Andy Hackbarth — Official Bio (2025)
Andy Hackbarth is an award-winning vocalist, multi-instrumentalist, classical guitarist, comedian, and entrepreneur from Colorado. Known for his genre-blending musical style and dynamic stage presence, Hackbarth’s work bridges Americana, folk, classical, and indie rock, with an added touch of edgy comedy.
An acclaimed classical guitarist (International Acoustic Music Awards, NFAA, Neale Silva Award, MTNA), and celebrated songwriter (Billboard, International Songwriting Competition, Americana Music Awards), Hackbarth has released six full-length studio albums. His most recent project, Sonnenblum (releasing Fall 2025) recorded under his band moniker SawatchLand, showcases his evolving sound with a deeper dive into indie, folk-rock, and experimental textures.
Originally rooted in folk and bluegrass, Hackbarth’s musical direction shifted dramatically at age 11 when he discovered the classical guitar. Deeply inspired by the music of Spain and South America — and the life and work of Andrés Segovia — classical music continues to be the foundation of much of his concert repertoire.
Andy studied at the Aspen Music School, Lawrence Conservatory of Music, and the University of Colorado Boulder, training with some of the world's foremost musicians including John Williams, Christopher Parkening, Eliot Fisk, Ricardo Iznaola, and Juilliard’s Sharon Isbin and Kevin Gallagher. His education launched an impressive international touring career as both a classical guitar soloist and a singer-songwriter, often performing with his band across the U.S. and abroad.
Beyond music, Hackbarth honed his skills as a comedian while working the circuit as a high-energy piano bar entertainer, eventually moving into his current role as a headline act on the performing arts center circuit, at festivals and on luxury cruise lines around the world.
After many years living and working in Nashville, Hackbarth returned to his Colorado roots in 2019 when he purchased the historic Saguache Hotel, originally built in 1910. He and his father are leading an extensive restoration project to revitalize the hotel into a cultural and artistic hub, including two new live music venues where Hackbarth plans to perform between tours and cruise ship engagements. The Saguache Hotel project blends his passion for historic preservation, sustainable development, local food, and creative community building.
Today, Hackbarth continues to tour internationally, record new music, and perform stand-up-infused concerts, while also championing sustainable rural revitalization through his work on the Saguache Hotel.
