G-TARanaki Guitar Festival
Encyclopedia
GTaranaki also known as G-TARanaki was New Zealand
's first international guitar festival held in New Plymouth
, Taranaki, New Zealand annually from July 2008. The week long festival brings some of worlds best guitarists to Taranaki to perform, educate and inspire Kiwi guitarists and music fans around New Zealand. G-TARanaki features a celebration of all things guitar with guitarists and bands from a range of genres including Rock
, Funk
, Classical
, Jazz
, Blues
and Metal
.
The event was launched by an auction to benefit the cancer society. Items auctioned included guitars autographed by Pink Floyd
, Bon Jovi
, AC/DC
and U2
.
Guitar clinics and discussion forums were held throughout the week. Special midnight sessions included performances from Vernon Reid
, from Living Colour
, and Gilby Clarke
, from Guns n' Roses
, who were also joined by major artists on the bill such as Alex Skolnick
(Testament
/ Alex Skolnick Trio) and Uli Jon Roth (Ex-Scorpions
). These midnight sessions were held at Puke Ariki
. Sky Academy
, the music school founded by Uli Jon Roth, offered tuition classes at three Taranaki towns, Waitara
, Inglewood
and Opunake
and included guests Vernon Reid and Gilby Clarke. Classical and Jazz performances were given by the New Zealand School of Music led by Matthew Marshall and Nick Granville.
There were a number of firsts for G-TARanaki. Uli Jon Roth performed songs from his album 'Under A Dark Sky' for the first time live. Glenn Hughes performed with a one off New Zealand band, involving guitarist Kara Gordon plus 8Forty8 band members Simon Koretz and drummer Nathan Koretz. Vernon Reid also played with a unique band comprising Jonathan Crayford
on keyboards, Magesh
Magesh on drums and Crete Haami on bass.
Paul Martin, DJ for New Zealand's longest standing Metal radio show 'The Axe Attack' performed with his band World War Four and was also MC for much of the G-TARanaki event.
New Zealand artists performing included False Start, Kara Gordon, Swap Gomez, Jamie Anderson, Frank John, Burt Ropiha, Bryce Wastney, Ross Townsend, Stephanie Piqette, Karl Austin, Nathan Annand, Brandon Reihana of Blindspott
, Ross Halliday, Diarmuid Cahill, Adrian Whelan, New Plymouth Ukulele Orchestra, The Smiles, Dave Ritchie Smith, Craig Radford, Joel Haines, Matt Herrett and Ash & Aiden.
The second G-TARanaki festival is to be held in New Plymouth between 11th - 15th August 2010.
and TSB Stadium
.
-Legendary guitarist Leslie West
was removed from the line-up due to health reasons.
-the festival dates are August 11 to August 15, at the Puke Ariki and TSB Stadium in New Plymouth
New Zealand
New Zealand is an island country in the south-western Pacific Ocean comprising two main landmasses and numerous smaller islands. The country is situated some east of Australia across the Tasman Sea, and roughly south of the Pacific island nations of New Caledonia, Fiji, and Tonga...
's first international guitar festival held in New Plymouth
New Plymouth
New Plymouth is the major city of the Taranaki Region on the west coast of the North Island of New Zealand. It is named after Plymouth, Devon, England, from where the first English settlers migrated....
, Taranaki, New Zealand annually from July 2008. The week long festival brings some of worlds best guitarists to Taranaki to perform, educate and inspire Kiwi guitarists and music fans around New Zealand. G-TARanaki features a celebration of all things guitar with guitarists and bands from a range of genres including Rock
Rock music
Rock music is a genre of popular music that developed during and after the 1960s, particularly in the United Kingdom and the United States. It has its roots in 1940s and 1950s rock and roll, itself heavily influenced by rhythm and blues and country music...
, Funk
Funk
Funk is a music genre that originated in the mid-late 1960s when African American musicians blended soul music, jazz and R&B into a rhythmic, danceable new form of music. Funk de-emphasizes melody and harmony and brings a strong rhythmic groove of electric bass and drums to the foreground...
, Classical
Classical music
Classical music is the art music produced in, or rooted in, the traditions of Western liturgical and secular music, encompassing a broad period from roughly the 11th century to present times...
, Jazz
Jazz
Jazz is a musical style that originated at the beginning of the 20th century in African American communities in the Southern United States. It was born out of a mix of African and European music traditions. From its early development until the present, jazz has incorporated music from 19th and 20th...
, Blues
Blues
Blues is the name given to both a musical form and a music genre that originated in African-American communities of primarily the "Deep South" of the United States at the end of the 19th century from spirituals, work songs, field hollers, shouts and chants, and rhymed simple narrative ballads...
and Metal
Heavy metal music
Heavy metal is a genre of rock music that developed in the late 1960s and early 1970s, largely in the Midlands of the United Kingdom and the United States...
