Last Saturday, online viewers from around the world tuned into the ArtistWorks Big Guitar Getaway live stream, where bass legend Nathan East, fleet-fingered country guitarist Guthrie Trapp and blues guitar pro Keith Wyatt jammed, answered questions and talked about their lives as musicians. 

Joining the artists for a full day of music were the winners of our Big Guitar Getaway contest — Kirsten Shoushane Ray, Bob Knight and Mike Aguilar — who got to meet, jam and receive one-on-one private lessons with the masters. “I can’t believe it. This is a once in a lifetime chance,” commented Kirsten, a five-year ArtistWorks student. 

The winners also had the opportunity to check out the ArtistWorks control room, getting an inside look at the facility. "The prospect of coming to Napa to have the studio experience is a treat," said Bob, a band and orchestra teacher who recently retired after 30 years. "The icing on the cake was meeting all three artists."

But perhaps best of all was the chance to jam and make music together. Mike, a seasoned bass player, brought along his Ibanez 5-string. "Thanks for this wonderful once-in-a-lifetime opportunity," he shared. 

Kirsten, Bob and Mike also received a fully-loaded swag bag from our partners — D'Addario, Vox Amplification and GA Audio — and a one year VIP subscription to any ArtistWorks music instruction course.

Here are some behind-the-scenes shots from the day: 

All grins as the artists and winners gather for a quick photo. 

ArtistWorks CEO Patricia Butler and winner Bob Knight poses with his winners’ t-shirt.

Kirsten Shoushane Ray smiles with some of her prize winnings.

Mike Aguilar checks out some of his new swag.

Guthrie Trapp poses next to…Guthrie Trapp!

The after-show hang out. Keith and Guthrie chat with ArtistWorks VP, John Graves. 

Guthrie and Nathan laugh with ArtistWorks’ Marcus Luscombe. 

Thanks to two of our sponsors, D’Addario and Vox, for helping our artists and winners sound great!

Missed the live stream? Watch it in full here: 

Be sure to tune into the Big Jazz Getaway live stream January 28, 2020 on our Facebook page, where harmonica virtuoso Howard Levy, jazz bass icon John Patitucci and brilliant jazz guitarist Martin Taylor will perform. This will mark the very first time these musicians have played together, making the Big Jazz Getaway a tremendous and historical confluence of talent!