In Back-to-Back October Shows, Another International Musician Comes To Grand Annex Stage

Giuseppe “Peppino” D’Agostino, known for his open tunings and finger styling, come’s to the Grand Annex stage on Oct. 10. 

Italy-born, California-based guitarist and composer has toured across the globe and performed with guitar legends like Leo Kottke, Tommy Emmanuel, Larry Carlton and Sergio Assad.. 

The self-taught musician began choosing and playing tunes by ear. Inspired by far flung influences like the flamenco work of Paco de Lucia and the pop sounds of the Beatles as well as Carlos Santana and Leo Kottke he was composing and performing throughout Italy by the age of 18. He recorded his first two albums in Italy, Bluerba [1981] and Silk and Steel [1983] with fellow musicians who appreciated American bluegrass and new acoustic styles. Soon, D’Agostino took the leap and moved to America in 1985.

After arriving in America, D’Agostino started busking with his guitar at Fisherman’s Wharf in San Francisco. Through an email, the musician wrote about his time there.

 “Years ago, when I was playing in the streets at Fisherman’s Wharf in San Francisco, I had to capture the attention of the tourists to generate some income for myself,” D’Agostino wrote.

“I was successful at it because I chose from a wide repertoire of well known songs but mainly because I was in ‘the zone’ as I was performing often with my eyes closed. People could connect to me because I was deeply connected to the music. It was certainly a very formative experience for me!”

By the time he emerged on the acoustic guitar scene, D’Agostino became a leading member of the second wave of the great finger stylists that helped redefine the instrument in the 1990s. His technique, penchant for open tunings [tuning strings differently, forming pleasant chords and strumming without pressing frets or strings down, creating a new tonality] and percussive effects are the basis of his compositional style. His virtuosity and his emotional charge have also influenced the younger generation of fingerstyle guitarists. 

Eventually D’Agostino toured across the globe performing with guitar legends. He has recorded 19 CD’s and performed in more than thirty-five countries at international festivals and concert halls. In 2017 Guitar Player listed D’Agostino as one of the 50 transcendent superheroes of the acoustic guitar. His CD, Every Step of The Way, was awarded the bronze medal for best acoustic album of all time by Acoustic Guitar’s People’s Choice Awards. Recently he had his first sold-out tour in China and he composed a soundtrack for the Monterey Bay Aquarium. 

D’Agostino’s repertoire is always changing and adapting to the connection he makes with his audience. His live performances combine complex, up tempo instrumentals, and beautiful arrangements. Audiences at Grand Annex can expect to witness a variety of guitar techniques and musical styles including classical, Brazilian and jazz.

In addition to performing, D’Agostino gives guitar workshops, master classes and seminars worldwide. He also scores documentary soundtracks as well as video games like Sims or Dragons of Atlantis.

Giuseppe “Peppino” D’Agostino
Time: 8 p.m. Oct.10, wine tasting at 7 p.m.
Cost: Tickets: $28; Cabaret Tables $132 to $152
Details: www.grandvision.secure.force.com/ticket/peppino-DAgostino and www.kalakoa.com 
Venue: Grand Annex, 434 W. 6th St., San Pedro