2024-25 Walters Performance Series

Acoustic Guitar Summit

September 27 | 7:30 pm | $25 advance / $28 day of show 

Fingerstyle & Acoustic Guitar

Northwest favorite Acoustic Guitar Summit returns to the Walters! When the award-winning, dynamic, and virtuoso musicians Terry Robb, Mark Hanson, and Doug Smith take the stage, the audience is sure to enjoy an evening of world-class fingerstyle guitar, luscious ballads, and intricately woven fingerpicking burners. 

This dynamic trio will blow you away with their blistering speed and musical genius as they fuse their unique individual talents into a cohesive orchestral whole. Prepare for a dazzling journey—from blues to jazz manouche, reggae to Hawaiian slack key—with original tunes and reimagined classics that showcase why their music is on national television, in major films, and on stages around the world. 

The members of Acoustic Guitar Summit continue to scale new heights as musicians: Oregon Music Hall of Fame member and perennial winner of the Cascade Blues Association award, Terry Robb has recently been honored with the design of two Signature Guitar models. Grammy-winner Mark Hanson celebrated the publication of his 30th guitar book in 2023 and is internationally acclaimed for his numerous solo and group recordings. Grammy-winner Doug Smith headlines solo performances that display the mighty chops that won him the National Fingerpicking Championship.

More about the Performers

Mark Hanson

Fingerstyle guitarist and author Mark Hanson is an experienced performer, composer, and recording artist. Internationally known for his numerous solo and group recordings, he’s also contributed to numerous tribute CDs, including 2005 Best Pop Instrumental Album Grammy Winner, Henry Mancini – Pink Guitar CD (Solid Air Records). Hanson’s recordings play regularly on NPR, syndicated radio, and television programs, such as Martha Stewart Living and West Coast Live.

Terry Robb

With a career spanning four decades, Terry Robb is hailed as a blues guitar virtuosity who has solidified his status as one of the finest acoustic guitarists globally. His signature fingerpicking style, blending Delta blues, ragtime, country, swing, and jazz, has captivated audiences worldwide and earned him praise from critics and peers alike. Inducted into the Oregon Music Hall of Fame, he’s also the perennial winner of the Cascade Blues Association award as the top acoustic blues guitarist in the Pacific Northwest. After winning the award so many times, they retired him from the competition and named the award after him! Robb has recorded over a dozen blues albums, earning a national reputation for his blistering playing and deep understanding of the blues. His latest album, Confessin’ My Dues, nominated for a 2020 Blues Music Award, showcases his continued innovation in the genre.

Doug Smith

Grammy-winner and Winfield International Fingerstyle Guitar Champion Doug Smith is an internationally acclaimed acoustic guitarist renowned for his unique fingerpicking style blending folk, classical, jazz, and contemporary genres. Inspired by icons like Chet Atkins and John Renbourn, Doug’s musical journey began in the 60s, transitioning from piano to guitar, ultimately mastering both steel and nylon strings. Throughout his career, Doug has released numerous albums, collaborated with industry greats, and earned accolades, including a Grammy win for “Best Pop Instrumental Album.” His music, featured on radio, TV, and in films like August Rush and Twister, captivates audiences globally.