Master guitarist to perform in
Schomburg Series concert

Award-winning guitarist and composer Neil Jacobs will perform on Tuesday, Nov. 6, at 7 p.m. in Schomburg Auditorium on the Defiance College campus as part of this year’s Schomburg Series. Corporate sponsor of this event is the Hubbard Company of Defiance.

A virtuoso of the 12-string guitar, Jacobs occupies a category that can best be described as New American acoustic music.

With his own style of playing that the St. Louis Riverfront Times describes as “mesmerizing,” Jacobs covers a full spectrum of styles and dynamics, touching on music diverse and varied as gypsy, world, Balkan folk, jazz, and fingerstyle guitar while maintaining his own refreshing and energetic style of playing. A self-taught musician, Jacobs draws inspiration from his world travels and experiences. His most recent focus includes the gypsy music of Eastern Europe and the Balkans which is showcased in his third CD.

Jacobs has had a colorful and unconventional musical career. In 1984 his fusion group, Coldfish, toured with acts such as Spyro Gyra, Alan Holdsworth, Janis Ian, Jeff Lorber, and the late Herbie Mann. His work in film later took him to the Soviet Union where he was invited to perform at Moscow University, Mosfilm Studios, and Gorky Park.

With the collapse of the Eastern Bloc, Jacobs traveled throughout Europe, performing in Poland, Switzerland, Croatia, Slovenia, Hungary, and Macedonia. During this time he became proficient at various authentic folk instruments while adapting rare gypsy music to the 12-string guitar. He returned to the Balkans as part of an international cultural delegation to perform for displaced orphans and victims in refugee camps. The tour culminated in a final emotional performance in war-ravaged central Sarajevo.

In 2001, Jacobs accepted the position of associate professor in the division of performing arts at Alfred University in New York. His interest in teaching and sharing his knowledge and experience has expanded to offering workshops and lectures in schools, forums, and chautauquas across the country. His critically acclaimed fourth CD, “Secret Places,” was released in 2005 and features an interesting collage of musical styles and textures reflecting his diverse background.

Tickets at $10 each are available at the front desk in Defiance Hall, in the DC art center, or at the door.