Benefit for Guitarist Joe Diorio June 9, 2009

Guitarist and Connecticut native Joe Diorio earned his reputation as a creative jazz soloist in bands led by jazz legends Sonny Stitt, Horace Silver, Stan Getz and Freddie Hubbard. Diorio's greatest distinction, though, is as a guitar teacher. He taught for many years at UCLA and was a founding instructor of the Guitar Institute of Technology (GIT) in Hollywood. His instructional videos have influenced a generation of players. His admirers are a who's who of the contemporary jazz guitar scene. Due to medical problems, the 72-year old Diorio has been unable to earn a living playing and teaching music for some time. This all star benefit brings together many of Diorio's musical associates and friends, some performing together for the first time. Performers include guitarists John Abercrombie, Vic Juris, Dave Stryker, Ron Affif, Sheryl Bailey, and saxophonist George Garzone. *Just added, guitarists Andreas Oberg and David Becker.