Garrett Podgorski, guitar
Kiana Kawahara, flute
PROGRAM: TBA
TICKETS: General Admission $50 | VIP $65 (Reserved seating and unlimited champagne)
Gerrett Podgorski
Garrett Podgorski is a guitarist, composer, and producer who effortlessly bridges the world of classical and popular music. Based in Los Angeles, he blends his early rock influences with classical lyricism, creating a sound that’s distinctively his own. Drawing inspiration from legends such as Randy Rhoads and Bach, Garrett has developed a style that stands out on recordings and stages worldwide. He’s toured with artists such as Claire Rosinkranz—opening for Maroon 5—and has worked with a range of musicians, including Chrissy and Isabel Dumaa. As a session musician in LA, he’s contributed to several film and TV projects, including the upcoming film “Solo Mio.”
Garrett’s musical journey started early, performing Eddie Van Halen’s “Eruption” at age ten, which quickly went viral on YouTube. By his early teens, he was endorsed by major guitar brands and performing at notable events, earning the nickname “Randy Rhoads’ grand student.” His classical guitar studies led to multiple competition wins, and he has continued to refine his craft first at Pepperdine University and now at USC. His discography is equally diverse, spanning instrumental metal, classical albums, and collaborative projects such as The Pacific Duo and the indie band Byrdhouse.
Beyond performing and recording, Garrett is the creative director for The BnT Collection, curating and documenting unique guitars from around the world. He’s produced documentaries, interviewed renowned artists, and traveled extensively to source special instruments. Garrett is also an established content creator, building a dedicated following across TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube, and collaborating with brands like Eastman Guitars and StringJoy. With a new solo acoustic album in the works and a steady stream of creative projects, Garrett continues to push musical boundaries while connecting with fans and musicians alike.
Kiana Kawahara
Kiana Kawahara is a vibrant flutist on a musical adventure, currently pursuing her Master’s Degree in Flute Performance at the University of Southern California. At USC, she hones her craft under the guidance of Catherine Karoly, Associate Principal Flute of the Los Angeles Philharmonic. Before her journey to California, Kiana studied with the renowned Regents Professor Mary Karen Clardy at the University of North Texas, where she was a standout performer.
Born and raised on the beautiful island of O’ahu, Hawai’i, Kiana’s passion for music blossomed early while studying with Sabrina Saiki-Mita, Professor of Flute at the University of Hawaii at Mānoa and the Punahou School of Music. Her island roots inspire her artistry and bring a unique flair to every note she plays.
Kiana’s musical résumé sparkles with principal flute performances in the USC Thornton Symphony Orchestra, as well as the UNT Symphony Orchestra, Opera, and Wind Orchestra. For the 2025-2026 season, she’s a proud flute and piccolo fellow with the California Young Artists Symphony, ready to dazzle audiences with her expressive sound.
Never one to stay in one place for long, Kiana also loves life on the road as a traveling freelancer, performing in vibrant venues and sharing her love of music throughout Southern California. One of her recent highlights was performing as principal flute with Jacob Collier in his innovative “Audience Symphony Orchestra” at Davies Symphony Hall in San Francisco—a thrilling, once-in-a-lifetime experience!
From symphony halls to island breezes, Kiana brings joy, energy, and aloha spirit to every performance.
