I realize we are in the midst of the "bleak midwinter" but I am preparing and looking forward to the upcoming spring concert season. As my friend and poet Robert Murray wrote:

"...cold harbinger of warm days lost.

Friend fill your head with joy instead,

beauty but sleeps beneath the frost."

Upcoming Concerts

The next few months include some very exciting performances and collaborations. Two concerts featuring Maximo Diego Pujol's "Tangata de agosto" for guitar and string quartet are definitely highlights. I am also greatly looking forward to sharing a concert with jazz guitarist, Danny Webber at Shippensburg University on March 8. The concert will include classical solos, duos by Ralph Towner, and music for jazz trio with guest musicians Arnie Helmick and Edgar Myers.

Here is a list of upcoming performances. As always, you can check my website for more information or follow me on Bandsintown. Please check directly with the presenting organizations for directions, tickets and other details.

Feb. 11 - Aguado Guitar Concerts Valentine Fundraiser, Reston, VA

Feb. 12 - Clarinet and guitar concert with Anita Thomas, Easton, MD

Mar. 8 - An Evening of Guitar with Candice Mowbray & Danny Webber, Shippensburg University

Mar. 19 - Clarinet and guitar concert with Anita Thomas, Frederick, MD

Mar. 25 - Soloist with the ProArte Chamber Orchestra, Reston, VA (string quartet)

Apr. 22 - Clarinet and guitar concert with Anita Thomas, Knoxville Guitar Society, TN

May 6 - Solo Recital, New Jersey Music Educator's Guitar Ensemble Festival

May 7 - Soloist with Satori Chamber Ensemble, Allentown, PA

Watch the video below for a home recording of Anita Thomas' heartfelt composition, "Requiem for Opa."

New CDs

I am very happy to share news that Reverie, my latest CD of contemporary French music, has received airplay on radio programs The Intimate Guitar in Dayton, Ohio and A Classic Monday in Boulder, Colorado. Reviews of the recording have been very positive and I am so proud to have been able to bring the project to fruition and share this music. Please visit CDBaby.com to order physical copies or digital downloads. Continue to support the project by sharing the CDBaby page with your friends.

While working on this CD, I finished a second project of short, 19th-century character pieces including waltzes, etudes and miniatures from the United States and Europe. Look for Garden Waltz in March.

Artwork by Lee McIntyre

Lessons

The spring semester is underway at Shenandoah University where I am enjoying participation in guitar activities that range from working with first semester freshman to serving as a juror for doctoral recitals. Some people have reached out asking if I also teach private lessons outside of the college, so I have added a Lesson Inquiry Page to my website. Beginners through very advanced players are welcome.