Paul Gilbert (San Diego Session)

Paul Gilbert is widely regarded as a technical chameleon and guitar virtuoso. As someone who has vividly shaped the role of the electric guitar in rock music, Paul Gilbert knows a thing or two about which rules to follow — and when to break them. In Mr. Big, he was responsible for pioneering pop rock anthems such as ‘To Be With You’ that saw the group top charts and headline arenas around the world. In Racer X, he pushed the electric guitar to its furthest limits, in a more metallic direction, leaving listeners and audiences mesmerized by how his compositions could be so technically thrilling and tastefully musical at the same time. As a solo artist, he’s traversed both instrumental and vocal-led sonic landscapes that have crossed over from blues, classical and jazz to straight-up rock. Paul has played on Joe Satriani’s G3 tours and is also considered one of the world’s most influential guitar instructors, contributing to Guitar Player magazine and Total Guitar. Paul’s new album, WROC, which stands for “Washington’s Rules of Civility,” could very well be the guitar superstar’s most outlandish offering to date.

Greg Koch (Nashville Session)

Greg Koch is a guitar player’s guitarist known for his blues-infused, stylistically diverse compositions and electrifying guitar performances. With a prolific career spanning over 20 records, Koch has carved out a unique niche in the music world, blending elements of blues,rock, and jazz into his signature sound. His latest album, Blues, showcases his artistry with standout collaborations, including “Can’t Be Satisfied” featuring Larry McCray and “Can’t Lose What You Never Had” with Jimmy Hall andthe Memphis Horns. At the helm of the Koch-Marshall Trio, Greg is joined by his exceptionally talented son, Dylan, on drums, and Hammond organ virtuoso Toby Lee Marshall. Together, they deliver powerful live performances that captivate audiences both domestically and internationally. Their shows brim with bold improvisation, spirited interplay, and a dynamic energy that resonates with blues purists, guitar enthusiasts, and lovers of off-the-cuff musical synergy alike. 

Beyond the stage, Koch has earned widespread acclaim for his signature gear, which has become a staple for guitarists seeking exceptional tone. His line of signature guitars with Reverend, Fishman pickups, and the Kochness Monster pedal by JAM of Greece reflects his dedication to quality and innovation. Throughout the years Koch has also been known for his clinician skills partnering with gear manufacturers for in-store and industry demonstrations. He is also featured in many book and video teaching resources published by Hal Leonard and TrueFire. In the digital realm, Koch’s influence continues to grow, with over 100,000 followers on Facebook and Instagram and millions of views on YouTube. He connects with fans through engaging guitar videos for Wildwood Guitars, weekly jams in the Orange Room, his own “Chewing the Gristle” podcast, and popular appearances on platforms like Rick Beato’s Channel, That Pedal Show, and Andertons. With each note, Greg Koch inspires musicians and fans alike, leaving an indelible mark on the music scene and shaping the next generation of guitar enthusiasts.

Billy Sheehan (Toronto Session)

Billy Sheehan has played bass on dozens of records and toured all over the world for many decades. His unique and original style of playing has been celebrated and documented everywhere. His playing, singing, songwriting, and contributions to his many recordings have resulted in millions of records sold, Platinum and Gold status worldwide, reader’s poll awards too many to list, number-one hits and videos, sold-out shows, and most importantly the mutual love, friendship and respect between himself and many millions of fans around the globe. Starting in his hometown of Buffalo, NY in the early 70’s with the now legendary hard rock trio Talas, he went on to join David Lee Roth in the summer of ’85. He founded Mr. Big, who went on to achieve a number one hit in fourteen countries. Billy also started “Niacin” a fusion/blues trio based around the Hammond B3 sound that featured drummer Dennis Chambers. He rejoined his old bandmate Steve Vai for several tours and recordings. Billy joined Mike Portnoy and Richie Kotzen to form The Winery Dogs which has been received everywhere with spectacular reviews and sold-out shows. He’s also released several solo records which were critically acclaimed. With his history of live performances and/or recordings with Talas, UFO, David Lee Roth, Mr. Big, Niacin, Steve Vai and now The Winery Dogs, Billy Sheehan has had a huge and undeniable influence on modern bass playing that has spread all over the globe and will continue for many years to come.

Matt Schofield (Fort Lauderdale Session)

Matt Schofield continues to push the frontiers and reshape the boundaries of the British Blues tradition. Guitar virtuoso, singer, songwriter, producer and band leader. After 30 years of performing and 20 years into his solo career, Schofield’s impact as one of the most influential and distinctive guitarists of his generation is unquestionable. Along with his ever-growing fanbase from performances around the globe comes awards, industry, peer and critical acclaim–three time “British Blues Guitarist of the Year,” “British Blues Album of the Year,” induction into the “British Blues Awards Hall of Fame,” “Blues Album of the Year” and “Top Ten British Blues Guitarist of All Time” alongside Eric Clapton and Peter Green. Schofield’s inimitable playing and tone have inspired legions of guitarists. His authenticity, mastery of guitar, emotive vocals, and improvisational brilliance are brought to life with innovative original compositions. A renowned musical educator, Matt released “Blues Speak”, his highly acclaimed instructional series. As a clinician he has taught from Tokyo to Texas and all points in between. Matt’s acclaimed new album, “Many Moons Vol.1” reunites him with his original and much loved organ trio line-up, to mark the 20th anniversary of the album and band that launched his solo career. Don’t miss your chance to learn from this master firsthand and have the opportunity to jam with him in this setting.

