Southern California’s premiere music festival by the sea, THE MALIBU GUITAR FESTIVAL is back for its d third annual event. Presented by D’ANGELICO GUITARS, the event will feature Headliner Mick Fleetwood Blues Band; Jamtown featuring Donavon Frankenreiter, G. Love & Cisco Adler; Tommy Emmanuel, Hunter Hayes topping the bill on the Main Festival Day — Saturday, May 20 — At Malibu Village. Steve Vai Headlines Hot Licks Night On Friday, May 19 At Casa Escobar With Nik West, Lari Basilio, Gretchen Menn, The Band Steele, Zepparella, Dankrupt.
The opening night fundraiser kicks off on Thursday May 18, (6:30pm-12:00am) at Casa Escobar Malibu Beach. The evening includes dinner, Silent Auction and special live performances and an All Star Jam to be announced. The event benefits Emily Shane Foundation, TheraSurf and Karl LaDue Wodakota Foundation.
Steve Vai headlines Hot Licks Night on Friday, May 19 at Casa Escobar featuring a female heavy line-up of stellar musicians including Nik West, Lari Basilio, Gretchen Menn and Zepparella. Hollis Brown, The Band Steele, Dankrupt, Carothers Brothers and Karma Dealers also to perform.
Fesitival Day (the main event at Malibu Village at Cross Creek Road) will feature performances by Mick Fleetwood Blues Band, Jamtown featuring Donavan Frankenreiter, G. Love & Cisco Adler, Tommy Emmanuel, Hunter Hayes, Kenneth Brian Band, Duane Betts’ Pistoleers, Hollis Brown, WRENN, The Soft White Sixties, Zack Zotos & Company Featuring Marcy Levy & Deacon Jones, The Buzz Wizards Featuring Cleto Escobedo (Jimmy Kimmel Live), Laurence Juber, Michael John Hayes Band, Lenny Goldsmith & The New Old, The Band Steele, and Mrs. Gill.
The closing festival event (Sunday May 21, from 10am-3pm) features a Rolling Stones Gear presentation by musician/author Andy Babiuk, from his critically acclaimed book, Rolling Stones Gear: All The Stones’ Instruments From Stage To Studio. Live performances by The Tearaways, Kenneth Brian, Brooke Halpin, Travis Stevens, Ricky Z, Daniel Paige and special surprise guests.
Supporting acts include Kenneth Brian Band, Duane Betts’ The Pistoleers, Hollis Brown, WRENN, The Soft White Sixties, Zack Zotos & Company Featuring Marcy Levy & Deacon Jones, The Buzz Wizards Featuring Cleto Escobedo (from Jimmy Kimmel Live), Laurence Juber, Michael John Hayes, Lenny Goldsmith & The New Old, The Band Steele and Mrs. Gill.
Special Humanitarian Award To Be Presented To Chief Arvol Looking Horse, Chief Of All Stars Nations and Keeper Of The Sacred Bundle For The Lakota, Dakota, and Nakota Nations; Lifetime Achievement Award To Be Presented to Robby Krieger In Honor Of The 50th Anniversary Of The Doors.
Malibu Guitar Festival pays homage to The Rolling Stones, the greatest band in the world, fronted by two of rock’s biggest archetypes, who have defined the look, attitude and sound of Rock & Roll better than any other band in the genre. The creative pairing of Mick Jagger and Keith Richards is among the most significant, durable and resilient relationships in the history of rock, resulting in scores of genre setting hits that are still timely, relevant and vital to this day.
Kenny Wayne performing at last year’s Malibu Guitar Festival; Photo by Richard Bilow
Additional Malibu Guitar Festival events leading into event week include a fashion show at Cure Spa Malibu on May 13 accompanied by live music; a Master Class with Tim Pierce, cited by Guitar World as a Top 10 Session Guitarist (Bruce Springsteen, Eric Clapton, Roger Waters) on May 16 at Malibu Village MGF Art Gallery and a special performance at SoHo House Malibu on May 17 with WRENN.
Malibu Guitar Festival founder Doug Deluca, a music and guitar lover who lives in Malibu, got together with good friend and Malibu local John Watkin, also a founder, in an effort to bring great music and great vibes to the seaside town. The duo saw an opportunity to bring the community together, by securing globally renowned, award-winning musicians to perform, while also supporting local musicians and giving back to charity. Co-founder, Alejandra DeLuca, brings the vision together by shaping the festival’s charitable programs and brand partnerships. Steve Ferrone, legendary drummer and longtime Heartbreaker, joined as the festival’s Musical Director. Doug Deluca is a Co-Executive producer for Jimmy Kimmel Live, John Watkin is co-owner of the Emmy-winning Planet Grande Pictures, and Alejandra DeLuca is a Meditation and Motivational Coach and owner of Manifesting Success and Wellness. Together, they leveraged their collective networks to bring the 2015 inaugural festival to fruition, which was honored with a Dolphin Award, in recognition of their service, commitment and contribution to Malibu.
“The iconography of the guitar and the backdrop of Malibu are a perfect combination for this beautiful event inspired by a passion for music and a love of community,” said DeLuca, adding “the artists and supporters that have come together will ensure the event’s success and growth well into the future.” The Malibu Guitar Festival, which has been embraced by the community and outlying regions, is now officially under the auspices of the City Of Malibu. The 2016 Malibu Guitar Festival raised over $100,000 for Mending Kids, Boys & Girls Club of Malibu and TheraSurf.
Venues include: CASA ESCOBAR, 22969 Pacific Coast Highway; Malibu Village at Cross Creek Road, 3890 Cross Creek Road;
Visit the website to purchase tickets, and to see the full festival schedule with times and admission.
UPDATE: As of December 2022, the Malibu Guitar Festival website has been shut down.
