Tommy Emmanuel

This was one of the best shows I've ever been to, if not the #1. It was an AMAZING show and Tommy showed why he is the #1 acoustic guitarist alive today. He is also a great human being. The concert was intimate with less than 500 in the hall and one could look between the stage and out the double door to the mountains, Lake Estes, and the evening sky. I will never forget this moment and it helped I got to meet Tommy and get my guitar signed!

As a longtime fan of Tommy and his music, I agonized over finally seeing him perform live. I have been burned before--coming away from a concert disappointed by reality after the perfection of studio recordings. Nevertheless, I was determined not to miss seeing and hearing Tommy live on stage, even though I had to drive 4 hours to do it! The venue was The Lyric Theater in Birmingham, AL--a beautifully restored 1914 landmark, which means that it is wonderful to marvel at the baroque gildings and hand-painted details, but the seats were meant for the thinner, shorter audience patron of 100 years ago. The show opened at 8pm with Amanda Shires performing her own compositions while playing the ukulele, which was much better than it sounds! She told funny anecdotal stories between songs which tied her set together, and while she was quite entertaining, the crowd was marking time until Mr. Emmanuel took the stage...and when he did take the stage (at around 9:05pm), he lit up the place! The audience quickly forgot the snug seats and ineffective air conditioning, and thrilled to hear one of the world's best guitar players play better than he does on studio recordings! Before the show, my wife asked whether there would be any accompaniment, or would he be solo? Believe me, Tommy sounds like 4 people all by himself! He brought the crowd to its' feet more than once, and his Beatles tribute alone was worth the price of admission (His intro? "You like the Rolling Stones? Too bad, I'm playing the Beatles!") Mason Williams' "Classical Gas" has pretty much become an Emmanuel staple, and Tommy's compositions for his daughters told you how much he loves and misses them while on the road. All-in-all, this Tommy Emmanuel fan was completely satiated, and had his faith in live performances restored. A good time was had by all...

If you enjoy good quality acoustic guitar music you will love Tommy's variations and spectacular finger work. No hype, just quality. Check out up and coming Anthony Snape.

Well.... what can you say about this great guitarist. Truly transcendent. I have attended only a handful of concerts that approached this musical level. There were no gimmicks or theatre, just pure music that took me and my wife into another world for awhile. I love guitar, and my Wife went along to keep me company but she was as impressed as I was, and that takes a lot to do! More shows like this in ABQ Please!!!!

The most amazing display of guitar we have ever witnessed!

I can confidently say that, after attending both Tommy Emmanuel's workshop and performance, he is the 8th wonder of the world. His attention to musicianship and dedication to advancing finger-picking technique is second to none. In addition, his on-stage aura is both calming and envigorating simultaneously, engulfing the audience in what can only be described as "all hell breaking loose." As a burgeoning guitarist myself, his inspirational words both on and off stage struck a "well of stoke," encouraging me to delve deeper into all aspects of guitar. I highly advise any capable of attending his workshops to do so. Not only will this improve your physical and mental abilities, but will allow you to meet Tommy Emmanuel face-to-face. I had the great fortune to take a picture with Tommy as well as get my guitar signed by him.

This was by far the best event I have attended. Tommy was energetic and his high speed musical talents left everyone breathless. He is truly in a class all his own.

Tommy emmanuel has got to be the best guitar player in current times...Great show...

Unbelievable performance by one of the best guitarists around and one that is also a great entertainer. Knows how to put on a show!

Wow - what a treat! I have never seen finger pick style acoustic players like this! You are in for a wonderful treat! Every minute is so breath taking it NEVER leaves you bored for one second! Totally Amazing show is the least I could say. Tommy's style is a blend of Bluegrass, Jazz, blues, and Folk, but blended so nicely together it just leaves you in such a nice mood! He also has a very important message for those in need of some words of inspiration. This show is recommended for ALL ages!!

A grand showman who obviously likes what he does and interacts with the audience in an exchange of energy.

What an amazing show. I just learned about Tommy a few months ago and was amazed at what I heard. Seeing him live in concert seals it - he is the most amazing guitarist I've ever seen. It's almost like a magic show - how can he be generating all those different sounds in parallel in a coordinated fashion? His level of motor skills is phenomenal. I hope he continues his prolific carrer and comes back to ABQ again.

Never expected to be so fully entertained. With the exception of the cramped seating at the KiMo, the night was fantastic. Not only is Tommy great on the guitar strings but he's also a wild percussionist. If you ever get the chance , don't miss seeing this great artist especially in a small venue.

