Guitar Series to open at The Varsity Center

The 2019-20 Southern Illinois Classical Guitar Series has been scheduled at the Varsity Center in downtown Carbondale. This is the second year for the series at the downtown performance venue. The Varsity and SI Classical Guitar are co-producers of the shows.

The series' mission is to bring an awareness of the broad capabilities of the classical guitar and its players to southern Illinois; the plan is to expand the mission by presenting concerts by and for youngsters, as well as supplementing guitar ensemble programs for schools and clubs.

The series opens Oct. 12 with Romanian/Canadian blind guitarist Ioana Gandrabur. On Nov. 16, Christopher Allen, whose undergraduate degrees are from SIU, takes the stage. On March 7, Hector Alonso Torres, who is from Puerto Rico, will perform multiple stringed instruments, including classical guitar, lute and Baroque guitar. Kirk Hanser, known throughout the world for his phenomenal interpretations of the guitar picking style of Chet Atkins, plays April 4.

Performances take place in the Varsity's Balcony. The intimate setting puts every patron close to the stage, giving everyone a chance to hear and feel the music in a unique way.

The series is presented by First Southern Bank and is supported by Shawnee Healthcare, FSW Granite Countertops and private individuals. Supporting the series in other ways are the city of Carbondale, Carbondale Community Arts, Carbondale Tourism Bureau, WDBX Radio and WSIU Radio.

• All performances begin at 7 p.m., and doors open at 6:30. Tickets for each performance are S14 in advance or $16 at the door for adults, $8 for students with ID; children 10 and younger are admitted at no charge. Adults who bring a children younger than 10 will get a ticket for $14 at the door. Season tickets are available for the first time this year, and pricing is $42.