WORLD renowned Paraguayan harpist and violinist Carlos Reyes will test conventional understanding of blues music when he performs at Narooma's Great Southern Blues Festival during the October long weekend.
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Now based in San Francisco and described as 'Santana meets Gypsy Kings', Reyes took up the violin at the age of three and has been breaking musical boundaries since he turned five.
Dared to learn the complicated 36-string Paraguayan harp by his father, the musical prodigy bought his first harp at 10 and performed his first paid, professional harp concert two weeks later. He has not stopped since.
Reyes is celebrated for his ability to create unique fusions of blues, rock, jazz, Latin and classical music styles that appeal to people of all ages and backgrounds. His performances have taken him from the streets of Havana to the Vatican and he has shared the stage with such luminaries as Steve Miller, Wynona Judd, Willie Nelson and The Doobie Brothers.
Great Southern Blues Festival organiser Neil Mumme said event staff that saw Reyes play in Memphis this year were stunned by the artist's ability to redefine blues music with his performances on harp and violin.
"Carlos Reyes has certainly carved a unique niche for himself on the world music scene and it is a coup for us to get this global troubadour to Narooma," Mumme said.
"He will be joining US performers Roy Rogers and the Delta Rhythm Kings on stage during the festival and this is a pairing that has created incredible sounds at other festivals around the world.
"It will be one of the must-see performances of our three-day event."
Roy Rogers is considered to be a modern master of the slide guitar and Narooma is the only place you will see him and his band in Australia.
His teaming with Carolos Reyes has been nothing short of astounding with audiences responding enthusiastically wherever they play.
In all, 33 artists have been confirmed to perform with more still to be announced.