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Crosstown Arts presents The Cutaway Acoustic Guitar Series, a monthly concert series showcasing internationally acclaimed guitarists.
This series is in partnership with the Little Rock-based Argenta Acoustic Music Series. February’s performance features Canadian fingerstyle guitarist Calum Graham in an intimate, solo performance.
Tickets: $20
Doors at 7pm | Performance 7:30pm
At only 26 years old, Calum Graham has already enjoyed a career that would be the envy of most artists twice his age. He was recently named one of the World’s Top 30 Guitarists under 30 by Acoustic Guitar Magazine. His signature playing style has enthralled millions of listeners on YouTube and Spotify, which has led to tours across America, Europe, and China. Calum plays both the acoustic and harp guitar in his live set, and his original melodies are guaranteed to pull at your heartstrings. His music embraces elements of folk, world, and blues — all built upon the foundation of the fingerstyle technique. “The most promising young guitarist I’ve seen. His command of the guitar is already really impressive!” — Andy McKee
Born in British Columbia and raised in High River, Alberta, Graham’s musical journey first took flight when he began playing the guitar at the age of 13. Five years later in the summer of 2010, Graham attended the Canadian Guitar Festival and entered the prestigious Canadian Fingerstyle Guitar Competition. Impressed with his original compositions, the judges awarded Graham with a first place finish; a feat no other teenager has accomplished in the history of the festival. The clip of his winning performance has now generated almost 1 million hits on YouTube.
As Calum Graham’s name continued to grow in Alberta and across Canada for his guitar work and musicianship, Graham proved that his talent was not limited to his extraordinary ability to play the guitar. In 2011, Graham won the Canada’s Walk of Fame nationwide “A Song For Canada” contest based on his poetic acuteness. His winning poem was used in the song “I’m Here, (A Song For Canada).” The song was performed by Chantal Kreviazuk and co-written by Graham, Raine Maida (Our Lady Peace) and Stephen Moccio (“I Believe”, 2010 Vancouver Olympics theme song/”Wrecking Ball” – Miley Cyrus).”. “Calum’s entry resonated strongly among the judges. His poem celebrates the cultural mosaic that is Canada. He has captured the diversity of this country – something that we as a nation are renowned for and proud of.” – Stephan Moccio