Every time I have seen Tommy Emmanuel, he gives his all and is one of the greatest guitarist I have ever seen. Add to this wonderful evening Pam Rose and Josh King and it was a magical night. Never miss a chance to see TE live - he is a life affirming, energetic, and profoundly talented artist!

Standing room only, house packed withacoustic/TE lovers. He played 2 sets with multiple standing ovations and an encore. How he has so much energy and emotion put into his performance is amazing. I liked the stories he tells between songs and how he connects with the audience. He had us laughing, clapping, and shaking our heads at the complex music. He is the definition of shredding a neck. I asked Steve, his incredible soundman, to pass a message to TE requesting a happy birthday shout to my 85 year old mother, who was taking his show the next night in Orlando. the next night's show TE had just ripped apart 9 Pound Hammer, the lights went up, and he wished my mom happy 85th. She stood up and beamed to a loud applause.

Without a doubt, the best guitar player on planet earth! Chet Atkins was the best, but since his passing, Tommy Emmanuel takes his spot. His first appearance in Las Vegas, and I hope he returns soon!

We just recently discovered this brilliant guitarist. He's amazing! And such a congenial guy on stage. He make you feel like he's privileged to play for you. And he's pretty funny, too! I was hoping he'd have the energy to play Classical Gas, and he played it the third song! We knew we were in for a great show when it was one of his warm-up songs. Loved the Beatles medley. And Blue Moon, which was the song that made me sit up and take notice of him. We appreciated the autograph session at the end.

I have seen Tommy before and although the setlist was largely the same it did not matter because he is such an amazing guitarist with a great personality that I had a fantastic time! Highly recommended.

Show was incredible. Tommy is the best guitarist in the world and just an unbelievable person. Got to meet him after the show and he's the nicest guy ever. Get him back soon!!!

If you ever want to be truly entertained and amazed at what can be produced by 1 person and his guitars, do yourself a favour and see Tommy Emmanuel at every opportunity he is in the same country as you are, drag every guitar nut, tone deaf friend or nosy neighbour to accompany you, even if you go broke doing it. His playing cannot be defined within any one style and Tommy's ability to draw the right sound from from anything, and it is anything, within reach is to be experienced. The highlight of any of the evenings with him is when Tommy combines his finger picking, melodic, percussive and freestyle techniques within a piece, any first timer will be truly astounded that a guitar and player can produce those experiences for the participants. For those who have been fortunate to see Tommy before, you are washed into a world of memories and renewed acquaintance of his music and personality, which is drug like to experience and you wish for it to never end. You are not an audience member, as Tommy invites you to be a part of his world. From classics to current to Tommy's original material you are seeing and hearing the best of the composers note placement within the musical scale, with Tommy's additional flair for interpretation and originality. For those guitarists who go to one of Tommy's evenings, please do not become withdrawn and morose, look on this as a door opening to a new world of musical and personal expression, and challenge yourself to be as excellent as you can in your playing and life. Oh and his stories of his life and jokes are reminders of a time past and other places, I have fond memories of having grown up in the same country and I can draw comparisons to my own life from Tommy's. Congratulations Tommy, the world is a far better place for your presence, music and ability to be a truly wonderful performer and person.

Tommy was on fire as usual and he even threw in a music lesson in the midst of his show. Of course his playing is never in question, but the fact that he is also a great showman and entertainer always makes his show even better. I know he draws mainly male guitar players, but fellows bring your wife. She'll love him too. I brought my wife along and she was equally entertained. She's now a Tommy fan.

This was the 8th time I have seen Tommy Emmanuel since I first discovered him 20 years ago. However, this show was a little different because he had his full band and was joined by his brother Phil. It was an unforgettable experience. His energy, professionalism and pure skill as a guitar player have very few to equal him in the world. The sound quality at his shows is always very high quality and adding all the various dynamics of a full band did not minimize that at all. I would go and see Tommy Emmanuel at any opportunity I got.

I've seen Tommy now 7 times, once with Les Paul and Frank Vignola. This concert showed another aspect of this amazing guitarist and person - Thanks Tommy for an enjoyable and unforgettable evening.

If you haven't seen him in concert yet, you owe it to yourself to go! Apart from his technical excellence in guitar playing, Tommy shared stories of inspiration about his life , his song-writing career, his dreams and aspirations. It is a rare pleasure to see an artist of this caliber exude such passion for his music and be humbled by the experience himself in sharing it with his audience. His music appeals to many genres from his toe-tapping bluegrass to hip-hopping one man band to quiet romantic love songs, there is something for everyone. An absolute pleasure to watch and attend his concert.

