Guitarist on stage and sings at a concert for background, soft and blur concept

Fans of guitar music have something to look forward to in March. For the past 11 years the city of Walla Walla has lit up the town with local and acclaimed artists sharing their talents on a variety of guitars. The 12th annual festival will take place March 10th (Friday) and run through March 12th (Sunday) at several venues in Walla Walla, only a pleasant 50-minute drive from the Tri-Cities.

According to Erica Walter, writing for Visit Walla Walla, Elvin Bishop will be the headliner. He has been nominated for Grammy Awards and is a Hall-of-Famer for both Rock & Roll and Blues. The opening concert on Friday nights will feature Sugaray Rayford, winner of the BB King Entertainer of the Year Award. Walter also notes that the Coyote Kings with Tiphany Dames, Ben Rice, Tevis Hodge Jr., Rae Gordon, Diego Romero and The Wasteland Kings, along with Gary Winston & Real Deal will perform. You can find a more comprehensive list of entertainers at wallawallaguitarfestival.ticketbud.com. Of course, many more artists will be committing to join in the fun as the event nears.

If you’ve had the opportunity to visit Walla Walla, you’ll recognize what a fabulous set-up the town has for a music festival. Downtown is filled with small wineries that line the main street, offering tasting, dining, and plenty of action to please all kinds of interests. Many of these eclectic venues will host bands for your enjoyment. You’ll be able to stroll down the streets, no vehicle required, and find your favorite band and wine! The official address to input in your car’s locator is 6 West Rose Street. Some of the specific venues listed on the ticketing website are AK’s Mercado, The House of Smith, Dib’s on Main, The Marcus Whitman Ballroom, Henry Earl Estates, Goose Ridge, Kontos Cellars, Bontzu Cellars, and Nocking Point. If you’re wanting to dance, larger venues will also be jamming. The Walla Walla Eagles Club and the VFW Post 992 will be open and hosting some of the best for festival goers.

Tickets to the events can be purchased on-line at wallawallaguitarfestival.ticketbud.com. You can purchase tickets individually for specific events or buy an entire weekend event. A weekend pass will cost $150.00, while individual events vary. The Saturday “LARGE Show” costs $60.00 and the Saturday “Guitar Crawl” is $50.00. There is a “Sunday Gospel Brunch” for $35.00. If you are a jazz loving guitar fan, the “Jazz At The Fest” is $20.00. Additionally, there are packages that include accommodations in downtown Walla Walla. The Best Western Plus Motel/Fest package is $519.00 and some tickets are still available at this time. The very popular Marcus Whitman Hotel/Fest package has sold out.

Whether you enjoy blues, funk, jazz, roots, rock, or RnB bands, you will find artists to your taste at the 12th annual Guitar Festival in Walla Walla this March!

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