Irish virtuoso guitarist Shane Hennessy has established himself as one of the leading guitarists on the world stage, known widely for his fingerstyle, flatpicking, and percussive guitar-playing approaches. Guitar legend Tommy Emmanuel says of Shane that he “transcends the guitar the same way Muhammed Ali transcended boxing.” On Saturday, July 30, in his only Maine performance on this tour, he will play Boothbay Harbor’s historic Opera House.

His energetic live performances and his cinematically-vivid compositions tie in influences from Bach to Beyoncé and everything in between. With a unique style of solo guitar playing that encompasses the range of a whole band – covering drums, bass, rhythm and lead lines – Shane builds a complete sonic world entirely on his own, drawing comparisons to virtuosos Chris Thile and Tommy Emmanuel. Shane has worked with Riverdance composer Bill Whelan, sold out a solo concert at the National Concert Hall in Dublin, and has released three highly-praised albums, “Zephyrus” (2015), “Marrakech” (2017), and “Rain Dance” (2020). Irish Music Magazine calls him “one of the most exciting live performers of his generation, with the ability to move between styles and genres with ease.”

He tours extensively in Europe and the United States, including performances at MerleFest, Milwaukee Irish Fest, and many more. He was awarded a bursary by The Arts Council (Ireland) to produce an album of original Irish-influenced guitar music in 2020. Shane is also endorsed by Maton Guitars (Melbourne, Australia).

Opera House Executive Director Cathy Sherrill shared, “Through a stroke of extraordinary luck, I caught Shane Hennessy’s show in New Orleans in January 2020 and I have been trying to get him to the Opera House ever since. The pandemic and his European tour schedule have prevented it until now. It’s hard to believe the sound he can get out of one guitar, no tricks. We’re all in for a memorable night of music from this young uber-talent.”

Advance discounted tickets are $25 and currently on sale through the box office at 86 Townsend Avenue, or by calling 207-633-5159. Regular tickets are $30 and available online at boothbayoperahouse.com and at the door on the night of the show. Doors for seating open at 7 p.m., the concert begins at 7:30.