I took 3 teenage boys and one 20 year old boy to this concert on Sat. night. It was AMAZING. We all loved it. 3 of them all play the guitar and are heavily inspired by him. Me....I just find it wonderful to listen to. The music and sounds he makes come out of a guitar are simply incredible. If you ever get a chance to see him ...do so.

The creative endeavor of Tommy Emmanuel is a full body experience! His showmanship isn't staged, but rather an extension of the music he feels as he plays ~ the intensity of which extends to his audience both in sound and energy! I was unprepared for the fullness this artist brought to the stage, yet it was easy to get involved. Tommy truly is one of a kind, and the master, on top of his game. Also, his opening show: Chase Foster. That young man has a talent for creative lyric that resonates with all ages. His sound was unique and refreshing, a perfect complementary accompaniment to Tommy's gig! BRAVO!!

never been to a tommy emmanuel concert before so i was not exactly sure what to expect. i had front row seat directly infront of him so i got the maximum impact from this extremely talented artist. i was in awe for the entire show. he is absolutely one with his guitar, and he gets all that can be gotten from the guitar. thank you tommy for allowing photography becasue i now have an iphone full of your live performance. i listened to it several times on the way home (70 miles back to Costa Mesa). when you perform it is obvious that you put an intense amount of emotion into your music. ie., the song about your father, and angelina were inspiring. thank you for an exceptional evening of music. i'm looking forward to seeing your next concert. Hurry back.

Outstanding performance! Had the crowd captivated from the get go. Liked the fact that the venue was small and the acoustics were good. Being a smaller place gave the show more of a one to one connection with the artist. Loved it. Audience reaction to the songs was overwhelming which I think Tommy appreciated very much. The crowd loved the show and it showed. When Tommy mentioned the Gibson Kalamazoo acoustic guitar and then played it . The crowd was impressed. All in all a very good concert , by an incredible musician. Kudos!!

Tommy Emmanuel is beyond amazing! My brain had trouble reconciling what I was seeing (one man with a guitar) with what I was hearing (a "perfect storm" of notes--layer-upon-layer of blazing fast, crystal clear, music.) The opening medely of songs lasted about 20 minutes and included Classical Gas, Go to Rio and more. My 15 year old son, himself a budding guitarist, remarked that he didn't think he could physically play that fast for that long without his arms turning to rubber. Of course part of the beauty of a Tommy concert is that it doesn't matter if he's burning up the strings or he slows it down, it's always amazing, and he does it all wearing a "cat-ate-the-canary" grin, clearly happy in his element. If you've never been, go. You won't be disappointed.

This was the second time I saw Tommy, and he was in absolute top form! He nailed his signature songs like Tall Fiddler, Classical Gas, Angelina, Beatles medley and the Aboriginal song, and was fully of energy and perfection throughout the show. And his newest works are even better than the classics! I particularly liked his opening act Rick Price, who kindly signed my guitar after his set. I would have given a lot to have Tommy sign it, too, but I understood that their aggressive travel schedule and his prior cardiac health concerns mean he needs to rest after the show... Maybe I'll get there early next time and catch him on the side! If you have any appreciation and respect for guitar virtuosity, this is the man to see. A humble legend in his own time, and for every right reason.

Incredible artist, incredible show! Tommy Emanuel is the preeminent accoustic guitarist of our time ... hand's down. A master artist and showman, he makes sure a good time is had by all. A wide range of songs, beautiful soaring melodies and a nonstop assault of mind-blowing riffs (that will leave even the most jaded guitar afficianao's jaws dropping) . The BB King club was a great venue. We ordered tickets from Ticketmaster a couple months before the show ... and were amazed when we arrived and they proceeded to march us down into the VIP section ... front row, center table! The tickets included an artist meet-and-greet (another welcome surprise) ... we got to talk with him afterward, get his autograph and even a picture. All around great night!!!

Tommy was incredible! Venue was great, perfect price.

