw from anywhere and everywhere to celebrate the full range of the instrument. Texture, noise, melody, groove, and harmony will all be explored.

The evening features the premiere of Pioneers, a piece commissioned by The Archtop Foundation for baritone, soprano, and 12-string guitars built by acclaimed luthier Linda Manzer, best known for her work with Pat Metheny. The program also features newly composed electric music written specifically for the guitar choir.

The concept of the program prizes the collective above the individual soloist, drawing inspiration from the many multi-guitar performances Harrison has witnessed through his organization, The Alternative Guitar Summit.

Joel Harrison guitar
Nels Cline guitar
Gilad Hekselman guitar
Gregg Belisle Chi guitar
Steve Cardenas guitar

“Protean… brilliant.” – NY Times

“One of the best composers on the scene.” – Minneapolis Star Tribune

“A guitarist, composer and arranger of amazing skill and breadth.” – Frank Alkyer, Publisher of Downbeat

A livestream will be available free of charge at 8pm on the day of the performance and archived for future viewing.

Guitarist, composer, arranger, lyricist, writer, educator, and vocalist Joel Harrison has “created a new blueprint for jazz” (New Orleans Times-Picayune). Harrison’s body of work across 27 releases connects multiple American traditions. While rooted in jazz, his music moves fluidly through classical, rock, country, and American roots music. The New York Times has described his work as “protean… brilliant.” Harrison is the founder and director of the Alternative Guitar Summit, an annual festival devoted to innovative and unconventional guitar music. He has composed for orchestra, string quartet, solo cello, piano and cello, guitars, and marimba.