Three Guitar Perspectives

Doors open at 7:00 PM | Concert begins at 7:30 PM

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The guitar is one of our most versatile instruments, transcending genres, styles, and musical ages. This salon-style performance features the classical guitar from three musical perspectives:

● Traditional repertoire: Steve Newbrough presents staples of the guitar’s long history, from Bach to romantic Spanish works to contemporary classics.

● Arrangements: Andy Jurik performs works from jazz to Brazil to the Beatles, all translated to solo guitar.

● Originals: David Stevenson plays his compositions for the guitar, influenced by a diverse arrange of styles and techniques honed.

Andy Jurik - Guitarist, arranger, and educator Dr. Andy Jurik actively explores the intersection of classical and popular music. He has presented his research in classical/jazz fusion and contemporary improvisation at the Guitar Foundation of America Convention and the Dublin Guitar Symposium. Past notable performances include appearances at the Southern Exposure series, Wired Music series, ArtFields Festival, Radford University International Guitar Festival, Clemson University Guitar Festival, Rochester Classical Guitar, PBA Hispanic Heritage Festival, Austin Peay State University Guitarfest, Clifton Cultural Arts Center, Southern Guitar Festival, North American Saxophone Alliance Regional Conference, Carnegie Mellon University, and Brevard College.

His 2020 debut recording strive features his solo guitar arrangements of works by Ernesto Nazareth, Radiohead, Francis Poulenc, and the Beatles. The album was praised by Acoustic Guitar magazine ("A fine album from beginning to end"), Soundboard ("Each piece…is well done and eminently enjoyable"), and Minor 7th (“Highly recommended for all fans of classical, jazz, and acoustic music”). In 2023, he released Satie 3, 2, 1, featuring both famous and obscure works by Erik Satie. Andy's arrangements of Brazilian, classical, and folk songs have been published by Guitar Chamber Music Press and Fingerstyle Guitar Journal.

Andy teaches guitar, music theory, and aural skills, and directs contemporary ensembles at the University of North Carolina Asheville and Western Carolina University. He lives in Asheville, NC, where he records instrument demo videos for Dream Guitars and directs the Asheville Classical Guitar Society.

David Stevenson - After 3 and 1/2 decades of teaching guitar, both privately and at the collegiate level, David Stevenson has retired! Unstructured days often begin with walks in the woods and hills behind his house nestled on the banks of the Ivy River in Madison County. Days also include building guitar supports for which he has received two U.S. Patents - www.aframeguitarsupport.com

Playing the guitar now is purely for pleasure. As a composer, David has released 2 full length CD’s. “My writing tends to be rather simple harmonically - major and minor chords, some 7ths too, basic arpeggios and scales. Though I’m definitely trying to say something unique, the musical language is rather straightforward. To use a visual arts analogy: I’m using primary colors and recognizable lines and shapes, but definitely willing to color outside those lines! . . . . a new recording is in the works featuring much of the music you’ll hear tonight.

“His arpeggios gurgle like a thawing spring, or volcano in rivulets of double or triple time. May Arise is a tour de force of strong bass, speedy arpeggios and forceful, slashing harmonics.”

Daily Courier, Forest City, NC

“His intelligent, pictorial music portrays Thoreau-esque inner landscapes in shadowy muted tones. Stevenson’s playing is open, but forceful in a quiet way. It’s not intentionally showy, but just delivers what each composition requires. His special talent is for creating moods that take you places you probably haven’t been before.”

Acoustic Guitar Magazine

“Stevenson plays a nylon string guitar with a strong right hand and displays an unusually

original compositional bent. He creates his own to good effect.”

Fingerstyle Guitar Magazine

Steve Newbrough stands out as a dynamic presence in the music scene, showcasing his versatility as both a solo guitarist and chamber musician. His performances have graced stages nationwide, captivating audiences through television and radio appearances.

A musician of myriad talents, he has skillfully played the guitar in various styles and settings. Whether collaborating in the internationally-acclaimed Minneapolis Guitar Quartet, accompanying gospel choirs, or delving into twentieth-century compositions with diverse ensembles, Steve's artistry knows no bounds. His recent album, "Transcendent Figures," stands as a testament to his musical prowess, featuring some of the most revered and beloved compositions for the classical guitar.

Newbrough's musical journey began under the guidance of Gordon Kreplin in Elizabeth City, NC. Further refining his craft, he earned a Bachelor of Music degree from the University of North Carolina School of the Arts under the mentorship of Joseph Pecoraro. His commitment to excellence propelled him to achieve a Master of Music Degree in Classical Guitar Performance under Jeffrey Van at the University of Minnesota in 2008.

Host or Publisher Sigal Music Museum