Southeastern Department of Fine and Performing Arts presents annual Guitar Fest
Monday, March 13, 2017
by: Tonya Lowentritt
GUITAR FESTIVAL - Southeastern Louisiana University will host the 18th annual Guitar Festival with programs scheduled in March and April. Guitar Festival guest artist Matthew Denman is scheduled to give a masterclass on March 14 with a performance to follow that evening. All events are free and open to the public.
HAMMOND – Music from a variety of cultures and historical eras will be the focus of
the 18th annual Southeastern Louisiana University Guitar Festival.
Sponsored by the Department of Fine and Performing Arts, the Southeastern Arts
and Lectures Committee, and the Southeastern Guitar Club, the festival will launch
March 14 with a performance and masterclass by Matthew Denman, a notable guitar protégé
of renowned guitarist Pepe Romero, and will run through April 25.
“Matt Denman is a perfect example of the typical, consummate modern classical
guitarist. He is a performer, composer, educator, and overall ambassador for the position
our popular instrument holds in Western culture,” said Patrick Kerber, guitar instructor
and festival coordinator. “He recently completed a successful tour of China, and we
are fortunate to have him bring his energy and skills to Southeastern.”
Kerber added that the All Styles Night continues to grow in popularity each year
of the festival.
“The program will feature local artists, including the Infamous P-Town Ramblers
and Jessica Kerber, Southeastern music majors and non-music majors, and non-music
faculty, including members of the Impaired Faculties rock band, and Sims Library Instructor
Ben Bell,” Kerber said. “The program as always will be an eclectic mix of classical,
jazz, pop, folk, traditional bluegrass, and original music - something for everyone!”
All events are free, open to the public, and scheduled as follows:
• March 14, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Pottle Auditorium; Masterclass with Matthew Denman
• March 14, 7:30 p.m., Pottle Auditorium; Guest Artist Concert by Matthew Denman
• March 21, 7:30 p.m., Pottle Auditorium; Faculty Recital – Patrick Kerber
• March 28, 7:30 p.m., All Styles Night
• April 25, 7:30 p.m., Pottle Auditorium; Southeastern Guitar Ensemble
“It is a testament to the university’s mission to lead the educational, cultural
and economic development of southeast Louisiana that we have been able to present
this festival for 18 consecutive years,” said Patrick Kerber, guitar instructor and
festival coordinator. “The goal is to offer students and the community a venue that
showcases the guitar’s versatility and scope in our diverse, modern music culture.”
For more information contact Kerber at 985-549-2886, or pkerber@southeastern.edu.