Amid the array of educational, recreational, and entertainment venue options in our neighborhood (e.g., Fremont St., 42nd Ave., Beaumont Middle School, Wilshire Park), Bethany Lutheran Church (4330 N.E. 37th Ave.) wins hands down for eclecticism. On any given day or evening, this centrally-located facility across from Wilshire Park serves as a community center of sorts, bustling with activities running the gamut from civic gatherings (including almost all BWNA meetings), support groups, educational classes, cultural events, and, of course, religious services. But in the offing for Bethany Lutheran, and for the Beaumont-Wilshire neighborhood, is something completely new and invigorating: hosting a professional concerto recital!
Performing the Classic Concerto for Classical Guitar and Jazz Piano by Claude Bolling on Sunday evening, January 22nd, 7:00 starting time, will be three masters:
- James Manuele on classical guitar has a Master of Music degree from Portland State, has created two instructional DVDs, published Basic Guitar Method Tidbits, and is guitar instructor at Clark College and Concordia University. At this event, in addition to the concerto, James will be performing a classical guitar solo.
- Bill Athens, also a PSU music graduate, performs on both double bass and electric bass, has played professionally for the past 14 years—both internationally and around the Pacific Northwest with the likes of Mel Brown, Nancy King, and Dan Balmer, has made five studio albums, and is longtime bass instructor at Clark Community College and George Fox University.
- Melinda Dishaw is a classically-trained pianist who has taught piano privately for 35 years (more recently at Music World in Vancouver and Battle Ground, Washington), performed as accompanist/music director for numerous churches, theater productions, and University of Portland and Memorial Coliseum musical events, and was featured pianist at the 2013 Environmental Summit Events with the Dalai Lama.
Such world-class performers are not to miss (and for Beaumont-Wilshire residents, only minutes away!). Admission is $20, and tickets can be purchased at the door.