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Fred Benedetti
- San Diego, CA
- Guitarist
- Travels up to 120 miles
- Contact for rates
Overview
NEW: San Diego Music Hall of Fame inductee 2023. Fred Benedetti has performed all across the globe with his guitar for over 30 years. He studied with the great Andres Segovia and has been featured on numerous CD's as a soloist and as a member of a variety of ensembles. These days he loves to play locally in his home town where he also teaches graduate students guitar at SDSU and is the former head of the guitar department and emeritus professor at Grossmont College. He is equally at home with a variety of styles from Classical, Flamenco, Gipsy Kings, Ottmar Liebert, Jesse Cook, Bossa-Nova, and popular fingerstyle music and having grown up in Hawaii, also plays the ukulele.
9 Reviews
I couldn't be more grateful to Fred for bringing his musical gifts to my parents' joint interment. First, you must Google Mr. Benedetti and listen to him play. He is AMAZING! As much as you'll enjoy his videos and recordings, you'll positively thrill to hear and watch him play in-person. His vast expertise and musicality aside, Fred is a lovely and caring person. We exchanged many emails in advance of my parents' service, discussing everything -- extensively -- from potential song selections to performance logistics. Fred knew how important this event was to my family and me, and he generously and timely engaged me in every conversation I initiated. He was unfailingly gracious. It was clear that he cared very much about my wishes and the solemnity of the occasion. Thank you so much, Fred, for sharing yourself and your music with me and my loved ones.
Classical Guitarist
Response from Fred Benedetti:
Thank you so much Judy! Your excellent communication allowed me to be able to personalize your parents service and I really feel I got to know you. I knew the music had to be just right, and I'm so happy that your were pleased with the music and my performance.
I would highly recommend Fred Benedetti for any event. He is an exceptional guitarist and was wonderful to work with. He turned a simple cocktail reception into something special.
Guitarist
Response from Fred Benedetti:
Thank you Shawn. It was a pleasure to work with you!
Fred contributed to an amazing wedding experience for our guests. Many of the attendees commented about his skills on the guitar and variety of music styles. I would highly recommend Fred for any event.
Guitarist
Response from Fred Benedetti:
Thank you Philip! It was my pleasure to provide music for the wedding.
Fred is an exceptional classical guitarist whose recent performance at our team event was truly outstanding. His friendly and approachable demeanor created a welcoming atmosphere, and his beautiful music, coupled with impeccable technique, captivated the entire audience. We were thoroughly impressed by his artistry and would be delighted to have him perform at our future events.
Classical Guitarist, Guitarist
Response from Fred Benedetti:
Thank you so much Janine! It was a pleasure to work with you!
Fred made our wedding so VERY special and memorable!! He played everything we requested and more... He was classy, eclectic, upbeat, and cheerful... He has so much talent and all of our guests raved about him!! We want to plan another event just to have Fred back to entertain us again!!! Thank you for everything Fred!!!
Classical Guitarist, Guitarist
Response from Fred Benedetti:
Hello Fatima, It was an absolute pleasure planning and providing the music for your wedding! Thank you!
Fred's beautiful guitar music set the perfect mood for our daughter's wedding. He showed up early and was dressed very nice. Fred set up his equipment in a quiet little nook and played as our guests were arriving. He then played a special piece our daughter and son in law requested for the procession. After the ceremony he played another request as they excited as husband and wife. Fred is a very pleasant man with a warm smile and gentle demeanor. If you are looking for someone extremely talented and professional, he is your guy. We were honored he was a part of our special day. Thank you Fred.
We just had the best experience with Fred, not only is he a very accomplished musician he’s also very nice and professional, arriving early and just adding such a special touch to my parents 50th anniversary party. He played flamenco and classical and even some Beatles and Simon and Garfunkel and we enjoyed listening to him so much as we watched the sun set! We would definitely hire him again for a special occasion
Fred was perfect for my mom's 90th Birthday. Everyone loved his music and talent. I will hire Fred again.
Cynthia
Brazilian Entertainment, Classical Guitarist, Guitarist
Response from Fred Benedetti:
Thank you so much Cynthia! I was very happy to provide the right musical atmosphere for your mom's 90th birthday!
I was not there for the performance but everyone I talked to that was there, enjoyed it very much! They learned about music and the music he played! Our group would like him to return again at a later date!
