California Guitar Trio

Since forming in 1991, the California Guitar Trio has forged a musical path that defies boundaries. Their sound seamlessly crisscrosses rock, jazz, classical, and world music, infused with unexpected detours into surf rock and spaghetti Western themes. The result is a thrilling, highly original concert experience that is as intellectually rich as it is viscerally exciting.

​Comprised of Bert Lams, Paul Richards, and Tom Griesgraber, CGT is celebrated not only for extraordinary musicianship, but for the deep personal connection they establish with audiences. Their live shows combine dazzling precision, intricate interplay, and warm humor, creating an atmosphere where listeners feel fully immersed—part of the music rather than mere spectators. Stories from the road, insights into the compositions, and moments of spontaneous joy make every performance unique.

​Over a career spanning more than 32 years and 2,000 performances worldwide, the trio has released 21 albums, collectively streamed more than 115 million times across major platforms. Each member brings a distinct voice shaped by diverse backgrounds in classical training, jazz studies, rock performance, and the rigorous Guitar Craft discipline pioneered by Robert Fripp. Together, they form a trio whose collective artistry continues to evolve while remaining deeply committed to exploration, communication, and musical storytelling.

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Host or Publisher Tahoe Music Alive, Toiyabe Chamber Music & Tahoe Truckee School of Music