Stephen F. Austin State University

NACOGDOCHES, TEXAS - Guitarist John Jorgenson, admired by rock, pop, country and bluegrass artists alike, will bring The John Jorgenson Quintet to Nacogdoches Friday, Sept. 15, as part of the Stephen F. Austin State University College of Fine Arts' University Series.

"With our 2006-2007 season subtitled 'Experience It,' this is the perfect opening performance," said John Goodall, interim dean of the College of Fine Arts. "Surrounded by world class musicians on rhythm guitar, viola, bass and percussion, John leads the group in performing a genre known as gypsy jazz. It's an absolutely awesome experience to hear and see these musicians on stage."

"If you're not familiar with the genre, I invite you to listen to samples at John's Web site, www.johnjorgenson.com," said Sylvia Bierschenk, director of arts information at SFA. "You'll be mesmerized immediately by the infectious, upbeat and happy music. The concert will be a great way to start a weekend!"

Inspired by the style of Django Reinhardt, Jorgenson is known as one of the pioneers of the American gypsy jazz movement. His articles and lessons on gypsy jazz have appeared in many prominent guitar magazines, and he has given master classes around the country. He was asked to recreate Reinhardt's music for the feature films "Gattica" and "Head in the Clouds," in which he portrayed the legendary guitarist with stars Charlize Theron and Penelope Cruz.

Jorgenson brings his own flair to the stage, however, explained Goodall. "Many of the pieces to be performed are Jorgenson's own compositions, and he'll amaze you with his outstanding fretwork and searing clarinet playing."

By the time Jorgenson began his professional career at the age of 14, he was already accomplished on the piano, clarinet and guitar. He came into national prominence in the mid 1980s with The Desert Rose Band, a group he co-founded with Chris Hillman. The band had five number one singles, and Jorgenson won the American Country Music's Guitarist of the Year award for three consecutive years.

He then formed another band, The Hellecasters, whose debut album, "Return of the Hellecasters" was named Album of the Year and Country Album of the Year by readers of Guitar Player Magazine. One of the songs, "Back on Terra Firma" was later performed by Phil and Tommy Emmanuel during the 2000 Olympics.

In 1994, Elton John requested that Jorgenson join him on his next tour, but the original 18-month job stretched into a six-year period. Of his former band member, Elton John said he is a "brilliant guitarist."

Jorgenson's musical talents have allowed him to collaborate with a wide variety of artists, including Benny Goodman, Sting, Barbra Streisand, Bonnie Raitt, Travis Tritt, Luciano Pavarotti and Earl Scruggs, the latter of whom said, "To say that John is a superlative guitarist is an understatement. He is simply great."

"Anyone who has ever played a guitar, thought of playing a guitar or simply likes to listen to guitar should not think of missing this performance," Goodall said.

The concert, which is sponsored in part by Glaucoma Consultants of East Texas, will begin at 7:30 p.m. in W.M. Turner Auditorium located in the Griffith Fine Arts Building on the SFA campus.

Prior to the concert, Herb Midgley, SFA lecturer who teaches applied guitar, history of jazz and history of rock and roll, will deliver a short lecture at 7 p.m. in Griffith Gallery, across the hall from the auditorium. All audience members are invited.

Tickets are $30 for A seating, $24 for B seating and $15 for C seating, with discounts available for seniors, students and youth. For tickets or more information, please visit www.finearts.sfasu.edu or call (936) 468-6407 or (888) 240-ARTS.