Joel Shapira is a top performing classical and jazz guitarist based in the Twin Cities. His educational background includes studies with some of the world's great players and teachers including jazz legends Joe Pass and Tal Farlow. A native of St. Paul, he attended Berklee School of Music in Boston and The Mannes School of Music in New York City where he lived, performed and taught for eight years.

Joel performs extensively in the Twin Cities area and beyond in a wide variety of musical settings including clubs, restaurants, private events, regional arts festivals and more. Sunset Park Music, the music business he founded in 1994, provides both jazz and classical music for weddings and private events.

Solo
Joel frequently performs as a solo guitarist at wedding ceremonies and receptions and private events, as well as restaurants such as The Loring Pasta Bar, The Downtowner Woodfire Grill and Terlizzo's.

Duos
Joel plays in duo formats with some of the area's finest musicians and singers including flutist/saxophonist Paul Harper, vocalists Charmin Michelle and Signe Hensel and pianist Larry McDonough

Signe & Joel

Ensembles
As a member of the highly regarded jazz trio Triplicate, Joel performs original compositions and standards at major venues including The Dakota, The Artists' Quarter, Café Luxx and more with fellow band members percussionist Dave Stanoch and bassist Bruce "Pooch" Heine.

Triplicate

Triplicate's award-nominated debut CD has received frequent airplay on local radio and the trio has appeared on KARE-11 TV and Twin Cities Public Television.

Joel Shapira