The Georgia Straight proudly sponsors the Vancouver International Guitar Festival

From June 23 to 25, the Vancouver International Guitar Festival takes over the Chinese Cultural Centre Hall (50 E. Pender).

The inaugural event will see guitar builders, players, collectors, and aficionados gather in Vancouver for three days of live music, master classes, special events, and the opportunity to see, hear, and play some of the world's finest handmade stringed instruments.

On June 23, guitar fanatics can take part in a luthier's conference that includes roundtable discussions with industry leaders, keynote speakers, and a lineup of seminars discussing new markets, next-generation luthiers, breakthrough technologies, and digital commerce. The Industry Builder Award will be presented to Jean Larivee, with his protégés Grit Laskin, Linda Manzer, and Sergei de Jonge in attendance.

Another highlight of the festival is an exhibition held on June 24 and 25, which is expected to feature live instrument demonstrations, concerts, and master classes. The work of over 60 master luthiers from around the world will be on display and exhibitors will be present to provide information about their creative work. Vendors from the trade will also be on hand, including tonewood suppliers, guitar-parts manufacturers, and music retailers.

Tickets for the Vancouver International Guitar Festival range from $10 to $175 and are available online.