Hiroya Tsukamoto

The six-string guitar is probably the most ubiquitous instrument on the planet — an incredibly versatile, expressive, genre-crossing shape-shifter that's at home in virtually any musical setting. Most of us probably have one kicking around the house, and many of us can coax something musical out of it — but not many can make it sing the way this man can.

There's a wonderful poem by Myra Brooks Welch that tells a story of an old fiddle on the verge of being auctioned off for three bucks. Before the auctioneer can complete the sale, an old gent steps forward, picks up the fiddle, and begins to play. In that moment the ordinary-seeming instrument's true power and beauty are revealed, and the price goes from three dollars to three thousand. All that was needed was the touch of the master's hand.

Hiroya Tsukamoto is just such a master.

"Hiroya’s instrumental abilities are indeed breathtaking, but his performances are so much more than that. Hiroya has the unique ability to engage an audience through a personable and genuine approach that almost transcends his capabilities as a guitarist. It is an honesty rarely seen, well worth noting, and a joy to experience"

"Hiroya immediately impressed the audience with his technical prowess on the guitar. Then as the concert progressed, he also revealed himself to be a skilled songwriter, a poetic spirit, and an engaging storyteller. With a stage presence that is both humble and confident, Hiroya is a generous performer who won every heart in the house."

"I will not soon forget the concert by Hiroya Tsukamoto. His musicality, poetry, humor, and skillful delivery of remarkable compositions brought joy to my hearts. All I had to do was close my eyes and be transported to a babbling brook, a deep canyon, or a West Virginia mountainside."