Famed Italian-Born Acoustic Guitarist, Peppino D’Agostino Coming to Dana Point

Famed Italian born acoustic guitarist, Peppino D’Agostino is coming to Dana Point as part of his 2012 U.S. tour performing live at the Dana Point Community House on Friday, May 25 at 7:30 p.m. in support of his recently released music, and first new material in a decade, Nine White Kites.

D’Agostino has been hailed as "a guitarist's guitarist” by Acoustic Guitar magazine as well as "a giant of the acoustic guitar,” according to San Diego Reader, and he was named "Best Acoustic Guitarist” by Guitar Player Magazine in 2007.

The San Francisco Chronicle best described his trademark poetic eloquence and grace when it appropriately dubbed him “a poet.”

Laguna Niguel Patch asked the artist some questions about how he got started in the business and what people can expect from his performance on Friday.

Laguna Niguel Patch: When did the music bug hit you?

Peppino D’Agostino: I was 10 years old when I went to see my cousin playing Beatles and Italian popular songs on an electric guitar. I was hooked immediately.

Patch: What were your aspirations growing up?

D’Agostino: Playing music for a living.

Patch: Who are your mentors? Heroes?

D’Agostino: Carlos Santana, the Beatles, John McLaughlin, Leo Kottke, John Renbourn, Chet Atkins, Marcel Dadi and many others.

Patch: Where do you get your inspiration?

D’Agostino: People I care for or admire, beautiful natural places and musical elements such as rhythm, structures, dynamics, melodies, harmonies.

Patch: What do you like best about what you do?

D’Agostino: Being in the "Zone" or "Empty Place" when I play, a place where only the "musical moment" is relevant and know that the audience is transported with me to this happy place.

Patch: How has music changed in the past 5 years?

D’Agostino: Years ago, alternative musicians such as me could make a living by collecting royalties from record or CD sales. Now, because of the collapse of the music industry, an acoustic guitarist like me, can only make a living by playing live shows. If you do it well, you could attract audiences and make a good living at it. Youtube pretty much changed everything.

Patch: What can fans expect when you perform in Dana Point?

D’Agostino: Musical connection with my friend, colleague and amazing drummer/percussionist Jeff Campitelli (drummer for the Joe Satriani's band). Melodic and powerful music, and a few songs with my daughter, Aleza.

Patch: Where do you hope to be in 5 years?

D’Agostino: I'm working with Rock, Classical and world music artists. I hope to be able to combine all these musical influences and create a touring show with different artists where all this different genres merges together.

Patch: Tell us about your family life.

D’Agostino: Married for 24 years with a wonderful daughter that just graduated from college. We also have a sweet 14-year-old dog that smiles often.