Tacoma Guitar & Drum Festival

Tacoma Guitar & Drum Festival

Event Info

Show Information

Come buy, sell or trade your guitar, amp, or drums! As well as hundreds of guitars, amps and other gear on display, the events include guitar and drum workshops, artist performances, and signings. 

Show Schedule

Artist Performance / Workshop Schedule

(times subject to change)

Saturday, May 21sth – Doors open at 9:30 AM

10:00 AM – 11:00 AM      Mark Lettieri / Jason “JT” Thomas  

11:30 AM – 12:30 PM      Will McFarlane / Andy Stoller / Aaron O’Neil    

1:00 PM – 2:00 PM         Andy Timmons

2:30 PM – 3:15 PM         Tomo Nakayama

****************************************************************

Sunday, May 22nd – Doors open at 10:00 AM.

10:30 AM – 11:30 AM      KJ Sawka

12:00 PM – 1:00 PM        Larry Mitchell

1:30 PM – 2:15 PM          Kazuki Tokaji

2:45 PM – 3:30 PM          Stephanie Anne Johnson 

Artist Information

Andy Timmons

As guitarist for pop-metal band Danger Danger, he toured the world opening for Kiss and Alice Cooper, sold over a million records worldwide, and had two #1 videos on MTV, plus amassing a discography that includes 7 solo releases that range from blazing guitar instrumentals, to blues, and even a Beatles/Elvis Costello-inspired collection of pop tunes.

Will McFarlane

Will McFarlane spent six years playing guitar with Bonnie Raitt, from 1974 to 1980. Born on a Navy base in California, McFarlane started voice lessons at age 6, adding piano a year later. Seeing the Beatles play the Ed Sullivan Show when he was 12 inspired McFarlane to take up guitar.

Mark Lettieri

Mark Lettieri is a multiple Grammy Award-winning guitarist, composer, producer, and instructor based in Fort Worth, TX. Proficient in a multitude of styles, he records and performs in virtually every genre of popular music with both independent and major-label artists. He also composes and produces original instrumental music under his own name.

Jason “JT” Thomas

JT is a 4 time Grammy Award-winning drummer hailing from Weatherford TX. Known for his ability to authentically adapt to whatever genre or style of music he’s put in. JT has become highly sought after by an array of different artists such as the late great Roy Hargrove’s RH Factor, Snarky Puppy, Fred Hammond, CeCe Winans, Marcus Miller, Mark Lettieri, FORQ, and Phillip Phillips.

KJ Sawka

Widely recognized for his work as a member of renowned electronic music super-groups, Pendulum, and Destroid, KJ Sawka is undoubtedly one of the most illustrious, and respected figures in the industry today, with a unique ability to push the boundaries of dance music and foster innovation in the scene.
 

Larry Mitchell

Larry Mitchell is a Grammy award-winning producer, engineer and performer who has toured the world playing guitar with well-known artists including Tracy Chapman, Billy Squier, Ric Ocasek and Miguel Bosé. In his original compositions, Larry skillfully weaves guitar textures that showcase his virtuosity as a solo artist and ensemble player.

Tomo Nakayama

Born in Japan and raised in Seattle, Washington, Tomo Nakayama is an artist whose melodic, complex and emotionally compelling music has been praised by NPR, New York Times, and The Stranger.

Stephanie Anne Johnson

A singer’s talent is complete when they can bring a crowded dive bar to a collective hush and also get one of the biggest audiences on the planet to a collective standing ovation. Stephanie Anne Johnson is that special singer who can don a cowboy hat and sing over a slide as old timers weep. And they have wowed judges on the immensely popular NBC TV series, The Voice, showcasing their gifts.

Kazuki Tokaji

KAZUKI was born in Japan in 1995. Best known as pop rock guitarist of Alternative rock band CIRCLE THE EARTH & Post metal hardcore band DYLAN’N’ALICE. He started playing guitar when he was 7 years old, and drums age at 10. He graduated from the Musicians Institute in 2018. Having a traditional Japanese childhood before an American adolescence certainly gave his influences and musical ear a unique twist.

Full bios here

Tickets

Tickets are valid for both days of the festival, including performances and exhibition hall entrance. Children ages 12 and under are free with a paid adult. Re-entry is allowed with a hand stamp and event ticket.

Tickets are available for purchase in person at the Heritage Bank Tacoma Dome Box Office or online. Additional convenience fees may apply to online orders. 

If utilizing digital tickets, please have your phone charged and your tickets ready for scanning at entry.

 

Free Parking

Free parking in Tacoma Dome lots is provided by the Tacoma Guitar & Drum Festival. 

Entry & Security

Due to the nature of the instrument and accessory sales and trades at this event, the clear bag policy will not be in effect for this event.

Security measures are in place for all Tacoma Dome events, including metal detectors and bag searches.

Weapons of any kind, including pocket knives, are not allowed. If you see something, say something™. Visit our Security page for more details. 

Please note: the Tacoma Dome clear bag policy is not in place for the Tacoma Guitar & Drum Festival. However, guests are encouraged to only bring essential items to expedite entry and reduce touchpoints.

Food & Beverage

Concessions, beer, and wine will be available for purchase. Tacoma Dome concessions are cashless (see below for additional info). Bean Water Espresso stand will be located in the Exhibition Hall lobby. 

Please note: No outside food or beverage permitted.

Cashless Concessions

The Tacoma Dome is a cashless facility, including all concession sales. Google Pay and Apple Pay are also available at concession points of sale. There are cash-to-card kiosks (reverse ATM’s) where guests can exchange their cash for a Tacoma Dome VISA card. Card balances remain usable anywhere after the event. Going cashless improves the transaction process, reduces wait times, and limits guest to staff contact. Cashless parking payment options are also available. Please visit our Cashless FAQs for more information. Please note: Vendors, like those at Tacoma Guitar & Drum Festival, may still accept cash, if preferred.

Health & Safety Guidelines

Face coverings are no longer required for our guests by state order (subject to change). Individuals are welcome to wear masks if they choose. 

Effective March 1, 2022, proof of vaccination or negative testing is no longer required by Washington State mandate to attend large events.

Please continue to monitor this page, as well as our Reopening page for current health and safety protocols.

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