Tommy Emmanuel, one of the greatest guitarists on the planet, made his fifteenth sold-out appearance at Smothers Theatre in Malibu on the campus of Pepperdine University, presented by The Lisa Smith Wengler Center For The Arts. His concert, previously cancelled due to the Palisades fire, was a strong kickoff to the 2025-26 season.
Two-time GRAMMY-nominee and one of Australia’s most respected guitarists, he has a repertoire that spans pop, jazz, blues, gospel, classical, flamenco, and aboriginal styles. And he incorporated most of these styles at his performance. When he plays the guitar, the sound produced is like an orchestra is on stage with multiple instruments. It is really quite remarkable.
The elite and charismatic Emmanuel is one of only four guitarists to be bestowed the title of Certified Guitar Player (CGP) by his hero, Mr. Guitar” and Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Chet Atkins. Atkins was his inspiration for his transformation from electric rock to acoustic guitar. They recorded an album together titled “The Day Finger Pickers Took Over the World.”
His stage presence, passion, and the connection he has with the audience creates a mutual sense of joy. One got a sense that he genuinely loves performing and is as excited as the audience is during the concert. His musicianship and energy he brings really sets him apart from his peers. A true virtuoso.
The concert also featured surprise special guest Grammy-winning artists, The String Revolution, who performed a couple of songs with Emmanuel. They added to his musicianship and energy on stage.
And Emmanuel also surprised the audience by telling them that the bonus tracks for his new album were being professionally recorded during his performance. So the live cheers and applause will be heard on his album.
There were so many amazing moments and songs that he performed, but he appropriately closed the performance with a creative medley of Beatles songs.
Now, his tour will take him all over the world.
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