Conjuring a unique but universal language from that most ubiquitous of instruments, the acoustic guitar, Tony McManus has both extended and transcended the parameters of contemporary Celtic music. Ranked by peers and predecessors alike alongside the guitar world’s all-time greats, his fiendishly dexterous, dazzlingly original playing draws on traditions from the entire Celtic diaspora – Scotland, Ireland, Brittany, Galicia, Asturias, Cape Breton, Quebec – along with still further-ranging flavours, such as jazz and east European music. Long applauded for his uncanny ability to transpose the delicate, complex ornamentation characteristic of traditional bagpipe or fiddle tunes – even the phrasing of a Gaelic song – onto his own six strings, McManus is increasingly being acknowledged also as a pioneering figure in bridging the realms of Celtic music and other guitar genres.

Hailed by John Renbourn as ‘the best Celtic guitarist in the world’ Tony McManus has been listed as one of the 50 transcendental guitarists of all time by Guitar Player Magazine. Over the years, Tony has recorded a catalog of dazzling albums, both solo and with friends, delivering a breadth of artistry and performance which conjures up images and themes of the traditional music of the Celts along with more global influences from far and wide.

Joscho Stephan shapes modern gypsy swing with his playing like no other: With his authentic tone, harmonic refinement, rhythmic flair, and  breathtaking solo technique, Stephan has earned an outstanding reputation in the international guitar scene.

Joscho knows how to stand out by combining Latin, classic and pop music into his interpretations of the the genre well-known classics. This is where Stephan's strength as a creative visionary shows, and inspires young and old concert audiences alike.

“While leaving the Sawmill restaurant in Pasadena with my family, I heard a man singing and playing acoustic guitar in the bar. I asked the waitress how to apply for that job, and she suggested I come back tomorrow when the manager is here. After school I drove over there, played him three songs and he hired me! But then he asked, “You are 18, aren’t you?” I replied that I was just 17 but would turn 18 in three months. On my 18th birthday I showed up and he honored it by giving me three nights a week which eventually turned into five. 

Since I’d been playing in rock n’ roll bands up to that point, this was the start of another path: an acoustic journey that would parallel my electric career in the recording studios, with symphony orchestras and in concert. Looking back it all stems from something my Dad said when I was 11 years old. Upon entering my bedroom where I was practicing and said, “Son, play me something.” I proceeded to play the riff from “Satisfaction” by The Rolling Stones. He listened and said, “Where’s the melody? I want to hear a song, not a lick!” OK… Welcome to the wide wide world of Solo Guitar, a challenge I’ve pursued for the last 50 years!”

Since then, Carl has created a multi-faceted career as a critically acclaimed musician, vocalist, songwriter, arranger, producer, educator, and member of Supertramp, with 15 albums and two live DVDs released worldwide.

He is capable of playing any style of music with mastery and conviction. He has been one of LA’s elite “first call” session players, playing on hundreds of records, movie soundtracks and television shows. As a solo artist, Verheyen has been the feature and subject of numerous articles chronicling his rise to the forefront of the modern day guitar scene. He has won musical honors in the U.S., Germany, France, Italy and the UK.