I'll start by noting that I am a big fan of Tommy Emmanuel, having seen him multiple times. I'm a lover of music, and have seen many great musicians in all genres including rock, jazz, and classical, and I can honestly say that Tommy Emmanuel consistently delivers the most extraordinary performance I have ever seen. He epitomizes what an artist should be by combining an unbelievable technical mastery of his instrument with an unsurpassed artistry and creativity. When Tommy plays, it is transformative, and I can hardly believe the technical and artistic mastery I am hearing and witnessing. To put it another way, when I am simply enjoying a musician, I shake my head up and down. When I listen to Tommy Emmanuel, I shake my head from right to left in disbelief. He is remarkable, and one should run, not walk, to the next Tommy Emmanuel show.

Tommy was amazing as always. Not only does he plays great, he really loves what he is doing

One of the most memorable shows I have ever attended! Tommy truly gives his fans their money`s worth and then some. An amazing talent and a true showman!

Great show, 2nd time to see Tommy. First one was great, this was better. Talented beyond description plus a great showman.

Tommy is amazing. Excellent venue! Would recommend to all!

Have seen Tommy Emmanual many, many times over the past 10 years, including Chet Atkins Appreciation Society (CAAS.) His guitar playing is still phenomenal. The acoustics at the Durham Capital Theater were so bad that he almost didn't sound like himself. Annie Seleck sang her heart out, but it was impossible to hear her. But Pat Bergeson was the best I've heard him. I look forward to many more events where he plays.

Tommy Emmanuels music is amazing when listening to it from a your phone or CD and even more amazing when it's live!

Steve via said it best be prepared to be amazed and entertained

I have seen Tommy Emmanuel a few times and it is always an amazing event. He is the most talented guitarist today and gives a high energy performance with alot of passion.

Fantastic performer I was turned on to by a cousin last year. Got there early so I could sit up front and watch his technique(s). I wasn t disappointed.

Wonderful evening listening to Tommy Emmanuel. Concert Hall at the Stanley Hotel is a lovely setting, but it was unseasonably warm and there was little or no air movement inside the hall.

It was a real treat to finally see Tommy Emanuel perform in person. He was masterful! That was not a surprise. What was a surprise was the almost equally masterful performance of Jake Shimabukuro. I had no idea anyone could make a ukulele sound like he does! When the two of them played together, there was a palpable increase in energy than was produced each one of them individually. The audience was also treated to guest appearances by Rodney Crowell, Eamon McLoughlin, Jack Pearson, and Pat Bergeson. The only negative was that the light show behind the performers was a distraction at times. Having simple spotlights on the performers would have been much more appropriate!

My first fime in the Ryman - won't be my last. Excellent venue and well managed the night of our event. Here's a tip for first timers: take a cushion for your tush or you'll wish you had. We saw Tommy Emmanuel and Jake Shimabakuro in Feb '18 - both are the best in the world at what they do. Very entertaining, especially with several guests that added to the excitement. Highly recommend Tommy, Jake and the Ryman.

Seeing this kid of talent live is a true treat! There is good music and then there are great musicians. Tommy has it all! He is one of a kind, this is the type of concert we will continue to talk about for years to come. Go see him if you have the chance!!

To start, Rodney Crawell played for nearly an hour with the grand ole oprey's lead fiddle player, just amazing. Then Tommy came out and for 2 straight hours we were emersed in his wonderful world of acoustical guitar. Wonderful evening, Taft Theater was fantastic the staff was great. Will go back to see Tommy again!!!

Tommy Emmanuel defines mastery... of his instrument, of his audience, of music itself. This was our second time seeing Tommy at the Wilbur Theatre and we will continue this tradition as long as Tommy continues to stop in Boston on his tours. This was the first show on Tommy s new tour, featuring warm up music from Rodney Crowell, a country and Americana artist with a long list of award winning writing in his wake. Rodney is joined by a fiddle and mandolin player (we did not get his name) and the two eased us into the evening with poignant songs about the inadequacies and foibles of the male gender. Then, as Crowell says himself while introducing his last song: ...I ll leave and the man will come and work his magic. Tommy Emmanuel is the guitar. His ability to fill a Hall with ten fingers and six strings is unequaled. But it is his absolute joy, his infectious smile, and his obvious love for what he gets to do every night that pulls you in. Tommy had the audience in the palm of his hands from the very first note, and by the time he finished our face muscles were exhausted from smiling along with him for two solid hours. We were treated to a special visit by two Guitar students (more like masters themselves) who played along with Tommy for a couple of jazzy numbers... and we could see that they, too, were caught up in the sheer joy and elation of music that Tommy so freely gives. If you have not heard Tommy and are considering seeing him on this tour, or you re reading this by some weird chance of internet search result... just go to YouTube and watch a video or two of Tommy s playing. Then imagine it at 10x the energy and you ll have a sense for what is in store for you during an evening at his show.

