Cleveland Classical Guitar Society's annual Showcase concert is a celebration of community and incredible music! The program begins with classical guitar performed by Nolan Juaire and CCGS educators Christopher McDonald and Max Shaffer. Swinging jazz continues the concert with vocalist Vanessa Rubin, hailed for crystalline clarity, hearth-like warmth and a playful stage presence, joined by Detroit-based guitarist Perry Hughes, renowned for working with luminaries such as Aretha Franklin, Mary Wilson of the Supremes, and a longtime collaboration with guitarist Earl Klugh. Be prepared for a fun evening with a few surprises!
This concert is free and part of the Cleveland Classical Guitar Society (CCGS) six show series. Parking is free for all CCGS concerts.
Jazz vocalist Vanessa Rubin possesses a voice hailed for crystalline clarity, hearth-like warmth and playful lioness sass. The Cleveland native brings a wealth of diverse influences to her vocal performance from both the Trinidadian/Caribbean roots of her mother and traditional jazz by way of her Louisiana-born father. She has released 5 albums with Novus/RCA Records and worked with luminaries like Frank Foster, Cecil Bridgewater, Kenny Burrell, Grover Washington and Don Braden.
Nolan Juaire is a Cleveland based classical guitarist. He is an active solo and chamber musician, with performances ranging from solo recitals to world premier guitar and orchestra pieces. As a sought after guitarist and educator, Nolan has appeared everywhere from community outreach education programs with ChamberFest Cleveland, to performing on stage with renowned groups like The Cleveland Orchestra.Nolan completed his undergraduate studies at USC Thornton with William Kanengiser, and his graduate studies at the Cleveland Institute of Music with Jason Vieaux.
Max Shaffer is a passionate and emerging classical guitarist noted for his emotionally evocative performances. Max has had the privilege to study with some of the world’s most renowned guitarists including David Russell, Lorenzo Micheli, Eduardo Fernandez, Los Angeles Guitar Quartet, and more. Max has received awards and recognition for his playing, teaching, and recordings from across the world. Most notably, Max was a prize winner at the 2022 & 2023 Troy University Guitar Competition and the 2019 Northwest Guitar Festival Competition. Max is currently a teacher for the Cleveland Classical Guitar Society’s Education Program.