The Malibu Guitar Festival kicks-off its third annual event May 18 - May 21, featuring headliner Mick Fleetwood Blues Band; Jamtown featuring Donavon Frankenreiter, G. Love & Cisco Adler; Tommy Emmanuel and Hunter Hayes topping the bill on Main Festival Day—Saturday, May 20--at Malibu Village, presented by D ‘Angelico Guitars. Early Bird tickets are available: ticketfly.com/org/6059
Steve Vai will headline Hot Licks Night on Friday, May 19, at Casa Escobar featuring a female heavy line-up of musicians including Nik West, Lari Basilio, Gretchen Menn and Zepparella. Hollis Brown, the Band Steele, Dankrupt, Carothers Brothers and Karma Dealers also to perform.
A special Humanitarian Award will be presented to Chief Arvol Looking Horse, Chief of All Stars Nations and keeper of the Sacred Bundle for the Lakota, Dakota and Nakota Nations. A Lifetime Achievement Award will be presented to Robby Krieger in honor of the 50th Anniversary of the Doors.
Supporting acts include Kenneth Brian Band, Duane Betts’ the Pistoleers, Hollis Brown, WRENN, the Soft White Sixties, Zack Zotos & Company Featuring Marcy Levy & Deacon Jones, the Buzz Wizards Featuring Cleto Escobedo (from Jimmy Kimmel Live), Laurence Juber, Michael John Hayes, Lenny Goldsmith & the New Old, the Band Steele and Mrs. Gill.
See More: PHOTOS from last year's festival (2016)
The four-day event launches with an opening night fundraiser benefiting Emily Shane Foundation, TheraSurf and Karl LaDue Wodakota Foundation, featuring special live performances and an All-Star Jam (to be announced) on May 18 at Casa Escobar; Hot Licks Night on May 19 at Casa Escobar; Main Festival Day at Malibu Village on May 20, and closing with a Rolling Stones Brunch on May 21at Malibu Village, featuring a special presentation by musician/author Andy Babiuk from his book Rolling Stones Gear: All The Stones Instruments From Stage To Studio, and live performances by the Tearaways, Brooke Halpin and special surprise guests.
Malibu Guitar Festival founder Doug Deluca, a music and guitar lover who lives in Malibu, got together with good friend and Malibu local John Watkin, also a founder, in an effort to bring great music and great vibes to the seaside town. The duo saw an opportunity to bring the community together, by securing globally renowned, award-winning musicians to perform, while also supporting local musicians and giving back to charity. Co-founder, Alejandra DeLuca, brings the vision together by shaping the festival's charitable programs and brand partnerships. Steve Ferrone, drummer and longtime Heartbreaker, joined as the festival’s Musical Director.
Doug Deluca is a co-executive producer for Jimmy Kimmel Live, John Watkin is co-owner of the Emmy-winning Planet Grande Pictures and Alejandra DeLuca is a Meditation and Motivational Coach and owner of Manifesting Success and Wellness. Together, they leveraged their collective networks to bring the 2015 inaugural festival to fruition, which was honored with a Dolphin Award, in recognition of their service, commitment and contribution to Malibu.
“The iconography of the guitar and the backdrop of Malibu are a perfect combination for this beautiful event inspired by a passion for music and a love of community,” said DeLuca. He adds, “The artists and supporters that have come together will ensure the event’s success and growth well into the future.”
The Malibu Guitar Festival is now officially under the auspices of the City Of Malibu. The 2016 Malibu Guitar Festival raised over $100,000 for Mending Kids, Boys & Girls Club of Malibu and TheraSurf.
Pictured (l-r, clockwise): Mick Fleetwood, Hunter Hayes and Jamtown.
For more information, visit malibuguitarfestival.com.
