Randy Lutge: Fingerstyle and More
Behind the lens with Randy Lutge: experience live performances with some amazing musicians
Tuck and Patti
Randy Lutge
Recording in the New Varsity Courtyard
Randy Lutge is a photographer, videographer, and musician with a diverse career spanning several decades.
From 1974-1987, Lutge booked artists and managed the New Varsity Theater Restaurant and Bar. There he filmed performances by renowned musicians such as Michael Hedges, Tuck and Patti, John Fahey and Bobby McFerrin to name a few. These recordings have garnered millions of views on his YouTube channel (Randy Lutge) offering a glimpse into the vibrant music scene of that era. Active on social media platforms like YouTube (Randy Lutge), and Instagram (@rlutge), Lutge shares his photography and documentary work. His online presence reflects his multifaceted career and passion for visual storytelling.
Lutge filmed numerous live performances by Hedges, capturing the innovative guitarist’s unique style and energy on stage. These recordings have since gained a large following on YouTube, preserving Hedges’ legacy for new generations of listeners. Lutge has continued to celebrate Hedges’ work. His footage from 1980-1994 remains a vital archive of Hedges’ career, offering rare glimpses into his live performances and musical genius.
Lutge studied anthropology and ethnographic filmmaking at the University of California, Berkeley, which has influenced his documentary style. Beyond photography and videography, he has a background in the wine industry and restaurant management, contributing to his ability to connect with people and document authentic experiences.
Overall, Randy Lutge’s career reflects a dedication to capturing and sharing meaningful moments and preserving musical legacies. Today, Lutge lives in Sun Valley, Idaho from where he still ventures around the world to continue documenting some of the world’s finest musicians.
The New Varsity Theater Restaurant Bar
The New Varsity Theater Restaurant and Bar was a beloved cultural and entertainment venue in Palo Alto, California, that operated from 1974 to 1987. It was founded by Glenn and Judith Lutge and Tom Corbin who had envisioned creating a multi-faceted entertainment venue meant to appeal to the local community. Randy Lutge, at the time touring in Europe with his band, was recruited by his father to spearhead live music in the 800 seat theater and the 100 seat restaurant.
Key Features of The New Varsity:
• A Landmark Historic Movie Theater: Designed in 1927 by architects James and Merritt Reid, known also for designing the Cliff House in S.F., and The Hotel del Coronado in San Diego. The design of the Varsity Theater embraced both the Mission Revival and Spanish renaissance styles.
• Live Music Venue: In the 1980s, it became known for hosting live music performances, produced by Lutge, with artists such as Michael Hedges, Tuck and Patti, Van Morrison, and Bobby McFerrin playing on its stage. (See list below) Many of these performances were filmed by Lutge.
• Restaurant & Bar: The venue also functioned as a restaurant and bar, from 1974-1987, attracting locals and students from nearby Stanford University who came for food, drinks, and live performances.
As a Cultural Landmark: It was a popular gathering place for musicians, artists, intellectuals, and social activism events with celebrities such as Jane Fonda, Joan Baez and Burt Lancaster to name a few. The New Varsity embodied the creative and eclectic spirit of Palo Alto during that era.
The New Varsity eventually closed as a theater and entertainment space in 1987, but only after a spirited, community organized effort, led by Randy’s mother, Tami Jefferson, to “Save The Varsity.” The building was later repurposed. The New Varsity remains a cherished memory for many who experienced its vibrant atmosphere, and thanks to videos and photos from that era—such as those captured by Lutge—its legacy continues to live on.
Artists who performed at the New Varsity include, Van Morrison, The Count Basie Orchestra, Robben Ford, Ronnie Montrose, Michael Hedges, Tuck and Patti, George Winston, Alex de Grassi, Will Ackerman, Liz Story, Mark Isham, Social Distortion, Dead Kennedys, Agent Orange, Black Flag, Faith No More, The Circle Jerks, Suicidal Tendencies, Bobby McFerrin and many others.
What’s up?
Thomas Leeb’s Guitar, “Bootcamp”
Turracher Hohe, Austria July 5-11, 2025
Instructors, Thomas Leeb, Don Ross, and Petteri Sariola. Also, there will be a Michael Hedges presentation including rare footage from Randy Lutge’s archive.
Andy McKee’s “Musicarium” July 16-20 in Lawrence, Kansas
With guest instructors:
Calum Graham, Trevor Gordon Hall, Antoine Dufour and featuring Stephen Bennett and Greg Koch
Comments from the YouTube archive
Hedges genius revealed in the “Slow Series”
“When you strip away the performance elements, it really captures the essence of his compositions. It shows why Hedges was a great, unique guitarist – because he was a composer first. Everything from tuning to note selection to rest strokes – all chosen deliberately. He does not just finger anything just because it's idiomatic to the guitar. And as a guitarist, learning these pieces is like learning a new instrument.”
“It was a genius move to film Michael teaching his best tunes !!!!! thanks for sharing !! this video is a great document and will definitely help a lot the transcription of Michael's music into score/tablature, which in its turn will allow more and more guitarrists all over the world to play his music !!!”
“So much life in these videos that it's hard to believe he is gone. Grateful to you Randy for this healing. We sure need it. Cheers.”