Guitar Festival

Leon Christian is a highly skilled and dynamic guitarist, known for his ability to master a wide variety of musical styles. Hailed as “an excellent guitarist” by David Brandon and “very talented” by John Sutherland, Leon’s performances showcase his impressive range, from classical guitar to modern progressive rock. He has graced the stage with Northwest orchestras, including the Federal Way Symphony and Tacoma Community College Chamber Orchestra, where he was featured as a soloist in works like Joaquín Rodrigo’s Concierto de Aranjuez and Fantasía para un gentilhombre. Leon’s engaging live performances have earned him spots at renowned venues such as Benaroya Hall and the historic Sorrento Hotel, and he continues to perform regularly in a variety of musical genres. As a lead songwriter and guitarist, he has been involved in several projects, including all original rock bands, bringing his musical vision to audiences across the region.

In the studio, Leon has worked with a variety of artists and projects in many different styles, including his role as a session guitarist for Elizabeth Naccarato’s album A Southwest Story. His studio credits extend to major recording locations such as London Bridge Studios and Mirror Sound Studio, where his work has been featured in independent films, TV commercials, and studio albums. Leon’s collaborations include performances with rock legends like Sam Andrew of Big Brother and the Holding Company and Jerry Miller of Moby Grape. As an accomplished producer, Leon also creates original music for media placement. His musical journey began at age four with classical piano, and by age twelve, he transitioned to guitar and went on to study at the University of Puget Sound, under the tutelage of Douglas Rice Jr. He continued his guitar studies under internationally recognized guitarists including David Russell, William Kanengiser, and Christopher Parkening. He is the Director of the Federal Way School of Music, where he has taught for over 10 years, and is committed to fostering music education through masterclasses, outreach programs, and his ongoing work with young musicians in the Seattle-Tacoma area.“

A specialist in standard classical guitar as well as various early guitars and lutes, Elizabeth C. D. Brown is a very active performer throughout the Pacific Northwest, giving an average of 50 concerts a year. Highlights from recent seasons included solo lute and baroque guitar recitals at Early Music Festivals in Berkeley and Cleveland, performing as the soloist in Vivaldi’s “Concerto in D,” and a 10 performance run of Monteverdi’s Ulysses in Seattle and San Francisco. Elizabeth’s first solo recording, La Folia de España: Dances for Guitar, features works for baroque, 19th century, and modern guitars. Also active as an ensemble musician, she is a member of Baroque Northwest, La Lira, the Puget Sound Consort and Ayres and Graces, and has appeared in the Early Music Guild’s three baroque opera productions and with various other ensembles. An enthusiastic advocate for the guitar and lute, Elizabeth has given numerous outreach performances at schools, senior centers, and community centers for the Seattle Classic Guitar Society and the Early Music Guild, as well as by arrangement while on tour. She is head of the Guitar and Lute program at Pacific Lutheran University, and has taught at Seattle Pacific University and the Accademia d’Amore (baroque opera workshop, Seattle). See her on YouTube at www.youtube.com/user/ElizabethCDBrown or for more information visit: www.elizabethcdbrown.com