The Adelaide Guitar Festival is the most significant celebration of the guitar in the southern hemisphere, encompassing a multitude of genres.

For the first time since 2018, the festival is back with a full international program, featuring inspirational local musicians alongside pioneers and legends from across the globe.

Since its inaugural event in 2007, the Adelaide Guitar Festival has been a platform for showcasing international artists from all over the world.

The festival has created a space for guitarists to showcase their talent, collaborate with other musicians and bring innovative music to the Australian audience.

The importance of international artists returning to the Adelaide Guitar Festival for the 2023 program lies in the fact that it will create an opportunity for artists to reconnect with their Australian fans, exchange ideas and inspire young local musicians.

The festival has also created a community of guitar enthusiasts from all over the world, thus making it a hub for cultural exchange. With up-and-coming musicians looking to international guitarists for inspiration, their presence will be nothing short of an immense learning and inspiring experience for the next generation of musicians in Australia.

Adelaide has a significant connection with UNESCO, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. Adelaide's UNESCO City of Music status puts it on the world stage for music. It connects the city to a network of other cities of music, promotes cultural exchange, and supports music as a driver of economic growth.

Adelaide's music scene is rich and diverse, with a deep history and thriving contemporary culture. Music is a vital part of Adelaide's identity and culture, and being a UNESCO City of Music helps to promote Adelaide globally as a destination for cultural tourism and investment. The title also brings in opportunities for collaborations and exchanges between international musicians and local artists, creating a space for learning and growth.

Ultimately, being a UNESCO City of Music helps to enrich the city's cultural landscape, providing a platform for music enthusiasts, professional musicians, and the community to come together and celebrate the richness and diversity of music.

The carefully curated 2023 Adelaide Guitar Festival program features an exciting line-up of international artists including the captivating Antoine Boyer and Yeore Kim,Andrea González Caballero and Flamenco Suite by Compañía Flamenca Antonio Andrade, The Milk Carton Kids, and many more.

Among this year’s international program highlights:

Immerse yourself in the peerless passion of Spain, with exquisite classical guitarist Andrea González Caballero and Andalusian powerhouse Compañía Flamenca Antonio Andrade, in Colours of Spain, a special event exclusive to Adelaide.

This event celebrates Adelaide's UNESCO Creative Cities connection with Seville, a fellow UNESCO City of Music.

The addition of Antoine Boyer and Yeore Kim to the festival program is an exciting development for guitar enthusiasts and music lovers alike.

The duo brings together a unique style of music that blends jazz, classical, gypsy jazz, and contemporary styles, and is known for its virtuosity and skill.

Boyer hails from France and is considered one of the finest guitarists of his generation, while Kim is a dazzling Korean harmonica virtuosa, multi-instrumentalist, accomplished composer, and performer.

Boyer and Kim both come exclusively to the Adelaide Guitar Festival in their Australian debut. Their performance is an exciting opportunity to witness some of the most innovative and influential musicians in the world today.

The Milk Carton Kids are making their Adelaide debut on 13 July at Her Majesty’s Theatre. They are known for their exceptional guitar skills and mesmerising vocal harmonies. Their music combines elements of old-school folk and Americana with modern sensibilities, creating a unique sound that has won them fans all over the world.

Joey Ryan and Kenneth Pattengale joined forces as The Milk Carton Kids in 2011 in their hometown of Eagle Rock California. Since then, the duo has released six albums to great acclaim, earning The Milk Carton Kids two Grammy Award nominations and extensive praise for their devotion to the American folk tradition and contemporary songcraft. Their brilliant musicianship, coupled with ample wit and wry humour make for a thoroughly entertaining evening of song and banter.

They will be joined by special guest Vera Sola, a poet, vocalist and multi-instrumentalist who has been described as the ‘lost love child of Leonard Cohen and Nancy Sinatra’. Vera Sola makes timeless, time-bending sound and in the words of the London Sunday Times, she’s a creature all her own, ‘an utterly singular talent’.

A Return to Free Community Events

After an extensive hiatus, the Adelaide Guitar Festival's Talk Sessions return as an integral part of the 2023 program!

The Talk Sessions, a series of captivating artist talks, will take place in the Artspace on Saturday 15 July and Sunday 16 July. This event will feature an impressive line-up of esteemed guest speakers, including renowned music journalist David Sly, engaging in a compelling discussion with guitarist Paul Mason on the enduring legacy of the late Jeff Beck.

Singer-songwriter Nathan May along with First Nations artists will delve into the intricacies of song writing on country and in languages, while South Australian blues legend Chris Finnen will provide fascinating insights into his forthcoming book, 'Finnenisms'.

The Talk Sessions will explore a diverse range of scintillating topics, such as the intersection of Green Music and building a sustainable music industry, as well as the burgeoning impact of Artificial Intelligence (A.I.) on the future of guitar music.

Brace yourself for an enthralling weekend of enlightenment, inspiration, and visionary conversations alongside the already compelling shows at this year’s festival.

Adelaide Guitar Festival Talk Sessions Program


Saturday 15 July

10am – 11.30am: The Spanish Guitar

The Classical Guitar Society of Victoria explores the influence of Spanish music traditions on the modern classical guitar repertoire and practice. The event will feature examples from the flamenco tradition and some of the transcriptions of Spanish piano music by Isaac Albeniz and Enrique Granados, as well as works by other Spanish composers. Spanish snacks will be served during the interval! Presented by Dr. Paul Nash, President of the Classical Guitar Society of Victoria

12pm – 1pm: The Musical Legacy of Jeff Beck

Join guitarist Paul Mason, writer David Sly and a panel of aficionados to discuss the expansive and unparalleled legacy of one of the most influential players of a generation.

2pm – 3pm: Green Music: Carbon neutral touring and creating a sustainable music industry

How can the music industry align with the imperatives of reducing emissions? Are music touring, festivals and the presentation of great live shows compatible with addressing climate concerns, and what has to change? Join a panel of passionate experts to tackle one of the greatest challenges facing the music industry.

4pm – 5pm: Finnenisms: Chris Finnen riffs on 70 years of music with David Sly

South Australian legend of the blues in conversation with the co-author of his forthcoming book Finnenisms.

Sunday 16 July

11.30am – 12.30pm: Mums in Music

Mothers in the music industry discuss the barriers to a balanced career while raising children.

1.30pm – 2.30pm: Can A.I. Play Guitar?

With the recent rise in A.I. generated creative content, what role does A.I. play in the future of guitar music?

2.30pm – 3.30pm: Songs in Language

Singer songwriter Nathan May and other First Nations songwriters discuss their learnings and challenges writing songs in language and on country.

Further details and a full line-up of speakers to be announced.
Visit here for details.

Adelaide Guitar Festival 2023 opens on Saturday 1 July and runs until Sunday 16 July.
For more information on events and to purchase tickets, visit their website.

More information from the 2023 Adelaide Guitar Festival edition of WeekendPlus: