It's estimated that there are nearly a billion guitar players in the world right now 鈥� making music by strumming, picking and plucking their way around chords, melodies and rhythms that reflect who we are. 

Whether through the fiery passion of flamenco, the intricacies of jazz, the precision of classical guitar or the pleasant complexities of Latin and African styles, the guitar resonates as a universal voice, telling our stories and connecting us around the globe.

That universal experience is one of the reasons why regularly sells out wherever it goes 鈥� including on Vancouver Island, where the tour performs in ,  and as part of a western North American tour with 39 stops and 43 concerts.

"Audiences come not knowing what to expect but leave blown away," says Brian Gore, the founder of IGN. "Once someone comes for the first time, they usually end up becoming regulars." 

For 25 years, IGN has brought together a rotating ensemble of some of the world's most talented guitarists to celebrate the diversity and artistry of the instrument. What started as a small idea has evolved into a global tour 鈥� a showcase of musicianship and guitar culture.

This year鈥檚 IGN lineup features four remarkable guitarists, each bringing a unique voice to the stage:

• Lulo Reinhardt 鈥� A descendant of the legendary Django Reinhardt, Lulo Reinhardt performs in the gypsy jazz tradition while infusing it with Latin American and flamenco influences. 
• Alexandra Whittingham 鈥� Renowned for her expressive and precise technique, Whittingham鈥檚 repertoire bridges the elegance of classical guitar and modern works by composers like Philip Glass.
• Niwel Tsumbu 鈥� Originally from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Tsumbu is known for his ability to weave African rhythms and melodies with elements of jazz and classical styles.
• S枚nke Meinen 鈥� A versatile German guitarist and composer, Meinen integrates fingerstyle artistry with jazz, classical and global influences. His music shifts from reflective compositions to exhilarating 鈥渂arn-burners.鈥�

There is magic in musicianship, and Gore looks for guitarists who have the ability to connect deeply with audiences as well as exceptional technical skill. "It鈥檚 not just about how well they play," Gore explains, "but how they tell a story with their music and how they interact with one another on stage. That chemistry is what makes every International Guitar Night unique."

International Guitar Night is more than a concert; it鈥檚 a musical dialogue.

Each performance begins with solo sets, and as the evening progresses, the artists move to duets and quartets, blending their styles and creating a rich tapestry of sound. 

This interplay of individuality and collaboration is the essence of IGN 鈥� a celebration of the guitar as both a personal and universal instrument.