Denver — Two-time Grammy nominee Tommy Emmanuel has a professional career that spans over four decades and continues to intersect with some of the finest musicians throughout the world. A household name in his native Australia, Tommy has garnered hundreds of thousands of loyal fans worldwide. Guitar legend Chet Atkins was one of the first to inspire Emmanuel to pick up the instrument. Decades later, Atkins himself became one of Emmanuel’s biggest fans. Chet and Tommy eventually recorded together in 1996 on "The Day the Finger Pickers Took Over the World," for which Emmanuel received his first Grammy award nomination, and which was Chet's last recording before his death in 2001. In 1999, Chet honored Tommy Emmanuel the rare title of Certified Guitar Player for his lifetime contribution to the art of finger style guitar playing, a rare honor shared by only three other people in the world (Jerry Reed, Steve Warner and John Knowles). Tommy's latest recording, The Mystery, has garnered him a second Grammy nomination this year (for the song "Gameshow Rag/Cannonball Rag" in the Best Country Instrumental category). Recent accolades include induction into the Thumb pickers Hall of Fame in Muhlenberg, Kentucky—the only non-American so honored—and Acoustic Guitar Magazine readers' poll named him in the top 3 favorite artists and his album, ONLY, in the top 4 favorite albums of all time. From the wilds of Australia's outback to bustling major cities throughout the world, Emmanuel’s flair and unforgettable showmanship have created an enviable fan base that continues to grow even larger every year. Two-time Grammy nominee Pam Rose will open the shows, to be held at L2 Church on 1477 Columbine Street in Denver, on Friday and Saturday, September 21 and 22, at 8 p.m.

Tommy Emmanuel will also be delivering a guitar workshop, for all levels from the newcomer to advanced level, on Saturday, September 22 at 1 p.m. at Swallow Hill Music Association, 71 East Yale Avenue in Denver. Tommy's workshop is suitable for all levels of guitar playing, from the newcomer to the advanced player. Tommy shares his tips and tricks for preparing for a show, practicing, tuning, choosing a guitar, a pick-up, and demonstrating many of his styles and how they are accomplished. His most valuable lessons are on the anatomy of a song, writing a melody and all of the elements of composition on guitar that make for pleasing sounds. It's a chance to get very close to the master to see his technique and the most important element of the entire course: to ask him questions about your particular concerns, which he will address in detail. Make sure you bring your guitar so he can have a look at it to determine if it's set up properly, and for him to sign it! Space is limited and early registration is encouraged.

For tickets visit www.swallowhillmusic.org or call (303) 777-1003. Discounts are available for Swallow Hill members.

About Swallow Hill Music Association:
Helping people make music since 1979 years, Swallow Hill Music Association is one of the largest institutions of its kind in the United States as a source for folk, roots and acoustic music. With more than 2,100 members—some of whom are also volunteers—Swallow Hill provides a place to celebrate music that is rarely heard elsewhere in the Rocky Mountain Region. Three concert venues house more than 150 performances a year, featuring some of the world's great artists as well as up-and-coming new talent. The Julie Davis Music School at Swallow Hill provides a valuable and affordable extra-curricular educational resource to the community with more than 50 music instructors involved in more than 240 adult classes and 70 children's classes annually.

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