Vignola, Raniolo to perform four Big Island shows

Frank Vignola and Vinny Raniolo kick off the first of four shows on the Big Island Thursday in Kailua-Kona.

Vignola is one of the most extraordinary guitarists performing before the public today. His stunning virtuosity has made him the guitarist of choice for Ringo Starr, Madonna, Donald Fagen, Wynton Marsalis, Tommy Emmanuel, the Boston Pops, the New York Pops and guitar legend Les Paul. Vignola covers a wide range of styles as well as Gypsy Jazz in the Jean “Django” Reinhart tradition.

Raniolo has already performed alongside many of the finest musicians in the world, including Tommy Emmanuel, Tony Trishka, Bucky Pizzarelli, David Grisman, and Matt Flinner.

The duo takes the stage for its first Big Island show at 7 p.m. Thursday at Gertrude’s Jazz Bar in Kailua-Kona; doors open at 6:30 p.m. They also perform at Gertrude’s on Friday at 7 p.m. with doors opening at 6:30 p.m. For both shows, general admission tickets are $30 and there is no Gold Circle seating.

They then head to the South Kohala Coast for a Jan. 14 performance at the Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel at 7 p.m. with doors opening at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $30 for general admission and $45 for Gold Circle seating.

The final Big Island performance will be Jan. 15 at 7 p.m. at the Kilauea Military Camp Theater. Tickets are also $30 for general admission and $48 for Gold Circle seating. National Park entrance fees will not be assessed on attendees.

Tickets to the shows can also be purchased in advance at Gertrude’s Jazz Bar, Kiernan’s Music and Aloha Theater in North and South Kona; Waimea General Store at Parker Square in Waimea; Taro Patch Gifts in Honokaa; and Hilo Guitars, CD Wizard and Hilo Music Exchange in Hilo, online at www.lazarbear.com or by calling 896-4845.

Info: www.lazarbear.com.