Renowned jazz guitarist and composer Michael Occhipinti will take the stage at Pesto’s this Thursday evening.
With a reputation as a “versatile, sound-sculpting guitarist,” Occhipinti has earned 11 Juno nominations and two wins, including the 2022 Juno for Jazz Group of the Year as a member of Avataar. That same year, his duo with Elizabeth Shepherd, ES:MO, was nominated for Jazz Vocal Album of the Year.
Occhipinti leads or co-leads several acclaimed musical projects, including The Sicilian Jazz Project, In Orbit (featuring Jeff Coffin of Dave Matthews Band and Felix Pastorius), Shine On: The Universe of John Lennon, The Triodes, and the 16-piece ensemble NOJO (Neufeld-Occhipinti Jazz Orchestra).
His diverse playing style makes him an ideal fit for a variety of groups, from his funk band Grooveyard to ambient performances with the Turkish electronic group Minor Empire, as noted by concert organizers. Occhipinti’s musical versatility has led to collaborations with artists such as Bruce Cockburn, The Cecilia String Quartet, Trey Anastasio, and the Toronto Symphony Orchestra.
He has performed at prestigious festivals and events worldwide, including the Umbria Jazz Festival in Italy, the Festival Cultural de Zacatecas in Mexico, the Jazz Yatra in India, and Musikfest in the U.S.
In addition to his performing career, Occhipinti is a dedicated educator, teaching jazz ensembles and songwriting at the Royal Conservatory of Music, guitar and pop ensembles at Centennial College, and leading the jazz orchestra at McMaster University.
Don’t miss Michael Occhipinti’s performance at Pesto’s in the Radisson this Thursday at 6 p.m.
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