Monthly Meeting Recap and News for May 2024

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Welcome to this month’s newsletter. Read below for a recap of our last meeting, the Dragos Ilie concert and outreach events, and lots of announcements and upcoming guitar events coming this month, including tonight!

The Monthly Meeting

Last Thursday was a lovely evening. We kept the doors open to let the warm, Spring breezes waft through the tasting room. We thank Paschal Winery for their continued hospitality and support, providing us with a beautiful home.

Program

John Swinnerton – Phoenix Rising (original)

Steve Bismark – Oscar’s Dream by Maria Linneman, Curaçao Vagabundo by Caetano Veloso

Richard McGrath – The Glory of Love by Billy Hill, Johanna’s Journey (original)

Neil Holland – Warm West Texas Wind, Bouzouki Laments (originals)

Francesco Palmer – Mother Nature Son by Paul McCartney, Time in a Bottle by Jim Croce, What a Wonderful World by George Wiess & Bob Thiele

~ Intermission ~

Brian Parris – Across the Universe by John Lennon 1968, Dark Eyed Cajun Woman by Tom Johnston

Mark Turnbull – The Spring in My Step, Branches, Roots and Vines (originals)

Grant Ruiz – Gnossienne No. 1 by Erik Satie

Dan Fellman & Grant – Nocturne by Dan, Leaving/Cuando Yo Muera by Dan (words by Pablo Neruda), Hotel California (Gipsy Kings version) by The Eagles

 Dragos Ilie visit a big success!

What a week for GSSO! Dragos Ilie arrived on Monday, April 29 and performed at four outreach events and then held a virtuosic, intimate concert for us at Grizzly Peak Winery on May 2. He had told Grant that he normally doesn’t give encores, but he treated us to one, a stunning version of Dizzy Gillespie’s A Night in Tunisia arranged by Roland Dyens.

We were so sad to see him go, but here are some pictures from our week. We wish Dragos the best of luck at the Guitar Foundation of America (GFA) competition the week of June 17 and in all of his future endeavors.
 

Announcements


The Folias Duo (classical guitarist Andrew Bergeron and flutist Carmen Maret) will perform an intimate house concert in Ashland on Wednesday, May 22 at 7pm as part of their Dragonfly Tour. Please reply to this message if you’re interested. The message will go to Grant, who can provide more information, including the location. You can also write directly to Grant at grantruiz@ashlandhome.net.

Grant and Dan Fellman will play guitar duets on at the Paschal wine club pick-up party on Saturday, June 1 from 1 to 3pm. They will also play at the Lithia Artisans Market in Ashland on Sunday, June 9 from 1 to 3pm and at Liquid Lounge in Ashland on Wednesday, June 12 from 6 to 8pm.

On June 8 at 4pm, Chamber Music Concerts presents Such Stuff as Dreams are Made On: An Afternoon of Shakespeare and Guitar Featuring Anthony Heald & David Leisner. You can get more information here.

The guitar society received a sweet thank you card from Rupert Boyd of Boyd Meets Girl, who concertized for us back in March. Rupert writes, “Dear Jennifer, Grant, and everyone at the Guitar Society of Southern Oregon. Writing to thank you all so much for warmly welcoming us to Southern Oregon. We really enjoyed our time there, and performing for the society! With all best wishes, Rupert and Laura.”

For those of you who missed the Beijing Duo livestream concert presented by the Omni Foundation on April 6, you can find the full concert here.

Please consider becoming a member of the guitar society! If you attend or play at our meetings frequently, we would especially appreciate your support. Your membership helps pay for our ongoing logistical costs. Annual dues are $25 for individuals and $40 for a family membership (2 or more people). They are good for the calendar year, January through December.