Beppe Gambetta

Italian Guitar Master • Cross-Atlantic Roots Innovator

Internationally celebrated guitarist, singer, and composer Beppe Gambetta brings his soulful blend of American roots and European folk traditions to Caffè Lena. Known for his dazzling flatpicking, lyrical melodies, and engaging storytelling, Gambetta has spent nearly 50 years building musical bridges across continents.

Beppe has been called a "virtual United Nations of influences: Italian, Ukrainian, Appalachian, Sardinian, Celtic." --Acoustic Guitar

Born in Genova, Italy, Beppe first captured the attention of U.S. audiences in the 1980s through collaborations with major acoustic innovators such as Norman Blake, Charles Sawtelle, Mike Marshall, David Grier, and banjo great Tony Trischka. His long-running partnership with guitar legend Dan Crary cemented his place on the world stage and introduced him to festival audiences across America.

Gambetta’s artistry goes far beyond technical mastery. He is a musical researcher and cultural ambassador, reviving historic Italian string traditions—including the music of harp-guitarist Pasquale Taraffo—and weaving them seamlessly into the language of American folk and bluegrass. His recordings explore themes of heritage, migration, and the shared musical roots that connect us across borders.

His newest album, Terra Madre (2024), showcases this vision with an all-star cast including David Grisman, Dan Crary, Tim O’Brien, Howard Levy, and Travis Book. The project blends heartfelt originals with global influences, celebrating both the motherlands we come from and the musical landscapes we carry forward.

Onstage, Beppe is warm, humorous, and profoundly musical—inviting listeners into a world where tradition and innovation dance together.

SAMPLE SONG

He has been described by The Huffington Post as one of the "best flatpickers anywhere."

Join us for an unforgettable evening of world-class acoustic music, compelling stories, and a rare fusion of styles that feels both deeply rooted and refreshingly new.

Stream this show live at Caffè Lena TV. Livestream available for $5 – 100% live stream tickets on CaffeLenaTV benefit the artists. Subscribe for unlimited live streaming, two week access to recent shows, and Caffe Lena's video archive.

Note: Caffe Lena does not permit ticket reselling above face value. Tickets purchased for the purpose of resale may be canceled without notice, and refunds for such purchases will not be granted.

Tags

American Roots, Bluegrass, Folk, Global, Instrumental, Singer Songwriter