FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Shirley Luna – April 29, 2004

SFA to sponsor guitar concert

Jazz, blues, classical and flamenco guitar are some of the styles that will be included in the Guitar Lovers Only concert to be presented by the LaNana Creek Press and the Stephen F. Austin State University Department of Art at 7:30 p.m., Wednesday, May 5, in The Art Center, 329 E. Main Street.

The concert will feature nationally recognized acoustic guitarists as well as accomplished musicians well known in this area, said Charlie Jones, SFA Regents Professor and organizer of the event. Performers include Michael Mandrell, Freddy McLain, Larry Greer, Steve DeVries and Jones.

Mandrell is known for his beautiful, fiery and transcendent guitar mastery, and his onstage energy is not to be missed, said Jones.

            Mandrell, a graduate of SFA, has been featured on Public Radio International’s “Echoes.” Host John Diliberto said, “ Michael’s hybrid guitar style reveals a guitarist of eclectic sensibilities and delicate technique. His music circles the globe in imagistic compositions…”

            Now a resident of Portland, Ore., Mandrell tours regionally and nationally, playing solo and with other artists, including Lynn Wedekind, Jenny Bird and Benjy Wertheimer.

            “Freddy McLain was a hit at the last Guitar Lovers Concert and has agreed to return for this one,” said Jones. “He is one of the best jazz guitarists one is likely to hear.”

McLain grew up in Houston but has been living and playing in Corpus Christi since the 1960s.

            “Local musician Larry Greer is an accomplished player, teacher and bandleader. He is the driving force of the Shades of Blue band, where his playing ranges from low down Texas roadhouse blues to cool jazz, “ Jones said.

Greer also teaches classical guitar at Angelina College.

Steve DeVries, who teaches guitar at Encore Music, is sought after as a teacher, performer and sideman to some of the best musicians in the area, according to Jones.

            “With his strong neo-classical technique and a remarkable gift for improvising and composing, Steve developed his own warmly passionate and personal style of playing by blending elements of country, blues, roots, jazz and classical into one indescribable package,” Jones said.

            Jones has played guitar and other stringed instruments for most of his life. He has played many styles, including folk, country and Mexican trio music, but said he fell in love with flamenco the first time he heard it. Jones has studied with master guitarists in California, New Mexico and Washington, D.C., and with Diego del Gastor of southern Spain.

            This year’s Guitar Lovers Only concert marks the 10^th anniversary for the event. Patrons are not required to purchase tickets, but a $5 donation at the door is suggested, Jones said.

            For more information, please call Jones at (936) 468-4240.

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