Triple-guitar show at Smiley's features local pros, British ace: Upstate Beat

Charles Hedgepath is no stranger to Upstate stages. The guitarist, songwriter and producer has been a fixture locally for decades now and has organized almost as many shows as he’s played. So in theory, he shouldn’t be too intimidated about being part of the Guitar Extravaganza event at Smiley’s On The Roxx in Greenville Jan. 10.

But in addition to a solo acoustic set from Hedgepath, this show features Upstate acoustic guitar dynamo Jacob Johnson and award-winning English guitarist Richard Smith, whose elegant and passionate finger-style acoustic playing has brought him worldwide acclaim.

“I’m very excited to be included,” Hedgepath said, before adding with a laugh, “and also very thankful to be going on first.”

The Guitar Extravaganza show sounds like something that Hedgepath himself might have organized, but he gives full credit to Smiley’s On The Roxx for the idea.

“(Owners) Heather (Frechette) and Todd (Zillmer) came up with it,” Hedgepath said. “I think it’s cool that what they’re trying to do; they’re making an effort to bring in some different events and ticketed shows in combination with a great meal experience. I like seeing that in general, and I hope that they do that more.”

Each guitarist will play an individual set. Hedgepath, whose day job is music director at the Triune Mercy Center, said he has a feeling there will be some collaborations, especially since he and Johnson have played together many times over the years.

“I play on Tuesday nights at Smiley’s,” Hedgepath said, “and Jacob will actually sneak up onstage and play the early set with me. And when he comes out and plays with me, we just play Willie Nelson and old jazz tunes. He’s got a great catalog of those Tin Pan Alley songs, things that you don’t normally hear or get to play.”

Hedgepath sounds a bit more intimidated talking about headliner Richard Smith. Hedgepath had actually already seen a viral video Smith released on YouTube before this gig was announced, a dazzling performance of the classic Scott Joplin tune “The Entertainer” that has garnered 16 million views.

I saw the video of him but I didn’t put it together,” Hedgepath said. “And then I realized, ‘Oh, it’s that guy. So I’m really looking forward to seeing him. This is going to be great.”

Hedgepath waited a beat before repeating, “I’m glad I’m going on first.”