The following is a press release issued by Alex de Grassi:
Friends of Mendocino College Music, the recently formed affiliate of the Mendocino College Foundation, will present a free concert featuring both guitar and mariachi ensembles from Cal Poly Humboldt at 7pm on Monday, April 17 at the Mendocino College Little Theater. The concert is open to everyone, and seating is first come, first serve and no reservations are required.
Under the direction of Cal Poly Humboldt professor Jennifer Trowbridge, the guitar ensemble will perform a diverse program of music including String Quartet No. 3 by Phillip Glass, Mbira, an African inspired piece by Los Angeles Guitar Quartet member William Kanengiser, traditional Sevillanas arranged by Spanish flamenco guitarist Juan Serrano, as well as music by legendary folk musician Doc Watson and grunge rock bassist Les Claypool.
Ms. Trowbridge will also be directing the newly formed Mariachi de Humboldt with a variety of songs associated with Pedro Infante and Vicente Fernandez including Cuccurucucu Paloma, Volver, Volver, and El Rey. The program concludes with eight Ballet Folklorico dancers joining Mariachi de Humboldt performing Las Alazanas, Son de la Negra, and Jarabe Tapatio.
Both ensembles will also be making presentations at Ukiah High School, S.P.A.C.E., the Instilling Goodness Elementary and Developing Virtue Secondary Schools, as well as the Dharma Realm Buddhist University while in the area. It’s worth noting the Ukiah High School music instructor Audrey McCombs has also started a mariachi class this year in addition to teaching guitar and band classes.
The Friends of Mendocino College Music is the newest of the 11 affiliates of the Mendocino College Foundation formed with the goal of creating greater opportunities for student performances, extra-curricular educational events, and the exchange of musical experience within and beyond Mendocino and Lake counties. Initiated by Mendocino College guitar instructor Alex de Grassi, Music and Recording Arts professor Rodney Grisanti, and Music professor and Ukiah Symphony director Phillip Lenberg in cooperation with College Foundation director Julie McGovern, the affiliate looks forward to sponsoring more events in the years to
