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Big Guitars from Memphis puts on one of the most comprehensive shows from around the area. We are the place for American music, twang guitar, and lots of fun.

About Us

BACKGROUND & CREDENTIALS

Formed by Atlantic Record's "off broadway" guitarist John Ivan.

Phil Gatto on vocals,
Sean Fried on bass and rhythm guitar,
and Sal Monaco on drums

HONORS

-1998 winner of MUSICIAN Magazine's Best Unsigned Band contest
-Nominated two years in a row as Best Country Act by NACA's National Conference
-Nominated for Best Group of the year by Chicago Music Awards

HAVE HEADLINED

Navy Pier Concert Series, SXSW Music showcase, Harley Davidson 90th anniversary, Molde Norway Roots Fest, Molde Norway Blues fest, Nibe Fest(DK), Skanderborg Fest(DK), European tours including: UK, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Austria, Faeroe Islands, The Park West, Sheffield Garden Walk, New York's Central Park summer stage, Schuba's, World's Largest Block Party, Taste of Chicago, World's Largest New Year's Eve Party (Hyatt), Milwaukee Summerfest, Minneapolis State Fair, Dubuque Riverfest, Rockford on the Waterfront, Racine Harbor Fest, Taste of Minnesota, Naperville Last Fling, Halsted Street Days, Wisconsin State Fair, Palomino Club(Winnepeg), Wauconda Fest, Elmhust Fest, Elmwood Park Fest, Oak Park Fest, River Grove Fest, Crystal Lake concerts, Schaumburg concerts,Geneva Fest, Lindenhurst Fest, Moline Riverfest, Ottawa Riverfest, Wicker Park Green Fest, Wilmette Fest and the list goes on...

AS WELL AS OPENED FOR MAJOR RECORDING ACTS

Dwight Yoakum Buck Owens Junior Brown Billy Swan Roy Orbison Johnny Cash Rodney Crowell Dixie Dreggs Fabulous Thunderbirds

Hellecasters Kinky Friedman Billy Bremner Son Seals Lonnie Brooks Big Town Playboys Steve Forbert Kevin Welch Hal Ketchum

The Jordanaires Kelly Willis Robert Gordon Flying Burrito Brothers Jo-el Sonnier Monte Warden The Bodeans The Carter Family Marshall Tucker Band

HONORS

Nominated two years in a row as Best Country Act by NACA's National Conference and finalist (top 25) in Musician Magazines Best Unsigned Band Contest

RECORDINGS

Ten Most Wanted (2000) Plan 9 (1998), Best of...(1997), Eightball (1996), Sevens (1995), Mighty Combo (1994), Big Hat (1993), Welcome to Muscle Country (1992), Twang City (1991), License Plates (1990)

PEOPLE ARE TALKING

"The only band I'd get out of bed to see... and made a dream come true."
Lin Brehmer, WXRT Chicago

"How did those big guitars get up so early and play so well...they sound great!"
Pete Townsend (The Who) as interviewed by Kevin Matthews

"the best guitarist in the midwest..."
Steve Dahl, WKQX Chicago

"Truly a fabulous musical experience and quite simply... they rock."
Buzz Kilman, WLUP Chicago

"...Chicago's top roots-oriented band"
Chicago Magazine

"As long as there are bands like Big Guitars playing, there will be a reason to go out and hear live music"
Dave Hoekstra, Chicago Sun Times

"Big Guitars plays with the attitude of a young Johnny Cash"
Myron Cohen, Wembley Arena Promoter

"...sure are different from other bands, I loved it"
Kyle Lehning, President of Asylum Records & Randy Travis' producer

"Your sound is fantastic"
JR Ewing & Lt. Nelson (actor Larry Hagman) at the Harley Davidson Rally

"Songs played with fire and intensity, Chicago has finally spawned a top notch act."
Illinois Entertainer

"Heard a two song demo and booked the band immediately along with the Dixie Dregs and the response was great."
John Ertl, Festival Events, Inc

"Here are some great musicians in Chicago...it sounds darn good...a suitcase and a guitar...that's fun"
Kevin Matthews, WLUP Chicago

Media

Music

• Big Guitars from Memphis - Blues for Al
• Big Guitars from Memphis - It's so Easy(lovin' you)
• Big Guitars from Memphis - Nuages
• Big Guitars from Memphis - Spaceman Stomp
• Big Guitars from Memphis - Flintstones
• Big Guitars from Memphis - Wheels

Video

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Press

• Kane County Chronicle

External Links

• Big Guitars from Memphis MySpace
• John Ivan Trio MySpace
• Big Solo Guitars
• Big Grass Guitars
• More Big Guitars
• John Ivan Trio
• Nylon John Ivan

Tour Dates

Book Us

If you're interested in booking Big Guitars from Memphis for your next event, please call Bass-Schuler at 773-481-2600. We look forward to hearing from you!