Dallas International Guitar Festival 2026

12:00 pm May 1, 2026

Ah yes, spring has sprung and a young man’s fancy turns to, of course, guitars. Yeppers, it’s May 1, and the opening day of the 2026 Dallas International Guitar Festival.  For once I didn’t take the wrong exit and head towards Ft Worth, this time I got on 35 and made it to the Dallas Market Hall parking lot with no issues.  I even found a decent parking spot, so I sauntered up the entrance, got my media pass, and entered into the glorious land of guitar.  Everywhere one looks is a feast of various and sundry guitar wankery. Yes, all is right with the world today.  Usually, I try to get here as the doors open so I can make a quick tour of the vendors and their wares.  I did manage to take in a couple of aisles before I have to make the stage for the first band of the festival.  Typically, the guitar fest has 3 stages, two outside and one inside, the one inside designed for workshops, seminars and such. However, this Friday a.m. there was a possibility of rain, so they setup another stage in a wing off of the main arena.  This will be a giant reverberating echo-plex, there is no being able to stand in the back, one has to get in close to hear the sound the band is doing their best to produce.  They had to do this a couple of years back and it’s bad, but one does what one has to do.

12:30 pm

First band of the day, The Trenton Page Band, found out later that he was one of the winners of the 10 under 20 Competition.  Good band, would like to see them in a more favorable situation, oh well.  I got there just in time to catch a triple shot of Hendrix with, “Red House”, “Purple Haze”, and “All along the Watchtower”.  Mr Page showed us all his excellent chops and quite decent vocals.  He got a great true Strat tone out of a Fender amp, classic setup.  The band held up well in less than optimal conditions and played an enjoyable set. I swear I got some video of Trenton’s set, but I can’t seem to find it, I will add it as soon as I locate it.

1:00 pm

Next up, local guitar slinger, Jackie Don Loe, always good, always enjoyable to see.  His offerings included a lovely instrumental version of “A Day in the Life” and a nice mixed bag of tunes.  “Wind Cries Mary”, “Conquistador”, “Feelin’ Alright”, Bad Finger’s “Day after Day”, a very nice version of Elvis’ “Little Sister”, finishing up with a funky jam, Jackie simply referred to as “Bb Swing”.  Jackie primarily played his Gibson ES-339, serving up a clean, yet slightly dirty tone. Don’t ask why I don’t have a video of Jackie with his 339, luck of the draw I guess.

Had to make a swing thru the vendors on my way to the next band, I am always on the lookout for my particular favorites.  Fender Super Reverb amps, Goldtop Les Pauls, Martins, Gibson ES-335 / 339’s and of course the search for the most expensive guitars/amps I can find.  As far as expensive amps go, I scored the motherlode a couple of years back when I found a Dumble Overdrive for a mere $100K, yes you read that correctly.  My findings will interspersed thru out this write up.

1:30pm

We have the Fabulous Freak Bros band, they are cover band and a dang good cover band at that.  One of the first you notice about these guys is the striped clothing they are wear.  I won’t call them uniforms as they weren’t uniform on the members, just the same striped idea.  Their main lead singer reminded me of Michael Sweet of Stryper, in looks and vocal style just a hair more gravelly.  Plenty of AC/DC, Def Leppard, Ozzy to go around.  I would definitely like to see them again, they were a lot of fun, with plenty of energy.

2:30 pm

Next on the agenda is one Seth Lee Jones, having never heard of him before, I had to check him out.  I did a bit of research on Amazon Music and found it quite interesting.   I have to admit I enjoyed him live more so than recorded. Energy makes a difference.  Mr Jones guitar is the world’s ugliest, beat to a pulp Telecaster I have ever seen.  Looked like it had grease stains on it.  On the video, check out the tailpiece of this guitar, it appeared to have “B” and “G” benders on said tailpiece, it may very well be custom I’m not sure, didn’t get a chance to ask him.  Musically, an interesting take on blues, country, rockabilly and delta styles.  Definitely will require more research.

3:30 pm

Paul Benjamin was next in line, played a nice Lp Custom thru a Cat 5 amp.  Paul was another artist I wasn’t familiar with, stylistically he reminded me of Mike Zito, bluesy-rocky without screaming blues-rock if you get the idea that I’m not stating very well.  I enjoyed his set and will definitely be researching him further.  A couple of standouts were the tunes, “Ball and Chain”, “Midnight Train”.

Back thru the vendors to check out what I may have missed, also to collect some of the “gimme stuff” that almost all of the vendors offer.  I am a sucker for stickers and picks, and I usually score a couple of T-shirts, however, this year was the first time in 5 trips to the guitar fest that I did not pick up one of Baby Blues amps $5.00 shirts, the only color I don’t already have was yellow and I’m not a big yellow wearer.

