Electrifying acoustic guitarists Rodrigo y Gabriela, whose unique sound has been gaining popularity among folk, Latin, and rock fans alike, are returning to the Philadelphia concert stage. Rodrigo (Sanchez) and Gabriela (Quintero) met as teenagers in Mexico City, obtained a fan-base in Dublin, and have been sharing their talents throughout Europe, Latin America, and North America throughout the past few years.

Said Acoustic Magazine UK, “Their energy, impeccable timing and the passion that comes through their music makes them the most exciting and intoxicating live acoustic performers on the planet.” With Gabriela’s aggressive, rhythmic beat on the guitar, and Rodrigo’s nimble fingers which appear to fly across the strings, the duo have come a long way since teaching children rock-riffs in the streets of Mexico and playing any wedding or nightclub they could book in Ireland.

Some have described their music as having a touch of Flamenco, which Gabriela addresses on their website: “The only similarity is that our music is guitar music and it’s very rhythmic.” It certainly proves difficult to find a category that can encompass their eclectic sound. With covers of Led Zepplin’s “Stairway to Heaven” and Metallica’s “Orion” on the acoustic guitar, Rodrigo y Gabriela certainly provide a unique, intoxicating take on these rock classics.

However, other songs, like “Diablo Rojo,” named for a roller coaster in Denmark, feature fast-paced riffs on the guitar, reminiscent of their Latin heritage. One thing is for sure, the two are accomplished musicians who can be appreciated by a wide fan base. Often played by Philadelphia-based 88.5 XPN, and featured on shows like “The Tonight Show” with Jay Leno and “The Late Show” with David Letterman, Rodrigo y Gabriela’s music has reached the ears of many American music fans.