“He’s one of the best musicians I know” – Leo Kottke
A special show of duos, celebrating the versatility and dynamic range of the acoustic guitar! Guitar guru Tim Sparks will play a set with jazz and flamenco rising star Ben Abrahamson. Then, he will play a set with folk blues guitarist and longtime Rio Nido bandmate Tom Lieberman.
Tim Sparks has been redefining the acoustic guitar repertoire since he won the National Fingerpicking Championship in 1993 with a ground-breaking arrangement of Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Suite. Equally at home with country, blues, jazz or global music, Sparks’s extraordinary ability has earned him an international reputation as one of the most innovative guitarists working today.
Ben Abrahamson is a fresh, dynamic voice on the acoustic guitar. His compositions evoke the dexterity of flamenco and the harmonic storytelling of jazz. His passion for flamenco guitar drove him to Taller de Músics School of Music in Barcelona. There, he studied under Juan Ramón Caro. He has composed works for the Minneapolis Guitar Quartet, Zorongo Flamenco Dance Theatre, Mac Jazz big band, and more. Furthermore, Ben has shared the stage with mentors like Michael and Tony Hauser, Susana di Palma, La Conja, and Chuscales.
As creative director and producer, Tom Lieberman has contributed to productions that have received numerous awards of distinction. As a guitarist, Tom has performed all over the country, including a ten-year run on A Prairie Home Companion (he was replaced by Chet Atkins). In addition to Rio Nido, Tom performs both as a solo artist, and with his group, Tommy & The Liebermen. His 2013 album, Common Denominator, made Star Tribune’s Top Ten list for the year. It was described as “bluesy, simmering, profoundly philosophical” and “a charming, eclectic album of original songs.”
Recommended for fans of Leo Kottke, Marc Ribot, Bill Frisell and Rio Nido.
