Classical-acoustic guitarist Scott Tennant has won multiple awards and has released many records to critical acclaim. On Saturday, he performs on a USC Trojan Guitar Night at Boulevard Music, and he told the News about what he has in store for Culver City.
When did you start playing and performing?
I started guitar lessons at age 6, after getting my first guitar for Christmas. And I started playing publicly when I was 10. That’s when I got serious about playing guitar as a career. So that makes it 52 years of performing (so far).
Describe your sound…
Acoustic, classical, different every day!
What are your career highlights so far?
Winning a Grammy with the LA Guitar Quartet (LAGQ) for “Best Classical Crossover” in 2004; performing with John Cleese narrating “The Ingenious Gentleman: The Music and Times of Cervantes”; with the LAGQ performing with the Los Angeles Philharmonic, Philadelphia Orchestra, Sydney Symphony (Sydney Opera House), Boston Pops television series, to name some highlights.
Do you have recorded music available?
Yes. On the labels Telarc, Guitar CoOp, Delos, Sony Classical, and LAGQ Recordings.
Have you performed at Boulevard Music before? Any memories?
I’ve played there many times, and I have wonderful memories! Their audience is so wonderful and genuine. It feels more like a living room gathering of friends.
What can the audience expect from the set this time?
I thought it would be a nice change of pace to call it a “USC Night”. I will play some solos, and myself and my faculty colleagues (Bill Kanengiser and Brian Head) will each play in duet with some of our best student performers. It will be a fun evening of variety!
What else do you have coming up?
I’m still planning a solo recording of some music that friends have written for me. But I will most likely release each piece digitally as they are recorded. Stay tuned.
Scott Tennant & USC Trojan Guitar Night takes place at 8 p.m. on Saturday, April 6 at Boulevard Music. Go to boulevardmusic.com for more information about the show.
Elsewhere this week
The Culver Hotel will be hosting the likes of Sylvia & the Rhythm Boys, and Scotty Bramer. Go to culverhotel.com for more info.
There’s a full program of music at the Cinema Bar this week, as usual. The Hot Club of Los Angeles plays every Monday, and Wednesdays are singer/songwriter and open mic night. Other artists performing this week include Copper Lantern, Coyote Moon, Bob Street’s Stumpwater Experiment, and more. Go to thecinemabar.com for more info.