Reflections | 20th Annual Jerry Snyder GuitarFest features Hill Guitar Co. & more

On March 1st and 2nd, the 20th annual Jerry Snyder Guitarfest took place at Evergreen High School in San Jose, California. Hosted by the South Bay Guitar Society and its president, Josh Friedman, the event offered a rich program tailored to classical guitar enthusiasts, professional artists, and students alike. Attendees enjoyed masterclasses, concerts, exhibits, and more, featuring renowned artists such as Petra Poláčková, David Tanenbaum, and Chris Mallet of the California Conservatory of Music, as well as celebrated luthiers and classical guitar ensembles.

Kenny Hill was honored to perform alongside the South Bay Guitar Society Ensemble, Cabrillo Guitar Ensemble, and Guitar Ensemble Monterey. In addition to ensemble pieces, he presented a solo performance of his own composition, Stolen Moments.

At the Hill Guitar Company exhibit, visitors—ranging from new customers to longtime supporters—had the opportunity to experience a variety of Hill guitars, including Kenny’s brand-new model, crafted this year in his personal workshop. Conversations at the booth sparked discussions about craftsmanship, design philosophy, and the ongoing evolution of classical guitar building.

Whether a newcomer, a seasoned professional, or even a collector, there’s always something new to discover in a conversation with Kenny Hill—especially in the presence of his handmade instruments. While Hill Guitar Co.’s production scale has decreased, the focus on innovation and refinement remains stronger than ever. The interactions at this event were a testament to the depth of the craft; no one has yet exhausted all there is to know about the classical guitar, and the joy of learning continues to thrive. In every way, classical guitar is alive and well.

One of the most rewarding aspects of this event was exhibiting alongside Owen Kelly, former head luthier of Hill Guitar and a longtime apprentice. Now leading Kelly Guitar, he specializes in repairs and custom builds, growing his own legacy in the field. Seeing a former student step confidently into the role of master is one of the greatest rewards of this craft.

A heartfelt thank you to the South Bay Guitar Society for another outstanding Jerry Snyder GuitarFest. We highly encourage supporting their events whenever possible and look forward to gathering in person again soon.