Michael Mondezie
An eclectic blend of instrumentation, vocals and dance
That’s what guitarist Stefan Roach is promising from the third edition of his The Art of Guitar concert series on May 21 and 22 at Queen’s Hall, St Ann’s.
Aptly titled Return of the Strings, the showcase follows a pandemic-forced two-year hiatus for most of his returning cast, among them singer Wendy Sheppard, bassist Aaron Lowchewtung and percussionist Rhys Thompson.
Roach has also added singers Nickaela James and LeAndra Head, flamenco dancer Nalini Akal and modern dancers Maria Davis, Yia Loren and Katie C (Katherine Carrera) to this year’s production.
Bassist Matthew Sammy, drummer Modupe Onilu, tabalchi Kiran Sankar, cellist Chelsea Fensom, violinist Abigail Cooper and pannist Johann Chuckaree are also in the cast.
Showtime is 7.30 p.m. on Saturday, May 21; and 5.30 p.m. on Sunday, May 22.
“It is special. It’s not only about feeling the energy of your music echoing through the theatre, whilst experiencing the warmth of an appreciative audience, but I realise that I also really like the planning and management of these events.
“The structure and flow of a show, the visual and musical combinations, the musical journey that you try to traverse with your audience in itself is an enjoyable creative process.”
On the cusp of returning to the stage, the Diego Martin-born musician says he is enjoying the planning process, and is eager to see his vision executed in front of a live audience.
The gifted guitarist, who turns 35 later this month, said this year’s show seeks to relay the happiness to be found in simplicity.“The show this year intends to portray happiness in simplicity. We are not musicians chasing adrenaline through a grand-styled performance but, rather, chilling in a home setting, making good music together and enjoying each other’s company, and I want the audience to experience that homely comfort and happiness,” he beamed.
Building a Guitar Orchestra
True to his vision of creating a guitar orchestra, Roach also plans to share the stage with students from his Stefan’s Guitar Academy. Classes at the academy continued online during last year’s Covid lockdowns, he added.
“I’ve always wanted my students to hit the big stage as a guitar orchestra, and this concert moves them a little closer as I’m including a segment to showcase these young talents and to give them that enriching experience,” he said.
“We navigated the Covid situation pretty well. We embraced the opportunity to go online, which enabled us to reach a wider audience, including foreigners. Many students have returned to in-person lessons and, thankfully, because my classes are very small and do not need close interaction, these haven’t been a source of spread,” he said.
Roach, who studied guitar in Seville, Spain, in 2018, said next weekend’s showcase will feature a range of genres, including flamenco, classical and world music, plus “a lot of surprises”.
“The Art of Guitar does not box the guitar into a couple styles, so this year I’m embracing that more, and would be stepping out of that familiar comfort zone.
“There will be a lot more modern features, including Afrobeats and EDM (Electronic Dance Music) and some twists on reggae and classic rock. There is something for everyone and I’m hoping to give all age groups something memorable,” he concluded.
