Tom Guarna Pacific Northwest Tour

Tom Guarna

I'm thrilled that New York based guitarist Tom Guarna is coming out to Portland this week. Guarna is a well-respected yet highly underrated musician; he's been really busy in New York lately, playing with E.J. Strickland, Lenny White, Richie Goods, Helen Sung, and his own bands. Guarna can play straight ahead, fusion, blues, rock, classical, you name it. He's a wiz with effects, but can play convincingly with a clean sound as well. We have a number of activities planned while he is out here.

First off, we have a gig at Egan's Ballard Jam House in Seattle, featuring Matt Jorgensen on drums and Phil Sparks on bass. I've never played at this venue, but I've heard great things. Egan's is located at:
1707 NW Market Street
Seattle, WA 98107

On Wednesday, the Sets are at 7:00 & 9:00pm. You can buy advance tickets: $12/set or both sets for $20(Day of pricing: $15/set or both sets for $25).

Next, we return to Portland for a busy Friday: we have an open rehearsal at Portland State University with bassist Damian Erskine and drummer Reinhardt Melz. We are preparing for a gig at Jimmy Mak's that night, which will be a double bill with the Mike Prigodich and MPEG. The music is heavy fusion off of my Cd entitled "Pride And Joy".

The open rehearsal will be in Lincoln Hall 47 and open to students. Then Tom and I will be appearing on KMHD around 2:30 to promote the gig. I'm going to whisk Tom back to PSU for a masterclass in LH47 from 3:30 to 5. Then soundcheck at Jimmy Mak's and then hopefully dinner before the show.....


Here's what you need to know:


April 6 at Jimmy Mak's 
221 Northwest 10th Avenue
Mike Prigodich & MPEG
with the George Colligan Group
and special guest, Tom Guarna
$15 Cover

Melz/Prigodich/Erskine Group (MPEG) -- Mike Prigodich (keys), Damian Erskine (bass), Reinhardt Melz (drums), John Nastos (sax)

George Colligan Quartet -- George Colligan (keys), Tom Guarna (guitar), Damian Erksine (bass), Reinhardt Melz (drums)

 Our last gig will be at Ivories; this is billed as the Tom Guarna/Matt Jorgensen Trio featuring George Colligan on Organ. If you don't know Matt Jorgensen, you should; he's one of the best drummers in Seattle, and is really involved on the Pacific Northwest Jazz scene. He even started his own label, Origin Records, and has been very successful with that endeavor.  This gig will be 8-12 on Saturday. Cover charge is 12 bucks. Come down and hear the great guitarist Tom Guarna! Here's a video of Guarna on tour with the great Lenny White: