By Grace Heimsness

Austin ArtWorks Festival Intern

Music lovers have plenty to be excited about this August, not the least of which are two acoustic guitar players due for a homecoming.

Trace Bundy. Photo by Dean Zulich

Trace Bundy, a fingerstyle guitarist known by fans as the “Acoustic Ninja,” was born in Austin before moving to Buena Vista, Colo.

It was here, Bundy says, that he bought his first guitar, splitting the $10 cost with his brother.

Unable to afford lessons, Bundy taught himself, eventually developing a unique style which uses loops, harmonics, and all 10 fingers.

His hard work paid off, it seems. He was named “Best Fingerstyle Guitarist” by Acoustic Guitar Magazine in 2008, and last summer performed at Colorado’s Red Rocks Amphitheatre. Don’t miss Bundy’s virtuoso performance.

Charlie Parr.
Photo by Tom Cops

Charlie Parr grew up listening to Lightnin’ Hopkins and the Hormel factory whistles. He’s made a serious mark on the folk and blues scenes since getting his start in Duluth, touring in Ireland and Australia regularly. But Parr is still by all accounts a humble and authentic storyteller — according to biographer Wayne Robins, he records most of his songs not in studios but in warehouses and basements, and cooks most of his meals on the manifold of his van.

Maybe it’s this creative self-reliance, or maybe his familiar lyrics, or maybe it’s just that he knows that four o’clock whistle as well as you and I, but Charlie Parr’s music certainly feels like home. See this Piedmont-style bluesman and Trace Bundy on our outdoor stage this August, and be sure to check our website (www.austinareaarts.org) for Festival updates.

Until next week, hold on tight.