Ukulele Player
Response from Fred Benedetti:
Thank you Mary Anne, I was very happy to see how pleased the audience was with my performance! Fred
Booking Info
Price Range: Contact for rates
Gig Length: 60 - 240 minutes
Insurance: $2,000,000 - Commercial General Liability, General Aggregate, Damage to Rented Premises, Medical Expense
Unions: AFM
About
NEW! SAN DIEGO MUSIC HALL OF FAME INDUCTEE 2023. Fred Benedetti was born in Sasebo, Japan and began playing the guitar at age 9. In 1986 he was one of 12 guitarists chosen worldwide to perform in the Master Class of Andrés Segovia at USC where Guitarra Magazine wrote, "...Fred Benedetti amazed the audience with his performance of the (Bach) Chaconne..." Fred has performed in the United States, England, Germany, the Czech Republic, Canada, Taiwan and Mexico and locally with the San Diego Symphony, the San Diego Opera, the Starlight Opera, the American Ballet Company, the Old Globe Theatre, Luciano Pavarotti, and jazz artist Dave Brubeck.
He is an emeritus professor of music at Grossmont College where was the head of the guitar studies program for 38 years, and is part of the guitar program at San Diego State University. Fred is listed in the prestigious "Who's Who Among America's Teachers-2002" and received an "Outstanding Faculty Award" in 2001 from SDSU, the "NISOD" Excellence in Teaching award from the University of Texas at Austin in 1992 and an "Outstanding Chair" award in 1990 from Grossmont College.
Equally at home playing classical music or contemporary music, he records on the SBE label and Domo Records with five noted ensembles: Camarada (chamber ensemble), Keltik Kharma (a celtic band), The Odeum Guitar Duo, recently given the honor by the magazine, Acoustic Guitar, as being one of the ten best independently produced guitar CDs for the year 2000, "Blurring the Edges" a recipient of the 1994 San Diego Music Awards "Best Pop-Jazz" album of the year featuring jazz musicians Peter ,Tripp, and Hall Sprague, and the acclaimed Benedetti/Svoboda Guitar Duo.
As a BMI affiliated composer, Fred has written numerous contemporary pieces for the international CD library company Network Productions and as a studio musician for 30 years his playing is featured on over 100 CD's, numerous movie soundtracks, and TV commercials. He has shared the stage with Mason Williams, Eric Johnson, Doc Watson, Albert Lee, Doyle Dykes, Dan Crary, Art Garfunkel, Basia, Michael Franks, Mark O'Connor, Michael Hedges, and Ottmar Liebert, and has recorded with Willie Nelson, Juice Newton, Paul Overstreet, Patty Loveless, Tom Barabas, Big Mountain, Matthew Lien, Ronny Robbins and William Lee Golden. He has performed for dignitaries such as the King & Queen of Malaysia, Mikhail Gorbachev and Ravi Shankar.
Upcoming Booked Events
November 02, 2024 • 4:00pm - 6:00pm | Wedding Reception |
Past Booked Events
October 11, 2024 • 5:00pm - 9:00pm | Rehearsal Dinner |
September 10, 2024 • 6:00pm - 7:30pm | Birthday Party |
August 09, 2024 • 5:00pm - 9:00pm | Funeral/Memorial Service |
July 31, 2024 • 4:00pm - 5:00pm | Dinner Party |
June 07, 2024 • 5:00pm - 7:00pm | Wedding Reception |
June 06, 2024 • 4:00pm - 6:00pm | Corporate Event |
May 04, 2024 • 1:00pm - 3:30pm | Wedding Ceremony |
April 12, 2024 • 11:00am - 12:00pm | Funeral/Memorial Service |
March 07, 2024 • 7:30pm - 9:30pm | Corporate Event |
January 25, 2024 • 6:00pm - 8:00pm | Cocktail Party |
January 14, 2024 • 12:00pm - 1:00pm | Funeral/Memorial Service |
December 10, 2023–December 11, 2023 • 11:30pm - 12:30am | Wedding Ceremony |
November 18, 2023 • 4:30pm - 6:00pm | Wedding Reception |
September 02, 2023 • 4:30pm - 5:30pm | Wedding Reception |
June 17, 2023 • 5:00pm - 7:00pm | Anniversary Party |
May 21, 2023 • 1:00pm - 3:30pm | Wedding Reception |
May 20, 2023 • 1:00pm - 2:30pm | Birthday Party |
May 11, 2023 • 12:30pm - 1:00pm | Personal Occasion |
Setup Requirements
Access to electrical outlet.