A Dazzling Lineup of Master Guitarists are Scheduled to Perform for 2016 Crown Guitar Festival, Aug. 28-Sept. 3

Mark your calendars for the last week of August because it's going be the hottest week of summer music when the Crown Guitar Workshop and Festival celebrates it's love of all things guitar on Aug. 28-Sept. 4, 2016 in Bigfork, Montana. It will be "Workshop by day, Festival by Night" as this unique event showcases the world-class Artists in Residence who teach during the day in six collaborative performances over the week. Concerts are held under a Big Top tent in the small meadow venue of Flathead Lake Lodge.

The diverse 2016 line-up presents a mix of emerging and established artists from all genres. Appearing this year will be rock/songwriter legend, Jim Messina who brings his band; Chris Eldridge of the Punch Brothers; Nashville recording legend Brent Mason; gypsy jazz artists Gonzalo Bergara and Max O'Rourke; country singer/songwriter Liz Longley; and SoloDuo, the Italian classical duo of Matteo Mela and Lorenzo Micheli.

Returning artists include Lee Ritenour, back for his seventh year, who will bring the winner of his international Six String Theory competition; Grammy®-winner Dweezil Zappa, son of Frank Zappa; Jazz fusion prodigy Julian Lage; Rocker Shane Theriot, Grammy- awarded producer of the television music show Live from Daryl's House; Steely Dan guitarist Jon Herington. Andy Aledort, Guitar World editor and Rock pedagogue and Emerging Artist in Residence, Josh Turner completes the roster

Concert Lineup

A special "Crown Preview" party kicks off the week on Saturday Aug. 27, at Flathead Lake Brewing Company. Featured artist is Josh Turner with additional artists to be announced. The $10 cover includes one drink ticket for this event. This a fundraiser to support a local Bigfork scholarship student, to attend the week-long Crown Workshop.

All Festival concerts start at 7 pm with gates opening at 6 pm at Flathead Lake Lodge with beer, wine and food vendors available. On Saturday, Sept. 3, gates open early at 4 pm for outdoor music, food, wine and beer.

Sunday 8/28 - Emerging Artist Josh Turner and Jim Messina with his band.

Monday 8/29 - Gypsy Jazz featuring Gonzalo Bergara with Max O'Rourke and Julian Lage with Chris Eldridge.

Wednesday 8/31 - Liz Longley and Brent Mason with special guests and Jon Herington.

Thursday 9/1 - Solo Duo and Lee Ritenour with Melvin Davis featuring the winner of the 2016 Six String Theory competition.

Friday 9/2 - Student and Faculty night with the Jam Band.

Saturday 9/3 - Super Group Grand Finale and Special Tribute. Don't miss this incredible gathering of guitar superstars in a once in a lifetime performance.

"It's going to be five hours of continuous music, featuring an amazing lineup of musicians," says Steve Anderson, the Crown's Executive Director. "We've just added The Jim Messina Band for a short set, offering people a chance to hear him if you missed his sold out show on Sunday. And bluesman King Solomon Hicks, will also be playing after flying in on Friday from his European tour."

Anderson has dubbed the event as a "Crown Tribute Concert" that will pay musical respect to several musical heroes who have passed on recently. "The Artists in Residence will perform some of the greatest pieces of music ever written and released."

The music will begin with the opening of the gates at 4 pm and run until 10 pm for three full sets of music on the Crown Festival Stage under the big top tent at Flathead Lake Lodge. Food, wine, brews and a barbecue will be available and both silent and live auctions will be part of the festivities.

Artists scheduled to perform will be Dweezil Zappa, Jon Herington, Brent Mason, Jim Messina and his band, Chris Eldridge and more will perform everything from rock to folk to jazz to blues. Joining them will some of the phenomenal Fellowship students and talented Crown Faculty artists, including Dennis McCumber, Doug Smith, Mark Dziuba and James Hogan. All will be accompanied by a full rhythm section.

"This is not a night to miss!" exclaims Anderson.

Tickets have been streamlined to eliminate online service charges; all seats are $40 per night and there is a new youth ticket price of $20 for age 18 and under. Tickets will be $5 more at the gate day of show. A Crown Pass option provides a ticket to six concerts plus admission to a special meet and greet event with Jim Messina after his concert. For complete information about the Workshop and Festival visit www.crownguitarfest.org. Purchase tickets beginning June 6, 2016 at www.crownguitarfest.tix.com or call 406-471-8757.

ABOUT THE CROWN OF THE CONTINENT GUITAR FOUNDATION: Founded in 2009, the nonprofit Crown of the Continent Guitar Foundation celebrates the love of the guitar and the magical splendor of Montana. The Foundation provides scholarships and collaborates with other non-profit organizations in the Flathead Valley. The workshop is a perfect opportunity for drawing inspiration, perfecting technique and deepening one's passion for the guitar and music. Visit www.cocguitarfest.org