Three-time nominated and Grammy Award Winner Tommy Emmanuel C.G.P. is returning to the Dixie Center for the Arts in Downtown Ruston, Louisiana on Wednesday, December 10, 2025, for his second appearance at the Historic Theater. Recognized as the elite of the elite and arguably the greatest living acoustic guitar player, Emmanuel has mesmerized both fellow musicians and audiences alike with a professional career that spans nearly seven decades. Emmanuel's dazzling performance, flawless guitar skills, and voluminous repertoire never fail to amaze and engage his legions. From the wilds of Australia's outback to bustling major cities throughout the world, Emmanuel's flair, unforgettable showmanship, and exhaustive worldwide touring schedule have created an enviable fan base that continues to grow even larger every year.
Tommy has a Grammy Award, multiple ARIA Awards and countless accolades, but nothing means more to Tommy than the three letters Chet Atkins designated at the end of Tommy’s name: C.G.P. The title of Certified Guitar Player was the highest honor Atkins could bestow on another player – a signifier that the recipient had not only mastered the instrument but taken it to new vistas and become a guiding light for the next generation of pickers. Like Tommy, Chet had never gone to a university, and the C.G.P. was his version of a PHD or a Doctorate of the guitar. He gave the honor to Tommy and only five other handpicked players.
Emmanuel is no stranger to iconic stages from Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium to London’s Royal Festival Hall and Paris’ L’Olympia. The legendary entertainer has dazzled audiences across the world. However, there is something truly magical about the Sydney Opera House, and the magic of Tommy’s performances has finally been captured on his new album Live at the Sydney Opera House.
Tommy’s determination to entertain and move audiences through the power of music remains undimmed as he closes in on his seventh decade as a performer. He can turn a jazz café into a cathedral or a radio station performance into the Ryman. But there is still something that a truly iconic venue like the Sydney Opera House – a mecca for music; that brings out the best in him. To have witnessed the pin drop silent audience hanging on every note of “Sail On,” the propulsive rhythm of “Classical Gas,” the impossible
bluegrass speed-picking on “Tall Fiddler” and the delicate wringing of melody out of Paul Simon’s immortal “American Tune,” is to experience the communion of music at its most pure. That is Tommy Emmanuel, Live at the Sydney Opera House.
Dixie Center Members get early access to tickets on Wednesday, March 19 at 10:00 am, through Thursday, March 20 You can become a member and gain early access to Dixie shows by visiting
https://www.dixiecenter.org/membership
Reserved Seats for the general public go on sale Friday, March 21 at 10:00 am.
For information about the Dixie Center and to purchase tickets, please visit our website at www.dixiecenter.org
The Dixie Center for the Arts is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and restored historic theater in Ruston, La. Our mission is "To be the home and heart of the arts in North Central Louisiana. For more information about the Dixie Center please visit our website at www.dixiecenter.org
Also check out other Music events in Ruston, Entertainment events in Ruston, Performances in Ruston.