While we are at it, let’s take a look at some of the “most expensivest”, this is one of the goofy fun things I do in-between bands, anything under $15K basically doesn’t get a look. Here’s some of what I found:

5:00 pm

Heads up! Joanna Conner is about to hit the stage.  To describe her as a powerhouse, is in itself an under-statement.  This gal attacks the stage, grabs her Les Paul by the balls and makes it scream, while simultaneously melting her Fender amp.  She starts her set with “Cissy Stut”, then continues on with “Shake Your MoneyMaker”, “Whipping Post”, “Reach my Destination”, “Sky is Cryin” with all the soul, chops and vocals she can muster, which by the way is plenty.  Very few people can play slide guitar with her dexterity.  And, Whipping Post, this is second time I have seen a trio pull off this song, both times they were able keep it tight and musically right, even without the rest of the Allman Bros band.  Go see Joanne next time you are able, you will leave there spent.

Another run thru the vendors then its time to call it a day.  A fine day, listening to music, admiring great instruments, and of course hanging out the with rest of the black t-shirt, gray ponytail, Skecher’s Slip-ons crowd. My people!

And some more “expensivest”

Saturday May 2, 2026

10:00am

I once again did not take a detour to Ft Worth, but went straight to the parking lot and found a good spot in the shade of all things. Shocking.  One of the great things about have the media pass is I don’t have to go to the front entrance I get to enter thru the chain link fence by the back stage.  Security guard just nods and waves me on thru. I feel so privileged, kind of funny, but this part is almost as good as or better than getting backstage access and such. I know, call me a weirdo.

I reach the front stage just in time to catch most of the “Boogie Men” set. They play around DFW, you need to make it a point to go check these guys out, the are a super tight cover band.  They play everything from Carlos Santana to Muddy Waters. Really good band.

10:55am

We head out to the rear stage (as apposed to the front stage), to catch one Jake Andrews, another act I was unfamiliar with, (don’t want to say “never heard of before”, just sounds bad), but I digress.  Mr Andrews comes on rocking a ES-335 thru I want to say a fender amp, however it could have been a Cat 5, couldn’t really tell from my angle.  I would describe Jake as blues rock, rockabilly with roadhouse thrown in, he was great and a lot of fun.  Great chops, tone, good vocals.  I had to go to Amazon Music and find some of Jake’s work, looking forward to reviewing his albums in the near future.

11:30am

This next band was a special treat for me as one Mark York, a good friend from all the way back in high school is a guitarist in the band.  The band?  Why it’s “Temporary Saints” with Mark and Mouse Mayes on guitars and Skipper Wilson on vocals.  Sorry bass and drums I didn’t get your names.  These guys are a superb cover band, focusing on late 60’s/70’s hard rock.  Speaking of that genre, I don’t think I have ever heard a band play Thin Lizzy’s “Don’t Believe a Word” or Sabbath’s “War Pigs”.  I was deeply impressed with the band digging deep into Lizzy’s catalog, here I thought I was the only one who knew Thin Lizzy was much greater than “Boys are Back” would suggest.  Toss in an excellent version of Peter Green’s “Oh Well”, an enjoyable set from Mark York and the boys.  Great to see you again Mark!

Made a quick run thru the vendors to see if I had missed anything, found a few more picks / stickers, got some more footage of expensivest guitars.  I go thru Jimmy Wallace’s booth several times during the fest just to make sure I have seen everything, Jimmy has a bunch of guitars there. I saw Brian Meader from the Guitar Sanctuary a couple of times, I don’t believe they had a booth, at least I didn’t see it.

1:00pm

The Matthew Scott Band is next up, now I have been following Matthew for several years now, I first discovered him on his YouTube channel.  He finds vintage equipment and restores it to its former glory.  One of his best (to me) episodes was when he drove who knows how far to rescue a Fender Super Reverb from a barn.  Look him up.  Now on to his band.  A 4 piece band, two guitars, Matthew is primary vocalist as well.  He comes on with what I believe was ’56 or ’57 Les Paul (Studio?).  Matthew exudes great tone and style.  Among their songs today were “Reflections”, “Amy”, “Where ya Been”.  Go check out their album “Mirrors” you will enjoy it.

2:15pm

Johnny A, another artist I was “unfamiliar” with. Boy I am now, though. Hard to nail Johnny down but his style would be in a blender with Jazz, Blues, Rock thrown in.  One thing I noticed in particular was his use of the whammy bar, very J Beck like.  He has played with a multitude of artists from Creedance to J. Geils to the Yardbirds.  Playing a vintage (looking) strat, he shows the smooth style of a seasoned professional.  Songs included, “People Get Ready”, “Going Down”

3:30pm

Vernon Reid is mostly known as the guitarist, founder of the band Living Colour, and as solo artist as well.  I was looking forward to seeing him.  Unfortunately, the set just simply wasn’t good with the one exception of the song “Politician” w/ Johnny A.  I don’t know if it was just a bad day or what, but he just did not appear to be overly thrilled to be there.  His playing seemed rather random than focused.

