Fifty years ago, a long-haired 19-year-old concert junkie was a student at the University of Hawaii’s Manoa campus in Honolulu. A devoted hard rock fan, he counted recent concerts by Led Zeppelin and Black Sabbath among his favorites. Acoustic music wasn’t on his radar until he attended a show by Hawaiian slack guitar masters Cecilio and Kapono at the Waikiki Shell. Intrigued by their unique harmonies and guitar work, he decided to see another acoustic performance — this time by 12-string master Leo Kottke. That concert took place on a rainy November night at the small outdoor university amphitheater and forever changed the young music lover’s perspective on acoustic guitar. Kottke delivered a stunning set of syncopated, polyphonic melodies that sounded like a full orchestra emanating from a single guitar.
Fifty years later, that same concert junkie was privileged to hear Leo Kottke perform for a second time, this time at the Lobero Theatre in Santa Barbara. Over his long career, the now 79-year-old guitarist has evolved his style considerably. In the early 1980s, Kottke began suffering from painful tendinitis and nerve damage, largely due to his vigorous picking style on the 12-string. In response, he adapted his technique by transitioning to a more classical approach, using the flesh of his fingertips and minimal fingernail instead of fingerpicks. He also adjusted the position of his right hand to reduce strain on his tendons, and he employs a hybrid-picking style that sometimes includes a flat pick alongside his fingers. These shifts have allowed him to explore more classical and jazz-influenced compositional and performance techniques.
Kottke has taken the stage at the Santa Barbara venue multiple times, and his return to the Lobero was nothing short of a musical masterclass. The historic theater’s cozy ambiance and pristine acoustics made for an ideal setting, drawing an audience of longtime fans and curious newcomers alike. As Kottke took the stage, the warm glow of the lights established an intimate atmosphere, fostering a sense of closeness between the artist and the crowd.
He opened with some of his iconic tracks, showcasing mesmerizing fingerstyle skills that blend folk, blues, and classical elements. Each note resonated clearly throughout the hall, captivating listeners from the first chord. Classic pieces like “Vaseline Machine Gun” and “Medicine Man” highlighted Kottke’s remarkable ability to combine intricate melodies with rhythmic strumming, as though the guitar were holding a conversation with the audience.
His set offered a balanced mix of fan favorites and new material, honoring his extensive career while still introducing fresh ideas. Between songs, Kottke’s trademark wit and humor sparkled as he recounted road stories and personal anecdotes. These brief tales added a heartfelt dimension to the performance, drawing laughter and deepening the connection with the audience.
One of Kottke’s greatest strengths is weaving narratives into his music. His succinct but engaging storytelling before each piece gave listeners a window into his experiences and inspirations. He touched on topics ranging from his early musical days to the unpredictable life of a traveling performer, peppering in self-deprecating humor — often regarding the realities of aging — that kept the crowd both charmed and amused.
The audience’s response was electric; spontaneous applause and cheers erupted after particularly intricate passages. It was clear that Kottke has retained a devoted following over the decades, and his bond with the crowd felt both genuine and profound. The hall was filled with listeners of all ages, a testament to how Kottke’s music transcends generational boundaries.
As the night drew to a close, Kottke delivered an encore that left the audience hungry for more. The final piece, a haunting rendition of a traditional folk song, brought the crowd to its feet in enthusiastic applause. Kottke’s humble demeanor shone through as he bowed, graciously acknowledging their appreciation. For the concert junkie who first witnessed Kottke’s magic half a century earlier, the evening was even more impressive, revealing how the guitar maestro has transformed into an elder statesman of acoustic artistry — now more captivating than ever.
