Gulf Coast Guitar Association returns to Bayou Theater for a night of contemporary, classical music
Houston-based Gulf Coast Guitar Association is performing in University of Houston- Clear Lake’s Bayou Theater on Friday, Sept. 8, at 7:30 p.m. Artistic directors of the GCGA, Jay Kacherski and Jeremy García, are bringing their passion, years of experience and love for music to the stage. They will be joined by Brazilian pianist Lina Morita, and Cuban-born singer Irma La Paloma, in an eclectic program featuring contemporary classical works, and traditional and original flamenco compositions. This will be the second time the group performs at UH-Clear Lake together, and García said they are happy to be back.
“Last year was the first time all four of us played together. It was a blast, and a great program. We are excited to be back for this one,” he said. “The idea of sharing the stage is something we all look forward to because it’s really a meeting of the minds.”
Jay Kacherski and Lina Morita are performing solo guitar and guitar- piano duos from their newly released CD ‘Landscapes’ of new works by David Mitchell, Cutberto Cordova and Clarice Assad. Featured is a world premiere of Houstonian Todd Frazier's ‘Fantasy,' written in the American classical style with a touch of blues.
García and La Paloma will perform works by Isaac Albénez, original compositions by García from his new album ‘Nuevo Día,’ and the premiere of a new piece by La Paloma called ‘Mis Alegrias.’ Violinist Eugeniu Cheremoush, and percussionist Andrés Felix, are also joining them to create a diverse and expansive evening of music.
“What we’re trying to get across to the audience, and what they can expect to see with our performance and musical offering, is that it is designed to be appreciated by everyone,” García said. “It’s going to be multicultural in its outreach, and I think it’s going to be a wonderful performance.”
Kacherski said the program will be eclectic, not only in the programming, but with the instruments.
“The audience will hear solo guitar, guitar and piano, guitar with percussion, vocals, and violin. There will be a variety of combinations of instruments as well,” he said.
Kacherski and García are both music professors, and said performing at UHCL is different from performing in other environments.
“It’s a little different from what we would usually do at a university where most of the audience are students and faculty that know classical music. At UHCL, we aren’t necessarily only playing for musicians. The Bayou Theater serves the whole community,” Kacherski said.
García added that the Bayou Theater is a wonderful theater that puts on many great programs, and is a treasure in Clear Lake. He wants to make a connection with the audience, and leave them with a gift.
“The best part about performing is when you look out into the audience, and see that you’ve captured someone by what they’re listening to, and building that community,” he said. “The reality is, it doesn’t matter what your background is, all music is important and everyone connects with it on some level.”
García said this is live music where the audience is not only limited to connecting during the performance but after the concert as well.
“We’re approachable, come talk to us afterwards. If there are questions, comments, or feedback, connect with us. The people need that connection,” he said.
For more information about UHCL’s Bayou Theater and upcoming events, visit www.uhcl.edu/bayou-theater/. To purchase tickets for this event, visit uhcl.universitytickets.com/w/event.aspx?id=1392&r=d2888b750b7346aeb464e81277853992