That’s right, I went to a show with just a man and his acoustic guitar, no backing band, no huge effects peddle-board, and no back up singers. Also, the fact he barely sang at all, maybe a couple songs. So you ask, could this be entertaining? In response to that question, yes, I was unbelievably blown away. Tommy Emmanuel delivered for over two hours of him and his guitar thoroughly entertaining the lively crowd at the Appell Center for the Performing Arts in York, Pennsylvania which the way is celebrating 100 years, “A Century of the Strand Theatre”.
Tommy performed several songs that he had written, also a medley of Beatles songs that had the crowd singing in unison, and several instrumental pieces that were incredible. At one point of the night Tommy actually used his guitar like a drum and different points of his guitar made different drum sounds, which was very incredible.
Looking closely at Tommy’s guitars, which by the way are Maton Guitars which are made in his home country of Australia, there is an inlay on the neck that reads CGP which means Certified Guitar Player. This award or title was handed out by Chet Atkins. There were very few given, and only a few left and Tommy is one of the CGP recipients.
Watch the official video of Tommy Emmanuel’s “Black and White to Color”:
I had an awesome night at an incredible venue, listening to a virtuoso on the guitar. Tommy Emmanuel delivered beyond my wildest imagination. Tommy Emmanuel continues his fabulous tour across the US.
Check out more photos of Tommy Emmanuel at the Appell Center for Performing Arts on October 22, 2025. All photos are copyright Frank Thompson:
Nice work. Stage lighting is difficult to deal with and these are really nice and sharp.