Tommy Emmanuel has been called one of the greatest guitar players in the world by legends such as Eric Clapton and Chet Atkins, and was voted the “Best Acoustic Guitarist of 2008” by “Guitar Player Magazine.” Emmanuel will perform at 7:00 p.m. Sunday at the Nancy O’Brien Center for the Performing Arts, 1809 Stubbeman Ave. He will also lead a workshop at Gilliam’s Music, 2280 W. Main St., from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. on Sunday.

The Daily’s James Lovett spoke with the world-renowned guitarist in a phone interview.

Do you have a planned set list before you go on stage?

Never. No. I never, ever use a setlist. I walk on stage and start playing. Of course, I know how to put a show together, I know how it works and everything. The only time I ever use a setlist is if I have to play with a band or orchestra or something because they have to know what’s going next. But when I’m doing my own shows I just walk out and start playing. The biggest decision I have to make is what to start with.

Is there anywhere you haven’t played where you’d like to go?

Let’s see, well I haven’t played in Alaska and I haven’t played in Siberia yet. I’ve played in Russia and Ukraine, [but not Siberia}.

You’ve become pretty famous on the Internet. I’ve noticed you have multiple videos with over two million views.

Yeah there’s a lot on there. I don’t know who does that because I don’t know how to do it.

People have been doing that for years. I didn’t know anything about it until the first time I played Stockholm in Sweden.

My agent rang me and said can we do a sixth show ‘cause the first one’s are sold out. I said ‘Wow that’s amazing. How is that possible, I’ve never been there before.’ So a guy sent me a link to YouTube and I suddenly discovered it. I didn’t know anything about it ‘cause I’m not a computer guy, really. I mean, I carry a laptop on tour but that’s about it. The Internet’s been a great tool for me. It’s great that people can see what you do.

You’ve played in Oklahoma several times before. Have you worked with many musicians from Oklahoma and do you have any memorable experiences in the state?

Oh absolutely. Louis Goldberg, the great piano player from there, I worked with her. When I first started coming there her all girls band was my opening band. They were great, and I got her to play some tunes with me.

What’s on your Ipod right now?

I’ve been listening to James Taylor’s “October Road” album lately. And I’ve been listening to some English comedy I’ve got on there right now.

With such a heavy touring schedule, what do you enjoy doing in the little spare time you have?

I enjoy playing the guitar (laughs). Well, I enjoy spending time with my children. I live in Nashville so when I’m home I enjoy doing work around the house.

— James Lovett is a journalism junior.

See Tommy Emmanuel

When: 7:00 p.m. Sunday

Where: Nancy O’Brien Center for the Performing Arts, 1809 Stubbeman Ave.

Tickets: For tickets to the concert or reservations for Emmanuel’s workshop, contact Rhonda Smith at the Nancy O’Brien Center for the Performing Arts at (303) 282-5176 or at rhonda@standingovationartists.com.