“I was given a second chance, so I decided it would be fun to go back and revisit some of these tunes from the ’70s”: Win tickets to see Al Di Meola in Northern California

Al Di Meola performs onstage at Jazz Summer Munich at Bayerischen Hof in Munich, Germany on July 16, 2024
(Image credit: Hannes Magerstaedt/Getty Images)

GP Presents is proud to partner with Yoshi’s to help welcome September cover artist Al Di Meola back to Jack London Square over the second weekend in October. The maestro survived a brush with death and is celebrating a new lease on life supporting a multifaceted new double album, Twentyfour.

It mostly showcases Di Meola’s worldly acoustic virtuosity, but his amplified fusion side will be featured at the East Bay’s premier jazz venue on this stop of Di Meola’s Electric Years Tour.

“This is a new beginning for me after what happened to me in Romania,” Di Meola told GP, referencing the heart attack he suffered onstage at an acoustic trio concert on September 27, 2023. “I was given a second chance, so I decided it would be fun to go back and revisit some of these tunes from the ’70s.”

We’re especially enthusiastic about Di Meola taking this show on the road considering that he was sidelined for nearly four months, and because he’s once again been playing his iconic black Les Paul Custom. It’s the guitar pictured on the front of 1977’s landmark album, Elegant Gypsy.

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Come celebrate the great Al Di Meola as he brings his past to life and relishes the present. GP will be onsite Sunday night with a box of his September cover issue and sets of Martin strings. They’re free at the GP Presents table to the first few dozen players that come claim them.

Secure your spot now.

Win Tickets

For a chance to win a pair of tickets to GP Presents Al Di Meola in Oakland, California, send an email to gp@jimmyleslie.com with “Di Meola” in the subject and simply include a sentence about yourself and why you want to go.

Phone contact is greatly appreciated for confirmation.

Winner must provide their own transportation to Yoshi’s in Oakland, California and have their own accommodations in the Bay Area. Best of luck!

Event Details

GP Presents Al Di Meola, October 11-13
Yoshi’s – Jack London Square

Free GP magazines, Martin strings

Get tickets.

Jimmy Leslie has been Frets editor since 2016. See many Guitar Player- and Frets-related videos on his YouTube channel, and learn about his acoustic/electric rock group at spirithustler.com.