Known for bringing to town one of the worlds largest collections of guitars and other instruments, the 34th Annual Dallas International Guitar Festival descends upon Dallas Market Hall (2200 Stemmons Freeway) Friday through Sunday. Bringing musicians, fans, collectors and celebrities together from across the globe, there is no better place to buy, sell or trade that one special ax since guests can scour through literally thousands of new and vintage guitars, basses, banjos and other pieces of music memorabilia from more than 800 vendor booths. Now for those who are content with their stable at home, attendees can participate in exhibits, clinics, an all-star jam session Saturday night and enjoy live performances on one of the festivals four stages featuring such acts as Eisley, Tab Benoit, Paul Reed Smith, Gregg Martin, and Andy Timmons, among others. Festival hours are noon to 7 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. Tickets can be purchased online or at the show and run from $10 to $40. VIP passes range from $40 to $70 and allow ticket holders to sit in the front rows of the concerts. For more information or to purchase tickets, call 972-240-2206, or visit guitarshow.com.
Fri., April 15, 12-7 p.m.; Sat., April 16, 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sun., April 17, 10 a.m.-6 p.m., 2011