I first discovered Tommy's playing via a Youtube recommendation, and was struck by the incredible sensitivity and joy that his playing conveyed. No guitarist, jazz, classical or otherwise, has ever possessed the gentle, deeply emotional touch on the guitar strings of Tommy Emmanuel. No one is even close. And to hear him play "Over the Rainbow" will bring tears to your eyes, as he did at this show. It has apparently become a staple of his repertoire. The only issues I had with the show were these -- the amplification was WAY, WAY too loud. Nearly deafening. (I was seated in the tenth row center orchestra.) He could have cut the amplification by half and been just, as if not more, effective. (I discussed this with his sound technician, who informed me that Tommy liked the amplification loud.) Also, he should have played more ballads and less of the rock-a-billy stuff, and done away with the "drum" gimmick interlude. It adds nothing to the show, comes across as gratuitous and unworthy of his talents. (I know he's trying to juice up the act, but he should play to his strongest points -- the ballads. Stress his sensitivity, which is one-of-a-kind.) Also, the young Australian guitarist who opened the show, Joe Robinson, though technically sound if you go in for flashy riffs (sans emotional substance), lacked stage presence. And though Tommy probably looks upon him with great affection and is almost a father figure to him, I think Tommy needs to seriously consider finding a different opening act. It pains me to write this, but it's true.

The Tommy Emmanuel Classics & Christmas Show was amazing. I recommend seeing him if you never have, you will not regret it!

Tommy Emmannuel is possibly one of the greatest guitarists alive. His show is engaging and fun. It is amazing to watch someone who loves what they do that much. You can't help but enjoy yourself.

A brilliant entertainer Great talent and personality

Tommy Emmanuel is simply the most amazing guitarist on the planet. Awe inspiring style. Memorable moments shared with his thoughts about family & life. Add to the show the remarkable talents of Annie Selleck it is a show I would want to see over and over again.

Two years ago we saw Tommy Emmanuel in Knoxville, and there was no question about attending this concert. A young man named Joe Robinson opened for Tommy, He is an amazing talent on guitar. I wondered how things could get any better.....until I heard Tommy again. He's not only an exquisite talent, he's also a great entertainer. For an hour and a half he played uninterrupted. His tender treatment of "Amazing Grace" is always a highlight for me. Driving a couple of hours, a hotel bill, and ticket price were worth every penny! Tommy Emmanuel is wonderful!

Superb performance ~ unbelievably outstanding talent!

Amazing performer Amazing show Amazing venue A memorable birthday concert

Mr. Emmanuel gives more than you feel you deserve! He has an intimate way of sharing with the crowd that makes you feel like good friends. His skill and style are top notch. I would go to see him again!

Tommy Emmanuel is an amazing talent. The sounds he gets out of his guitar are incredible. It is amazing enough to hear his recordings, but to actually watch him perform is priceless. I never expected to hear a percussion solo performed entirely on a guitar and microphone; I would not believe it if I didn't see it. He was very interactive with the crowd with anecdotes, a bit of storytelling, and he even provided a bit of instruction on how to play a song. He doesn't come around frequently, so I would highly recommend seeing him perform if you get the chance.

This is the fourth time I've seen Tommy Emmanuel live in concert, and each time has been at the Balboa Theatre. It's a great venue and Tommy expressed how much he enjoys playing there as well. As usual, Tommy was extremely entertaining. His guitar playing is beyond description and, in my opinion, he is the best acoustic guitar player I've ever heard. But, to see him perform is even more impressive. To witness his ability to use all 10 fingers (and maybe there's an extra one in there somewhere!) and switch from jazz to blues to gypsy to whatever-he-wants is just jaw dropping. He uses his guitar in a very percussive way as well depending on the song. There were multiple standing ovations as the crowd was really into it that night. It's worth mentioning that Tommy plays by himself with just a few acoustic guitars. His playing and performing are so mesmerizing though that any other musicians on stage would be a distraction from his incredible talent. If you've never heard of Tommy, check him out on YouTube. If you know Tommy and you didn't attend this concert, what's wrong with you?! :)

He played for two hours with no break! So much sound out of one guitar and one guy!! Amazing!!!

I have seen many entertainment performances in my 47 years and this was the most amazing thing I have ever seen on Stage. I have been really crabby all Fall and this really lifted my spirits and got me in to the Christmas season. I really wanted to stand in line and thank Tommy personally but I go to bed usually around 9:00 pm. Fred Ricart, who is a local celebrity, bought me and my date a drink.

