So my first time in Seattle and the Northwest! I spent a few days here and I have to come back soon.
Oct. 8 – Did a technique class, outreach session, and master class at Pacific Lutheran for Elizabeth Brown and her students. Elizabeth Brown was also my host and gave me a nice room and wifi. Her husband Paul was totally cool — witty, funny, even made breakfast on Sunday.
Oct. 9 – Visited my dear friend Nadia in Vancouver. First time in Canada! Wished I had more time.
Oct. 10 – Crossing back into the US was a pain in the ass! Waited 2 hours at the border. But played a decent concert in Bellingham, or at least I thought it was passable. Many thanks to Dake Traphagen, a really great luthier and a great guy. Drove back to Seattle that night. Thanks to Elizabeth again for staying up an extra hour to open the door for me.
Oct. 11 – Concert in Seattle at the Frye Museum. The auditorium was beautiful and the crowd was very generous. Thanks to Michael Partington for having me up here. Had a bite at the Sorrento afterwards. Also good to see Michael Nicolella and to meet SCGS President Virginia Ryan.
Oct. 12 – Did a technique session and master class for Michael Partington’s students at UW. Walked around with Ali Rahmani and had a great concersation; he then invited me over to his house for a little dinner party. So cool! In the afternoon I went to check out Seattle’s classical guitar store, Rosewood, and played some nice guitars. Coffee with Partington, good times.
Oct. 13 – Outreach at Newport High (Bellevue) and at Ballard High (Seattle). Kids ranged from attentive and responsive to don’t-give-a-#*@ and obnoxious. But both the teachers, Nancy and Courtney, were very supportive. I’ll be getting the responses soon. Looking forward to reading them. Then the long drive to Spokane…
