November 26, 2012, Monday - An Evening with Leo Kottke at The Guthrie

Time: 7:30pm

Location: Guthrie Theater, Wurtele Thrust Stage, 818 Second Street South

An Evening with Leo Kottke with special guest Nellie McKay

Acoustic guitar virtuoso Leo Kottke is widely known for his innovative fingerpicking style, which draws on influences from blues, jazz, and folk music. A two-time Grammy nominee, Kottke has recorded over 40 albums in a career that's spanned more than 40 years. Despite damage to the hearing in both ears, caused by separate incidents in his youth, Kottke worked hard to become a musician. After a short stint in the Navy Reserves, he hitchhiked around the States, finally settling in Minneapolis where he became a regular on the local folk scene. He recorded his debut album 12 String Blues in 1969. His follow-up caught the attention of legendary guitarist John Fahey and, with the help of Fahey’s manager, Kottke signed a recording deal with Capitol Records. His albums for Capitol drew critical praise and he breached the Top 50 in 1975 with Chewing Pine.

In concert, Kottke mixes his dry sense of humor with jaw-dropping instrumental selections from his storied career, playing solo on his signature 6 and 12-string guitars. Fast and technically proficient, the emotion and soul communicated through his acoustic guitar separates him from other players. Leo Kottke is a musician’s musician, enjoyed by those who love his unique guitar playing style and sound and appreciated by musicians and guitarists who understand his incredible guitar talent and virtuosity. The word “virtuoso” may well be overused, but when referencing Leo Kottke, it is absolutely true. He's a true virtuoso, a legendary master of the five-finger picking technique and 12-string slide instrumentals.