Internationally renowned guitarist, inventor and Northeastern Illinois University alumnus Michael Angelo Batio will return to his alma mater to deliver a free lecture and demonstration that will cover his musical success, life lessons and, of course, his famous Double-Guitar.
The event, which is scheduled for 3 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 1, is free and open to the public on a first-come, first-seated basis in the Auditorium, 3701 W. Bryn Mawr Ave. in Chicago. Parking will be available on campus by permit.
Batio’s workshop, a mix of music performance and educational and entertaining conversation, is the first in the University’s new NEIU Alumni: All Access series designed to demonstrate the lifelong value of a Northeastern Illinois University degree from the perspective of some of the University’s most successful and inspirational alumni.
“We are excited to launch this series with a musician who has demonstrated the value of his Northeastern Illinois University degree through his performances, creativity and entrepreneurship,” Office of Cultural Affairs Director Christie Miller said.
Batio earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Music from Northeastern in 1979. He is known worldwide for his amazing fretwork, his innovative and original live shows and inventions such as the MAB Over-Under technique, the V-shaped twin Double-Guitar and the four-necked Quad guitar. One of Batio’s Dean Double-Guitars called the “Jet” was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2012 and is on permanent display.
Batio released his newest album, “Shred Force 1,” in April 2015. It debuted at No. 11 on the Billboard Hard Rock chart. The album features more than 20 guest stars, including George Lynch, Michael Wilton, Todd LaTorre, members of Trans Siberian Orchestra and Metal Church, Guthrie Govan, Michael Romeo, Jeff Loomis, Craig Goldy, Chris Poland, Rusty Cooley, Mike Lepond, Elliott Dean Rubinson and more.
