Quique Rodriguez-Pastor, Greensboro Summer Solstice, the Sounds of Summer and More

Today on the show, it's great music from around the world and an amazing celebration of the sun. First up, we get the sunny disposition of Peruvian/American singer/songwriter Quique Rodriguez-Pastor. His new album Lovelike tackles the yearning we all experience in life with uplifting melodies and harmonies that'll put a smile on your face and a song in your heart. Then, here comes the sun! That's right, Greensboro Summer Solstice is here at last so let the butterflies loose! Oh, and don't forget the faeries, dancers, fire twirlers, harps, flutes, Tai Chi and yoga artists, and 27 performances going on all day on three separate stages! Sun worshippers will be waiting for you—6,000 strong—at the Arboretum this weekend. It's free and you're invited! Speaking of free, how about a world class organ recital performed on a world class instrument by not one, not two, but three acclaimed organists? Sounds of the Summer has you covered in Winston-Salem and it's all summer long. And we wrap things up at The Creative Center in Greensboro. The Collabative presents live performances by Lawyers Guns & Money, Molly McGinn and Sam Frazier. 

Quique Rodriguez-Pastor

Winston-Salem-based singer/songwriter Quique Rodriguez-Pastor grew up in Peru and the U.S., and his passion for music encompasses everything from Dominican singer, songwriter, Juan Luis Guerra to pop sensation Michael Jackson. Along the way, Quique has developed an extensive archive of recorded music in collaboration with other musicians—like the Tyler Nail Trio –and as a solo artist. His new album is titled Lovelike.

The sunny CD will be available for online purchase beginning, appropriately enough, on summer solstice, tomorrow, June 21^st. Half of the proceeds will go to El Buen Pastor Latino Community Services in the Triad. Quique also produces what he calls “bite size” videos covering a wide variety of subjects from pleasant walks through his Winston-Salem neighborhood, to views out of his airplane window on a return trip from Peru. The video images are accompanied by Quique's original music and his own illustrations. 

Greensboro Summer Solstice

This weekend, while the tilt of the Earth's semi-axis is most inclined toward the sun, we'll be enjoying our longest period of daylight, and for thousands of Triad residents that means it's time to party. With dozens of outdoor performances going on all day what better place to do so than at Greensboro Summer Solstice in the Gate City's spectacular Arboretum.

Self-described community activist, serial entrepreneur and proud member of the creative class Susan Sassmann has been Head Faerie throughout the ten year history of this wonderful community-building event. Sue's seen it grow to a team of more than 300 performers, vendors, sponsors and volunteers.

This year's celebration begins Saturday, June 21^st at 2:00 PM and will run through 10:00 PM at Greensboro's beautiful Arboretum. Raindate is Sunday, June 22^nd. The Head Faerie is still looking for more volunteers. She says it'll be mostly directional work, and there are a few nice perks that go along with your volunteerism. 

The Sounds of Summer 2

Sounds of the Summer 2: Exploring the Tones and Colors of Organs in Winston-Salem continues Sunday, June 29^th at 7PM at Ardmore Baptist Church. Featured on this recital will be the magnificent Reuter Organ. With its many sound options it's been said to present the skilled organist an entire orchestra under the fingers! The program will be presented by Norris Norwood, Dan Locklair, and Regina Pozzi.  Programs are a family-friendly, fun music, 45-minutes max, they're free, and open to the public.  Sounds of Summer Co-founder, organist Dreama Lovitt spoke with David Ford about this remarkable performance series. He began by asking about her new piece for organ.

A Night of Stories and Song at The Collabative

This weekend "A Night of Stories & Song" comes to The Creative Center in Greensboro. It'll feature live performances by Lawyers Guns & Money, Molly McGinn and Sam Frazier. Sam and Molly will play a short set, followed by Lawyers Guns & