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Description
Ali Tod:
Growing up in Edinburgh, Scotland, Ali was musical from an early age, playing guitar, violin, piano and singing. She went on to study guitar at Edinburgh Napier University, gaining a Bachelor of Music degree in Classical Music with honours, before going on to gain a Post-Graduate Diploma in Education for Secondary Music from the University of Edinburgh. Whilst carving out her own sound on acoustic guitar that combined her classical training with her wider tastes and influences, Ali has developed her musicianship as part of many separate projects.
She is the founder of the Edinburgh Guitar Night, a series of live concerts in Scotland’s capital city, showcasing some of the best guitarists from around the world. After performing at similar events in London, Belfast and Manchester, Ali realised there were no live performances opportunities for guitarists in particular in her home town, so took it upon herself to create one. The 'EGN' was born, and eventually found a home in Edinburgh's world famous Jazz Bar, welcoming performers from Scotland, England, Northern Ireland, France, Italy, Poland and Canada. During the COVID pandemic, an online version was created, featuring guitarists from Ireland, Germany, the Netherlands and the USA.
The Edinburgh Guitar Night gained the attention of record label Fretmonkey Records, and Ali was invited to participate in their 'Women of Fingerstyle Guitar' event in the winter NAMM exhibition in Anaheim, California. At this first-of-it's-kind concert, Ali performed alongside legendary guitarists such as Kaki King, Muriel Anderson and Yasmin Williams. She was subsequently invited to perform on the Yamaha stage, alongside GRAMMY award winning musicians Nathan East, Daniel Ho, Alex Skolnick, and her musical idol, Gabriela Quintero of Rodrigo y Gabriela.
Ali's live performances gained the attention of International Guitar Festivals, and she has performed at the Ards International Guitar Festival, Zihuatanejo International Guitar Festival and Edinburgh Fringe Festival, among others. She has performed alongside and opened for acclaimed acoustic guitarists such as Mike Dawes, Alex Misko and Jon Gomm. She has collaborated with celebrated 'guitar superstar' Vicki Genfan, and The Voice UK finalist Sally Barker on an album project 'Monumental Journey', mixed by acclaimed producer Niko Bolas. The album is slated for release in 2025.
Amber Russell:
Amber Russell is an acoustic experimental fingerstyle guitarist based in Portland, Oregon. She has an unorthodox, theatrical approach to her style of playing. Her music has been described as imaginative and captivating. She utilizes various techniques such as alternate tunings, unique approach to harmonics, percussive strikes mixed with catchy melodies. Amber gained recognition through social media and now has partnerships with Ibanez guitars, Halland Guitars, G7th Capos, Elite Acoustics, DiMarzio Inc and many more. She has performed with artists such as Kaki King, Muriel Andersen, Yasmin Williams, Ali Tod, and many more for the International Women of fingerstyle concert in January of 2020 in Anaheim, California at the House of Blues. Her song “Portland Dance'' premiered for Candyrat Records in December of 2019 with over 26k views, Amber put together a 30 lesson guitar course for JamPlay.com in 2019, A top rated guitarist educational resource with hundreds of famous guitarist instructors available. She has been seen on KGW8 interview with Mtv’s Brian Mcfaden and has been a guest to many radio shows throughout the country, including Portland's own local radio Shady Pines Radio. Amber Currently lives in Portland, Oregon where she and her wife currently own and operate their guitar school and retail store, Rose City Guitar Company and Is still an active player in the musical performance industry.
Date & Time
Fri, May 22, 2026 8:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Venue Details
Rose City Guitar Company
2724 East Burnside StreetPortland, Oregon 97214
