Bring on the Guitar of Fire

In his first visit to Sudbury, internationally renowned guitarist Johannes Linstead will light up the stage at Theatre Cambrian on May 2 with his Guitar of Fire ensemble.

The evening promises to bring an unforgettable, high-energy performance by Linstead and his lively group of Spanish guitars, Afro-Cuban percussion and joyful accordion.

Audiences will experience the stirring rhythms and virtuoso fretwork that earned Linstead Guitarist of the Year honours at the Canadian Smooth Jazz Awards, six Best Album awards, four top-10 Billboard charting albums, a No. 1 spot on Amazon and eMusic.com, along with a prestigious JUNO nomination.

In 2009, Linstead signed an endorsement deal with Yamaha (the world’s largest musical instrument manufacturer), and was named “Influential Artist” by Yamaha Guitars U.S.A.

Oakville-born Linstead, who is also a certified Kundalini Yoga instructor, looks forward to his inaugural visit to the Nickel City.

“I have received many emails over the years from fans asking me to bring my music in Sudbury, so I am really excited,” Linstead said.

On stage, he is known for his energetic performance and the fiesta-type atmosphere his original musical scores create. Guitar of Fire combines Spanish guitar, accordion, bass, congas and bongos, with each artist expressing his own musical personality. The ensemble includes Tom Bigas, Jarrod Ross and Geoff Hlibka and Jordan Abraham.

Linstead writes all his own music, an eclectic mix of the various countries he has visited — inspired by the Flamenco of Spain, exotic melodies of the Middle East, lively rhythms of Cuba and the Dominican Republic, and the festive sounds of Mexico and Latin America. It is best described as “world-fusion.”

In his latest award-winning album, “Tales of a Gypsy,” Linstead melds far-ranging influences and global styles into his own signature sound.

Linstead’s music can be heard in TV shows like “The Following,” “Californication,” “Burn Notice,” and have been featured in the video game “Tropical 4.”

“We are very proud to be hosting Johannes and his company,” said Mark Mannisto, executive director of Theatre Cambrian. “Theatre Cambrian strives to be an outlet for different forms of arts and cultural activities, and Johannes is second to none.”

For video and music clips, visit johanneslinstead.com.

“We plan on putting on a spectacular show,” Linstead said. “And hope to keep Greater Sudbury on our future tour schedules.”

General admission tickets are $35 in advance. Order online at theatrecambrian.ca or reserve your tickets by calling 705 524 7317.

Marlene Moore is a local marketing and communications professional.