.
2008
- Joe SatrianiJoe SatrianiJoseph "Joe" Satriani is an American instrumental rock guitarist and multi-instrumentalist, with multiple Grammy Award nominations...
- Uli Jon Roth
- Gray Bartlett
- Gilby ClarkeGilby ClarkeGilbert "Gilby" Clarke is an American guitarist and record producer best known for a 3-year tenure as the rhythm guitarist of Guns N' Roses, replacing Izzy Stradlin in 1991 during the Use Your Illusion Tour...
- Alex Skolnick TrioAlex Skolnick TrioThe Alex Skolnick Trio is an American jazz music trio comprising the guitarist Alex Skolnick, Matt Zebroski on drums, and Nathan Peck on bass. Previously, John Davis played bass for the group. The Trio is known for its inventive jazz take on hard rock and heavy metal "standards"...
- World War Four
- Glenn Hughes
- Vernon ReidVernon ReidVernon Reid is an English-born American guitarist, songwriter, composer, and bandleader. Best known as the founder and primary songwriter of the heavy metal band Living Colour, Reid was named #66 on Rolling Stone magazine's 100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time.Critic Steve Huey writes, "[Reid's]...
- Tim Donahue
- Brian Hatcher Band
The event was launched by an auction to benefit the cancer society. Items auctioned included guitars autographed by Pink Floyd
Pink Floyd
Pink Floyd were an English rock band that achieved worldwide success with their progressive and psychedelic rock music. Their work is marked by the use of philosophical lyrics, sonic experimentation, innovative album art, and elaborate live shows. Pink Floyd are one of the most commercially...
, Bon Jovi
Bon Jovi
Bon Jovi is an American rock band from Sayreville, New Jersey. Formed in 1983, Bon Jovi consists of lead singer and namesake Jon Bon Jovi , guitarist Richie Sambora, keyboardist David Bryan, drummer Tico Torres, as well as current bassist Hugh McDonald...
, AC/DC
AC/DC
AC/DC are an Australian rock band, formed in 1973 by brothers Malcolm and Angus Young. Commonly classified as hard rock, they are considered pioneers of heavy metal, though they themselves have always classified their music as simply "rock and roll"...
and U2
U2
U2 are an Irish rock band from Dublin. Formed in 1976, the group consists of Bono , The Edge , Adam Clayton , and Larry Mullen, Jr. . U2's early sound was rooted in post-punk but eventually grew to incorporate influences from many genres of popular music...
.
Guitar clinics and discussion forums were held throughout the week. Special midnight sessions included performances from Vernon Reid
Vernon Reid
Vernon Reid is an English-born American guitarist, songwriter, composer, and bandleader. Best known as the founder and primary songwriter of the heavy metal band Living Colour, Reid was named #66 on Rolling Stone magazine's 100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time.Critic Steve Huey writes, "[Reid's]...
, from Living Colour
Living Colour
Living Colour is an American rock band from New York City, formed in 1984. Stylistically, the band's music is a creative fusion influenced by free jazz, funk, neo-psychedelia, hard rock, and heavy metal...
, and Gilby Clarke
Gilby Clarke
Gilbert "Gilby" Clarke is an American guitarist and record producer best known for a 3-year tenure as the rhythm guitarist of Guns N' Roses, replacing Izzy Stradlin in 1991 during the Use Your Illusion Tour...
, from Guns n' Roses
Guns N' Roses
Guns N' Roses is an American hard rock band, formed in Hollywood, Los Angeles, California, in 1985. The band has released six studio albums, three EPs, and one live album...
, who were also joined by major artists on the bill such as Alex Skolnick
Alex Skolnick
Alexander Nathan Skolnick is an American jazz and metal guitarist. He was a member of the San Francisco Bay Area thrash metal band Testament from 1983 until his departure in 1993...
(Testament
Testament (band)
Testament is an American metal band from Berkeley, California, formed in 1983. They are often credited as one of the most popular bands of the 1980s thrash metal scene...
/ Alex Skolnick Trio) and Uli Jon Roth (Ex-Scorpions
Scorpions (band)
Scorpions are a heavy metal/hard rock band from Hannover, Germany, formed in 1965 by guitarist Rudolf Schenker, who is the band's only constant member. They are known for their 1980s rock anthem "Rock You Like a Hurricane" and many singles, such as "No One Like You", "Send Me an Angel", "Still...
