Shillong, Aug 2: The state has welcomed the Shillong leg of the Marcin–Art of Guitar Tour 2026, which will bring internationally acclaimed Polish guitarist, composer and producer Marcin Patrzalek to Lariti Performing Centre, Mawkasiang, Shillong on August 12.
Presented by Jameson Connects, the culture platform by Jameson Ginger Ale, and Foreword Lifestyle and Experiences LLP, the Shillong show marks an important cultural moment for Meghalaya, bringing a globally recognised guitar artist to a city known for its deep love for music, live performances, choirs, bands and young independent artists.
Marcin is known for redefining what a single acoustic guitar can do, combining virtuosic fingerstyle technique with percussion, orchestral arrangements and contemporary production. At 25, he is signed to Sony Classical, has amassed more than 500 million YouTube views, has over 4.2 million Instagram followers and has performed at London’s Royal Albert Hall. India is already his fourth-largest global audience despite him never having performed here before.
For Shillong, the performance is expected to draw students, guitarists, musicians, young audiences, creators and music lovers from across Meghalaya and the Northeast. The event adds to the state’s growing cultural calendar and reflects Meghalaya’s identity as one of India’s most vibrant music destinations.
Speaking about his debut India tour, Marcin said, “I’ve always been amazed by the love and support I’ve received from people in India. Even though I’ve never had the chance to perform here before, I’ve felt that connection through every message, every comment and every person who has shared my music. To finally experience that energy in person is incredibly exciting. I’m looking forward to meeting everyone, playing these songs live and creating something special together. I can’t wait to be there.”
The excitement is already being felt among local artists. L.B. King, an artist associated with the Chief Minister’s Meghalaya Grassroots Music Program (CM-MGMP), said, “If you’re into guitar, there’s no other place to be than at this show.”
Sharing her excitement, Hannah, also from the Meghalaya Grassroots Music Program, said, “I feel very excited. I never expected him to come and perform in Shillong, and it’s amazing that an international guitarist is coming here.”
The Shillong leg will also connect with students and young music audiences through college outreach, student ticketing and music-led promotions planned around the event. With Meghalaya’s strong culture of live music, the show is expected to create a strong response from the city’s musicians, guitarists and young audiences.
Beyond the main performance, the tour will also feature The Great Indian Riff Off, a nationwide search for India’s undiscovered guitarist playing any genre, any style and any level. One winner will get the opportunity to open for Marcin during the tour, creating a platform for emerging guitarists from across India.
Speaking about the partnership and Marcin’s debut India tour, Arpan Peter, Founder, Foreword Lifestyle and Experiences LLP, said, “This partnership with Jameson Connects brings together two brands that share a belief in the power of culture to create meaningful experiences. From the outset, we were aligned on bringing globally relevant artists to India in a way that feels thoughtful, immersive and community-driven. Marcin is the perfect artist to bring that vision to life. His first India tour is more than a series of concerts – it’s an opportunity to connect him with one of his most passionate audiences while creating a platform that also celebrates the incredible guitar talent emerging from India. We hope this is the first of many landmark cultural moments we’ll create together.”
Meghalaya goverment termed the show as a meaningful opportunity to bring global live music closer to local audiences, while strengthening Shillong’s reputation as a city where music is not just performed, but deeply lived.
Tickets for the Shillong show are available on District by Zomato.
About Marcin
Marcin Patrzalek is a Polish guitarist, composer, and producer signed to Sony Classical. Known for his extraordinary percussive fingerstyle technique and orchestral production sensibility, he has crossed 500 million views on YouTube and commands over 4.2 million followers on Instagram. He holds a signature Ibanez guitar model and has performed at the Royal Albert Hall. India is his fourth-largest market in the world.
About Foreward
Foreword is a Bengaluru-based culture company building proprietary IP-led experiences across music, food and craft. Founded in October 2025, Foreword produces and presents experiences that place India at the centre of global cultural conversation — not at the periphery of it. The India Jazz Project, Foreword’s debut IP, drew over 4,000 attendees across four cities in its first edition and established Foreword as one of India’s ambitious independent live music producers. Foreword also recently launched The Shift, a dedicated bar culture platform championing India’s finest bartenders and drinking culture city by city.
About Jameson Connects
Jameson Connects, in partnership with Azadi Records, is a culture-first platform designed to foster collaboration and openness, launched by Jameson Ginger Ale. The platform brings together independent artists, culture makers, and communities to celebrate their passions, tell their stories, and create shared experiences. At its heart is the belief that while we may go faster alone, we always go further together.
Media contact
arpan@overtureindia.com
