Jack Cimo is a classical guitarist known for his powerful stage presence, beautiful tone, and exciting renditions. He is an Arlington Heights native, and his artistry has brought him all over the world. He’s excited to return to Hey Nonny and will play a concert celebrating the roots of guitar music, including the fiery sounds of Spain and the gorgeous melodies from Mexico and Latin America.

About the artist:

“I have heard many fine guitarists in concert which I have found to be beautiful. This was beyond beautiful. One was totally unaware of Cimo’s stellar technique because his music cut immediately to the soul. I was breathless.” (John Howard, DMA)

Jack has brought guitar to new audiences around the globe. He has done multiple tours along historic Route 66 and has played everywhere from art galleries to concert halls such as the Harris Theater and UNM’s Keller Hall. He has released multiple albums, including “Jack Cimo Plays Bach, Bogdanovic, Walton, and Arnold,” “Duo Sogno,” and “Helios Guitar plays the Well-Tempered Clavier,” In 2022, he commissioned Jordan Nelson to write “I Dreamt I was Underwater,” which combines live guitar with electronics and previously recorded sound.

He believes in using his talent to help those in need, has done many volunteer performances at Chicago area hospitals, and organized and played Christmas concerts for the homeless at A Safe Haven Foundation. He organized and performed in a major benefit concert for the community of Paradise, CA, played a memorial concert for the victims of the Dixie Fire, and has done performances to aid the Standing Rock Protesters and Cardiac Care patients in Chicago.

Jack studied classical guitar in William Kanengiser’s studio at USC’s Thornton School of Music, and with the legendary Pepe Romero. He recently completed a Master’s course in Music Performance and Interpretation in Palermo,Italy, with Lorenzo Micheli, Jérémy Jouve and Gilbert Imperial at MARTHA – Music, ART, House, Academy.

Jack directed and played in the prestigious California International Guitar Festival (www.CAGuitarFestival.com) in 2022. Recently, he toured in the US and Europe, and for the 2024-25 season, Jack will play concerts throughout the US as well as Mexico, and is working on a new solo album. In addition, he will continue his collaboration with guitarist Irina Kulikova and write and record new, original music with the Libyan oud player Sufian Ararah.