2003 – The Festival Matures in its 3rd Season

The 2003 Buffalo Niagara Guitar Festival was bigger than ever, with several thousand people attending events throughout its nine day run.

Five remarkably-talented finalists made the North American Rock Guitar Competition an evening to remember. In the end, it was fretless guitarist Ned Evett of Boise, Idaho, who came out on top. WNED-TV went behind-the-scenes of the Competition for a documentary called "Driven to Play," which made its broadcast debut in February. "Driven to Play" aired nationally in June, 2004. Abby Gennet of MTV was the evening's host.

The Yardbirds and Savoy Brown featuring Kim Simmonds headlined the Great Guitar Gig, which moved from Erie Basin Marina to Dunn Tire Park. The phenomenal day of music, food and fun also featured Johnny Hiland, Larry and Murali Coryell and Jim Weider.

The Tralf series included another sold-out show from Dickey Betts, along with performances from Tommy Castro and Walter Trout.

Guitar legend Buddy Guy and Los Lobos performed at the New Melody Fair, while jazz star John Pizzarelli joined forces with the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra at Kleinhans Music Hall.

The Festival wrapped up with the Backyard Bash, a free outdoor show at WNED Studios featuring live music from Gamalon with Regi Wooten, and an outdoor screening of "Monterey Pop."