YAKIMA, Wash.- After three days of workshops and lessons, four guitarists battled it out in a competition to be named the best musician in attendance.
More importantly, the festival is about building the community of guitarists.
“It’s a great opportunity for all the players in the Northwest to actually come together and get to know one another because it’s a niche field to say the least,” says festival director and Yakima Valley College guitar instructor John Paul Shields.
The final four competitors came from as far as Vancouver, Canada all in the hopes of growing their passion.
“I always love getting out here to different in the Northwest and seeing other guitarists that are passionate about this,” says second place finalists, Misha Simirnov. “Everyone energizes me and motivates and inspires me to practice more.
The winner of the competition, Matteo Kuizenaga, say he came to play guitar regardless of results.
“When I was sitting in the practice room, my mental image was that I’m just part of a concert with four people in it, and I’m honored to be part of that concert,” says Kuizenga.
“A rising sea lifts all boats,” says John Paul Shields. “Working together just gives us the opportunity to connect and support each other as we move on. So the more we create that community, the better the playing becomes and the better the opportunities for the players.”
The 2025 Northwest Guitar Festival is set to be held in Seattle, with the official hosting site yet to be announced.
