Name: Jacob Johnson with special guest Shohei Toyoda
Start: 2024-06-28T18:30:00-05:00
Location: Tangled String Studios

Jacob Johnson with special guest Shohei Toyoda

Jacob Johnson
Since dropping out of college in 2007, Jacob Johnson has journeyed across the country in six minivans (so far), captivating audiences with his highly caffeinated brand of acoustic guitar playing. Known for his energetic performances, Jacob has had the privilege of sharing the stage with Grammy winners like Tommy Emmanuel and Victor Wooten, as well as esteemed musicians including Phil Keaggy, Marcus King, and Tim Reynolds.
Beyond his guitar prowess, Jacob has proven himself as a talented songwriter, garnering recognition as the Don Gibson Songwriter Award Grand Prize Winner, Nashville Connection Songwriter of the Year, and a Finalist for the Freshgrass No Depression Songwriter Award. His ability to craft captivating and heartfelt songs has earned him performances at prestigious music festivals such as the Falcon Ridge Folk Festival in New York, the Walnut Valley Festival in Kansas, the Wildflower Music Festival in Texas, and countless others.
Jacob currently resides in Greenville, SC with his wife Jessica. In addition to his busy touring schedule, Jacob is an adjunct guitar faculty member at North Greenville University. Yes, that is the college he dropped out of.
Since being personally introduced to Japanese guitarist Shohei Toyoda by the legendary Tommy Emmanuel in 2013, Jacob and Shohei have struck up a nearly decade long friendship, collaborating any time schedules and international travel will allow. Jacob is thrilled to have him along as special guest on this limited run of concerts.
Shohei Toyoda
Born in Japan and raised in Dublin, Ohio, Shohei Toyoda developed a deep connection with music early in life. From piano lessons with his mother to joining the concert band in middle school, music has always been a vital part of Toyoda's life. It wasn't until he picked up his father's guitar, strumming a simple E minor chord, that he found his true passion. His love for authentic guitar music with folk and roots influences led him to pursue a career as a solo performer. He studied at Berklee College of Music and released his first solo instrumental album, "The Hills Have Ears," in 2010. Toyoda currently resides in Kyoto, Japan, where he continues to captivate audiences with his custom model Lichty Guitars. With numerous awards and accolades to his name, including winning the 2011 International Thumbpicking Championship in Muhlenberg Kentucky, Toyoda's talent and dedication to his craft are truly remarkable.