Since 1991, The California Guitar Trio has enthralled listeners with a singular sound that fearlessly crisscrosses genres. The trio’s questing spirit drives it to explore the intersections between rock, jazz, classical, and world music. It even throws in the occasional surf or spaghetti Western tune for good measure. Comprised of Bert Lams, Hideyo Moriya and Paul Richards, the group has established a unique, personal connection with audiences. In addition to dazzling musicianship and interplay, The California Guitar Trio’s (CGT) shows are full of captivating stories and humor that enable concertgoers to feel like they’re part of the music, not just spectators. CGT’s 15 albums, streamed over 59 million times on Pandora, offer diverse snapshots of the group’s mercurial muse. The trio’s most recent release, Komorebi showcases its acoustic side, with beautiful lush originals, and innovative cover arrangements of Beatles, Beach Boys, and more.

Described by the CBC as the “hottest” guitar ensemble in Canada, Montreal Guitar Trio (MG3) has quickly established itself as a force to be reckoned with, as well as an interactive force in various musical forms. For over 15 years, the trio’s virtuosity, rigor, creativity, and impressive stage presence – where humor and interacting with the public go hand in hand – have been winning over audiences around the world. The trio, composed of guitarists Marc Morin, Sébastien Dufour, and Glenn Lévesque, has given hundreds of concerts in some of the most prestigious venues across North America, Europe, New Zealand and Australia. Winner of the 2011 Opus Award for Concert of the Year in the Jazz/World Music category, MG3 has released six albums.

CGT+MG3 features all six virtuoso guitarists from both extraordinary bands. Representing four countries (Japan, Canada, Belgium, and the US), they fuse over 40 years of combined performing experience into one unique six-by-six string “phenomensemble.” In a pleasantly surprising way, CGT;s steel stringed guitars blend naturally with MG3’s nylon-stringed guitars, as each trios fret boards chase the other’s original compositions and new arrangements of progressive rock, world, jazz, and classical music. Inspired in 2010 by an impromptu studio session together in Montreal, CGT and MG3 have proceeded to release a live recording, land showcases at numerous arts presenter conferences, and sustain frequent co-bill touring throughout North America; from the Iridium in New York City, to Montreal Jazz Festival (twice), to Napa Valley Opera House.