1st time seeing Tommy live, his artistry is beyond description.

What is left to say about Tommy Emmanuel that hasn't already been said many times over? Simply one of the finest guitarists in history, he is the complete musician. He can play any genre, and has some of the best touch imaginable. His drum work on the guitar is better than most professional drummers. His harmonics technique is unparalleled. He's a consummate showman. As much as I would like to be able to do what he does, I'm just thankful that there is someone that can do it, and I get the opportunity to enjoy it!

Tommy Emmanuel was totally captivating. Very personable, loved the little talks between songs. You felt like he was talking one on one with you. Also enjoyed Clive Carroll, and when they played together it was delightful. And it was very entertaining when Tommy played with the guest violinist. The only problem with this venue was to find it on campus. There is more than one entertainment facility, and staff at the college gave incorrect directions. We barely made it to the opening. There could have been much better signage with directions to the Plaza Del Sol Hall. The tickets here were about double what I have paid to see Tommy at other venues. This was my 5th Tommy Emmanuel concert and the most expensive. I guess it is "whatever the market will bear."

Since we were introduced to Tommy Emmanuel on PBS a couple of years ago, I have purchased a number of his albums. Never did I dream I would see/hear him in person. Just a two hour drive was all that was required. After the performance, words like AMAZING, ASTONISHING, GENIUS, UNBELIEVABLE, GRACIOUS, and REAL poured out of our mouths. We feel privileged to have seen and heard probably the greatest living guitarist in the world!

Listening to recordings of Tommy's music and watching him perform on DVD is great but seeing him perform live was beyond amazing. I play guitar and a guitar playing friend called Slap went with me to the concert. In between Tommy's tunes, my friend and I looked at each other, shook our heads, and mumbled in awe about it being impossible to play like that and did we really just see and hear that. Tommy is not only a master of guitar but he also genuinely enjoys what he's doing. He is having a great time and he wants to ensure that everyone in the audience is having a great time too. I've never seen a performance that left me feeling so pumped. I haven't come down yet.

The recently refurbished Orpheum Theater is a classy, intimate setting, and Tommy Emmanuel's performance and persona fit the bill perfectly. I was disappointed to discover no reviews in any local media outlets, so am writing my own. The venue was half-filled with local guitar enthusiasts, from hacks to proficient players. The rest of us ranged from slightly curious to "don't want to be here but my husband drug me" (could have been someone's wife, for example). He wow'ed all of us, from expert to novice to those who had no idea who he was. The set list was dynamic, and he transitioned from one song to another (or more) several times, and seamlessly, even though styles and tempos differed dramatically. I appreciated he showed off his unmatched skills by playing complex, robust, and beautiful music, not by "showing off". Les Paul has been quoted as saying Emmanuel is "the greatest guitar player on the planet", and Saturday night's performance gave me no evidence to the contrary. Even more enjoyable and meaningful for me, however, was his conversational story telling of the background of some of the songs, and some of his life, which gave us a feel for the man, not just the musician. If Emmanuel is ever in your area, guitar enthusiast or not, shame on you for not seeing him. Even one reluctant attendee admitted she had a wonderful time, and was amazed by the entire evening. Oh come, oh come, (again) Emmanuel (to Sioux Falls).

Tommy is the ultimate entertainer! No one gets the audience together and in sync like he does. He's got to be easily the worlds best guitarist and it's all about the show and the audience! His opener, Antsy also easily roped in the audience and had them singing along. BB Kings made it orderly by handing out tickets ahead of time for seating in order. We had to get there early at 4:00, but just went downstairs to Lucilles and had a drink and dinner and relaxed until show time. We were seated right in front. But even if we had been in the back, the two huge monitor screens allow you to see anything from anywhere! TE also invited a friend to join him on stage; Will Galison; incredible harmonica player. Superb!!

In Michigan's Upper Penninsula, there is a city called Ishpeming. This is an Indian word meaning 'Heaven On Earth'. I've been to hear Tommy twice now, the first time, when the concert ended I just sat there with tears trickling down my face. These were tears of joy, mixed with tears of sorrow, for the end of the concert meant the end of the sublime sensation of being in the presence of God, in Heaven, whilst still on Earth.

I have seen Tommy several times and he was fantastic as always. The special guest was nice too and I like that he has no support act or intervals. I was disappointed with the venue as I bought my tickets early but there was no seat reserved for me which I was unaware of...

