Acclaimed guitarist Leon Atkinson is coming to Orcas Island to help celebrate Black History Month. He will lecture and perform at two Orcas Island School District assemblies on Friday, February 18. Then, on Saturday, Feb. 19, he will perform and speak in the Madrona Room at the Orcas Center, beginning at 7:30 p.m. He will discuss influences on the development of American blues and jazz, especially spirituals and gospels, which he will weave into his performance of jazz and classical music. He invites interaction and audience questions.

Tickets will be available at the door, $12 for adults, $5 for students 12-18, and free for children under 12. For more information, or for free or reduced-price tickets, contact Phil Heikkinen at the Orcas Island Library, 376-4985 or pheikkinen@orcaslibrary.org.

Internationally acclaimed in both classical guitar and the world of jazz, Leon Atkinson studied with Andres Segovia in Spain. He holds degrees from the Manhattan School of Music, the School of Performing Arts, and the International Course of Music, Santiago

de Campostela, Spain. Maestro Andre Segovia said of his playing, “It’s easy to see that you play straight from your heart.” Leon’s musical journey has taken him around the world, allowing him to share the stage with the likes of Ron Carter, Mary Lou Williams and the Alvin Ailey Ballet. In 1974 he debuted at Town Hall, and the following year he played Carnegie Hall. Leon is the host of NPR’s popular program, The Guitar Hour. For over three decades, Leon Atkinson has shared his gift, and inspired countless players with his love for the guitar.

These programs are sponsored in part by the Friends of Orcas Island Library.