Dawes is an English guitarist known for composing, arranging and performing multiple parts simultaneously on a single guitar.
He is regarded as one of the world’s most creative modern fingerstyle guitarists with a repertoire spanning original viral videos and popular arrangements, alongside mainstream chart success performing with Justin Hayward of the Moody Blues.
His debut release, a solo guitar arrangement of Gotye’s Somebody That I Used to Know, quickly became a viral hit with tens of millions of views on YouTube.
Gotye’s original version of the song featured Hamilton singer-songwriter Kimbra on lead and back-up vocals.
At the 55th Grammy Awards, Somebody That I Used To Know won Best Pop Duo/Group Performance and Record of the Year.
Kimbra cut her musical teeth performing at a former local Christian youth venue, Primal.
Meanwhile, Emmanuel is a living legend in the world of acoustic guitar, celebrated for his technique, innovation, and boundless musicality.
He has enthralled audiences around the globe with his dazzling performances.
Emmanuel is originally from Australia, but lives in the US capital of country music, Nashville.
He was inspired by renowned guitarist Chet Atkins, who later became his mentor and awarded him, and only a few selected others, the CGP title.
After last visiting New Zealand in 2024, New Zealand will once again have the privilege of witnessing Emmanuel’s mastery up close and personal.
“As I get older, I find myself taking a lot more risks and having a lot more fun in the process,” Emmanuel said.
“When young people come to my shows and have this awakening that it’s okay to be different, that the possibilities of music and self-expression are limitless, that’s what it’s all about for me.”
Emmanuel’s latest album, Living In The Light, stands as the most daring – and most rewarding – collection in the globetrotting fingerpicker’s remarkable catalogue, fusing his pop, jazz, classical, and roots influences into a virtuosic masterwork as exhilarating as it is intimate.
Songs from the album that have been played at recent shows include Black and White to Color, A Drowning Heart, Scarlet’s World, Gdansk and a stunning version of Kiwi singer songwriter Sharon O’Neill’s song, Maxine.
They sit comfortably alongside great songs, including Lady Madonna, Mombasa (a song that’s very special to him), Doc’s Guitar, Waltzing Matilda, Imagine, While My Guitar Gently Weeps, Over The Rainbow, Angelina, Classical Gas, and Guitar Boogie.
Many are instantly recognisable – once heard, they are unforgettable!
Tommy Emmanuel and Mike Dawes are expected to make this a night to remember.
The Details
What: Tommy Emmanuel w/ special guest Mike Dawes
When: May 17 – Town Hall (Auckland), May 19 – BNZ Theatre (Hamilton), May 21 – Regent Theatre (Palmerston North), May 22 – Opera House (Wellington), May 23 – Isaac Theatre (Christchurch)
Tickets: davidroywilliams.com
Win: A double pass to Tommy Emmanuel in Hamilton. To be in the draw, email your name, address, and daytime phone number(s) to hnfthcomps@gmail.com, with Tommy Emmanuel in the subject. 10th entry wins.
Competition by Fill The House Tickets Project — proudly supporting families living with cancer
