Avery Bergstrom

My goal when performing is always to simply share my love of music, and to give the listener a dynamic and moving experience. I will work with the client as closely as needed and desired to craft my setlist and performance in a way that best suits the event and environment. If there is a specific piece of music that you would like to hear, I am happy to include it in my setlist. I am also open to creating new guitar arrangements of specific pieces at your request.

Avery was originally attracted to acoustic fingerstyle guitar by American fingerpickers like John Fahey, Leo Kottke, and others. After discovering a love for the folk music of Europe, he developed his own one-of-a-kind sound on the guitar, crafting technically dazzling interpretive arrangements of traditional music, country-blues, and classic pop tunes, as well as offering original compositions which artfully express his many musical inspirations. His fluid and ornate sound draws upon numerous sources, sometimes creatively translating fiddle music, bluegrass, or even bagpipe music to the guitar, and includes something for everyone, often combining the rhythm-driven bass lines of Americana with the lush, intricate melodies of Celtic music.

"Hearing Avery's music back in 2022 I knew immediately the world of fingerstyle guitar was in for something unique and special. Today he continues to create sophisticated pieces and his sheer imagination and skill are enviable." - Blues guitar legend Mary Flower

Spending his time performing around Portland, Avery has enjoyed meeting, learning from, and working with established guitarists of the Pacific Northwest. In one such collaborative project, he composed and performed Celtic guitar duets with fellow fingerstyle guitarist Anton Emery, who he became connected with through the Portland Guitar Society, of which Avery is a long time member and performer.

Audience members have described Avery's performances as "a journey" and according to accomplished classical guitarist Peter Zisa, "Avery's arrangements and original compositions held the audience spellbound."

I typically like to perform with my Fishman acoustic amplifier, which works well for most spaces. For that, all I require for set up is an outlet/power source, and a chair. I also have the capability to play through any amplification options that the venue has, such as a PA.