Legendary Montreal Guitarist Frank Marino Returns for a rare free outdoor concert
Montreal, QC. ItalfestMTL is proud to announce that legendary Montreal guitarist Frank Marino – who returns to a stage after many years – will headline a rare free outdoor concert in the heart of Little Italy on Friday, August 7, 2026, at 9.15pm, as part of the opening weekend of ItalfestMTL 2026.
Presented by the Caisse Populaire Desjardins Canadienne Italienne, the concert, free to the public, will transform Little Italy into a vibrant open-air celebration of music, culture, and Montréal heritage, bringing together festivalgoers, music lovers, and longtime fans for an unforgettable evening.
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Frank Marino was born as Francesco Antonio Marino on November 20, 1954, in Montreal. Of Italian and Arab heritage, he was one of five children and left school after the seventh grade, including a brief period in military school.
During the late 1960s, Marino was immersed in the hippie culture, peace movement, and the music of Jimi Hendrix, The Doors, and The Beatles. His experimentation with LSD led to a powerful psychedelic experience that resulted in hospitalization. That experience became the foundation of his musical vision and inspired the name Mahogany Rush. The album artwork for Child of the Novelty and Strange Universe was created as a visual interpretation of that experience by artist Ivan Schwartz.
Because Marino played in a style similar to Hendrix and his drug-related experience became known publicly, rumors emerged claiming that he had inherited Hendrix’s spirit after a coma or accident. Marino repeatedly denied these stories, explaining that he simply learned to play guitar while recovering from his psychedelic experience. The guitar became a therapeutic focus that helped him cope with the aftermath of the ordeal.
A few years later, after performing with various bands and playing covers of artists such as Pink Floyd, Cream, Johnny Winter, and others, he recorded his first album.
Although Marino never achieved mainstream commercial success, he developed a loyal and dedicated fan base over the years. Sober for more than 35 years, he has remained deeply committed to music, writing, arranging, and producing his own recordings. Known for his passion and authenticity, he continues to be admired for his energetic live performances and unwavering dedication to his craft.
Event sponsored by:
