David Becker performs Planets - Concert and Workshop

Experience a celestial musical odyssey with Planets, an immersive multimedia production from Grammy- and Emmy-nominated jazz guitarist and composer David Becker. Blending Becker’s masterful, evocative guitar compositions and improvisations with stunning synchronized visual projections of our solar system, this captivating performance transforms intricate jazz melodies into expansive cosmic soundscapes. Originally conceived in collaboration with Space Channel, each piece is uniquely scored to explore planetary bodies from Mercury out to Pluto, offering audiences a rare, transcendent voyage through deep space directly from the auditorium.

In addition to the performance, David will be presenting his workshop on Unleashing the Power of Triads and working with a looper.

When: Tuesday November 17th | Workshop 4:00 - 6:00. Concert 7:30, doors 7:00

Where: 5545 W 56th Ave Unit F, Arvada CO 80002

Admission: $20 advance, $30 at the door. Workshop is an additional $10 (Free for Henriksen Guitar Society Members. Not a member? JOIN NOW!)

Celebrating more than four decades, Grammy and Emmy nominated guitarist, composer, producer David Becker has continued to define himself as one of the best and most unique voices in jazz and contemporary music by combining diverse influences and a passion for the new and different, and his ability to play for the present while always keeping an eye on the past and future. He has led the critically acclaimed DAVID BECKER TRIBUNE to a worldwide audience by performing in more than 40 countries.

Over the years, the DBT has shared the stage with such celebrated jazz acts as Miles Davis, Chick Corea, Michael Brecker and many more. German television journalist Roger Willemsen (ZDF) called him "One of the best Jazz Guitarists ever." Jazz Podium and Downbeat called him "A poet on the Jazz Guitar." Jazz Thing and Gitarre & Bass called him” a virtuoso”. David has released 20 recordings many topping the jazz and contemporary music charts. He has performed at some of the most prestigious venues throughout the world including London's BARBICON CENTRE, Rotterdam's DE DOELEN, New York’s MADISON SQUARE GARDEN and BIRDLAND. Becker has also appeared at many international jazz festivals including The Monterey Jazz Festival.

David Becker graduated from Musicians Institute in 1981 at age 19 and by age 22 he was touring internationally with the David Becker Tribune. David signed with MCA records in 1986 and the release LONG PETER MADSEN debuted. SIBERIAN EXPRESS (#1 R&R) followed in 1988 and the DBT established themselves in the world of Contemporary Jazz performing in 44 of the 50 US states. Four more DBT releases followed, THIRD TIME AROUND, IN MOTION (Blue Moon), NEVSKY PROSPEKT (Pinorrekk) and GERMERICA (Silverline) respectively. In 2005, David released a duo effort with guitar master Joe Diorio, THE COLOR OF SOUND. The CD was named "One of the best Guitar duo recordings of all time." - All Music. LEAVING ARGENTINA from 2007 received high praise by the international press. Down Beat gave it “4 Stars” and the BBC said, “Brilliant musicianship, a really lovely album, in fact.” David’s music can be heard on radio and television around the globe including ARD, RTL, The Weather Channel, Voice of America, XM/Sirius Radio, NPR.

With the release of the highly personal and critically acclaimed recording BATAVIA in 2010, Becker crossed the border of musician and has become an advocate for the forgotten WWII Dutch POW’s in the Dutch East Indies (Indonesia). BATAVIA was ranked as one of the top 10 World Music recordings of 2010 by World Music central.org. In 2015, a solo recording THE LONELY ROAD (Acoustic Music Records) was released. The album reached #30 on the iTunes Instrumental top 100 charts and was called, “One of the best solo guitar CD’s available today.” (Amazon UK) Becker also produced, arranged and performed on the Attila Zoller tribute record, MESSAGE TO ATTILA (ENJA) which also features Ron Carter, Pat Metheny, Mike Stern, John Abercrombie, Jim Hall and more.

David has been active in music education releasing four instructional books: GETTING YOUR IMPROVISING INTO SHAPE, PLAYING IN SHAPES, RHYTHMIC MOTIFS FOR COMPING AND SOLOING , ETUDES YOU CAN USE as well as video courses TRANSITIONS TO JAZZ and UNLOCKING THE POWER OF TRIADS. Three of his Books/DVD’s were done in English and German as David is fluent in both languages. In June of 2018, the DBT released a new studio recording single of KIWI DREAMS (Acoustic Music Records) written for their 2016 Tour of New Zealand. David also teamed up with renowned guitarist Brad Rabuchin (Ray Charles) to record a tribute album for guitarist John Abercrombie. FOR JOHN was released in June 2019 and has been receiving great praise worldwide. In 2020, David recorded a trio project with Drummer Chris Bowman and former DBT Bassist Jim Donica. He also taped a series for the SPACE CHANNEL titled PLANETS. Both projects were released in 2022. The solo Album PLANETS was released that same year.

In 2024, David recorded an immersive audio album GRAVITATIONALLY BOUND with Grammy winning producer Ken Caillat and it was released in August. The album contains 10 tracks which are integral to his critically acclaimed live show, PLANETS. The show has been selling out globally. David was featured on the cover of Jazz Guitar Today in October. A duo recording with multi Grammy winning drummer, Paul Wertico, TUXEDO MAN was released in 2025. In 2026, Becker released, CARROLL’S CRATER dedicated to the Artemis II Lunar mission.

FAQ:

1. DO YOU SERVE FOOD/DRINKS? No, The Factory Stage does not serve food or drinks, however you can bring your own beverages and light snacks. We are located in the same office park as Odyssey Beerkwerks and Talnua Distillery, who both sell to-go beverages. Odyssey usually has a good food truck (except on Mondays) beginning around 4:00 pm.
   
2. ARE THE SHOWS ALL-AGES? While not appropriate for small children, if your teenager is actually into the kind of music we host, they are welcome and encouraged to attend.
   
3. TICKETS: No physical tickets will be sent to you, all tickets are considered will-call and you’ll check in at the door when you arrive. All seating is general admission, first-come-first-served unless otherwise noted.
   
4. PARKING: Parking is available though fairly limited, ride-sharing is encouraged. Please observe and respect our neighbor’s parking signs.
   
5. NO SMOKING OR VAPING of ANYTHING: Non-negotiable, you will be asked to leave and will not be issued a refund.
   
6. WHAT IS THE HENRIKSEN GUITAR SOCIETY? The Henriksen Guitar Society is a monthly-fee based membership that includes most workshops, discounted concerts and other events. To learn more, CLICK HERE to visit the HGS page.