Joel Hoekstra (San Diego Session)

New York guitarist Joel Hoekstra currently plays for Whitesnake and Trans Siberian Orchestra.  Joel is also well-known for his work with: Cher, Night Ranger, the Broadway show Rock of Ages, his fill in work with Foreigner, Accept, his annual sets on the Monsters of Rock Cruise, recording projects like Revolution Saints, Iconic, viral collaboration videos with the likes of Dino Jelusick, Arnel Pineda, Mike Portnoy, Billy Sheehan and his acoustic shows with Brandon Gibbs.  Exhibiting a knack for music education, he has also been a frequent columnist for Guitar World Magazine, taught at Musician’s Institute and Guitar Workshop Plus.  Over the years, Joel has released 3 instrumental solo albums and 4 critically acclaimed albums with his side project Joel Hoekstra’s 13!  Most recently he was the guest guitarist on Dancing with the Stars (Hair Metal Episode), played with Cher at her Rock N Roll Hall of Fame induction and the SNL 50 Homecoming Concert and released his 4th album from Joel Hoekstra’s 13 entitled ‘From the Fade’.

David Grissom (Toronto Session)

David Grissom has toured and recorded with artists such as John Mellencamp, Joe Ely, James McMurtry, Storyville, The Allman Brothers Band, The Chicks, Chris Isaak, Robben Ford, The Fabulous Thunderbirds, Ringo Starr, Buddy Guy, and John Mayall. His songs have been recorded by Trisha Yearwood, Lee Ann Womack, John Mayall, Rita Coolidge, Webb Wilder, and Storyville among others. David joined Texas legend Joe Ely’s band in 1985, touring and recording nonstop until 1991 when he joined John Mellencamp’s band. David made 3 records with John and toured extensively from 1991 through 1993. After Mellencamp, David went back to Texas to form Storyville, the band that included the Double Trouble rhythm section of Chris Layton and Tommy Shannon, guitarist David Holt, and powerhouse vocalist Malford Milligan. He joined the Chicks in 2003 and divided his time between their 2003 and 2006 world tours and playing on scores of Americana, blues, and country records. David is currently doing recording sessions, writing, playing gigs, and working on his sixth solo record.

Larry Mitchell (Nashville Session)

Larry Mitchell is a Grammy award-winning producer, engineer and performer who has toured the world playing guitar with well-known artists including Tracy Chapman, Billy Squier, Ric Ocasek and Miguel Bosé. In his original compositions, Larry skillfully weaves guitar textures that showcase his virtuosity as a solo artist and ensemble player. As an artist, he has released 9 solo records, 2 EP’s and won a San Diego Music Award for best pop jazz artist. As a producer-engineer, Larry has won 26 New Mexico Music Awards in various categories from pop, adult contemporary, rap, rock, country and Native American. He won a Grammy Award for producing, engineering and performing on “Totemic Flute Chants” by artist Johnny Whitehorse, who is better known as Robert Mirabal of Taos Pueblo. Larry is currently touring with his own trio as well as with Native artists Shelley Morningsong, Dawn Avery, Joy Harjo and Robert Mirabal. He has many long-standing endorsements and relationships with companies such as D’Marzio Pickups, Tech 21 NYC, Dava Picks, Majik Box, Fractal Audio, Composite Acoustics, Hotone, Keeley Electronics, Knaggs Guitars and Godin Acoustic Guitars.

Alex Skolnick (Fort Lauderdale Session)

