Finger-pickin' good night at the Canadian

Born, raised and still residing in Windsor, Ontario, Pat Robitaille is quickly etching his permanence in the Canadian folk/rock music scene after touring with Matt Good, Sam Roberts and Billy Talent.

All that before the tender age of 20.

Australia's 2004 Fingerstyle Champion, Dale Willis first picked up a guitar at age seven and after incorporating the styles of diverse influences such as Jimi Hendrix and Chet Atkins, has created a most distinctive approach to playing the instrument.

Robitaille and Willis have a lot in common.

They are both remarkable performers who instantly captivate every audience member the moment they hit the stage.

Both have had questionable run-ins with the law and have written songs about it.

They are both really, really good looking and can melt the hearts of their primarily female audience with one tiny smile.

And they played together at the Canadian Night Club Friday night.

As I descended the stairs to the Canadian Friday night, I was greeted by some of the most unique acoustic guitar sounds I have ever heard.

Rounding the corner, I was shocked to find only one man on stage and I stood transfixed for several minutes watching him play bass, rhythm and percussion on a single ordinary acoustic guitar.

It was the legendary Dale Willis I had been hearing so much about, and at that moment he owned the room and everyone in it.

"I'm going back to Australia in a week and I can't wait to lay on the beach and get some sun," he joked mid-way through his set.

"Please don't throw rocks and tomatoes at me."

Willis's brilliant originals like Scatterfingers and Sharpen Up were appropriately complimented by covers of Stevie Ray Vaughn and Jimi Hendrix.

After a short break, it was Pat Robitaille's turn to shine.

His beautiful guitar style and rich, smooth voice was a refreshing escape from the harsh weather outside.

Almost unnoticed was the fact that he was seamlessly sampling not only his vocals, but also his guitar live on stage Final Fantasy style, making for some stunning harmonies and instrumentation as he jumped from one mic to another.

He was truly mesmerizing.

The two joined forces at the end of the evening and shared the stage as they teetered between trying to outdo one another and stepping back to allow the other to have the spotlight.

Loplops Gallery-Lounge will be hosting this pair of stellar entertainers for an encore performance Saturday night.