Valentine's Day evening at SEMO offers an array of romantic music

For those still trying to make special plans for Feb. 14, the Southeast Missouri State University River Campus is offering a night of romantic music.

"Valentine Favorites" features classical guitar player and adjunct professor Patrick Rafferty, vocalist Erika Beasley and oboist Laura Ross playing classic and contemporary love songs.

According to Rafferty, the show is divided into three sets, each with its own style of music.

"The first set is for guitar fans," he said.

Rafferty will play a selection of classic Spanish guitar solos before joining Ross for the second set. The duo have been playing together for many years under the name Double Fret, he said.

Because they are classically trained but don't play classical music, Rafferty said they are best described as a classical-crossover duo.

"A lot of our songs are based on folk tunes we arrange ourselves," he said.

For "Valentine Favorites," the duo will sing a combination of traditional Spanish songs, American jazz and original songs.

The final set will feature Beasley singing more contemporary songs. Rafferty said Beasley is always popular with the audience.

"A lot of people ask when we'll be playing with Erika again," he said. "I can't say enough about how great it is to play with her."

The set features songs from artists such as The Beatles and Steve Perry, as well as a selection of musical theater numbers. Rafferty said the songs "fit [Beasley's] style well," and he enjoys broadening his act to include pop and rock music. With such a wide variety of music, he said the event has "something for everyone."

"The programming is very much in consideration of the audience," said Rafferty. "People at the concert will be glad they came."

The guitarist has performed multiple times at the River Campus as a soloist and in Double Fret, and said those who have attended those shows are in for a change of pace. By mixing in the vocals and contemporary music, Rafferty said he believes the show will appeal to a much broader audience.

The show begins at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 14 in Shuck Music Recital Hall. Tickets for "Valentine Favorites" are $10 and may be bought at the River Campus box office at 651-2265 or at rivercampusevents.com.

srinehart@semissourian.com

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