Those who missed the first three events of the 17th annual Southeastern Louisiana University Guitar Festival, can attend the last two shows. 

The guitar festival launched Mar. 23, compliments of husband and wife.

“The first one was the guest artist one,” said guitar instructor and festival coordinator Patrick Kerber. “I was very pleased with that one because that was David Bryan and Jessica Bryan. They are both graduates at Southeastern. They both got their undergraduate and masters here. They both teach, are very successful and professors at William Carey University. They are a husband and wife team and that was a beautiful kickoff to the program and the festival.”

Kerber performed on Apr. 4. Kerber played a more traditional style of music to remind audience members of the importance of where new music originated from. 

“I did a lot of things that have fallen out of favor over the last few years,” said Kerber. “It is a really nice thing to see more and more people are writing new things, but we shouldn’t forget what was already there, which is why I presented traditional pieces.”

The upcoming performance will take place Apr. 20 at 7:30 p.m. in the Pottle Auditorium. The guitar ensemble will perform a variety of music.

The ensemble has been practicing on Mondays and Wednesdays from 12:30 to 1:45 p.m. since January. The students are excited to show off their hard work.

“I just love getting up and performing and showing everyone what I have been doing this entire semester with music,” said freshman music major Graham Guillory.

Other students suggest audience members come with an open mind.

“A lot of people think classical music is boring but it is really speaking without lyrics,” said freshman music major with a concentration in instrumental Alexis Dunn. “Like if you really listen to it, it is like telling a story without lyrics.”

If you are unfamiliar with the type of music that may be played, it is still possible to have fun with a bit of personal investigation. 

“Some don’t understand what is going on,” said junior music major Kenaniah Turner. “I would say do a little research on the music and the style you are about to go see; just so you can understand stylistically some of the things that are going to take place in the performance.”

The final event will take place May 3 at 7:30 p.m. in the Pottle Auditorium. 

“The last concert will be a little late this year and that is our All Styles Night,” said Kerber. “That will be fun. Everyone gets to let their hair down and play pop, jazz and original music. The students are studying classical guitar here but they can play all kinds of music and we put that on stage. That has become a popular part and we always try to do it last.”

For more information, contact Kerber at 985-549-2886 or email [email protected].