). These midnight sessions were held at Puke Ariki
Puke Ariki
Puke Ariki is a combined museum and library at New Plymouth, New Zealand. It also includes a visitor information centre and cafe.It is the world's first purpose-built, fully integrated museum, library and visitor information centre. Puke Ariki won Creative New Zealand's prestigious Creative Places...
. Sky Academy
Sky academy
Sky Academy is the title given to guitar innovator Uli Jon Roth's tuition seminars and concerts.Sky Academy was first established in May 2006, at the Ralph Freud Theater at the University Campus of Los Angeles....
, the music school founded by Uli Jon Roth, offered tuition classes at three Taranaki towns, Waitara
Waitara, New Zealand
Waitara is the name of a town and a river in the northern part of the Taranaki Region of the North Island of New Zealand. Waitara is located just off State Highway 3, 15 km northeast of New Plymouth....
, Inglewood
Inglewood, New Zealand
Inglewood is a town in the Taranaki Region of New Zealand's North Island. The population was 3,090 in the 2006 Census, an increase of 144 from 2001. Inglewood lies 200m above sea level....
and Opunake
Opunake
Opunake is a small town on the southwest coast of Taranaki in New Zealand's North Island. It is located 45 kilometres southwest of New Plymouth. Rahotu is 16 km to the northwest. Manaia is 29 km to the southeast. State Highway 45 passes through the town.The population was 1368 in the...
and included guests Vernon Reid and Gilby Clarke. Classical and Jazz performances were given by the New Zealand School of Music led by Matthew Marshall and Nick Granville.
There were a number of firsts for G-TARanaki. Uli Jon Roth performed songs from his album 'Under A Dark Sky' for the first time live. Glenn Hughes performed with a one off New Zealand band, involving guitarist Kara Gordon plus 8Forty8 band members Simon Koretz and drummer Nathan Koretz. Vernon Reid also played with a unique band comprising Jonathan Crayford
Jonathan Crayford
Jonathan Crayford is a composer/multi instrumentalist.Jonathan studied classical piano and learned jazz by ear...
on keyboards, Magesh
Magesh
Magesh is a professional drummer and a popular drum clinician drummer from Australia .-About Magesh:Magesh is from ponneri, and currently lives in Melbourne. Magesh is currently one of Australia's most in demand session drummers....
Magesh on drums and Crete Haami on bass.
Paul Martin, DJ for New Zealand's longest standing Metal radio show 'The Axe Attack' performed with his band World War Four and was also MC for much of the G-TARanaki event.
New Zealand artists performing included False Start, Kara Gordon, Swap Gomez, Jamie Anderson, Frank John, Burt Ropiha, Bryce Wastney, Ross Townsend, Stephanie Piqette, Karl Austin, Nathan Annand, Brandon Reihana of Blindspott
Blindspott
Blindspott is a nu metal/alternative rock band from Waitakere, New Zealand. They were formed in 1997, originally consisting of Damian Alexander , Marcus Powell , Shelton Woolright , Gareth Fleming and Karl Vilisini, also known as DJ Dlay .-Formation and debut album :Blindspott began in 1997 and...
, Ross Halliday, Diarmuid Cahill, Adrian Whelan, New Plymouth Ukulele Orchestra, The Smiles, Dave Ritchie Smith, Craig Radford, Joel Haines, Matt Herrett and Ash & Aiden.
The second G-TARanaki festival is to be held in New Plymouth between 11th - 15th August 2010.
Band Line Ups (2008)
| Glenn Hughes |
|---|
| Glenn Hughes - vocals, bass |
| Simon Koretz - guitar |
| Kara Gordon - guitar |
| Nathan Koretz - drums |
| John Olinder - keyboards |
| Gilby Clarke |
|---|
| Gilby Clarke - vocals, guitar |
| Dennis Morehouse - drums |
| Muddy Stardust - guitar, bass, vocals |
| Vernon Reid |
|---|
| Vernon Reid - vocals, guitar |
| Magesh Magesh - drums |
| Crete Haami - bass |
| Jonathan Crayford - keyboards |
| Alex Skolnick Trio |
|---|
| Alex Skolnick - guitar |
| Matthew Zebroski - drums |
| Nathan Peklinsky - bass |
| Uli Jon Roth |
|---|
| Mark Boals - vocals |
| Liz Vandall - vocals |
| Uli Jon Roth - guitar |
| Lars Lehmann - bass |
| Niklas Turmann - guitar |
| Michael Ehre - drums |
| Corvin Bahn - keyboards |
| Akasha Roth - vocals |
| Joe Satriani |
|---|
| Joe Satriani - guitar |
| Jeff Campitelli - drums |
| Galen Henson - guitar |
| Stuart Hamm - bass |
| Kara Gordon Trio |
|---|
| Kara Gordon - vocals, guitar |
| Swap Gomez - drums |
| Jamie Anderson - bass |
| Gray Bartlett |
|---|
| Gray Bartlett - guitar |
| Chet O'Connell - guitar |
| Neil Hannan - bass |
| Bruce King - drums |
| Matthew Marshall Quartet |
|---|
| Matthew Marshall - guitar |
| Anita van Dijk - piano |
| Paul Dyne - bass |
| Roger Sellers - drums |
| Nick Granville Quartet |
|---|
| Nick Granville - guitar |
| Alex Nyman - saxophone |
| Nick Tipping - bass |
| Lance Phillip - drums |
2009
The 2009 event was held between September 28 and October 4 at Puke ArikiPuke Ariki
Puke Ariki is a combined museum and library at New Plymouth, New Zealand. It also includes a visitor information centre and cafe.It is the world's first purpose-built, fully integrated museum, library and visitor information centre. Puke Ariki won Creative New Zealand's prestigious Creative Places...
