GUITAR NIGHT: "The Hang"

GUITAR NIGHT - the "Ultimate Hang"

Among musicians there is an informal gathering known as "The Hang." It could be as simple as a couple of musician getting together to play, talk, or have a bite to eat. Or, it could be a place where a great many seem to congregate, and this place becomes known as "The Hang".

John Pisanos’ Guitar Night has been "The Hang" of choice for guitarists and fans of guitar for the last eleven years. With a simple, informal host and guest format it has succeeded in bringing the finest guitarists and music to the fortunate eyes and ears of their admiring and dedicated audience.

Early one fall evening in 1997, I got a phone call from John Pisano inviting me to come to a new weekly musical event he was putting together he called "Guitar Night."

John told me about a jazz club called "Dontes", that had flourished during the Seventies which dedicated one night a week to the guitar. He told me about how some of the greatest guitarists of the time (of which he was one), would gather along with an eclectic and passionate audience to play along with, and to cheer their brother players on. It was this concept that he wanted to resurrect and build on.

I showed up with my little Minolta, and a roll of 1600 ASA film, and shot the first Guitar Night. It is now 500+ Guitar Nights later and "Guitar Night", and "I" are still going strong.

It was on September 23rd, 1997 that the first Guitar Night was held at Papashon Restaurant in Encino California. John's first guest was the legendary George Van Eps. Over the last eleven years I have photographed well over 120 of the worlds finest guitarists.

What follows is a photo history of this great event. It would be impossible to post a complete archival history’s of each event. So I have chosen images that best reflect the artist, a portrait and a group photo, hopefully capturing the feeling and ambience.

Enjoy Bob Barry

PS - To make it easier to find your favorite guitarists, they will be listed alphabetically.