Guitarists Continue to Support the Arts in Milwaukee

Alex de Grassi Brings Recognition to UWM Guitar Studies Program

By Luke Zembrowski

Thursday March 29-Friday March 30, Alex de Grassi preformed as part of the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee’s Depart of Guitar Studies finger-style guitar season opening.

De Grassi has preformed several times for the department, most notably as part of the inauguration of the department back in 2004, and has also taught several classes for students majoring in finger-style guitar performance.

Dominican High School senior guitar player Christopher Lopez said, “Alex de Grassi has been one of my favorite guitar players to listen to, and I wish that I was nearly as good as he is.”

In the visit from the 29^th-30^th de Grassi preformed a live score personally written for a silent film on the 29^th, and on the 30^th taught a class of students in the morning and then a concert in the evening.

Senior guitar player Michael Linn said, “I have loved to listen to him, and I wanted to see him play live.”

The concert was a peaceful evening in which de Grassi featured two sets of many classical favorites of those in attendance, some humor, a lost capo, while in a very personal atmosphere where being in the front row was like sitting right next to de Grassi. Being a friendly and approachable person, the evening ended only once de Grassi had signed autographs for as many people as would stay after for an exchange.

Lopez went onto say, “I have heard what kind of a nice person he is, and to be able to meet him would be an honor.”

Chair of the finger-style guitar performance department at UWM John Stropes called have the Grammy nominee perform, “An honor”.

De Grassi’s tour is nearing completion, and future tour dates have not been announced, but there is a high probability that there will be a return to UWM Peck School of the Arts for a weekend of teaching and playing.

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