and TSB Stadium
TSB Stadium
TSB Stadium is an indoor stadium located adjacent to Pukekura Park in New Plymouth, Taranaki, New Zealand, with main vehicle access off Coronation Avenue.-Events:Events held at TSB Stadium include:* basketball* music shows, such as G-TARanaki...
.
2010
The 2010 G-Taranaki lineup will consist of:- SlashSlash (musician)Saul Hudson , known by his stage name Slash, is a British-American musician and songwriter. He is best known as the former lead guitarist of the American hard rock band Guns N' Roses, with whom he achieved worldwide success in the late 1980s and early 1990s. During his later years with Guns N'...
- Uli Jon Roth
- Jennifer BattenJennifer BattenJennifer Batten is an American guitarist, who has worked as both a session musician and solo artist. She has released three studio albums: her 1992 debut, Above Below and Beyond, was produced by former Stevie Wonder guitarist Michael Sembello. In 1997, she released the worldbeat-influenced Jennifer...
- Tony LevinTony LevinTony Levin is an American progressive rock musician, specializing in bass guitar, Chapman stick and upright bass ....
- Vinnie MooreVinnie MooreVinnie Moore is a guitarist and a member of the English hard rock band UFO. Along with Yngwie Malmsteen, Tony MacAlpine, and others, Moore is known as one of the most influential guitarists to emerge out of the shredder boom in the mid 1980s.-Biography:Moore was born in New Castle, Delaware...
- Hail!
- Guy PrattGuy PrattGuy Pratt is a session bassist and also a songwriter, actor and comedian. He is the son of actor Mike Pratt. In Kensington and Chelsea, London, in 1996, Pratt married Gala Wright, the daughter of Pink Floyd keyboardist Richard Wright...
- The ChecksThe Checks"The Checks" is the 141st episode of the sitcom Seinfeld. This was the 7th episode for the 8th season. It aired on NBC on November 7, 1996.-Plot:...
- California Guitar TrioCalifornia Guitar TrioCalifornia Guitar Trio is a band of threeguitar players founded in 1991. Paul Richards of Salt Lake City, Utah, Bert Lams of Brussels,...
- Oli Brown Band
- Desiree BassettDesireé BassettDesireé Apolonio Bassett is an American rock music guitarist and recording artist. Considered a child prodigy, she has performed alongside mainline performers such as Sammy Hagar, Ted Nugent, Living Colour, Barry Goudreau, the Marshall Tucker Band and members of the Allman Brothers Band...
- Shotgun Alley
- In Dread ResponseIn Dread ResponseIn Dread Response is a New Zealand metal band from Auckland formed in 2005 commonly referred to as "In Dread" or "IDR".In Dread has released one full-length studio album and two EPs with a new album in the works set for a 2011 release on DeadBoy Records...
- the Thomas Oliver Band
- Blue Monkey Racket
- Fall WithinFall WithinFall Within is a Kiwi metal core band composed of Brodie Te Anau Doherty-Ramsay , Daniel Hodge , Luke Burn , Fraser Walker and Luke Campbell...
-Legendary guitarist Leslie West
Leslie West
Leslie West is an American rock guitarist, singer and songwriter.-Biography:Originally named Leslie Weinstein, West was born in New York City, grew up in Hackensack, New Jersey, and in East Meadow, Forest Hills and Lawrence. After his parents divorced, he changed his surname to West...
was removed from the line-up due to health reasons.
-the festival dates are August 11 to August 15, at the Puke Ariki and TSB Stadium in New Plymouth
New Plymouth
New Plymouth is the major city of the Taranaki Region on the west coast of the North Island of New Zealand. It is named after Plymouth, Devon, England, from where the first English settlers migrated....