Grammy-nominated guitarist plays VAA summer concert

Enjoy a mid-summer’s evening concert with renowned finger-style guitarist, Grammy-nominated musician Alex de Grassi, 7:30 p.m., Saturday, August 11, at VAA. De Grassi’s sheer virtuosity redefines the art of acoustic guitar as he weaves a canvas of music from melody, counter-melody, bass, harmony, rhythm and cross-rhythms. Libations included with ticket.

De Grassi is well known by his connection with contemporary instrumental music’s most influential label, Windham Hill. He also recorded with Narada and his own label, among many others.

Performing as a London street musician, de Grassi learned carpentry skills from his guitar-playing cousin Will Ackerman, who had started a small instrumental label. In 1978, de Grassi recorded his first album, Turning: Turning Back, for the fledgling Windham Hill label.

Primarily self-taught, de Grassi grew up in San Francisco, where his grandfather played violin with San Francisco Symphony. De Grassi’s father was an accomplished classical pianist.

Guitar Player Magazine says, "…his technique is ‘the kind that shoves fellow pickers to the cliff of decision: should I practice like a madman or chuck it altogether?"

De Grassi’s travels to Bolivia became a major inspiration. He recorded extensively and incorporated indigenous influences on his 1987 RCA Novus release Altiplano. De Grassi continued experimenting with genres, from guitar lullabies in Beyond the Night Sky (1996), to his 1999 album of James Taylor interpretations and 2000’s collaboration with world music artist Quique Cruz, Tata Monk. De Grassi received a Grammy Award nomination and Indie Award nomination for his 1998 release, The Water Garden.

He has performed at the Montreux Jazz Festival, Carnegie Hall, Belfast International Festival, Telluride and Wolftrap. De Grassi has taught at the National Summer Guitar Workshop, the Milwaukee Conservatory of Music and the Omega Institute - and his own workshop series.

"I’m looking forward to returning to Vashon Island; in fact my wife and I will be spending two nights on your beautiful Island," he said. Tickets are $10 (under 21) $17 VAA members, seniors and $20 general, available at VAA, Vashon Bookshop, VashonAlliedArts.org, or by phone, 206.463.5131.