You guys missed a great show last night. We went to see Beppe Gambetta, a flatpicking guitarist originally from Genoa, Italy. If he’s ever near your town, I urge you to drop everything and attend his show.

He played bluegrass, folk songs of Italy, the U.S. and Scotland, sacred music he transcribed for guitar and was captivating every single time. It was a small, intimate evening, about120 in the audience at a local Unity church. Tickets were the best $20 I’ll spend all month.

What made it so delightful was not only his playing but his irresistible charm. Each song brought a new story, and a lot of guitar tuning. Each story, joke (What do banjos and hand grenades have in common? When you hear them it’s too late), childhood reminiscence and musical explanation was delivered with wit, charm, a gracious smile and a delightful northern Italian accent. 

There’s also the wonderful dichotomy of watching an  Italian romantic put his full musical force into a Doc Watson lick and a Woody Guthrie ballad.

You will not have a better time at a concert than to see this wonderful man.

Check out his Web site, beppegambetta.com.

If you’re in northeast Kansas, I recommend that you attend any concert staged by West Side Folk.

See you there.