SBAcoustic
an affordable community-based concert series featuring the finest in regional and world-class international acoustic music

J2B2
John Jorgenson Bluegrass Band
featuring the renowned
Herb Pederson
June 13, 2026 - 6:30 - 8:00
SOhO 1221 State St.
J2B2 is an all-star bluegrass supergroup featuring the legendary, award-winning musicians John Jorgenson on acoustic guitar, mandolin and vocals and Herb Pedersen on banjo, acoustic guitar and vocals. Gabe Witcher on fiddle and Brain Netzley on bass will round out the band for this show.
They deliver bluegrass like no one has ever heard it before and form a union of impeccable musicianship, incomparable songwriting, incredible harmony vocals (a fresh twist combining bluegrass with elements of West Coast folk rock) and seasoned showmanship. This is the “high lonesome sound” of American roots music at its finest; the band’s undeniable live shows have received stellar reviews and have the bluegrass world buzzing.
Jorgenson and Pedersen were founders (with Chris Hillman) of the formative country rock group Desert Rose Band. Jorgenson went on to found the Hellecasters and toured with Elton John’s band for six years. Jorgenson won a Grammy for Best Country Instrumental with Brad Paisley and was nominated for Best Bluegrass Album with Earl Scruggs.
Herb Pedersen was a member of legendary bluegrass band The Dillards as well as bluegrass super-group Old and In the Way. A sought-after singer and musician, he has worked with such music legends as Chris Hillman, Earl Scruggs, Gram Parsons, Emmylou Harris, Tony Rice, Dan Fogelberg, Stephen Stills, Linda Ronstadt, Kris Kristofferson, John Prine, Jackson Browne and John Denver.
J2B2 has created quite a buzz, and The International Bluegrass Music Association is among the many giving the newly formed band’s live performance high marks.
“There was warmth, and storytelling, and lots of laughter as this fresh band of legends made their debut…but with their expertise combined, you would think they had been playing in this configuration for years.”
IBMA
“Expect fireworks and amazing playing from some of the best string players in the world.”
Yes! Weekly

Joe Robinson
June 28, 2026 - 7:30 - 9:00
Unitarian Parish Hall 1525 Santa Barbara St.
Joe Robinson is a world-renowned guitar virtuoso and singer-songwriter originally from Australia.
A uniquely skilled musician, he is widely regarded as one of the world’s top fingerstyle soloists and an accomplished improviser, composer and songwriter. Joe’s signature musical touch and ability to seamlessly blend these elements allows him to create a sound that is truly one-of-a-kind and defies classification within any particular genre.
Joe has released seven studio albums and built a large following through his livestream concerts and videos. He has garnered praise from some of the biggest names in the industry and has been featured in prestigious publications. In addition to his skills as a performer, Robinson is also highly regarded as an educator, having led workshops at leading US music schools.
Joe has performed with many of the world's great guitar players and artists:
Phil & Tommy Emmanuel, Les Paul, Robben Ford, Eric Johnson, Paco Pena, Paco De Lucia, Al Di Meola, John McLaughlin, Lee Ritenour, Dave Grusin, Steve Vai, Brett Garsed, Rodney Crowell, Emmylou Harris, Kenny Rogers, Chris Stapleton, Albert Lee, Vince Gill, Brent Mason, John Jorgenson, Johnny Hiland, Redd Volkaert, Guthrie Trapp, Daniel Donato, Kansas, Styx, Boston, The Wailers, John Farnham, Jack Pearson, Lee Roy Parnell, Samantha Fish, Ana Popovic, Walter Trout, The Time Jumpers, Rosanne Cash, Chris Thile, Stuart Duncan, Trey Hensley, Rob Ickes, Frank Vignola, Bucky Pizzarelli, Martin Taylor, Jack Tempchin, Mike Reid, Joscho Stephan, Lulo Reinhardt, Rory Hoffman, Pete Huttlinger, Pat Bergeson, Richard Smith, Slava Grigoryan, Chain, Canned Heat, Stevie Wright, Keith Carlock, Nir Z, Steve Ferrone, Michael Rhodes, Glenn Worf, Kaki King, Sungha Jung, Pierre Bensusan.
Joe was born in Kempsey, a rural town in New South Wales, Australia. He grew up in a farmhouse with his three siblings, where his parents raised cattle, horses, sheep, dogs, chickens, and even snakes. At just 13 years old, Joe won the Australian National Songwriting competition, and at 17, he took home the top prize on Australia’s Got Talent. By the time he turned 18, Joe had already performed over 1000 concerts, including earning first place at the World Championships of Performing Arts in Los Angeles. Following this string of successes, he bid his family farewell and moved to Nashville, where he spent the next decade collaborating with some of the city’s best studio musicians, songwriters and producers.
Joe lives outside Yellowstone National Park in Montana with his wife Genevieve, an accomplished illustrator, and their son. He spends his time practicing, writing songs, recording, coaching 20,000+ online guitar students and tours his one-man show, where he showcases his impressive musical talents to live audiences.
“Joe is, of course, renowned for being a virtuoso guitarist. But after several listens to his latest offering (Borders), I’m of the opinion that as a singer and songwriter, he also belongs in a league with such mega-selling artists as Charlie Puth and Harry Styles. But don’t just take my word for it, get a copy of the album and see for yourself.”
Grammy® Award Winner Rodney Crowell
“It would be fair to say that guitar phenomenon, Joe Robinson, has little left to prove. Yet, he keeps moving the bar musically and artistically in virtually any direction his hybrid talent and sonic-soul leads him. …Robinson doesn’t just dabble, he succumbs and embraces each style, demonstrating grace and fluidity in each he undertakes. I have to wonder if categories apply to his body of recorded fretwork.” Minor7th
“Real-time acoustic guitar solos, filled with so much springy counterpoint that it's hard to believe he's playing alone.”
New York Times
"Breathtaking electric and acoustic guitar virtuosity" Guitar Player Magazine
"A jaw-dropping virtuoso" NPR
"In a city of monster guitar players, Joe Robinson is a dragon slayer." Nashville Scene
Fall 2026 Series

