As he celebrates 50 years of touring the world, we are delighted to welcome Pierre Bensusan back to the festival. For this special performance, he will be joined on stage by George and Aaron Lowden for a brief Q&A - and to take us back to where his unique partnership with the Lowden brand began.

Often called ‘Mister DADGAD’, French guitar virtuoso, vocalist and composer Pierre Bensusan has carried his unmistakable sound across the world. Winner of the Independent Music Award (for his triple live album Encore), the Rose d’Or at the Montreux Festival, and Guitar Player Magazine’s Best World Music Guitarist, he is regarded as one of the finest guitarists of the 21st century.

His influence is evident in the admiration of peers such as Michael Hedges, Tommy Emmanuel, Mark Knopfler, Pat Metheny, and Steve Lukather, and through collaborations ranging from Steve Vai’s Favored Nations label to Donny Osmond’s album Start Again.

A former pianist and self‑taught guitarist, Bensusan blends traditional, contemporary, jazz, classical, and pop elements into a distinctive World Music voice. Since his debut in 1974, he has performed thousands of concerts and sold over half a million albums, crafting a uniquely expressive style, rooted in open tuning and deep musical exploration.

  • ‘Pierre is one of my favorite guitarists. He has created a new way of playing and is the king of the DADGAD tuning’

    ~ Michael Hedges

    For this special performance, Pierre Bensusan will be joined on stage by George and Aaron Lowden for a brief Q&A - and to take us back to where his unique partnership with the Lowden brand began.

    Important Ticketing and Seating Information

    • Tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable, so please check all details carefully when booking.
    • Bar available.
    • Due to Alcohol Licensing Laws, we are required to ask if you will have any under 18s in your party as there are bar facilities at this event.
    • Please be advised that under 18s will be required to sit in an alcohol-free zone and must be accompanied by an adult.
    Dates and times
    -
    Venue
    Queen’s Hall, Newtownards
    Admission/Price

    £20 

    Bar provided by McBride's of Comber

    Getting to Pierre Bensusan: 50th Anniversary World Tour

    54.59496537736, -5.6994065040324

    Queen’s Hall, Newtownards

    West Street
    Newtownards
    BT23 4EN
    United Kingdom