Full program including comprehensive artist profiles and set times will be released later in February.

Plini

Sunday Afternoon – Main Stage

Plini (guitar), Jake Howsam Lowe (guitar)

Plini is one of the leading guitarists of his generation, internationally recognised for his distinctive and progressive instrumental rock playing and writing. His releases including Impulse Voices, Handmade Cities and Live in North America have put Plini on the radar of guitarists everywhere, including Steve Vai who described him as “the future of exceptional guitar playing”. Plini will be playing at Sydney Guitar Show alongside long-time band member & live guitarist Jake Howsam Lowe.

Supported by Strandberg Guitars

Decoding The Dream – Diesel and Master Builder David Brown on Guitar Design

Saturday Afternoon – Main Stage

Diesel & David Brown (US), in conversation

What makes a guitar feel truly right in a player’s hands?

In Decoding the Dream, Diesel joins Fender Master Builder David Brown for a rare, in-depth conversation exploring the ideas, instincts, and priorities that shape a great guitar. From tone and feel to aesthetics and intent, this session offers a thoughtful look at how a player’s vision is understood, interpreted, and translated through design — guided by experience, taste, and trust.

Diesel has been one of Australia’s most recognisable guitarists since the late 80s when Johnny Diesel & the Injectors put him in the national spotlight. He followed up with the iconic Hepfidelity and The Lobbyist, and has maintained a diverse and active career as a solo artist, collaborator (with Chris Wilson, Jimmy Barnes and many others), producer, and guitarist. Diesel joins us in the middle of his extensive ‘By Request’ tour, which will culminate at Sydney Opera House in April.

David Brown is part of the elite team of Master Builders based in Fender’s Custom Shop in Corona, California. His career has evolved from the guitarist in Billy Joel’s band (1979-89) and performing on the iconic Simon and Garfunkel Concert in Central Park, through guitar technician and building roles in a range of companies. When he joined Fender in 2022, Brown said “Becoming a Master Builder for the Fender Custom Shop means that you’ve arrived. There is no higher pinnacle than this.

Supported by Fender

Larry Mitchell (US)

Larry Mitchell (guitar)

Larry Mitchell is a Grammy award-winning producer, engineer and performer who has toured the world playing guitar with well-known artists including Tracy Chapman, Billy Squier, Ric Ocasek and Miguel Bosé. In his original compositions, Larry skillfully weaves guitar textures that showcase his virtuosity as a solo artist and ensemble player.

As an artist, he has released 9 solo records, 2 EP’s and won a San Diego Music Award for best pop jazz artist.

As a producer-engineer, Larry has won 26 New Mexico Music Awards in various categories from pop, adult contemporary, rap, rock, country and Native American. He won a Grammy Award for producing, engineering and performing on “Totemic Flute Chants” by artist Johnny Whitehorse, who is better known as Robert Mirabal of Taos Pueblo.

Supported by Independent Music Products / Fractal Audio

Saturday afternoon | Main Stage (Performance)

Saturday morning | Make Music Room (Workshop)

Hussy Hicks

Sunday Afternoon | Main Stage

Leesa Gentz (vocals) Julz Parker (guitar), Tracy Stephens (bass), Ali Foster (drums)

Known for their killer live shows, Hussy Hicks captivate audiences with their infectious energy, tight harmonies, and musical versatility, creating an unforgettable performance that leaves fans wanting more every time.

Straddling the line between Folk, Blues, Country, Rock and Roots, the band have earned themselves a mighty reputation, growing, from festival openers to festival favourites, seeing the group now appear at the biggest blues, roots, folk and country festivals in Australia, the USA and across Europe while selling out their own tours across the three continents.

Tash Wolf

Saturday Morning | Main Stage

Tash Wolf (guitar / vocals), Kristof Neyens (guitar), Karl Serna (bass), Brendan Tan (drums)

Tash Wolf is an acclaimed Australian guitarist, songwriter, producer and influencer known for her intuitive, blues-and-jazz-influenced playing style. Building an online audience by posting guitar videos from a young age, Tash has followed her passion for music. Guided by incredible mentors and tutors, she notes John Mayer, Jimi Hendrix, Gary Clark Jnr, SRV, George Benson, Lenny Kravitz and Prince as artists who shaped her identity and musicianship.

Tash will bring her pulsing, guitar driven performance to the Sydney Guitar Show, debuting new and reimagined original music.

The Dawn of Electric Rock & Roll – Zane Banks

Sunday Afternoon – Main Stage

Zane Banks (guitar), band TBA

Explore the roots of rock music in this story-driven performance with guitarist Zane Banks. From the Delta Blues, Gospel, Country, and Swing, to the electrified energy of early rock & roll, this show traces how multiple musical strands and technological innovations converged to create a revolutionary new sound.

Through full performances and demonstrations, Zane’s virtuosity brings the iconic riffs, solos, and techniques of each era roaring to life.

Anyone who has ever met Zane Banks can attest – he is one of a kind. Obsessed with the guitar from childhood, but not your typical guitar nut, he has built his mastery of his instrument into his life’s work, performing music spanning the spectrum of genres from jazz, to country/bluegrass and contemporary classical music.

