Whether you floated through or stayed for all four days as I did, the second annual Malibu Guitar Festival was a huge success in every way imaginable.
The line up of world-renowned guitarists, musical artists and experts, passionate aficionados, local talent and a rapt audience held the diverse programs and locations together like a perfect chord.
Where else could you see Malibu guitarists like the young, talented Daniel Paige and the incomparable Kenny Wayne Shepherd on the same bill?
From the beloved Malibu Inn stage at Casa Escobar to the relaxed Cross Creek setting nestled on the river against the mountains to the intimate ocean view Sunset Restaurant, each venue worked perfectly for both performers and audience.
Throughout the weekend, you would hear people say they felt they were getting in on the ground floor of something wonderful. I met folks who had flown in from Chicago and Colorado for the festival and are coming back next year.
The Malibu Guitar Festival is one of those rare artistic ventures — born of love, passion and the desire to give back. Three local charities — Therasurf, Mending Kids and The Boys and Girls Club — benefited from the opening night fundraiser, where a gentleman unexpectedly stood up and pledged $75,000 to these worthwhile organizations.
Malibu is lucky that founders Doug Deluca and John Watkin had this dream and made it a reality. Hats off to their families, friends, colleagues and the many volunteers who worked tirelessly for the artists and our community.
Mark you calendars for next year, because the festival is here to stay.
Veronica Brady