Four great living guitarists will bring their music to Valencia College in a series of free concerts to be held, starting Feb. 25.
All the concerts in the inaugural Master Guitarist Series are free and will be held in the Performing Arts Center at Valencia’s East Campus, located at 701 N. Econlockhatchee Trail.
The Master Guitarist Series kicks off on Wed., Feb. 25 at 7:30 p.m. with a tribute to legendary Latin guitarist Jorge Morel. Morel, originally from Argentina, plays classical and jazz guitar and was inducted into the Guitar Hall of Fame last year.
A host of artists will play in honor of Jorge Morel, who will be in attendance. Performing musicians, including Troy Gifford, Eladio Scharron, Robert Phillips, Mike Tomaselli and UCF guitar students, will capture Morel’s unique blend of Latin American rhythmic textures and sophisticated jazz harmonies. This show is presented in collaboration with the University of Central Florida.
On Friday, Feb. 27, the series continues when YouTube sensation Adam Rafferty brings his innovative approach to the blues to Valencia’s Performing Arts Center. Rafferty, who can play two simultaneous melodies on the guitar while also integrating hip-hop flavored “human beatboxing,” will play at 7:30 p.m. His solo versions of Michael Jackson’s “Billie Jean” and Stevie Wonder’s “Superstition” are his most popular and requested songs.
On Tuesday, March 3, classical guitarist Matt Palmer will perform at 7:30 p.m. Palmer has gained worldwide recognition as a virtuosic and soulful concert artist. A recent recipient of the “Up and Coming Guitarist of the Year” award by Guitar International Magazine, he has been described by critics as “a young artist about to make a real dent in the world of classical guitar.”
The guitar series wraps up on Thursday, March 5, with a 1 p.m. outdoor concert by legendary Appalachian guitarist and guitar maker Wayne Henderson. Henderson is a musical legend known worldwide for his lightning fast “pinch picking” guitar style. Hailing from the mecca of traditional mountain music, Henderson couples his music with personal stories and tales, allowing audiences to experience Appalachian culture. This concert will be held on the lawn in front of the Performing Arts Center.
Although the concerts are free, tickets are required for admission. To reserve a free ticket, please visit http://bit.ly/17UDjoA or call the box office at (407) 582-2900.