I have watched hundreds of Tommy videos, but the power of hearing him play in person is overwhelming. The momentum he creates and sustains for the entire concert, without skipping a beat (unless a skipped beat adds to the feel of the groove!) is second to none. And my guess is that at least half the people there are guitarists - Tommy is truly a guitarist's guitarist. And he just a great guy

Tommy is without a doubt the most talented guitarist on the planet today. He plays with such pure joy, the emotions of each piece are literally tangible. His technical ability is unmatched, and his ability to project his feelings through the music is astonishing. We had the best seats in the house, third row, Orchestra, right on the center aisle. I cannot imagine a better way to experience this truly gifted performer.

This was the 2nd time I got to see Tommy Emmanuel live in Portland, ME and once again, he didn't disappoint. The thing I love most about seeing him is watching how much HE enjoys the show! He has so much fun up there, he's entertaining, funny, witty and of course, quite talented. He said something funny towards the end of the show and we all laughed but so did he! He tried to say something else but he was still laughing and said that sometimes "I crack myself up." Because he can do absolutely anything with a guitar, there is something for everyone at his shows. Whether you like country, rock, swing, classical, etc., he'll play something that you'll find to your liking. Can't wait till he comes back!

Amanda Shires who opened up for Tommy was very funny and talented. Would love to see her again. Tommy Emmanuel was amazing. The sounds he can make come out of his guitar are unbelievable. Just him and his guitar and that is all he needs to entertain you. He is a true talent. The venue was perfect to see him the acoustics are great in the Lyric.

Tommy Emmanual was fantastic. Really. The level of energy was incredible, and it was totally amazing how long he could keep it going. Truly an great experience.

Tommy is an exceptionally talented artist who always puts on a great show, but the addition of the unique talents of Amanda Shires made it even more exceptional.

Tommy is truly amazing and totally in love with six strings. His passion for this instrument and music flow from his fingers directly to your soul. He has such a good time showing people the results of decades of deliberate practice, focus, and dedication. A wonderful human, genuine, and truly grateful are words that still don't do justice for this artist. Even with a bum thumb, he made the guitar come alive and do things that defy the laws of physics. Amanda Shires has the sweetest voice and gave, I'm sure, just a small glimpse of her capabilities. Watch for her rise to stardom. I'm already looking for future tickets!

I've been going to see Tommy play for about 10 years now. He just keeps getting better. Phenomenal show, with new material and new arrangements of old favorites. Tommy's sense of timing and tempo are unequalled; and he's never satisfied to just rest on his previous body of work. He still works to get better! Tommy Emmanuel never disappoints ....

Loved Tommy....it was our first time hearing him! Amanda was also great! Only suggestion is less time between Amanda opening act and Tommy starting....too much time in between!

Tommy Emanuel's guitar playing will blow your mind! Seeing him live is an absolute must. It is truly unbelievable what he can do with a guitar. The Lyric Theatre is a beautiful venue and there's not a bad seat in the house. We've seen him twice and will go again whenever he's back in town.

You can't help but be blown away each time he plays ! He brings such passion to the stage, and of course his energy is astounding ! I could do without Amanda Shires as the warm-up -I did not care for her shreiking vocals and lame attempts as humor. But then in rode Tommy to save the night ! Long live Tommy !!

Always a remarkable show! Tommy is simply the best guitarist I've ever heard!

He was outstanding, amazing and very engrossing. He is an amazing guitar player with the ability to keep you on your toes

Most amazing guitar performance I have ever had the pleasure to witness. I sincerely hope that I have the opportunity to see Tommy Emmanuel again sometime. He played with incredible energy for over an hour and a half with everyone in the audience sitting in awe. Being honest, however, I have to admit that Amanda Shires was not my cup of tea. I had great difficulty understanding her lyrics and I felt like her performance was a little flat.

Tommy was amazing. So much energy, and his playing was so clean. I think he must be from another planet. I'll be checking his future schedules to try to see him in concert again--videos don't do him justice. The Lyric Theatre in Birmingham AL was a treat--so classy. The only down point of the evening was his opening act--Amanda something. I couldn't understand why someone as talented as Tommy Emmanuel would have someone like her open for him. She was hard to sit through. If she's opening next time I see him, I'll still go, but I'd go late and try to miss her.

If you have never seen this artist, or for that matter been to this venue, you owe yourself a guilty pleasure. Everything I knew or had heard about him is true. He is a Certified Guitar Player (title bestowed by Chet Atkins) and he shows it.

