Grammy-nominated musician Ronn McFarlane brings his famed lute music to Takoma Park for a free concert of Celtic and Americana folk music featuring traditional and original compositions.
Ronn McFarlane has helped introduce the lute to audiences across North America and Europe. The pear-shaped stringed instrument was the most popular instrument of the Renaissance and was wielded by musicians from royal courts to bawdy street corners. Lute music also was featured in theaters, including some of Shakespeare’s productions. After falling out of favor, the lute is enjoying a resurgence in interest today for its unique, melodious sound.
McFarlane blends eclectic Celtic and Americana-inspired folk music in his own lute compositions, along with arrangements of traditional Scottish and Irish folk tunes dating from the 17th and 18th centuries. He graduated with honors from the Shenandoah Conservatory and continued guitar studies at Peabody Conservatory before his shifting focus to the lute in 1978. McFarlane taught lute music at the Peabody Conservatory from 1984 to 1995, and he has more than 35 recordings on the Dorian/Sono Luminus record label.
The concert is free and donations are welcomed to support the artist. The performance is sponsored by the We Are Takoma arts series from the city of Takoma Park.
Free admission
Donations encouraged to support the artist
2017/12/09 - 2017/12/09
Takoma Park Community Center
7500 Maple Avenue, Takoma Park, MD 20912