Stephen Bennett, a name synonymous with innovation and mastery in the world of Harp Guitar, continues to captivate audiences and redefine the boundaries of acoustic music. This blog post delves into the recent activities of this celebrated musician, highlighting his journey from winning prestigious international competitions to gracing the stage of Carnegie Hall, all while championing the unique voice of the harp guitar.
Recently, Stephen Bennett achieved a remarkable feat by winning the 2024 International Finger Style Guitar Championship in Winfield, Kansas. This victory is particularly significant considering Bennett’s long history with the competition, having first participated in 1983 and securing second place. His return to Winfield and subsequent triumph decades later is a testament to his enduring talent and dedication to his craft. The International Finger Style Guitar Championship is renowned for showcasing exceptional acoustic guitarists, and Bennett’s win underscores his position as a leading figure in fingerstyle guitar and, more specifically, harp guitar performance. His innovative techniques and emotive playing style, uniquely expressed through the harp guitar, set him apart and resonated deeply with the judges and audience alike.
Adding to his impressive list of accomplishments, Stephen Bennett recently made a guest appearance at Carnegie Hall in New York City on March 22nd, 2025. Carnegie Hall, a legendary venue revered by musicians worldwide, served as the stage for Bennett to share his harp guitar artistry with a broader audience. He was invited as a “surprise” guest, performing two solo pieces that undoubtedly showcased the rich tonal palette and expressive capabilities of the harp guitar. Furthermore, Bennett collaborated with Jason Ji, a finalist from the same International Fingerstyle Guitar Championship he won, for a closing duet. This collaboration highlights Bennett’s commitment to fostering the next generation of guitarists and expanding the reach of harp guitar music. Performing at Carnegie Hall is a pinnacle achievement for any musician, and for a harp guitar player, it signifies a major step in bringing this unique instrument to the forefront of the contemporary music scene.
Looking ahead, Stephen Bennett is set to appear as a guest artist at Andy McKee’s Musicarium in July 2025. Andy McKee, a highly respected fingerstyle guitarist himself, curates the Musicarium as a platform for exceptional acoustic musicians. Bennett’s invitation to this event further solidifies his standing within the acoustic guitar community and provides another opportunity to showcase the distinctive sound and versatility of the harp guitar to an appreciative audience.
Beyond live performances, Stephen Bennett has been actively releasing new music. His recent album, “SB (Squared),” a collaboration with his friend Stephen Bennett, is now available on CD and across digital platforms. This album, along with his album “SB,” demonstrates his ongoing creative output and his commitment to expanding the harp guitar repertoire. His tune “On The Nature Of Clouds,” composed for a compilation by Harp Guitar Music, and “Mr. Zelenskyy,” a piece honoring the Ukrainian leader, further exemplify the breadth of his musical interests and his ability to translate diverse themes into compelling harp guitar compositions. These releases provide listeners worldwide with access to Bennett’s masterful harp guitar playing and his unique musical vision.
In conclusion, Stephen Bennett’s recent activities paint a picture of a vibrant and influential career dedicated to the harp guitar. From winning international accolades to performing at prestigious venues like Carnegie Hall and releasing new music, Bennett continues to push the boundaries of harp guitar music and inspire musicians and enthusiasts globally. His journey is a testament to the enduring appeal and evolving possibilities of the harp guitar in the contemporary musical landscape.