Alex Skolnick is widely considered to be a “guitarist’s guitarist.” Although fluent in a multitude of styles, from blues to funk to flamenco-inspired acoustic, he is best known for his mastery of both heavy metal and jazz guitar. His story is anything but typical: While a sixteen year old student of Joe Satriani, Alex, the son of Ivy League academics, joined Bay Area thrash metal outfit Testament. He uplifted the band with a sense of harmony and technique unheard of in the genre at the time. At eighteen, he recorded the first of five albums with the band’s original lineup, touring almost non-stop until his early 90s departure from the group.  During the next decade, he left his touring life and guitar hero status behind in order to become a full-time University student. Inspired by the likes of John Scofield, Pat Martino, George Benson and others, he moved to New York to earn a BfA in Jazz from The New School.  In the early 00’s, Alex released the first of several critically acclaimed albums with his eponymous trio. AST would go on to perform worldwide and receive extensive radio play. In the mid-2000’s, Alex reunited with Testament, the impact of which eclipsed the band’s initial run, bringing them closer in status to tourmates such as Slayer, Megadeth and Lamb of God, the latter of whom has featured Alex as guest soloist. The 2020s has found Alex in an exciting new musical collective, PAKT, featuring fretless bass legend Percy Jones, best known for the pioneering fusion group Brand X (with Phil Collins) and work with Brian Eno. In addition, bass master Stuart Hamm – who’d hired Alex back in the 90s for the guitarist’s first instrumental music tour (and opening doors to music beyond metal) – released Hold Fast, Stu’s long awaited LP with Alex on guitar. Whether he’s appearing at sophisticated jazz venues such as Yoshi’s in Northern California or The Blue Note in Milan, Italy or shredding at full volume at heavy music festivals such as France’s Hellfest or Germany’s Wacken Open Air, it’s safe to say that Skolnick has found his own niche as a guitarist. 

Christie Lenée (Toronto Session)

Christie Lenée is more than a musician – she’s an experience. Symphonic compositions flow from her fingertips effortlessly, with sound ranging from transcendental folk-pop to virtuosic instrumentals. Christie has been described as “Dave Matthews meets Joni Mitchell and Michael Hedges,” integrating melodic pop lyricism with catchy hooks and percussive, harmonic textures. An artist celebrated across eclectic audiences, Lenée has performed at the Grammy Museum in Los Angeles, was a 2x Finalist in the USA Songwriting Competition, and has been covered in a variety of articles in Guitar Player Magazine, Premier Guitar, Go Magazine, Americana Highways and Acoustic Guitar Magazine. In 2017, Lenée won first place in the International Fingerstyle Guitar Championship, and was named “One of the Best Acoustic Guitarists in the World Right Now” by Guitar World in 2020. She’s performed alongside Tommy Emmanuel, Andy McKee, Amy Ray (Indigo Girls), and Tim Reynolds (Dave Matthews Band), and was featured on the Melissa Etheridge Cruise. Beyond her technical prowess and abundant joy, Lenée has the rare ability to connect with audiences through an emotional landscape. Her spiritual depth resonates with listeners, filling them with healing and lasting inspiration. She has released six albums and toured extensively as an independent artist, selling out venues all over North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia, as well as making radio and television appearances in various regions. Her most recent album “Coming Alive” reminds devout listeners of her spiritual and sublime songwriting, inspirational lyrics, and of course, sensational guitar playing.

Bryan Beller (San Diego Session)

Bryan Beller has maintained a multi-faceted career as a bassist, composer, solo artist and clinician for over 25 years, earning his reputation as a uniquely talented yet supremely tasteful team player for instrumentally-minded artists. In the power super-trio The Aristocrats (with uber-players Guthrie Govan on guitar and Marco Minnemann on drums) he’s a part of one of the hottest acts in rock/fusion today. He was Joe Satriani’s bassist for 12 years and has also worked with Steve Vai, Dethklok, and been a musical partner of freak/genius guitarist Mike Keneally (Frank Zappa) for over 20 years and 10 albums. Bryan has also released his own solo albums and instructional material to widespread acclaim. As a pure player, a composer, a masterclass clinician, and a former Contributing Editor for Bass Player Magazine, Bryan Beller brings a holistic perspective to the world of bass, and music.

Tomo Fujita (Fort Lauderdale Session)

Tomo Fujita is an internationally acclaimed guitarist, educator, and performer whose influence reaches across genres and generations. A longtime professor at Berklee College of Music, Tomo is known for his clean tone, soulful and funky grooves, and an approach to teaching that connects deeply with players of all levels. His blend of humor, clarity, and insight has made him one of the most trusted and inspiring voices in modern guitar education. Tomo came to the U.S. from Japan on a full scholarship to Berklee, and became the first Japanese winner of the “Boston Guitarist Competition.” He has shared the stage with an impressive list of artists including Phil Collins, Steve Gadd, Will Lee, Bernard Purdie, Susan Tedeschi, Ronnie Earl, Nik West, Oz Noy, Matt Schofield, Cory Wong, and Marty Friedman. His performances and recordings showcase a rare combination of technical mastery and emotional depth, blending blues, funk, and jazz with effortless feel and groove. A dedicated educator, Tomo has guided generations of players including John Mayer, Eric Krasno (Soulive), Adam Smirnoff (Lettuce), and international artists Juanes and Tom Misch. His teaching centers on foundation, musical expression, and personal growth and has inspired countless students to find joy and confidence in their playing. Tomo’s authenticity, deep musical insight, and passion for teaching have earned him a unique place in the global guitar community. Don’t miss the opportunity to learn from this master first hand and experience his warmth, groove, and wisdom in person.