After hearing a YouTube video of George Benson performing ‘Affirmation’ for the first time when he was eleven years old, East Lansing based guitarist Luke Sittard knew the sound he wanted to pursue for the rest of his life. His love for bebop and swing led him to start studying with the great Randy Napoleon at the age of 16, and he would begin his undergraduate degree at Michigan State University’s world-renowned Jazz Studies program two years later.
Luke is a musician who’s mission is to be a torchbearer for the bebop and jazz guitar traditions. His music draws upon the influences of musicians such as Charlie Parker, Wes Montgomery, and Thelonious Monk, while also embracing stylistic elements from R&B and Neo-Soul. He is passionate about honoring the musicians who have come before him while adding his own style to create something fresh.
A 2nd place winner in the 2020 Wilson Center International Guitar Competition, Luke has had the opportunities to share the bandstand with incredible musicians such as Michael Dease, Sachal Vasandani, John Webber, Sean Dobbins, and Brandon Rose. He has performed on notable stages such as Jazz At Lincoln Center, the Detroit Jazz Festival, East Lansing Summer Solstice Jazz Festival, and Michigan JazzFest. Instagram: @luke.sittard
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