Now celebrating its 26th year, International Guitar Night (IGN) remains one of the most anticipated concert traditions for lovers of acoustic brilliance. Founded by California guitarist and curator Brian Gore, IGN has grown into a global phenomenon—an annual showcase where technique, storytelling, and cross-cultural connection meet under one spotlight. Each tour features four world-class musicians sharing the stage, trading solos and weaving ensemble moments that are as spontaneous as they are sublime.
For its 2026 North American Tour, Gore has assembled what may be the most exhilarating lineup in the series’ history: returning favorite and classical virtuoso Stephanie Jones (Australia), the fiery Brazilian crossover artist Lucas Imbiriba, the trailblazing fingerstyle innovator Alexandr Misko (Russia), and—for the first time ever—an electrifying ukulele artist, the genre-defying Taimane (Hawai‘i). Together they will bring an unforgettable evening of rhythm, precision, and passion to Durango’s Community Concert Hall on February 26 at 7:30 p.m.
Stephanie Jones (Australia) – Classical Virtuoso
If precision and poetry could merge into one performer, it might look—and sound—like Stephanie Jones. The Australian-born guitarist has captivated audiences worldwide with crystalline tone, expressive nuance, and a stage presence that radiates warmth. A graduate of both the Australian National University and Germany’s University of Music Franz Liszt Weimar, Jones has earned top prizes at international competitions and built an enormous online following for her thoughtful interpretations of classical and contemporary repertoire.
Her performance videos have drawn millions of views and earned YouTube’s Silver Play Button Award in 2021. Whether performing a Bach prelude or a modern composition, Jones embodies both discipline and heart—reminding audiences that classical guitar, at its best, speaks to emotion as much as intellect.
Lucas Imbiriba (Brazil) – Rock & Flamenco Firebrand
Few guitarists fuse genres as fearlessly as Lucas Imbiriba. Born in Brazil and classically trained in Spain, Imbiriba channels flamenco fire, Latin rhythm, and rock-arena energy through a single acoustic instrument. His viral arrangements of “Stairway to Heaven” and “Hotel California” have reached millions online, but his artistry goes far beyond spectacle.
Having performed with philharmonic orchestras and shared the stage as lead guitarist for Yusuf / Cat Stevens, Imbiriba turns every performance into theater—equal parts technical mastery and emotional release. Expect passages of quiet lyricism followed by breathtaking bursts of sound, each delivered with cinematic flair.
Alexandr Misko (Russia) – Modern Fingerstyle Prodigy
At just twenty-seven, Alexandr Misko has redefined what one guitar can do. Entirely self-taught, he approaches the instrument like an orchestra—combining melody, percussion, bass lines, and harmonics into a single seamless performance. His signature “Frankenstein Guitar,” custom-built to accommodate his unique techniques, helps him conjure tones few others can match.
Misko’s viral videos, six acclaimed albums, and concerts from Carnegie Hall to Asia’s major festivals have cemented his reputation as a leading figure in the modern fingerstyle movement. Playful yet profound, his music blends precision with imagination, proving that innovation and accessibility can coexist beautifully on six strings.
Taimane (Hawai‘i) – Ukulele Trailblazer
Making history as IGN’s first-ever ukulele artist, Taimane is nothing short of electric. Born and raised on O‘ahu, she began performing professionally at age 10 and has since become one of the world’s foremost ambassadors of the ukulele’s expressive power. Her concerts travel effortlessly from Bach to flamenco, from surf rock to tribal rhythm—woven together with theatrical movement and raw emotional storytelling.
A Nā Hōkū Hanohano Award winner and viral sensation with more than 50 million video views, Taimane transforms the ukulele into a force of nature—sometimes whispering, sometimes roaring, always enthralling. Her presence on the 2026 IGN tour expands the series’ reach and underscores the instrument’s rightful place among the world’s serious performance arts.
A World on a String
When these four artists share one stage, boundaries dissolve. The evening unfolds as a dialogue among cultures—Australian grace meeting Brazilian fire, Russian invention dancing with Hawaiian spirit. From intricate solos to collaborative jams, International Guitar Night XXVI celebrates not only virtuosity but unity: the idea that sound itself can bridge continents.
For long-time fans, this tour continues IGN’s legacy of discovery. For newcomers, it offers a breathtaking introduction to the acoustic guitar (and ukulele) as vehicles for storytelling and connection. Expect humor, heart, and moments of improvisational brilliance that can only happen when master musicians listen as deeply as they play.
Join the journey as International Guitar Night XXVI: World on a String arrives at the Community Concert Hall at Fort Lewis College on February 26 at 7:30 p.m.—a night of global artistry, boundless energy, and strings that sing without borders.
