Shaun Hopper to bring guitar performance to Performing Arts Center

Guitar phenomenon Shaun Hopper will perform at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday in the Performing Arts Center on the campus of Kent State University at Tuscarawas.

Tickets range in price from $14 to $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 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, and from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays. Free parking is available for all shows.

Acoustic “fingerstyle” guitar wizard 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.

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.

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Submitted by Pam Patacca