Dallas International Guitar Festival
Article and photos by: Dennis Mitchell
FORT WORTH, TX -This year marks 39th annual event of the Dallas International Guitar Festival to Dallas Market Hall. Along with thousands of guitars, both new and vintage, the festival boasted a variety of artists performing on three stages throughout the day. In fact, there were so many incredible musicians and bands playing this year, it was hard to select just a few to write about. The music was non stop from open to close each day on three stages. And of course, you have to make the rounds looking at all the guitars, amps, gear, and other goodies the show had to offer.
You never know what you may find, or who you will bump in to at this show. Both local and national artists can be found hanging out and jamming at various booths when they’re not on stage.
Gregg Koch is a monster on the Telecaster. We spotted him hanging out at the Fishman Electronics booth.
Then you hear some familiar sounding licks nearby, and sure enough, Brad Whitford of Aerosmith is taking a new guitar for a test drive.
Remember the song “DOA” from the band Bloodrock? What a surprise to see their bass player, Ed Grundy, at the festival!
Even Texas thunderstorms couldn’t put a damper on things. Performers moved indoors for Friday’s main stage performances, which included Eric Gales who showed us both the soulful and hard driving sound of he blues. Wrapping things up was the duo performance of Derrick St. Holmes from Ted Nugget’s band and Brad Whitford of Aerosmith. Joining them on a few tunes was John O’Daniel, lead singer of Point Blank. Who says 70’s rock is dead? These guys tore it up big time!
Saturday the weather cleared up, and people came out by the thousands to buy and sell guitars, gear, and to catch the numerous acts performing throughout the day. Highlight of the evening was slide guitarist Sonny Landreth, who brings a mix of blues spiced up with Louisiana zydeco.
Sunday the skies remained clear, and it was a full on blues attack to close out the festival! It’s always a treat to see local favorite Buddy Whittington take the stage. He spent 15 years on the road as lead guitarist for John Mayall after paying his dues at legendary Texas venues like The Cellar and Mother Blues. Next, Chris Duarte astounded with his high energy performance of blues/rock madness. Speaking of high energy, yet another local favorite, Maylee Thomas, gave an outstanding performance. At times it felt as if she was channeling Janis Joplin’s very soul and bringing it to the stage.
Wrapping up the 39th Dallas International Guitar Festival were Ruthie Foster and Robben Ford. If you love gospel blues sung with a powerful voice, then Ruthie Foster is just what the doctor ordered. Hearing just her and her guitar was a nice break from the sounds of 3 to 5 piece bands all afternoon. Last but not least was Robben Ford. His blend of blues and jazz made for some very enjoyable tunes played with precision and feel that comes from a true love of music.
Hats off to Jimmy Wallace for putting together such a great event following the loss of friend and co-founder Mark Pollock earlier this year to cancer. This show just keeps getting bigger and better, and no doubt he will pull out the stops for the 40th!
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