Bill Kirchen, George Bedard presenting holiday guitar summit at The Ark

Bill Kirchen

photo by David Thrower

Fans of amazing pop-rock-blues-country guitar technique have a great opportunity to hear two hometown heroes Sunday night when Bill Kirchen and George Bedard unite for a "Honky Tonk Holiday" show at The Ark.

Kirchen is an acclaimed guitarist on the national level. More than fluent in a variety of styles, he first made his name with the Ann Arbor-born Commander Cody and His Lost Planet Airmen; it's Kirchen responsible for the lightning guitar runs on that band's hit "Hot Rod Lincoln."

Kirchen's return to Ann Arbor for a holiday show has become an Ark tradition—as has the participation of Bedard, also a breathtaking instrumentalist who continues to make Ann Arbor home.

George Bedard

photo by Jeffrey Smith

Earlier this year, Bedard released a new album that he worked on for four years. "Pickin' Apart the Past" features classic jazz, swing and blues tunes reworked in Bedard's skilled, lively style.

The "Honky Tonk Holiday" show is set for 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 4 at The Ark, 316 S. Main St. Tickets, at $20, are available from The Ark box office (with no service charge); Michigan Union Ticket Office, 530 S. State St.; Herb David Guitar Studio, 302 E. Liberty St.; or online from the Michigan Union Ticket Office.

Bob Needham is director of entertainment content for AnnArbor.com. Reach him at bobneedham@annarbor.com or 734-623-2541, and follow him on Twitter @bobneedham.