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News • New Mexico • United States • 2011-10-20

UPWEST ARTS Brings Acoustic Guitar Virtuoso Leo Kottke to the Rio Grande Theatre

LAS CRUCES, N.M. - This November, UpWest Arts will bring a living legend to the Rio Grande Theatre stage. Widely known for his innovative fingerpicking style, which draws on influences from blues, jazz and folk music, as well as his syncopated, polyphonic melodies, Leo Kottke is recognized world-wide as a master of the acoustic guitar. Interspersing humorous and often bizarre monologues with vocal and instrumental selections from throughout his career, played solo on his signature 6- and 12-string guitars, Leo Kottke will amaze and mesmerize on November 16, 2011.

Grammy-nominated acoustic guitarist Leo Kottke is a walking contradiction. In conversation he is slow talking, thoughtful almost to distraction. Yet when he picks up a steel-stringed guitar, his fingers race across the strings with uncommon speed, developing a deep, churning groove that can at times sound like several people playing at once. He seems to play guitar at 78 rpm, yet he speaks at 33. Now 65 years young, Kottke has recorded over 30 albums that showcase his barnstorming fretwork and quirky songwriting. He is truly a master of the guitar whose playing has influenced generations of musicians and listeners, and he still tours the country relentlessly, playing his 6- and 12-stringed guitars for appreciative audiences ranging from New England to Southern California, from Brisbane to Berlin.

The Rio Grande Theatre is located at 211 N. Downtown Mall, in Las Cruces. Doors open at 7pm and the performance begins at 7:30 pm. Tickets are $30 general admission and can be purchased through Enchanted Gardens, Hubbard\'s Music, White\'s Music Box or via the website at www.RioGrandeTheatre.com. For more information contact Rio Grande Theatre Manager, David Salcido, at (575) 523-6403.

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