The Saugatuck Center for the Arts’ Summer in the Studio series kicks off with the acclaimed New West Guitar Group, a jazz-based guitar trio, on July 11 at 8 p.m. Tickets are $15 and available online at sc4a.org or at 269-857-2399.

The New West Guitar Group is a dynamic trio. John Storie, Perry Smith and Will Brahm, formed the group at the University of Southern California’s Thorton School of Music in 2003. They play a wide range of styles from classic jazz songs to imaginative arrangement of pop songs to their own diverse originals.

The group’s distinct sound is achieved through combined acoustic and electric guitars, which highlight different rhythms and tones within the group’s music. The Seattle Times praised their sound, calling it “sharp and refined.” Vintage Guitar Magazine also praised New West Guitar Group saying, “The group’s creativity in not being afraid to stretch boundaries is helping to forge a new area of music that should inspire other guitarists…”

New West Guitar Group has released five instrumental albums within the last 10 years. Each album features their unique laid-back style and expert music arrangement. Their music is regularly featured on NPR and jazz radio stations.

The SCA’s Summer in the Studio concert series, sponsored by Carol and Greg Josefowicz, also features The Babbas, Matthew Santos, and Drive South. Saugatuck Center for the Arts is located at 400 Culver Ave., Saugatuck.