My dad has watched Tommy and fell in love with his talent! He is an amazing artist and knows how to put on a show. You can tell he really loves what he does because it shows through his performance! If you enjoy Guitar, you will no doubt enjoy him!

His performance is nothing short of breathtaking! Enjoyed every second!

You will not see a more talented guitar player than Tommy Emmanuel. He's been playing professionally for over 50 years, and it shows. He has the sound of 2-3 guitarists playing at once. He's a true showman and never disappoints. I highly recommend this show to anyone who appreciates the guitar.

Saw Tommy Emmanuel at the State Theater in Portland, ME on April 12. I went for one thing only: to hear mind bending guitar virtuosity. Got that aplenty, but there was a good deal of other stuff that wasn't so hot. First the good. Emmanuel is one of the most innovative guitar players around. His original material is spellbinding, and I am always blown away by his ability to breath new life into standards, including old saws like "Somewhere Over the Rainbow," to which my initial reaction is likely to be, "please, not that!" You've got to admire someone who can make you love a song you hate! He did a cover of (I think) Elizabeth Cotton's "Freight Train," but it was so blazingly fast it was hard to tell. A short Beatles medley was one of the (many) highlights of the evening. The only part of his performance I didn't care for was an altogether unnecessary and at times even irritating light show, complete with stage fog! But Emanuel is, above all else, a showman, and he must think it appropriate. Overall, this was a terrific show, and TE is a must see for anyone who loves acoustic guitar. And for the not so hot: under any other circumstance, I would probably have thoroughly enjoyed the opening act, singer-songwriter Sean Rowe. He has an amazing voice (booming baritone) and terrific stage presence. The arc of his performance, however, was very low-key; not really the best ramp-up to the ultra-high energy show that followed. The audience response to Rowe struck me, also, as low key, which is too bad because he deserved better. Low point of evening was the venue itself. The State Theater is a slightly rundown art deco facility, (that in itself might even add character), but the management leaves a great deal to be desired. Drinks are permitted in the auditorium, which may seem a good thing, but for this generally middle-age and older crowd it meant more-than-a-few folks having to get up mid-performance to visit the head, replenish supplies, or both! Very distracting. Much worse, however, was the number people who were permitted to talk volubly and constantly during the performance. Nearby ushers did nothing, nada, to discourage this! I would have serious reservations about attending another concert at this venue. I'm really looking forward to hearing Emmanuel again soon, I just hope it's somewhere else.

Tommy Emmanuel is not only an acknowledged master of fingrstyle gutar, he s a gentle engaging showman and his performances leave audiences blinded by his talent and humbled by his graceful presence.

very disappointed that i had to listen to opening musician for one hour. Terrible music. Tommy Emmanuel is fantastic.

This was the second Tommy Emmanuel show my wife and I have seen at the State and both were amazing. The lighting was better this time but I can t say which performance was better in re to the music. The sound was perfect. I still don t know how one guy can get so much sound out of a single acoustic guitar. You can be sure we ll be at every Tommy Emanuel show we can. Worth every dime.

While Tommy Emmanuel is a spectacular guitarist, perhaps the best ever, I was surprised at his singing the misogynistic song You don t want to get you one of those . Especially considering that a good portion of the audience consisted of women over 60. The song was a mean bigoted insensitive insult to older women. Tommy, please be aware of people s feelings. Thanks.

Tommy put on a great show. I took my dad and he loved it.

The first time I saw this man I figured there was no way he could get any better. Now I've seen Tommy Emmanuel six times and he has gotten better each time. Impossible, but true! And the people running Ponte Vedra Concert Hall are the nicest and most dedicated staff in the state. My wife and I had a most excellent adventure this weekend.

Incredible, fabulous, mind blowing. Tommy has skills and talent beyond belief. See him live, it may change your life!

Folks, if you have never seen Tommy play, give your self a treat. this man is undeniably the master of the acoustic guitar, in a world his own. he is thoroughly entertaining, engaging with the audience, and just a mind-blowing entertainer. Great experience - make a point to see him next time.

Tommy Emmanuel was awesome! One of a kind! I have never seen anything like it! He was very inspiring to the guitarist enthusiast!

Tommy's show was, without a doubt, the best musical entertainment I have ever seen. Amazing is not a big enough work. I really do appreciate the thoroughness of security, too! My only complaint is that the seating is so tight and cramped. I've never seen seats that close together.