"The guitar is a whole lot more than a guitar...
there's a whole attitude towards life wrapped up in it"  
(Charles Fox)


SB Acoustic ~ the Final Four Live 

International Acoustic Music Concerts 

Sunday Nights @ 7:30pm 

at SOhO 1221 State St. in Downtown Santa Barbara

Since 2016 we've presented some of the finest performers on the planet. Sadly, all good things must end but we are going to go out with a really big bang. Come see them while you can, because you'll never get the chance to see most of the final 7 6 5 4 musicians in this intimate dinner/concert venue again.


Spring '23 Season:

The Final Four Concerts ~ Get 'Em While You Can!


Abby Posner (USA) 3/26/23


Marley's Ghost (USA) 4/16/23



TransAtlantic Guitar Trio (UK/Germany/USA) 5/7/23


The Carl Verheyen Acoustic Band (USA) 6/4/23

These 4 concerts are included with the Acoustic Club Season Subscriptions for just $95 - another bargain!

Individual concert tix will go on sale soon.

Singer/Songwriter Abby Posner (USA) 3/26/23 $25

Abby Posner is best known for her ability to play nearly any instrument that she can lay her hands on. If you have seen Abby perform live, you know she can play a mean lead-blues guitar solo, or throw down a complex Earl Scruggs banjo riff. You also may have spotted her playing drums, mandolin, or bass while using her looping pedal. In addition to her versatility, she puts passion and soul into everything she plays. Her music runs the gamut from Folk to Roots to Americana and is not afraid to lean on the blues. She is as varied musically as the instruments she plays.

Her performances are genuine. They are engaging. They are refreshing.


Marley's Ghost (USA) 4/16/23 $25

“If there is a group who can push forward the ageless Americana blueprint of The Band, it might just be Marley’s Ghost.” — Something Else!

As most people will tell you, there’s an undeniable connection between versatility and variation. Suffice it to say that each depends on the other. In the case of Seattle-based Marley’s Ghost, that eclectic energy has resulted in a broad repertoire that has defied any ability to tag them to any one particular genre. Their dozen albums to date — like the output of The Band — survey a broad scope of Americana and acoustic music in general, refusing to confine them to any singular niche.

“It is, and always has been, about the music,” bassist, fiddler, guitarist, singer and chief songwriter Dan Wheetman insists. “That’s what’s kept this band going for so long. It’s always been about digging a little deeper, honing our skills and celebrating the entire playing process. That drives us forward.”

With their current album, the aptly named Travelin’ Shoes, Marley’s Ghost veers towards a path that doesn’t detract from that overarched umbrella, but instead helps define it further. Produced by acclaimed virtuoso Larry Campbell (Bob Dylan, Levon Helm), who was previously behind the boards for The Woodstock Sessions, their highly acclaimed 2016 album, Travelin’ Shoes is a joyous and surprisingly diverse set of songs, a celebratory salute to the finest traditions of American music.

“Larry has a vast knowledge that spans so many genres,” Wheetman recalls. “The thing he recognized in us is our connection to the folk and roots musicians of a past generation, and he saw in us an ability to give that music contemporary credence. He knew our strengths and how to use them to the best advantage in each of the songs.”

Or, as the L.A. Weekly aptly put it, “This West Coast group deftly dashes across decades of American music to create a sound that’s steeped in tradition but never bogged down by traditionalism.”

Composed of singer/multi-instrumentalists Wheetman, Jon Wilcox, Mike Phelan, Ed Littlefield Jr., Jerry Fletcher, and Bob Nichols, the band can sing and play anything with spot-on feel, from roots to rock, blues to bluegrass, gospel to stone country, which is what they’ve been doing – to the ongoing delight of a fervent cult that includes many of their fellow musicians – for over 30 years as a working unit. More than three decades from that initial spark, they’re still playing together with the same passion, purpose and chemistry that inspired them early on.

“The vocals will blow you away with their purity. The group sings with the heartfelt conviction that only those who embody music’s spirituality can convey.” – Relix

“Remarkable, distinctive voices, giddily eccentric eclecticism, a heady subversive treat.” – No Depression

“The real draw is the band itself, showcasing the kind of ensemble performances that come only from a lifetime of playing together, thriving across the decades as virtuosic, unsung heroes of country, folk, and Western swing.” – Acoustic Guitar


TransAtlantic Guitar Trio (UK/Germany/USA) 5/7/23 $35

The international Transatlantic Guitar Trio is a unique, phonetic highlight. Fingerstyle guitar champion Richard Smith (UK), Gypsy Jazz virtuoso Joscho Stephan (Germany) and the brilliant multi-instrumentalist Rory Hoffman (USA) joined forces and performed their first, incredible, live gig together for us in 2019. It is unique how they put together gypsy swing standards, country, jazz ballads, and original compositions to create a broad repertoire of songs by the great role models such as Django Reinhardt, Chet Atkins and Jerry Reed.

