GUITAR NIGHT: Mike Dawes and Kasia Smolarek (Baton Rouge)

Don't miss GUITAR NIGHT!

2 incredible concerts, 1 evening.

5:30pm - 6:45pm: Classical Guitar Virtuoso Kasia Smolarek

8pm - 9:15pm: Fingerstyle phenom Mike Dawes

KASIA SMOLAREK:

Be transported to the heart of Spain with world-class guitarist Kasia Smolarek, winner of over 20 international prizes from some of the world's most prestigious performance competitions.

Polish concert guitarist Kasia Smolarek began playing guitar at the age of eight, when her parents enrolled her in music school. What began as simple lessons soon became a lifelong passion — leading to over 20 international competition prizes and invitations to perform across Europe, South America, and Australia.

She has achieved rare recognition at two of the world’s most prestigious guitar competitions — Pittaluga (Italy) and Luis Sigall (Chile) — honors few guitarists ever receive.

“A breathtaking guitarist with magnificent interpretations.”
— Six String Journal

Kasia studied at the renowned Mozarteum University in Salzburg, Austria, and today performs on a handcrafted Jacek Łozak guitar as part of the Savarez artist family.

Away from the stage, she enjoys learning new languages, cooking, and salsa dancing — a love of rhythm and culture that shines through in her performances.

What You’ll Hear

A journey through Spain and Latin America with the guitar at its most powerful and moving.

• Domenico Scarlatti — Sonata K466 & Sonata K178
  Brilliant, playful sonatas once written for Spanish royalty — reborn on the guitar.

• Niccolò Paganini — Caprice Op. 1 No. 24
  The legendary showpiece — dazzling virtuosity that has amazed audiences for generations.

• Mario Castelnuovo-Tedesco — from Caprichos de Goya
  Vivid, dramatic portraits inspired by Spain’s great painter — music as colorful as the art itself.

  • XII No hubo remedio

  • XX Obsequio a el Maestro

  • XVIII El sueño de la razón produce monstruos

• Francisco Tárrega — Fantasía on Verdi’s La Traviata
  Verdi’s beloved opera, reborn as an intimate guitar fantasia of romance and heartbreak.

• Joaquín Turina — Sevillana Op. 29
  Flamenco-inspired dance rhythms — the vibrant sound of Spain’s golden age.

• Agustín Barrios-Mangoré — Mazurka Apassionata & Vals Op. 3 No. 8
  Soulful, lyrical gems from Latin America’s most beloved guitar poet.

• Leo Brouwer — La Gran Sarabanda
  A fiery modern masterpiece — bold, powerful, and unforgettable.

MIKE DAWES:

Mike Dawes is an English guitarist regarded as one of the world’s most creative modern players. Renowned for his ability to perform multiple parts simultaneously, he creates rich, orchestral soundscapes—weaving melody, bass, harmony, and percussion together on a single instrument.

Voted ‘Best Acoustic Guitarist in the World’ two years in a row by Total Guitar & MusicRadar, Mike’s virtuosic arrangements have garnered tens of millions of views online and earned him a place on stage with global icons.

Most notably, Mike has collaborated extensively with Australian guitar legend Tommy Emmanuel (recording the duet Accomplice Vol. 3) and tours as the lead guitarist for Justin Hayward of The Moody Blues.

From intricate original compositions to stunning arrangements of repertoire classics, Mike Dawes delivers a live experience that redefines the possibilities of the acoustic guitar.

"He slaps, taps, and caresses his way to brilliance." — Guitar World Magazine

"He's one of the finest I've ever heard." — Rick Beato

Additional Info

• Seating: General admission, first-come first-served.

• Age Requirement: Ages 8+. Under 16 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

• Refund Policy: Tickets are non-refundable but transferable — you’re welcome to gift or sell them.

• Bookings: Tickets must be purchased online. No sales at the door.

• Accessibility: All venues are wheelchair accessible.

• Doors Open: 45 minutes before concert start time.

• Concert Length: 75 minutes (no interval).