Whether you’re planning a romantic wedding, a chic cocktail hour, or a high-end corporate soirĂ©e, the right guitarist can elevate your event with style and soul. Boston is home to a rich musical culture, and its local talent includes some truly exceptional guitarists who bring versatility, elegance, and professionalism to every performance.
We’ve spotlighted ten of the most talented guitarists in the Boston area—each offering something special to make your next event unforgettable.
Tony Savarino
Tony Savarino (b. Cambridge, Massachusetts 1970) to a mother who was a painter and a father who was a nuclear physicist. Tony made his debut at 11-years-old to a loft party opening for the seminal performance art troupe Pink INC at 2am. Tony Savarino has played in every band in Boston. No, really! The Savtones, Dale Bozzio, TM Stevens, Give, Ruby Rose Fox, The Rudds, Garvy J, The Montgomerys, and the Emily Grogan to name a few. The Noise voted Tony its “Favorite Guitar Player” in 2004 and 2005, because he moves so easily from rock to pop to funk to reggae to soul to country. But it might also be because he matches his guitars to his silk ties, the fashionable bastard. The BOSTON GROUPIE NEWS has called Tony Savarino ubiquitous. He is a guitar player’s guitar player; very versatile with the unique ability to put his personal stamp on everything he does. He has appeared in Vintage Guitar Magazine, Guitar World, Guitar Player For The Practicing Musician, The Boston Globe, The Boston Phoenix, The Noise and SoundCheck. Currently, he can be caught gigging around the New England area with a variety of different artists ranging in styles from metal, country, jazz, folk, indie and soul.
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Barry Goudreau
I remember having a keen interest in music from an early age, standing in the back seat of my mother’s car, jumping up and down to the sounds of Elvis and Roy Orbison. This was pre-seat belt, of course! I decided I wanted to play guitar and asked my parents to buy me one. They felt it was just a phase I was going through and refused. By the time I was eleven years old, they had given in and borrowed an acoustic guitar from a friend and let me take lessons. As the song goes, I played until my fingers bled and they realized I was serious and had the drive to continue. They bought me my first guitar. A white 1962 Fender Stratocaster. Boy, I wish I still had that one! the first time I played guitar in front of an audience was at a church event. I played “Jingle Bell Rock”.
Todd Boston
Hello and welcome, Music is a miracle and a gift. Music teaches us to listen, to breathe to the rhythm of life and to harmonize to the world around us. Music teaches us to be present in the Now!
From a young age and with the encouragement of my parents I was exposed to great music and supported to explore playing musical instruments.. At the age of 11 in a turbulent time of life my cousin handed me a guitar and Music became the medicine for my soul.
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Ivan Cardozo
Ivan provides guitar lessons to students in Greater Boston, he’s got over 30 years of experience in the music industry and 10+ years teaching the instrument.
Students will learn how to play guitar properly and those who already do will learn how take their existing skills to the next level fast.
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Peter Parcek
Peter Parcek is a blues guitarist hailing from Boston. Parcek’s unique “soul guitar” style blends the very best of blues, both ancient & modern. Parcek’s guitar work has been compared to Buddy Guy, Eric Clapton & Peter Green! “You’re as bad as Eric Clapton & I know Eric Clapton” remarked Buddy Guy.
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Jeff Fraser
Jeff Fraser belongs to a few different groups including his own “one man band.” If you’re looking for entertainment for your party, wedding or special event, but are not on a wedding band budget, or your space won’t allow for a 6 member group, then you probably are looking for Jeff Fraser’s solo show.
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Jhon Alvarado
Jhon Alvarado, guitar virtuoso, re-energizes the classical guitar repertoire with captivating contemporary performances of world renowned 20th and 21st century composers. Jhon Alvarado’s performances are always unique and exciting, with the inclusion of music by Toru Takemitsu, George Gianopolous, Dusan Bogdanovich, and many other world-class contemporary composers. Jhon’s eclectic concert program’s continually take his audience members on trips around the world discovering music from different corners of the globe, often beginning in Latin America and ending as far as Japan and the Middle East. In March of 2018, Jhon Alvarado was awarded the prestigious Presidents Honor Recital Award from the University of Redlands, for displaying high levels of musicianship and performance on the concert stage.
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Masato Itoh
​Masato Itoh, Boston’s acclaimed guitarist is thrilling audiences as lead guitarist of The Video Game Orchestra, Capcom official concert Capcom Live!, and The Sultans.
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Peter Janson
Peter Janson is a Boston-based jazz guitarist known for his unique approach to solo guitar. Since 1999, he has built a reputation as an independent artist. A standout in contemporary music, Janson seamlessly blends the depth of great jazz with the elegance of classical music. It is a sophisticated and inviting experience presented in a unique and accessible style. For Janson, playing solo jazz guitar is more than a craft — it’s a passion.
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Joe Carson
Joe has been performing as a singer and guitarist in Boston for over 10 years. He’s played to packed rooms all over the city finding a way to draw people in and get them singing and dancing. Joe has performed with many of the best cover bands in town and eventually started his own cover band. He is known for his tribute performances of Jeff Buckley, Dave Matthews, and Radiohead. Joe has built a following as a solo acoustic performer whether delivering a high energy, one man show or a soulful showcase for a listening crowd. His draw sometimes seems to be his eerie ability to sould like the people he’s covering as well as his 4 octave vocal range.
Final Thoughts
From classical elegance to soulful blues and modern acoustic charm, these ten Boston based guitarists bring a wide range of sounds to the table. Whether you’re planning a black-tie event or a cozy backyard celebration, their artistry and professionalism can transform your event into something unforgettable.
📩 Need help booking the perfect guitarist for your private event? Reach out to us anytime at dreamteam@booklive.com—we’re here to help make your celebration truly special.