Guitar-makers from around the world gather for the first Vancouver International Guitar Festival

A three-neck guitar by Linda Manze.

From June 23-25, guitar makers, players, collectors and aficionados will gather for the first event of its kind in Western Canada.

The inaugural Vancouver International Guitar Festival is three days of master classes, workshops, exhibitions and special events taking place at The Chinese Cultural Centre (50 E. Pender St.). There’s also live music, including a show from Hayley McLean. Fender recently listed the former Vancouverite as #1 of the Top 10 Guitar Goddesses, calling her “the notable Canadian beauty [who] is positively bursting with talent.”

Other guests include luthiers (makers of acoustic guitars) such as Meredith Coloma, Andy Powers and Grit Laskin. The Vancouver-based Coloma began playing at the age of eight and was a professional by the time she was 14. She apprenticed with guitar-maker Roger Sandowsky in New York and is regarded by many as a leading next-generation guitar builder. She is also one of the producers of the festival.

Andy Powers is the master guitar designer at Taylor Guitars and one of the keynote speakers at the festival. Laskin is an internationally celebrated Canadian luthier whose guitars have been exhibited as works of art in many museums. He is also the author and subject of many books including A Guitarmaker’s Canvas: The Inlay Art of Grit Laskin.

Other guest luthiers include “The Grandfather of Canadian Luthiery,” Jean Larrivee, and Linda Manzer.

A guitar by Meredith Coloma.

Many of their finest pieces will be displayed in an exhibition that features the work of over 80 luthiers from North America, Europe and Australia. For more info and passes ($30 for two days) visit vancouverguitarfestival.com.

Guitars by Nick Poufard of Prisma Guitars.

VIGF is presented in association with the TD Vancouver International Jazz Festival.

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