The Artisan Guitar Show is set to captivate music enthusiasts and discerning collectors alike with its unparalleled showcase of handcrafted guitars, innovative exhibitors, amazing master classes and showcases, and a special performance by acclaimed singer-songwriter Steve Forbert.
Taking place from April 11-13 at the Best Western Premier The Central Hotel & Conference Center the show will feature an exceptional lineup of master luthiers and artisan guitar builders from around the globe. Attendees will have the opportunity to experience firsthand the artistry and passion that goes into creating these unique instruments, from the selection of premium tonewoods to the meticulous attention to detail in every curve and inlay.
Event Highlights:
- Exhibitors: The Artisan Guitar Show features over 50 world-class handcrafted guitar makers. This diverse presentation of guitars includes magnificent archtop and flattop guitars along with the occasional solid-body guitar built by the finest craftsmen in the world. In addition to guitar-makers, our exhibitor base includes presenters who produce only the highest quality products including humidity-controlled guitar habitats, handcrafted guitar stands, carbon fiber instrument cases, and amplifiers that will satisfy even the most critical ear.
- Master Classes & Concerts: The Artisan Guitar Show Master Class Series provides learning opportunities that are nearly impossible to find elsewhere. These master classes are diverse and our lecturers are quite literally masters in their fields.
The Artisan Guitar Show Concert Series features great concert performances throughout the weekend with highly talented and respected musicians showcasing only the finest instruments being created today. All concerts are presented in the Heritage Room.
- VIP Package: VIP packages are limited and VIP ticket holders receive an awesome value. Tickets are just $110.00 in advance or $135.00 day of show.
Our VIP class ticket includes an intimate concert and a Friday evening kick-off jazz featuring the incredibly talented Aaron Weinstein set, which will feature an array of historic and current archtops that will be available and on stage to showcase.
- Enjoy all the benefits of a weekend pass.
- A special gift bag and VIP lanyard.
- A CD featuring the musicians who will perform at the 2025 Artisan Guitar Show.
- Invitations to private catered events like our Friday evening Hors d’oeurves in the Atrium gathering.
- Our VIP ticket class concert events feature our Saturday-night headliner Steve Forbert and a special Friday night jazz showcase.
- VIP access also includes the presentation of the fourth annual Artisan Guitar Show Bucky Pizzarelli Award.
Partnership Highlights:
The Artisan Guitar Show is proud to announce its partnerships with Dick Boak, Guitars 4 Vets, and the Student Outreach Program. These collaborations will enhance the show experience by providing attendees with:
- Artisan Guitar Show Door Prize: Each year the Artisan Guitar Show closes its magical weekend by giving some lucky attendee a beautiful, handcrafted guitar. No purchase is necessary to be entered as a participant, but the winner of the door prize must be present to win. This award has become an annual tradition, and we are excited to partner with Dick Boak on our 2025 door prize guitar.
The Artisan Guitar Show has enjoyed the great fortune of presenting some truly wonderful guitars as the annual door prize. When celebrated luthier Dick Boak offered one of his guitars for our 2025 show, we considered it an absolute honor and privilege. The person who wins an instrument crafted by Dick Boak will surely treasure it as one would a keepsake.
Dick is a truly remarkable person. He is an artist, writer, woodworker, and musician. He is well-known for his work at C.F. Martin & Co. where he worked on the development of both the C.F. Martin & Co. Museum and Archives projects as well as the popular Artist Signature Guitars series program. Dick also served as company historian for C.F. Martin & Co.
Guitars 4 Vets Partnership: Guitars for Vets is a national 501(c)3 non-profit organization with more than 100 chapters in over 40 states. Its mission is to provide guitar lesson programs to Veterans living with the challenges of PTSD and other injuries. These guitar lessons offer a unique alternative to healing – they put the power of music in the hands of heroes.
This program restores the feelings of joy and purpose that Veterans can lose after suffering traumatic experiences. Guitars for Vets has administered more than 50,000 guitar lessons and distributed more than 5,000 guitars to Veterans.
- Student Outreach Workshop & Breakfast: The Artisan Guitar Show Student Outreach Breakfast is one of the many ways the Artisan Guitar Show gives back to the guitar community. This by-invitation only event was conceived by guitar enthusiast and show supporter John Davis and event presenter John Detrick who sponsor the breakfast. The Student Outreach Breakfast focuses on adolescent through college-aged guitar students who are best described as serious students. Invitations to this educational event are extended through respected regional guitar instructors and related music professionals.
Each student is treated to a great breakfast to begin the presentation. The students are provided with show tickets to explore the guitars, concerts, and master classes after the Student Outreach Breakfast and they also receive a gift bag. Each year we select guest educators who provide a unique learning experience that our students would not get anywhere else. Our 2025 guest educators are as follows:
Steve Forbert Headlines Exclusive Concert:
Adding a legendary musical dimension to the show, acclaimed singer-songwriter Steve Forbert will perform an exclusive concert on April 12 at 8 P.M. Known for his timeless hits like “Romeo’s Tune,” Forbert’s intimate performance will be a highlight of the event, showcasing the power and beauty of acoustic music.
“We are thrilled to bring together such an exceptional collection of artisan guitar builders and to feature the incredible talent of Steve Forbert,” said Artisan Guitar Show producer John Detrick. “This show is a celebration of craftsmanship, artistry, and the enduring passion for music.”
Admission to this performance is included with VIP tickets. A limited number of GA tickets are available for sale to this performance.
Event Details:
Dates: April 11-13, 2025
Location:
Best Western Premier The Central Hotel & Conference Center
800 East Park Drive, Harrisburg, PA 17111
Hours:
Friday, April 11, 2025 – 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM – Sneak Preview, Reception, and Concerts for VIP Ticket Holders Only)
Saturday, April 12, 2025 – 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM – General Admission Show Hours
Saturday, April 12, 2025 – 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM – Reception and Concerts for VIP Ticket Holders Only
Sunday, April 13, 2025 – 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM – General Admission Show Hours
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