Guitar Phenom Shaun Hopper will perform at 7:30 p.m. on March 1 at the Kent State University at Tuscarawas Performing Arts Center.
Tickets range in price from $14-$18 and can be purchased at the Performing Arts Center box office, online at www.kent.edu/tusc/pac or by calling 330-308-6400. The box office is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Free parking is available for all shows.
Acoustic "fingerstyle" guitar wizard Shaun Hopper is at first glance an unassuming presence, a true southern gentleman whose humility stands in stark contrast to the prodigious talents he unveils on stage. Merging complex melodies, harmonies and bass lines along with a one-of-a-kind mix of percussive elements, he captivates everyone within earshot. Whether his listeners are guitar enthusiasts or not matters little, within a few seconds they soon realize that they are listening to a true virtuoso. Hopper's original compositions and arrangements of pop tunes are infused with all the cutting edge techniques and flavorings embraced by the new breed of You-Tube sensations, including influences like Adam Rafferty, Andy McKee and Don Ross. Yet, it is his traditional and schooled approach to music which keeps him unquestionably steeped in, and inspired by, the greats. Influences include guitar legends: Chet Atkins, Andres Segovia, Tommy Emmanuel, George Benson, Michael Hedges, Martin Taylor, Buster B. Jones, Pete Huttlinger and Leo Kottke, just to name a few. The final result is a signature style which crosses over the full range of musical genres: Alternative, Folk, Classical, Celtic, Pop, Rock, Jazz, Blues and Percussive New Age.
Hopper has made his mark opening for acts like "The John Jorgenson Quintet" (Elton John), Bobby Yang, Pierre Bensusan, The California Guitar Trio, Muriel Anderson & Tierra Negra, G. Love and Switchfoot. He has toured with Tim Reynolds & TR3 from the Dave Matthews Band, and has co-written songs with Tommy Emmanuel.