“Richard Smith is the most amazing guy I know on the guitar. He can play anything I know, only better.” - Chet Atkins

“If you like my playing, you should hear Richard Smith! The world champion!” - Tommy Emmanuel

“Guitar playing at its finest. Don’t miss this one.” - Doyle Dykes

“He is one of the world’s greatest guitarists.” - Muriel Anderson

Joscho Stephan has not merely absorbed the music of the legendary jazz guitarist Django Reinhardt, but interprets Gypsy Swing music on the highest level, is actively engaged in extending its boundaries and has played his way into the illustrous circle of the finest Gypsy Swing musicians in the world.

Rory Hoffman is a Nashville based multi-instrumentalist, playing over a dozen stringed, keyboard and wind instruments. Rory's skill and diverse interests in country, western swing, jazz, polka, latin, gypsy jazz, bluegrass and gospel music has led him to play the Grand Ole Opry numerous times as a soloist and as a sideman with Ricky Skaggs, Kathy Mattea and John Cowan as well as part of the John Jorgenson quintet.

"Here in the undisputed guitar capital of the world, you have to be pretty spectacular to drop jaws. But when Rory Hoffman takes a solo, that’s usually what happens. But what’s most astounding is that he is just as phenomenal on saxophone and clarinet. And accordion and bass. And harmonica and mandolin. Oh yeah, and drums too. And banjo. And keys."


The Carl Verheyen Acoustic Band (USA) 6/4/23 $30

In his 50-plus years of playing the instrument, Carl Verheyen has created a wildly successful, multi-faceted career. He is a critically acclaimed musician, vocalist, songwriter, arranger, producer and educator with fifteen albums and two live DVDs released worldwide. Carl is commonly regarded as a guitar virtuoso capable of playing any style of music with remarkable mastery and conviction. He has been one of LA’s elite “first call” session players for the past 38 years, playing on hundreds of records, movie soundtracks and television shows. As a solo artist, Verheyen has graced the pages of countless industry publications and been the subject of numerous articles chronicling his rise to the forefront of the modern day guitar scene. Carl has won numerous polls and musical honors in the US, Germany, France, Italy and the UK.

A member of the British rock group Supertramp since 1985, Carl has played to millions of enthusiastic fans in sold out arenas worldwide. As the creative force behind the Carl Verheyen Band, he has released an impressive and eclectic discography that showcases his endless talents across a wide array of musical genres. The CVB tours all over the world and continues to draw fans on the festival circuit as well as theaters and clubs.

A much sought after studio musician, Carl plays on other artists’ CDs whenever his busy schedule permits. He has recorded and played with a virtual who’s who of the music industry. His vast collection of movie soundtrack and television credits is enviable. 67,000,000 people heard Carl as a featured soloist at the 2009 Academy Awards. He is also heavily featured in the documentary film about the electric guitar called Turn It Up!

Dave Marotta, 4 & 5 string, fretless & piccolo basses; and John Mader, percussion.

“One of the Top 10 Guitar Players in the World” - Guitar Magazine

“One of the Top 100 Guitarists of All Time” - Classic Rock Magazine

“Verheyen’s guitar work will blow you away” - Guitar Player Magazine


Please come and support live music!

Eat, drink, listen, tap your feet, clap your hands and smile at SOhO.


SBAcoustic is the best bargain for live acoustic music, anywhere, anytime.


Future SOhO Shows

Andres Vadin Project (Cuba/USA) 9/17/23


Sofia Talvik (Sweden) 10/1/23


Becca Stevens (USA) 11/12/23

GRAMMY-nominated Becca Stevens has established an outstanding career blending an effortless vocal talent with exquisite compositions that draw inspiration from pop, jazz, indie-rock, and Appalachian folk music. 


Becca stretches the boundaries of convention with songs that weave together her classical and Appalachian folk music upbringing and her love of the rich rhythms and harmonies of jazz and world music, enhanced by her skill on multiple string instruments. Along with her solo output, Becca is a highly respected collaborator who has worked with the likes of David Crosby as an active member of his Lighthouse Band, Jacob Collier, Michael League (Snarky Puppy), Brad Mehldau, Esperanza Spalding, Chris Thile, Laura Mvula, José James, Antonio Sánchez, Cory Wong, Vince Mendoza, Metropole Orkest, Timo Andres, and Attacca Quartet, among many. She defies labeling and continues to challenge the notion of what a singer-songwriter should be. Instead, she dictates to the rest of us what we should (and should not) expect from artistry such as hers.


