Acoustic-guitar luminaries from across the musical spectrum will be performing at the third annual Guitar Mash benefit show, to be held at New York’s City Winery on November 16. David Bromberg, Punch Brothers’ Chris Eldridge, Valerie June, and Chilean folk-rock wizardNano Stern are among the top-notch musicians scheduled to appear.
Founded in 2012, the non-profit Guitar Mash is dedicated to “communal music-making,” connecting pros and amateurs alike. The goal is to inspire players of all styles and abilities to pick up their guitars, get out of their own rooms, and engage in shared creative expression. Guitar Mash also raises funds for music education, contributing to organizations such as the Church Street School for Music and Art and Little Kids Rock, underwriting scholarships, training teachers, donating instruments, and the like.
In addition to its annual benefit event, the group has initiated a series of “Campfire Jams” in the New York area—all under the direction of Mark Stewart (Paul Simon). “One guitar and you can have a dance party,” says Stewart (on the far left in the above photo). “Ten guitars and it’s a mob of jangly beauty.”
If you can’t make it to the big event, you can still enjoy the proceedings online via live stream at guitarmash.org. They will even have charts and tabs available for those who want to join the fun.
Guitar Mash Benefit Concert + Jam
City Winery NYC (155 Varick Street)
November 16, 2014; 12-3:30 PM
Tickets: $50-$250
www.guitarmash.org