Classical guitarist Patrick Rafferty, sweet treats on the menu for KRCU concert

KRCU hopes to set the mood for Valentine's Day tonight at the Southeast Missouri State University River Campus with a concert to benefit the public radio station. "Sweets and Strings" features classical guitar music and decadent desserts in the Shuck Recital Hall.

Patrick Rafferty, a classical guitarist and university adjunct faculty member who teaches courses in the guitar studies program, will play and be joined for some songs by Erika Beasley, a soprano vocalist.

"For me, the ability to emotionally affect an audience is the very best part of what I do," Rafferty said. "In that respect, I hope the audience has an amazing listening experience in one of the best concert halls for the classical guitar anywhere."

Amanda Lincoln, development director at KRCU, said the station hopes to make the concert an annual event.

The idea for a concert has been around for a few years thanks to Tom Harte, host of KRCU's program "Caffe Concerto."

"It's a great event because it gives us a chance to offer a beautiful classical guitar concert to our community, while at the same time raise funds for our public radio station," Lincoln said.

The concert will consist of a 45-minute set by Rafferty followed by 20 minutes of Beasley accompanying him. Rafferty has performed on "Caffe Concerto," and Lincoln said the station was impressed with his talent and skill. When asked to perform the concert, Rafferty recruited Beasley, Lincoln said.

Beasley graduated from the university with a degree in vocal performance and now teaches private voice lessons at the Southeast Music Academy. She also sings the lead for the local band Biggest Car in the County.

Rafferty will open the concert with solo guitar classics before being joined by Beasley singing love songs by Etta James, Patsy Cline and others.

Rafferty, also a Southeast graduate, won awards during his time as a student, including the 2004 Southeast Missouri State University Concerto Competition in 2004 and top honors in the 2003 Missouri Music Teachers Association. He graduated from the Peabody Institute of The Johns Hopkins University with a master's degree in music in 2006 and a graduate performance diploma in 2008. In addition, he was recognized as the top graduate performer at Peabody. He later served on music faculties including Music Workshop, in Baltimore, Southeast Missouri State University Music Academy and the Woodbridge Music School in Columbia, Md. Locally, he has appeared solo and with the Southeast Missouri Symphony Orchestra.

"Sweets and Strings" begins at 7:30 p.m. in the Shuck Recital Hall. Tickets cost $30 and can be purchased by calling 651-5070, picked up at the KRCU studio on the university campus or at the River Campus box office. Student tickets are $10.