Olde Town Arvada, just outside Denver, Colorado, will host the Rocky Mountain Archtop Festival from Sept. 9–11. The weekend event will feature an exhibit of the Smithsonian-associated Blue Guitar Collection and bring together builders, players, teachers and enthusiasts for a concentrated celebration of the archtop guitar.
© Scott Burr
“For one weekend in September, Olde Town Arvada will become the center of the archtop guitar universe,” said Peter Henriksen, festival organizer. He describes the festival as a unique gathering that showcases more than 30 of the world’s premier guitar builders alongside world-class players, teachers and clinicians. Over 60 hours of music plus more than 30 workshops and clinics will take place at local businesses across Olde Town Arvada, all within walking distance, creating a dense, guitar-focused experience for attendees.
© Scott Burr
The archtop guitar is a staple of jazz and genres such as country, folk and Western swing, and has seen growing interest from progressive rock guitarists as well. Central to the festival is the Blue Guitar Collection, a striking series created when collector Scott Chinery commissioned blue archtop guitars from 22 respected luthiers. Many of those luthiers will attend the festival to discuss the collection, its design choices and the craft behind these distinctive instruments.
A special screening of the documentary feature The Chisels are Calling will be presented at the Harkins Arvada movie theater. The film highlights famed guitar builder John Monteleone and features commentary and performances by notable guitarists, including David Grisman, Ben Harper and Mark Knopfler.
© Scott Burr
In the days leading up to the festival, Frank Vignola’s Big Jersey Guitar Camp will host a four-day guitar intensive in the Denver area. The camp offers master classes, ensemble jams and Q&A sessions with professional players, and is open to musicians of all levels who want to deepen their technique, repertoire and ensemble skills.
Between exhibitions, workshops, screenings and performances, the Rocky Mountain Archtop Festival promises an immersive weekend for anyone fascinated by archtop guitars, luthiery and the communities that surround these instruments. Attendees can expect hands-on encounters with instruments, conversations with the builders who craft them, and a wide range of musical styles presented throughout Olde Town Arvada.