Her most recent album, WONDERBLOOM, displays Stevens’ skill of layering profound and discerning lyrics with funky and dance-ready beats in a record that Jazz Magazine described as “sophisticated and sensual pop” and The Mail on Sunday said is “Glamorous…semi-electric pop Prince might approve of.” The track “Slow Burn” from WONDERBLOOM was nominated for a GRAMMY for Best Arrangement, Instruments and Vocals in 2020.


Gareth Pearson (Wales) 1/21/24

So Much Great Music!

It's been an honor & privilege to host live music

by over 100 of of the world’s great string (and more) players since 2016.  

We are so fortunate to have such talent amongst us who have the

freedom of expression to do what they do.

Don't take it for granted ~ get out and enjoy it while you can;

the musicians and venues need you now more than ever.

Thanks for your support.

A Call 2 Peace

(with Federico Ramos,

Eduardo Del Signore,

Scarlet Rivera &

Ron Wagner)

Don Alder

Muriel Anderson

Paul Asbell

Tom Ball & Kenny Sultan

Adrian Bellue

PIerre Bensusan

Claude Bourbon

Trace Bundy

Clive Carroll

Michael Chapdelaine

Nick Charles

Chucumite

Craig D’Andrea

Alex DeGrassi

Diego Garcia (Twanguero

Jerry Douglas

(with Maura O’Connell

& a huge band)

Antoine Dufour

Ken Emerson (w/ Kimo West)

Tommy Emmanuel

(with Richard Smith

& Brooks Robertson)

Vicki Genfan

Nina Gerber & Chris Webster

Teja Gerken & Doug Young

Goh

Trevor Gordon Hall

Mark Hanson

The Hot Club of Nashville

(with Richard Smith,

Annie Sellick,

Pat Bergeson,

Aaron Till,

Charlie Chadwick &

Josh Hunt)

The Idiomatiques

(with Craig Sharmat,

George Quirin,

Kim Collins &

Frank Petrilli/

Brian Mann)

Claude LaFlamme

Christie Lenee

David Lindley

Michael Lorimer

Nick Johnson

J2B2

(with John Jorgenson,

Herb Pederson,

Patrick Sauber &

Mark Fain)

Laurence Juber

Justin King

Kaki King

Alberto Lombardi

Marley's Ghost

(with Jerry Fletcher,

Ed Littlefield Jr.,

Bob Nichols,

Mike Phelan,

Dan Wheetman &

Jon Wilcox)

Sean McGowan

Tony McManus

Maria Muldaur

(with John Jorgenson &

Simon Planting)

Kai Narezo

Kinloch Nelson

George Quirin

Donovan Raitt

Del Rey

Brooks Robertson

Joe Robinson

Jose Antonio Rodriguez

Sam ’n’ Ash

Richard Smith

Tim Sparks

Walter Strauss

Kenny Sultan

Luca Stricagnoli

Taimane

Sofia Talvik

The Transatlantic Trio

(with Richard Smith,

Joscho Stephan & 

Rory Hoffman)

Hiroya Tsukamoto

Andres Vadin Project

(with Yosmel Montejo,

Diego Alvarez Muñoz,

Manuel Gutiérrez &

Jade Valdes)

Dani Vargas & Jenna Columbet

Carl Verheyen Acoustic Band

(with Dave Marotta &

John Mader)

Willie Watson

Kimo West

Andrew York

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Acoustic Music & the Guitar


"Acoustic music is the timeless sound of nature and resonating materials – wood, bone, gourd, gut and skin. It predates the spoken language of modern culture, crossing all borders and barriers. It speaks to great, universal truths of very personal, yet familiar stories. Those stories keep legacies alive, allow them to be shared, and create new ones going forward".


(Derek Johnson aka Musicalist)

Music is unparalleled in its impact across civilization; it is infinite and evolving across time, place, religion and culture. It is the door to our souls, the balm for our spirit, an inspiration to feel deeply, our common language, and the heart of community.

The humble guitar is known for its enormous musical versatility across all cultures and genres. It has been the voice of people to tell their stories, and attainable to everyone regardless of wealth or social status.

"The guitar can truly change the world...we've seen that in ministry and education;
it has affected international borders. It's a very dangerous tool." (Richard Hoover, with a smile)

Background image: Benedetto Guitars