Transatlantic Guitar Trio
THE Finest Guitar Trio in the World
SOhO, 1221 State St.
September 7, 2026
7:30-9:00pm
The Transatlantic Guitar Trio is, quite simply, the finest guitar trio in the world. This extraordinary trio features three very different members with very different backgrounds.
Richard Smith is an International Fingerstyle Guitar champion from London England. He is the current day Chet Atkins, Merle Travis and Jerry Reed rolled into one. Richard is a soloist and bandleader, and master of just about any and all guitar styles from to Scott Joplin and more.
Joscho Stephan shapes modern gypsy swing with his playing like no other by combining Latin, classic and pop music into his interpretations of well-known classics and originals. With his authentic tone, harmonic refinement, rhythmic flair, and breathtaking solo technique, Joscho is known the world over for his sensational Django Reinhardt "Manouche Jazz" style; his guitar skills are so special you will be left breathless just watching him.
The brilliant Rory Hoffman is a master of many instruments from guitar to keyboards, accordion, harmonica and all reed instruments. Rory has appeared on the Grand Ole Opry many times as a soloist and sideman to Ricky Skaggs, Kathy Mattea, Kacey Musgraves and many more.
Since their very first live premier with us in 2019, and returning every year since, they have pushed each other to new heights in which the sum is greater than the parts, and are guaranteed to be fabulous. These three diverse stylists have become so harmonious in the music they have created that audiences tend to cheer while watching "note play" bordering on the impossible! Combining jazz ballads, gypsy swing standards, a pinch of pop music and original compositions to create a broad repertoire, Transatlantic is stunningly authentic.

Sarah McQuaid
Singer/Songwriter
USSB Parish Hall, 1535 Santa Barbara St.
October 4, 2026
7:30-9:00pm
Sarah McQuaid’s lush, velvety voice combines with her engaging personality and brilliant musicianship on acoustic and electric guitars, keyboards and drum to create a truly immersive experience. Her live performances are full of warmth, wit, and intimacy, and have earned her loyal followings on both sides of the Atlantic.
Born in Spain, raised in Chicago, holding dual Irish and American citizenship and now settled in rural England, she brings the eclecticism of her background to her captivating, unorthodox songwriting and choice of material. From contemplative ballads to playful blues to atmospheric instrumentals, Sarah’s music invites reflection, connection, and a deep appreciation of the quiet power of a well-crafted song.
In the words of one audience member: “Sarah is a truly impressive artist who takes you on a journey through storytelling, blending a variety of musical genres and instruments with ease and creativity. Her lyrics are down-to-earth yet incredibly captivating. Attending her concert feels like diving into a book of short stories — some resonate deeply, some spark your imagination, others make you pause and reflect, and a few bring tears or spontaneous laughter. Sarah’s connection with the audience is both gentle and profound. You don’t just watch a performance — you become part of it, part of the story she’s telling. … To anyone considering seeing her live: go. It’s worth every second. You’ll leave with your heart full and your soul touched — guaranteed.”

