Guelph, ON January 8, 2015 – Johannes Linstead is recognized internationally as one of the best selling guitarists in the Instrumental and World Music genres. Inspired by his travels to Spain, the Caribbean, India and the Middle East, Linstead has developed a colourful and exotic musical palette. He’s been named Canada’s “Guitarist of the Year,” and achieved four top-ten Billboard charting albums. The acclaimed, JUNO Award nominated instrumentalist will perform at River Run Centre on Friday, January 23 at 8 p.m. as part of the Borealis Music Series. A limited number of tickets are still available for this Co-operators Hall concert.
Joining guitarist Linstead for his Guelph engagement are four charismatic and talented band members: Jordan Abraham playing accordion and piano; Anastasios Bigas on drums and percussion; Geoff Hlibka on Spanish guitar; and bassist Frank Marcos. Together they’re known for their spectacular on-stage chemistry that inevitable moves audiences to their feet, clapping along with the music and occasionally shouting out “ole!”
When creating new music, Canadian-born Linstead derives his inspiration from the sights and sounds of his many travels. “I use music as a way to express what words cannot say,” he explains. “Every note contains a part of me and all the love, joy, hope and compassion in my heart. I believe that music has the power to uplift humanity – I see it all the time at every one of my concerts. To be able to bring happiness to so many people is a true blessing.”
Linstead splits his time between his home in Canada, and his home away from home in the Dominican Republic. A deeply spiritual person, Linstead is a certified yoga instructor and conducts yoga and music retreats near his Caribbean home when his touring schedule allows. In 2006 he founded Divine Earth (divineearth.org), a humanitarian organization promoting meditation, yoga, holistic living, and the healing power of music.
Linstead’s music has enjoyed great proliferation and exposure thanks to inclusion in several television projects. His songs have been used in several popular series, including Californication starring David Duchovny, The Following with Kevin Bacon, Burn Notice and Person of Interest. World champion figure skater Stephane Lambiel used Linstead’s song “Zabuca” as part of his choreography during the Winter Olympics, and recently his song “Cafe Tropical” was featured in the hugely popular video game Tropical 4. Linstead is also endorsed as an “Influential Artist” with Yamaha Guitars USA, the largest musical instrument manufacturer in world.
Tickets are $27 for adults and $25 for students and seniors. $5 eyeGO tickets are available for high school students with valid ID. $20 uGO tickets are available to university and college students with valid ID. Tickets are available at the River Run Box Office at 519-763-3000, or online at riverrun.ca/johannes-linstead
FOR INFORMATION
Ella Pauls | Manager of Cultural Development
Culture & Tourism| Community & Social Services
City of Guelph
519-822-1260 extension 2589
[email protected]