Beppe Gambetta

An Italian master guitarist, Gambetta has been well-known in the music world for well over two decades. Born in Genoa, Italy, he began his musical training in a classical orchestra before drawing on traditional European and American guitar techniques to develop his own original style. In 1977, he formed the acclaimed Italian bluegrass band Red Wine. Later, as a dynamic solo performer he toured Europe, America, Canada, and Australia while rediscovering, teaching and promoting flatpicking and other great, but less known, guitar forms.

Though Gambetta still lives in his native Genova, he travels to North America at least twice each year. His reputation in the U.S. and Canada is reinforced by his participation in highly respected festivals like the Walnut Valley Festival in Winfield, Kansas, Merlefest in North Carolina, the Kerrville Folk Festival in Texas and Canadian Folk Festivals in Winnipeg and Edmonton, as well as radio shows “All Things Considered” and “E-Town.” He is featured in the movie “The Primal Twang” and has performed in prestigious rooms like the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, Tennessee and the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City.

As a performer, his high level of technical excellence is obvious.  But, beyond that, Gambetta’s music is inspired, revealing the innermost feelings of a brilliant, playful mind that is always exploring and innovating, yet staying firmly rooted in tradition.  His expressive voice is made even more charming by his accent.  “Beppe works the crowd with his infectious personality and unique style of performing.” says fan Marie Soleil.

"Even though Beppe is from Italy, his flat pickin' is pure Americana.” Soleil continues.  “With a hint of blues, folk, and his own special musical "twists" on original pieces, traditional songs, and some covers, Beppe Gambetta will have you dancing and toe tapping with delight."

For additional information on PAS programs, phone 405-307-9320.  For additional information on Beppe Gambetta visit http://www.beppegambetta.com/

Summer Breeze Concerts are produced by The Performing Arts Studio, a nonprofit organization located in the Norman Depot, and are made possible, in part, by grants from the Norman Arts Council, the Oklahoma Arts Council and the National Endowment for the Arts. 

Sponsors include Michael Miller, Caring Pediatrics, Gingerbread Nursery School, and the Norman Smile Center.  Contributors include Avanti Skin Care, Fowler Mitsubishi and Republic Bank and Trust. 

Friends are Ed & Sumya Adwon, American First Abstract, T. J. Campbell Construction Co., Cardinal Engineering, The Earth Natural Foods, David Fries Roofing, MDS Plumbing, Modern Wealth Management, Hal Smith Restaurant Group, The Crucible Foundry, and the Zoo Amphitheater.  Neighbors include The Montford Inn, Residence Inn of Norman, Norman Parks and Recreation, Gilliam Music, The University of Oklahoma and Norman Copy & Printing.