A couple of guitar concerts scheduled over the next week should keep lovers of the instrument happy.
● A few months after 9/11, Scottish classical guitarist David Russell had to postpone his University of Arizona recital by a few days due to passport delays.
It was a common problem for international artists, who found themselves at the mercy of a system overwhelmed by new layers of airport and border security.
Thankfully, the system is much easier to navigate, and Russell, a Grammy-winning artist who has been back to the UA a couple times since that 2001 visit, won't have any problem making his concerts here this weekend.
Russell will perform at 7 p.m. today and 2:30 p.m. Sunday at Holsclaw Hall in the UAFine Arts Complex, North Park Avenue and East Speedway.
He won his Grammy for best classical instrumental solo in 2005 for his CD "Aire Latino." He has toured the world to resounding critical acclaim and has won numerous prestigious international competitions, including the Julian Bream Guitar Prize — twice.
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Tickets are $35, $30 for UA employees and seniors over 55 and $20 for students. For details call 621-2998.
● Peruvian guitarist Jorge Caballero opens the Tucson Guitar Society's season with a 7:30 p.m. concert next Friday.
The classical guitarist, who was just 19 when he became the first guitarist — and youngest person — to win the Naumburg International Competition in New York City in 1996, hails from Lima, Peru.
He's built quite a rep for himself and is recognized as one of the finest guitarists in the world.
He has gathered praise wherever he's gone. "His playing in the slow movements was the stuff of gossamer lightness, evoking vanished historical glories in phrasing almost more breathed than heard," gushed the Los Angeles Times. The New York Times calls him "a brave guitarist who takes chances."
The performance is at Holsclaw Hall, at the University of Arizona School of Music in the UA Fine Arts complex, North Park Avenue and East Speedway. Tickets are $20, with discounts available. Call 203-8018 for reservations or more information.
