The beautifully preserved, heritage-listed Majestic Theatre in Pomona is set to fill the air with glorious guitar sounds this November.
A diverse group of talented musicians from across the country will converge in the Noosa Hinterland to share their passion for music and all things guitar. This year, the Noosa Guitar Festival has expanded into a three-day event, providing both emerging and established guitarists the chance to connect, participate in workshops, perform together, and explore the intricacies of this beloved instrument, which spans multiple musical styles.
Last year’s festival was noteworthy for its wide array of musical genres, as well as the diverse ages, cultural backgrounds, and professional experiences of the performers.
Festival director Simon Gardner aims to transform the festival into an international destination event, showcasing outstanding Australian and international guitarists against the stunning backdrop of the Noosa Hinterland, a region known for its rich art and culture.
“And this is what we are all about! We started small, but we are huge in spirit,” Gardner says. He and co-producer Wild Goat Entertainment received excellent feedback from attendees, sponsors, the Noosa Hinterland community, and participants in 2023.
“The palpable feeling of positivity and excitement from both the performers and the audience was undeniable. There was so much gratitude and love for what we had all created together.”
The performers showcased in last year’s festival exemplified excellence, each displaying a deep passion for their craft. “After our inaugural year, we offered last year’s lineup the first right of refusal to participate again. They quickly responded with an enthusiastic ‘Yes!’”
“It was a day to remember,” says Dominic Ward of the Solstice Guitar Duo. “From conversing with jazz legend Jamie Clark to interacting with master shredder Simon Gardner, it was a wonderful networking opportunity for our young careers. Seeing guitarists from various genres inspired us to incorporate new styles into our playing and helped us grow as musicians.”
The 2024 Noosa Guitar Festival program features guitar veterans known for their numerous albums, session work, and international touring. “We are thrilled to once again present the ‘Young Guns of Guitar,’ who are sure to become the guitar legends of the future,” Gardner adds. “This year, we’re also offering masterclasses, thanks to our sponsor Music at Noosa.”
Perth-based metal guitarist Leon Todorovich will lead his “Holy Trinity of Metal” masterclass, demonstrating the techniques he uses to produce “big, greasy guitar sounds” for his band Ragdoll, a power rock trio that has earned a ‘hair grunge’ label in Western Australia.
“I think that sums up our balance of big melodic hooks and aggressive riffs,” he states. After being inspired by watching footage of Deep Purple’s Richie Blackmore exploding his Marshall amps onstage at California Jam, a 14-year-old Todorovich decided to take up guitar. Today, he enjoys a wide range of music, from 70s progressive rock and 80s hair metal to modern metal, synthwave, and neo-psychedelic dreampop. “I can’t wait to experience all the incredible talent the Noosa Guitar Festival has brought together. I’m also looking forward to celebrating the musical titan Jimi Hendrix with some of my favorite Aussie guitarists.”
The Noosa Guitar Festival will take place at the Majestic Theatre in Pomona from November 1-3.
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