Doors at 5pm | Dinner menu available (not included in ticket price) | All ages welcome

Elden Kelly is known as a master improviser, thoughtful and original composer. With a devoted cult following, Mr. Kelly is one of a select few employing the nylon string guitar in jazz, as well as incorporating classical and world music techniques in new and novel ways. As an instrumentalist, his work is characterized by virtuosic playing which sometimes draws as much on classical and baroque techniques as it does from contemporary jazz. He impresses audiences with engaging extemporization, sometimes the primary focus of the concert, yet often sounding pre-composed. In ensemble work, his voice is distinctive, interactive and complimentary.

Elden is bringing the guitar into new directions; namely by incorporating world, jazz and classical guitar techniques into a varied and diverse modern repertoire. He is also on the leading edge of technological innovations of the instrument through guitar synthesis and sustainers, as well as fretless guitar sounds, bringing an entirely fresh palette to the instrument.

He is also a composer for solo guitar and ensemble, as well as a singer/songwriter.
As a solo performer he has toured and performed across the country and has performed or recorded with Regina Carter, Bakithi Kumalo, Jamey Haddad, Marion Hayden, Dwight Adams, Ralphe Armstrong and many of Detroit’s most notable musicians.

Elden grew up near Burlington, Vermont.

“You are gifted. Where did you learn all those runs? I need to take lessons from you” –Larry McCray (blues guitar legend)

“Nobody sounds like Elden on guitar” –Ralphe Armstrong (bassist for Mahavishnu Orchestra, Jean-Luc Ponty, Aretha Franklin)

“A brilliant guitarist with phenomenal technique” –Joe Morris, free jazz guitar pioneer

“Elden, you are a bad cat, a great player” –Lionel Loueke (guitarist for Herbie Hancock)

Tickets $20 general/$10 students
https://givebutter.com/eldenkellyurbanbeat