Tauranga-born musician Mark Mazengarb moved to America to chase his dream, and now he's seen his name in lights he's returning to his hometown to share his talent.

All the way from the United States, the guitar virtuoso will perform at the Baycourt Exhibition Space on May 17 alongside the skillful Loren Barrigar as part of their 2017 New Zealand tour.

Based in the US, Mark and New York-born Loren have toured together full-time for the last six years, with shows across the US, Europe, Russia, Canada and NZ.

Mark says coming back to his homeland is always a highlight.

'The music culture and tradition in America is amazing, and was what drew me to move there in the first place. So to be able to bring some of this music back to the NZ audience is something I feel very passionate and excited about.”

After completing his degree in classical guitar at Massey University in Wellington, Mark travelled to the US in 2005 where he met Loren at a Tommy Emmanuel guitar camp.
The two then meet up again in 2009 at the Chet Akins guitar convention held every July in Nashville.

After wowing audiences with an off-the-cuff performance, they were invited to headline guitar festivals in France and the US, launching their career together.

Loren and Mark have performed with some of the best in the business, including a three-week US tour with Tommy Emmanuel in 2014.

They have headlined several music festivals in Europe and the US, and have been featured on the nationally syndicated NPR radio show, ‘Says You'.

Mark and Loren share a unique musical chemistry, with their diverse repertoire drawing on many musical influences including Americana, jazz, classical, bluegrass, gypsy jazz and more.

The pair are best known for their rhythmic finger-style technique, beautiful renditions of classic melodies, electrifying improvisation and stunning vocal duets.

The eight-date tour this May will be the duo's third trip to NZ, and will include shows in Auckland, Whangarei, Kawau Island, Hamilton, Coromandel, and Wellington.

The Tauranga performance is at Baycourt Exhibition Space on May 17 from 7.30pm.
Tickets cost between $16-$25 from Ticketek, Baycourt Box Office, or by calling 0800 842 538.