Gary Lucas in Concert

Location: Performing Arts Center

MACHIAS, Maine – Grammy-nominated songwriter and composer Gary Lucas will perform at the University of Maine at Machias at 8 p.m. on Saturday, March 9. Lucas will present his acclaimed original solo guitar accompaniment to the 1920 silent film, “The Golem,” at UMM’s Performing Arts Center.

Dubbed “The Thinking Man’s Guitar Hero” by The New Yorker, “The world’s most popular avant-rock guitarist” by The Independent (UK), “One of the 100 Greatest Living Guitarists” by Classic Rock, and “Guitarist of 1000 Ideas” by The New York Times, Lucas has been described by author/producer Dan Levitin as “the greatest living electric guitarist.”

Lucas tours the world both solo and with several different groups, including his longtime band Gods and Monsters, whose ranks once included the late singer Jeff Buckley. Lucas co-wrote two of Buckley’s most famous hits, “Grace” and “Mojo Pin.” He was also the last guitarist for Captain Beefheart’s Magic Band. To date, Lucas has recorded more than 20 albums in various genres and performed in over 40 countries.

The March 9th performance at UMM will feature a presentation of the original 1920 silent film, “The Golem,” accompanied by Lucas playing his original solo guitar score live with the film. The legend of the Golem—a man made from clay and brought to life through kabbalistic magic in 16th century Prague by the rabbi Jehuda Loew to protect the Jewish community from pogroms—is one of the most enduring and resonant stories in all of Jewish mythology. According to his web site, Lucas’ solo guitar score for “The Golem” is a seamless blend of innovative music and fantastic cinema which has been delighting and thrilling audiences around the world since he debuted his score in 1989.

As part of his Machias performance, Lucas will also hold a Masterclass in Guitar Improvisation at 2 p.m. on Saturday, March 9, in the Performing Arts Center. Participation in the Masterclass is free, but space is limited. To sign up for the class, contact Gene Nichols at 255-1229.

Tickets to the March 9th evening performance are $10 for singles, $15 for a couple, and free for UMM students with a valid Clipper Card. Tickets will be sold at the door. Please note that the film content may be too intense for young children.

Lucas’ appearance at UMM is part of the Libra Series, and is made possible through funding from the Libra Foundation, a Portland-based philanthropic organization founded in 1989 by the late Elizabeth P. Noyce.

For more information on Gary Lucas, visit www.garylucas.com.