Time for another run thru the vendors, looking for “gimme” picks, Super Reverbs, Goldtops and 339s, along with some more “most expensivest”.

5:00pm

Mr Sonny Landreth, quite possibly the “greatest?”, “best?” slide player on or about the planet.  He is just mesmerizing to watch his playing.  This is the third time I’ve gotten see Sonny, and he just never fails to amaze me.  Granted, I am not the world greatest slide guitar fan, can barely play any myself, now don’t hate me Duane Allman, but I believe Sonny to be a better overall slider “?”.  I didn’t notice any pedals so from where I was planted it appeared to me he had just a Strat plugged into a Marshall, pretty basic.  Some of the tunes he played included, “Walkin’ Blues”, “It Hurts Me Too”, a really cool tune “South of I-10”, and “Congo Square”. Sonny has all the technique and feel to play a great relaxing set.

6:45pm

Ok, here it comes, hang on to your hat and protect your face, Philip Sayce is about to take the stage.  Drop yourself a couple of Ritalin, as you are fixin’ to be exposed to a wall of frantic, high energy blues rock which will attack and melt various parts of one’s anatomy, particularly one’s face.  Philip plays his trademark remarkably destroyed looking Strat, this time running thru a Fender VibroVerb amp.  Set includes, “Can’t Get You Off of My Mind”, “Love is a Powerful Thing”, “Bitter Monday”, “Chevrolet”, Albert Collins’ “Just like Me”, and “Spanish Magic Castle”.  Unless you have seen Philip Sayce live, you just cannot express the energy this trio produces, it’s amazing.  Wes Jeans was brought up to join for a couple of tunes.  They both compliment each other’s playing magnificently. I was able to chat with Philip for a short time backstage, what a heck of a friendly dude. 

This is the first video of Philip, right in the middle of “Can’t Get You Off of My Mind”, I shifted positions and my leg caught the cable and pull the camera down. Bummer, I’m sorry.

Sunday May 3, 2026

10:00am

Three good parking spots in a row, absolutely shocking.  Once again, we get to slip in thru the gate by the rear stage, I love having this media pass.  Let’s run thru the vendors just to make sure we haven’t missed anything or anybody.  Still haven’t found a Super Reverb, (that I could afford) but the search continues. 

How bout this for a motely crew?

11:45am

Denny Jiosa, jazz player extraordinaire. Played a Rudder Guitar along with a Jimmy Wallace “Trini Lopez”.  While it would have been glorious if he could have had his full band, the set was still excellent with his backing tracks.  Not bad to have a full band in your back pocket, that can be produced at the drop of a hat. Some highlights included “Sunny”, a Wes Montgomery tune, Steely Dan’s “Josie” and a brilliant version of “Europa” (one of my personal favorites).  A relaxed, comfortable stage presence, Denny, is a super nice guy, he came over and chatted with me before his set. Great dude!

1:00pm

Listed as “Matt and Mark”, guitar, drums, looper tracks, all original music. What do they play, what do they sound like?  Very valid questions, having no experience with them at all.  I think I can safely describe their music as instrumental electronic math rock.  Very talented individuals, although admittedly not my cup of tea.  However, their stuff was obviously Ally Venable’s cup as she bopped along with them a couple of seats over from me. (name dropper, I know)

2:00pm

Next, we have Ariel Posen, who I would describe as “americana”, even though he is Canadian.  Mr Posen played a Strat thru a Fender DeVille amp, he had a pedalboard, I just didn’t get a look at it.  While I am familiar with Ariel’s music, I don’t know the names of any of his tunes.  This set he apparently liked drop “D” tuning as he stayed with it for the set.  It was enlightening to hear this tuning in a music style that was not snarling death metal.

Back to run thru the vendors one last time. Everything is pretty picked over and the vendors are starting to pack it in. Nothing new to report from the vendor’s area, onward and upward, gotta go catch Redd Volkaert.

3:10pm

Ah yes, it’s time for Redd Volkaert and the Masters of the Telecasters, along with Forest Lee, Dale Clark. A much smaller group this time as opposed to other years, but enjoyable none the less.   Watching Redd play is a master’s lesson in brilliance, his relaxed demeanor and effortless playing is a joy to watch.  Forest Lee, of B-bender fame, lead off several songs, with Dale Clark, local guitar-builder, (Glendale Guitars).  Both of who complimented Redd’s playing superbly.

4:30pm

Joe Mass is my last performer, and I really enjoy watching him play. He played what appeared to me to be a Gibson (obviously) ES-335 (?) I wasn’t to ask him about it. Maybe next year.

And there you have it.  Another Dallas International Guitar Festival is in the books, and another one of my patented DIGF writeups has come to a close.  I honestly don’t have any idea if anyone actually reads this, I hope they do.  This is a labor of love to me, that I enjoy doing every year and sharing with fellow guitarists and music fans.  Thanks. 

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Dave “Mr Dave” Keltner

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