Fady and Murph both play in other projects that feature full band, vocals, huge PA… the whole enchilada. This is great for getting people on the dance floor, but not always ideal for more intimate venues such as breweries, restaurants, wineries, art openings, house concerts, etc. Mondo Guitaro's focus is to create a chill ambiance that allows conversations among listeners, and provide a memorable soundtrack for each and every event.
F L O W > show
As a duo, Mondo Guitaro has a modest physical and sonic footprint, which greatly simplifies logistics and solves the problem of volume management. The duo is adept at dialing-in optimal volume and tone, maximizing the listening experience for any space. With proper sound reinforcement, the duo is equally at home on festival stages and larger rooms.

Telling a story without words relies on the tone, rhythm, and melodies of a composition. These elements establish the scene, give characters their voice, and move the plot forward. Conveying emotion, action, and conflict/resolution proves more challenging when instrumentation is constrained to two guitars.
As songwriters and performers, Mondo Guitaro shines the spotlight on sturdy melodies and compelling rhythmic accompaniment. Acoustic and electric guitar tones are carefully selected to complement arrangements, and reinforce core cinematic and musical themes.
Mondo Guitaro hails from the wilds of Chatham County, NC. Mark Murphy and Brian Fady have been writing and performing in El Mirage, a dynamic and enduring four-piece surf combo formed among friends, since 2010. The two started getting together while the shadow of the pandemic darkened the doors of most music venues. Within a few years their collection of originals and select covers achieved critical mass, and Mondo Guitaro was ready to venture beyond the comfort of the woodshed.
"I compose because I need to express the inexpressible; music has a language beyond words.” - Ennio Morricone
Mondo Guitaro explores and celebrates guitar-driven instrumental music of mid-century cinema and radio. From the sunbaked deserts of Ennio Morricone's spaghetti western soundscapes, to sun-drenched California’s surf music scene, the electric guitar gave a modern voice to composers and musicians.
This voice was reimagined by Leo Fender, the sonic mad-scientist, whose guitar and amplifier designs encouraged more expressive playing and put studio effects such as reverb and tremolo at player’s fingertips. Meanwhile, rival Fred Gretsch pushed the boundaries of his hollow body guitars, unleashing a beguiling, twangy tone that captured the hearts (and ears) of a generation.
Dex Fest 2025 Performance at Lapin Blue, Carrboro, NC