2nd Annual International Guitar Festival brings performances, demos, free guitar swag, swap meet, and more to Heartwood Soundstage on March 23

Press release from Heartwood Soundstage

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Heartwood Soundstage is hosting a celebration of worldwide guitar culture on Sunday, March 23, in downtown Gainesville! Visitors to the 2nd Annual Gainesville International Guitar Festival can hear performances and talks from inspiring guitarists, see pedal and gear demos from builders and collectors, trade gear in a swap meet, learn about local guitar education programs and ways to get involved in Gainesville’s music scene, jam with other guitarists in the Heartwood greenroom, and show off their favorite axe at a guitar show and tell!

Started by Heartwood owner Dave Melosh in 2024, the second Annual Guitar Festival will expand this year to include a variety of panels and workshops as well as the swap meet and virtuosic performances introduced at last year’s inaugural event. The 2025 lineup includes performances by Hiroya Tsukamato, Taylor Roberts, Jasper Smitty, Mike Boulware, Richie Stano, and more. Featured workshops, panels, and demonstrations include pedal building, pedals for scoring music, dobros and slide guitars, guitars as a tool for social good, gypsy jazz, exhibitions by Funky Music Store and Hoggtowne Music Store, a swag giveaway from Taylor Guitars, and more. Guests are also invited to participate in a free swap meet, women-centered guitar jams, and a guitar show-and-tell.

The Swap Meet and select skillshares are free and open to the public. Tickets can be purchased at heartwoodsoundstage.com for access to performances and workshops inside Heartwood’s listening room. The 2nd Annual Gainesville International Guitar Festival will take place from noon to 9 p.m. on Sunday, March 23. More information is available at heartwoodsoundstage.com.