Sonny Leland Band
Boogie Woogie Piano
SOhO, 1221 State St.
November 15, 2026
7:30 -9:00pm
Born & raised on the South Coast of England, Carl Sonny Leyland was drawn to the American music which he heard on LP records his father would play. It was here that he developed an appreciation for Traditional Jazz and Swing, the Rock & Roll of the 1950s & the Country Music of Jimmie Rodgers & Hank Williams.
He discovered boogie woogie when he heard a school friend working through a written arrangement JD's Boogie Woogie (by Marvin Wright). Captivated by the sound of the repeating 8 to the bar left hand pattern, Sonny was inspired to fully explore the piano blues genre, becoming an authority on early & obscure styles.
Sonny’s initial visit to New Orleans in 1988 inspired him to relocate to that city where he would spend the next nine years. By the time Sonny relocated to Southern California in 1997, his repertoire had expanded to include ragtime & early jazz styles, which enabled him to become part of the traditional jazz scene around Los Angeles.
The Carl Sonny Leyland Trio with drummer Hal Smith/ Josh Collazo & bassist Marty Eggers have recorded seven cds (including a collaboration with Nathan James & Ben Hernandez). HeeHe appears on occasion with such notables as Jontavious Willis, Kim Wilson, & Rod Piazza. He has recorded with Blues greats Billy Boy Arnold, Jerry McCain, Beverley Watlins, James Harman, and Anson Funderburg & Sam Myers.
Sonny’s playing displays an infectious spontaneity, providing plenty of surprises for the listener. While he possesses the necessary vocabulary to pay tribute to the greats of old, he refuses to be limit himself to this & prefers to let each performance be an opportunity to say something new. His repertoire spans the Ragtime era through the 1950s, & includes a large amount of self written songs and instrumental compositions.

Kyran Daniel
Australian FingerStyle Guitar
USSB Parish Hall, 1535 Santa Barbara St.
December 6, 2026
7:30-9:00pm
Kyran Daniel is an Australian Guitarist, Composer, and Record Producer, and returning to SBAcoustic after a stellar performance in 2024.
Beginning his career as a virtuoso on international stages alongside Tommy Emmanuel, he went on to study Contemporary Writing & Production under full-scholarship at the prestigious Berklee College of Music, before working as a Songwriter & Producer for a cohort of his Australian peers. Collaborating with the breadth of Australian majors, his work has garnered millions of worldwide streams, and credits.
Kyran’s return to his work as a soloist, writing & recording, all while conducting a touring schedule featuring hundreds of performances across North America and a curated list of European Festivals, has reintroduced him as one of the greatest acoustic guitar players on the planet.
‘I knew at that time he would be an incredible force in music … he was always received with thunderous applause and standing ovations …’ - Tommy Emmanuel
2027 Schedule
Date
Musician
Genre
Location
1/24/27
Andy McKee
Fingerstyle
USSB Parish Hall

2/14/27
Farah & Villegas
Flamenco Trio
USSB Parish Hall

3/7/27
Richard Gilwetz
Fingerstyle
USSB Parish Hall

3/28/27
Alberto Lombardi
Fingerstyle
USSB Parish Hall

4/25/27
Miller & Levy Duo
Jazz Guitar
USSB Parish Hall

5/16/27
Andres Vadin Trio
Flamenco & Dance
USSB Parish Hall

6/6/27
Richard Smith
Fingerstyle
USSB Parish Hall

8/29/27
Pryor & West
Slack Key & Hula
USSB Parish Hall

9/12/27
Transatlantic Trio
CrossGenre Guitar
SOhO

10/3/27
Voyage Hot Club
Gypsy Jazz
USSB Parish Hall

10/24/27
Carolyn Sills Trio
Patsy Cline Show
USSB Parish Hall

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 both its reflection of and impact on human culture, developing 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.
Acoustic instruments were dictated by the flora and fauna of each area, evolving and cross fertilizing as people migrated across the world. The humble guitar is known for its enormous musical versatility across all cultures and genres. It is the voice of people to tell their stories, and attainable to everyone regardless of wealth or status.
"The guitar is a whole lot more than a guitar....
there's a whole attitude towards life wrapped up in it" (Charles Fox)
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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
Kyran Daniel
Alex DeGrassi
Jerry Douglas
(with Maura O’Connell
& a huge band)
Antoine Dufour
The Elderberries
Ken Emerson (w/ Kimo West)
Tommy Emmanuel
(with Richard Smith
& Brooks Robertson)
Diego Garcia (Twanguero)
Vicki Genfan
Nina Gerber & Chris Webster
Natalie Gelman
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/
Ray Bergstrom
Kim Collins &
Frank Petrilli/
Brian Mann)
Claude LaFlamme
Mark Leggett
Christie Lenee
David Lindley
Michael Lorimer
John Lyle
Nick Johnson
J2B2
(with John Jorgenson
Herb Pederson
Patrick Sauber &
Mark Fain)
John Jorgenson Quintet
(with Jason Anick
Rory Hoffman
Max O'Rourke
Simon Planting &
Rick Reed)
Laurence Juber
Justin King
Kaki King
Tim Kliphuis & Jimmie Grant
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
Nightbirds
George Quirin
Gareth Pearson
Poi Rogers
Abby Posner
Leokane Pryor
Donovan Raitt
Del Rey
Brooks Robertson
Joe Robinson
Jose Antonio Rodriguez
Sam ’n’ Ash
Richard Smith
Tim Sparks
Joscho Stephan Trio
(with Sven Jungbeck
& Volker Kamp)
Walter Strauss
Luca Stricagnoli
Kenny Sultan
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
"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
