Setting forth as a guitar duo unlike any other, this very first Punk Jazz tour across the U.S. finds Peter DiStefano (of Porno for Pyros) and Mike Baggetta (of mssv) exploring no-boundaries improvised music, informed by their lives and songs, with just 2 electric guitars, electronics and maybe some vocals. Think Albert Ayler meets Stooges meets Jimi Hendrix and you might be getting close…

A founding member of the alternative rock band Porno For Pyros in 1992 with Perry Farrell, Stephen Perkins and Martyn LeNoble, guitarist Peter Distefano has been heard all over the world for decades with their first album reaching no. 3 on the Billboard Top 200. In addition to his work with Pyros, Peter has featured in various projects with Scott Weiland of Stone Temple Pilots, Peter Murphy of Bauhaus, and the band Hellride with Mike Watt. He is also known for his extensive recent work as a composer and musician for many soundtracks in film, television and gaming.

Iconoclastic guitarist Mike Baggetta is most recently known for leading his post-genre power trio mssv (with the legendary rhythm team of drummer Stephen Hodges and bassist Mike Watt) through multiple U.S. tours and album releases over the past 5 years, after releasing 2 additional albums of original music alongside Watt and drummer Jim Keltner. Baggetta’s music has always been adventurous in spirit and style, creating his identifiably undefinable sound with his guitar, voice and various musical gadgets. He has also appeared on stage and on recordings with Nels Cline, J Mascis, Petra Haden and David Torn.

Opening set by Ari Joshua. Ari Joshua is on a mission to spread love through music. South African-born, United States-raised guitarist Ari Joshua is picking up new fans expeditiously with an ambitious project releasing 24 new songs throughout 2024. This spring, he embarked on a recording project with Ben Atkind and Kris Yunker (both at one point from the band Goose). His recent release ‘Star Light Mountain’ features Ray and Russ from The Trey Anastasio Band and is filled with Hendrix-like psychedelic blues guitar and uplifting lyrics about overcoming adversity. His latest release, a heady instrumental “Tagine,” features the talents of keyboardist Marco Benevento and drummer Joe Russo and was released on Music Factory Records in July.

Drawing from a vast archive of recordings and embracing a prolific and innovative spirit, Ari is continually crafting new compositions & collaborations. Additional 2024 releases will showcase collaborations with organist Delvon Lamarr, saxophonist Skerik, members of the Trey Anastasio Band and Soule Monde, drummer Billy Martin, and keyboardist John Medeski (of Medeski, Martin & Wood), as well as John Kimock (from Oteil & Friends, Mike Gordon Band), Andy Hess, Eden Ladin, and more.

Ari’s musical journey began in earnest at The New School and Mason Gross School of the Arts, where his talent shone brightly. He immersed himself in the works of legends like John Coltrane and Miles Davis while jamming with future luminaries such as Robert Glasper, Marcus and EJ Strickland, and Mike Rodriguez. The list of teachers I was exposed to was just mind blowing, “I have so much information in my heart and in my bones from that time living and playing in New York. It’s part of why I am so passionate both about performing, but also about education.”

Over the past decade, Ari has proven himself equally at home shredding with his rock band Big High, which featured Mad Season and Screaming Trees drummer Barrett Martin and R.E.M.’s Peter Buck, or laying down soulful improvisations with jazz ensembles. Ari Joshua continues to push musical boundaries, spreading love and unity through every note. He has over 100 original compositions that can be streamed on his website www.arijoshua.com, or on any streaming service.