The 1st International Arts Festival - Tbilisi Rhythm 2018
By Mariam Chanishvili
Monday, June 11
Tbilisi Rhythm, a brand new International Arts Festival founded by Tagis Art will feature 2 concerts at Rustaveli Theatre and Tbilisi Concert Hall in June.
The French jazz guitar prodigy - Tom Ibarra will open Tbilisi Rhythm Festival on June 12. He is the winner of this year’s “LetterOne ‘RISING STARS’ Jazz Award”.
Tom has a number of awards. He was the youngest ever guitarist to be endorsed by Ibanez Guitars, won the first prize of the French performing rights society, SACEM, in 2013 and 2014 and the Jeune Espoir Action Jazz (Young Talent award) in 2016.
Born in October 1999, Tom began playing guitar at the age of 6 and was influenced by artists including Miles Davis, Pat Metheny, Weather Report and Wes Montgomery. He released his debut album ‘15’ in 2015.
Over the years, Tom’s talent has been recognized by jazz legends, including Marcus Miller, Richard Bona, Didier Lockwood and Sylvain Luc, who have all invited him to share the stage with them on various occasions. Tom is playing the Ibanez guitar with DV Mark amp.
Tbilisi Rhythm Festival Founder & Art Director, Ani Lagidze noted that while searching for the musicians, she intended to come across with something innovative and that’s when she found Tom Ibarra.
“I came across with the melody by Tom Ibarra. His musical ideas and personal charm overshadowed other artists in that moment,” she said.
After arrangements with musicians, Ani Lagidze has contacted the designer Alexander Gotsi and presented Tom Ibarra. Alexander Gotsi decided to create a handmade leather guitar strap for the artist.
She also noted that within the frames of the festival, master class by Tom Ibarra is planned with the Conservatoire Jazz Faculty students.
“By meeting with true musicians like Tom Ibarra, new generation will have a chance to become more cultured and educated,” said Lagidze.
On June 23, Niaz Diasamidze -33a will perform at Tbilisi Concert Hall. The concert is held within the frames of Check in Georgia.
33a is a Georgian folk-rock band founded in Tbilisi in 1994. The band combines Georgian and French folk influences with pop and reggae elements.
The name "33a" comes from the address — 33a, Paliashvili street, the address of the founder of the band, Niaz Diasamidze.
The presentation of the festival took place last year at Rustaveli Theater where the three virtuosi: Italian trumpeter - Paolo Fresu, French accordionist - Richard Galliano and Swedish pianist - Jan Lundgren performed Mare Nostrum.
Tbilisi Rhythm Festival is brought to you by Tagis Art.
Tickets can be purchased online (biletebi.ge).
