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Rocky Mountain Archtop Guitar Festival 2026 Highlights

ByJGT Newsroom

JGT contributor Joe Barth covers the Rocky Mountain Archtop Guitar Festival 2026 – photos below. Thanks Joe!

For one weekend in September, Arvada CO becomes the center of the archtop guitar universe. This unique festival is the only one of its kind and features over 30 of the world’s premier guitar builders showcasing their work, along with world-class players, teachers, and clinicians offering player workshops and concerts around Olde Town Arvada.  Over 60 hours of music and 30+ different workshops and clinics will be hosted by various local businesses over the weekend, all within walking distance, creating the most unique guitar-focused music festival in the country.

Elden Kelly and Fareed Hague honoring the late Sonny Rollins performing his “St. Thomas.”
The Frank Vignola Trio:
Frank Vignola, Pasquale Grasso, Vinny Raniolo opening Frank’s seminar.
Jocelyn Gould sitting in with the Frank Vignola Trio.
Lots of folks checking out the guitars in the luthier exhibit.
Donovan Raitt performing “Rikki Don’t Loose That Number “ from his solo guitar album of Steely Dan songs.
Jonathan Stout and Jason Combs demonstrating two of Jason’s guitars with a rendition of “I’m Confessin’”.
Ulf Wakenius leading a seminar on the joys and challenges of performing the music of Keith Jarrett on solo guitar. 
Fareed Haque teaching on 
The Music of Shakti: South Asian Music for the jazz guitarist.
Wayne Wilkinson and Wayne Goins demonstrating Benedetto guitars with a wonderful rendition of “Someday My Prince Will Come.”
Guitar Quartet made up by guitarists from the Air Force, Navy, Army, and Marine Corps bands stationed around the Washington DC area.
Jocelyn Gould teaching Tools for Improvising
Beth Marlis teaching on The Genius of Jimmy Wyble
Howard Alden talking on what was helpful to him as a younger player.
Bruce Forman teaching on how Joe Pass was such a genius at coming up with a solo guitar arrangement in the moment.
Jonathan Stout speaking on Improvising Swing-Era Chord Solos
Wolfgang Muthspiel performing his solo classical guitar suite at the closing concert.
The TransAtlantic Guitar Trio the final concert of this tour.

Est. 2018 | Jazz Guitar Today... Today, Tomorrow & Tradition. JGT is where jazz guitarists come to learn, level up, and stay inspired. From world-class lessons and legendary artist interviews to trusted gear reviews and trend-setting content, we’re shaping the conversation around modern jazz guitar. Editor, Bob Bakert

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