Strap On And Jam Out

The sights and sounds of a guitar show are invigorating for guitarists of all experience levels, and are nearly enough to drive any axe-slinger into a shopping frenzy. But there's another underrated sense that I've always associated with a convention hall packed with musicians and vendors: smell. The tang of...

By Jesse Hughey

April 15, 2010

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The sights and sounds of a guitar show are invigorating for guitarists of all experience levels, and are nearly enough to drive any axe-slinger into a shopping frenzy. But there's another underrated sense that I've always associated with a convention hall packed with musicians and vendors: smell. The tang of fresh finish on a brand-new sunburst Telecaster, the musk of a vintage Gibson acoustic, the burnt-dust scent of a humming tube-amp, the leather of stiff new straps and that omnipresent nacho-cheez concession-stand haze all combine to make players realize how badly they need an all-new set of gear. The 33rd Annual Dallas International Guitar Festival offers that, plus performances from King's X, Ricky Skaggs, Rick Derringer, Ted Nugent, an All-Star Jam, young guns featured in the Texas 10 Under 20 contest and more. Doors open at noon Friday and at 10 a.m. Saturday and Sunday at Dallas Market Hall, 2200 Stemmons Freeway. One-day tickets are $15 for students, $22 general admission and $40 for VIP seats (which guarantee you a spot close enough to discern what kind of G-string the Nuge uses [on his guitar--get your mind out of the gutter!]). Multiple-day tickets range from $30 to $90. Call 214-655-6100 or visit guitarshow.com for tickets, performance times and more.
Fri., April 16, noon; Sat., April 17, 10 a.m.; Sun., April 18, 10 a.m., 2010

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