Joe Bonsignore, Guitar, Ukulele, and Banjo

Joe Bonsignore began performing in his hometown of Long Island, NY at the age of fourteen, playing gigs in and around New York City, culminating in a sold-out performance at The Limelight when he was eighteen. His first record deal came at the age of nineteen when he signed with Amethyst Records. He later signed with Antithesis Records and finally signed with Esquire Records for The Best of Cleveland Blues compilation. 

Joe has both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in jazz guitar performance from Cleveland State University (CSU). While attending CSU, he was awarded Cleveland’s Playhouse Scholarship. He also has an Associate of Applied Science in Jazz Commercial Music from Five Town College in Long Island.

Joe has been teaching guitar for 34 years and is Professor of Music at Cuyahoga Community College, a post he has held for 12 years. Recently, he was awarded the college’s most prestigious award for excellence in teaching, The Ralph M. Besse Award. His playing and teaching repertoire includes numerous styles. In addition to jazz, he teaches blues, rock, and country. Joe also teaches ukulele and 5-string banjo.

Currently, he works with a regionally touring band on the black-tie circuit. He has opened shows in the Cleveland area for such legendary greats as Robert Lockwood Jr., John Hammond, David Lindley, Leon Russell, Paul Rishell & Annie Raines, Dickey Betts (from the Allman Brothers), Smokin’ Joe Kubek & Bnois King, and Devon Allman from Honey Tribe. He appeared on the FOX 8 Morning Show and performed multiple times at Cain Park’s amphitheater and main stage.