Supported by Fender

Lucy Clifford Trio

Lucy Clifford (bass), Felix Lalanne (guitar), Tully Ryan (drums)

Bassist Lucy Clifford brings her trio to the Sydney Guitar Show for a captivating set of contemporary jazz and improvised music, featuring virtuoso guitarist Felix Lalanne (The Good Behaviours, Casey Golden) and groundbreaking drummer Tully Ryan (Godtet).

Having performed alongside multiple luminaries of the Australian music scene including Kate Ceberano and Katie Noonan, Lucy has also garnered widespread acclaim in the contemporary jazz scene for her own genre-defying work, winning the 2025 ARIA Award for Best Jazz Album with her recent debut release (via ABC Jazz). Bridging hypnotic bass-driven grooves, ambient soundscapes and a kaleidoscope of collaborative energies, Lucy’s trio has become the vehicle for a sound that feels both rooted in rhythmic gravity and radically open. An innovative reimagining of the jazz genre you won’t want to miss.

Sunday Morning – Main Stage

I HEART SONGWRITING CLUB

Sunday – Make Music Room

11am – Songwriting: From Cover Artist to Original Artist

12.45am – Songwriters in the Round: Bryce Sainty, Chloe Gill & Francesca de Valence

2pm – Songwriting: Crafting Lyrics to Tell Your Story

Francesca de Valence

Francesca de Valence is a songwriter, teacher and entrepreneur whose work has shaped communities and careers across Australia and beyond. She is the founder of I Heart Songwriting Club (IHSC), a global initiative that has supported thousands of songwriters and facilitated the creation of over 35,000 songs — some nominated for ARIA Awards, synched to feature films, and headlining world tours. Her programs now nurture regional songwriting communities, providing practical tools, mentorship, and development pathways for writers of all skill levels.

Chloe Gill is an independent folk-rock artist from Mulubinba/Newcastle, known for her honest storytelling, emotive melodies, and distinctive voice.

Her captivating stage presence has seen her share stages with artists like Sam Fischer, Kate Ceberano, and Tori Forsyth and perform at major festivals including The Long Jetty Festival and West Best Bloc Fest, and headlined the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup Fan Festival.

Chloe’s songwriting has received national and international acclaim, winning the Listen Up Music Songwriting Prize for “Circulated Fantasies” and reaching the semi-finals of the International Songwriting Competition in both 2023 and 2024.

Bryce Sainty is a dynamic Australian country artist and songwriter who has carved out a place as one of the genre’s most promising rising stars. With over 5 million streams to his name and recognition as a Spotify “Artist to Watch,” Bryce’s music blends authentic storytelling with contemporary country delivering heartfelt lyrics, anthemic choruses, and a magnetic stage presence that’s earned him a loyal and growing fanbase.

Ranked in the top 5% of artists and songwriters globally based on streaming numbers, Bryce’s catalogue includes a string of standout releases such as the upbeat hit Do You Remember, the emotionally charged Nervous, and On The Weekend, which reached #11 on The Music Network Country Charts.

RAY BEADLE

Saturday Morning – Main Stage

Ray’s guitar and vocal styles evoke numerous blues legends, whilst concocting a breathtaking style all of his own. It is not by chance that Ray has become a favourite amongst Australian blues and music fans. An exhilarating guitarist, an enthralling singer-songwriter, and an extremely talented performer, Ray was awarded Best Album, Best Song, and Best Male Artist in the Chain Blues Awards.

Ray Beadle is the genuine article, his music comes deep from the heart and soul, stirring emotions in people with his guitar genius. Ray’s music is rich with a deep history of the Blues; Rich from 20 years of experiences garnered from performing Nationally and Internationally; and rich from a deep understanding of his instrument and how to make it stir something within the listener. He knows that’s what the Blues is about. Ray’s life as a musician started when he was just 9, and for the next 20 years, Ray has played with and learnt from the best, including many years spent performing and recording with the Foreday Riders; (commonly referred to as the ‘University of the Blues’).

Ray has shared the stage with many great Australian and International artists and has thrilled countless festival audiences. A three-month residency with the house band in BB King’s Club in Memphis, as well as several Southern Blues festivals, were all defining moments during Ray’s three tours to the USA.

GOdriguez

Saturday Morning – Main Stage

David Rodriguez-Lovibond (guitar)

Godriguez is the solo project of Australian-Spanish guitarist, producer, and composer David Rodriguez-Lovibond. Known for weaving jazz, beat-making, and experimental textures into one cohesive sound, he’s carved a place as one of Australia’s most adventurous musical voices.

Beyond his solo work, he leads the acclaimed ensemble GODTET, has collaborated with artists like Sampa the Great, Genesis Owusu, and Andrew Gurruwiwi, and has taken his music from underground clubs to the Sydney Opera House and international stages.

“Godriguez is adept at unleashing torrents of Dilla-esque musical genius” (VICE/THUMP)

Bandits

Saturday Afternoon – Main Stage

Bandits is Big Music’s premier performance program for passionate teen musicians who are ready to be challenged, inspired, and pushed toward their full musical potential. Designed for experienced players and singers, Bandits gives teens a real taste of what it’s like to be a professional musician.

Members of the Bandits rehearse regularly with pro musician coaches, collaborate on setlists, refine their performance skills, and take the stage at major community events, festivals, and concerts—often performing alongside leading Australian artists. Past Bandits have played at high-profile venues and shared the bill with nationally recognised acts, gaining invaluable experience and confidence.

Lil G