Tune up your skills at the Acoustic Guitar Spectacular

The popular Acoustic Guitar Spectacular returns to Gladstone and Agnes Water next month with a mixture of free performances and paid workshops for people of all ages and skill levels.

Hosted by renowned Brisbane guitarist Michael Fix, this series of intimate concerts and workshops brings together a trio of Queensland's finest musicians including Majelen and Tom Combes.

Gladstone will get its turn to hear the trio in action at 7pm on Friday 15 August, with a performance at Gladstone Library Square, while Agnes Water Community Centre will get its turn at 7pm on Saturday, 16 August.

Prior to the free performances, a series of 45-minute workshops will be held throughout the day on both Friday and Saturday.

Tom Combes will host an Alternate Tuning Explorations workshop, Majelen will host The String Sisterhood workshop for female guitarists and Michael Fix will host Fingerpicking Blues.

Each workshop costs $15 per person and is limited to 25 people. Attendees are required to bring their own guitar.

Gladstone Region Councillor Glenn Churchill said the joy of live music and this opportunity to learn is accessible to all.

“This isn't just about incredible music; it's a fantastic opportunity for our community – from real life seasoned players to absolute beginners – to engage with world-class talent right here in Gladstone and the Discovery Coast of Agnes Water,” Councillor Churchill said.

“These FREE performances offer a chance for everyone to experience the magic of music, and the workshops provide an invaluable, hands-on learning experience that could truly spark a lifelong passion or reignite an old one.

“We're incredibly proud as your Council to bring the Acoustic Guitar Spectacular back to our region, the home to so many wonderful local artists, venues, events and festivals.”

Cr Churchill said each guitarist brings their own unique skillset to Acoustic Guitar Spectacular.

“Michael Fix is known for his brilliant fingerstyle guitar playing and has released numerous albums, won multiple awards and toured extensively throughout Australia and the world,” he said.

“Majelen is a jazz guitar graduate who released her debut album Stuck With You, which was recorded at the famous Abbey Road Studios earlier this year.

“Tom Combes is a passionate guitarist of more than 25 years and is known for his distinctive fingerpicking and percussive techniques.

“Watching all three of these talented acoustic guitarists on stage together is going to be electric.”

Free Performances (bookings not required)

Gladstone Library Square (39 Goondoon Street) – Friday 15 August, 7pm
Agnes Water Community Centre (71 Springs Road) – Saturday 16 August, 7pm

Gladstone Workshops

Alternate Tuning Explorations

WHEN: 10am, Friday 15 August | DURATION: 45min | PRESENTER: Tom Combes

Unlock your creativity with this workshop led by Tom, where he reveals his dynamic approach to selecting and utilising alternate tunings on solo acoustic guitar. This engaging session will arm you with fresh and practical concepts that you can apply right away, allowing you to embark on an exciting journey through uncharted musical waters.

The String Sisterhood

WHEN: 11am, Friday 15 August | DURATION: 45min | PRESENTER: Majelen

The String Sisterhood is a dynamic meet-up designed exclusively for female guitarists to connect, collaborate and empower each other. The event offers a welcoming space where guitarists of all skill levels can come together to ask questions, share knowledge and discuss everything related to the guitar. With guidance from Majelen, an accomplished guitarist, the meet-up emphasises community-building, mutual support and the power of learning through collaboration.

Fingerpicking Blues

WHEN: 3pm, Friday 15 August | DURATION: 45min | PRESENTER: Michael Fix

Michael teaches a fun and easy-to-memorise fingerstyle Blues tune One Mint Julep. This is great for beginners to develop the basics of fingerstyle and allows for many variations that make it enjoyable for more advanced players. These techniques can become the basis for further exploration.

Agnes Water Workshops

Alternate Tuning Explorations

WHEN: 2pm, Saturday 16 August | DURATION: 45min | PRESENTER: Tom Combes

The String Sisterhood

WHEN: 3pm, Saturday 16 August | DURATION: 45min | PRESENTER: Majelen

Fingerpicking Blues

WHEN: 4pm, Saturday 16 August | DURATION: 45min | PRESENTER: Michael Fix

Visit www.gladstoneentertainment.com/whats-on to secure your place in any of the workshops.

Acoustic Guitar Spectacular is supported by the Queensland Government through Arts Queensland, Gladstone Regional Council and Gladstone Entertainment Convention Centre.

Download this media release (PDF)