2026 Show
Marco Bartoccioni Band – Play The Joker • Live at Brezoi 2026
“Play The Joker” is one of the most innovative and visually captivating modern blues-rock shows in Europe today. Created in 2023 and toured extensively across Italy and the EU, the performance blends hypnotic soundscapes, strong blues roots and striking stage elements to create a highly immersive experience.
Led by Italo-American lap-steel virtuoso Marco Bartoccioni, the trio delivers a powerful blend of:
- lap steel guitar performed standing up
- expressive Theremin performances
- modern electronic textures
- southern rock, psychedelic and soul influences
- high-impact stage presence and storytelling
International acclaim
The show has been celebrated at major European festivals:
⭐ Blues Alive (CZ):
“Skilled, entertaining, energetic – a great blues-rock performance.”
⭐ Leman Blues Festival (FR):
“A memorable appearance, a unique fusion of styles and energy.”
⭐ Zicazic (FR):
“A bridge between Rome and Nashville, bold and distinctive.”
A show designed for major festivals
“Play The Joker” is crafted as a theatrical, high-energy live experience. Each track builds atmosphere and narrative, blending blues tradition with contemporary sonic exploration.
Debut at Brezoi – 2026
Next summer, Marco Bartoccioni Band brings “Play The Joker” to Romania - live at Open Air Blues Festival Brezoi.
🎵 Electrifying modern blues-rock.
🎸 A visual and sonic experience unlike anything else.
🔥 A premiere performance crafted for big stages and passionate audiences.
About artist
Marco Bartoccioni
Italo-American composer, guitarist, lap steel innovator & multi-instrumentalist
Debuting at Open Air Blues Festival Brezoi – 2026
Marco Bartoccioni is an Italo-American musician with more than 25 years of international experience, celebrated for his expressive, modern and innovative approach to blues and rock. A composer, guitarist, lap-steel player and multi-instrumentalist, Marco blends the roots of blues with contemporary elements of southern rock, soul, psychedelic textures and subtle electronic layers.
Throughout his career, he has performed extensively across Europe, the USA and Russia, sharing the stage with acclaimed artists such as Teresa De Sio (ITA), Mike Greene (USA), Chad Cromwell (USA), Adam Nitti (USA), Leszek Cichoński (PL) and more.
A unique musical identity
Known for playing lap steel guitar standing up, his striking stage presence, and his bold use of Theremin and electronic sound design, Marco creates a distinct sonic universe where tradition meets innovation.
International festivals and publications have praised his originality:
- “A great blues-rock performance… skilled, entertaining, totally recommended.” – Blues Alive (CZ)
- “A memorable first appearance… a unique fusion of blues, southern rock and soul.” – Leman Blues Festival (FR)
- “Boldly combining traditional instruments with modern electronics… original and intriguing.” – Twoj Blues (PL)
- “A bridge between Rome and Nashville… subtle, powerful, unique.” – Zicazic (FR)
Selected discography
- Eyes (2019) – Recorded in Nashville
- Steel Project (2021) – Instrumental
- Play The Joker (2023)
- plus earlier releases with Wild Shooter Band and original soundtrack work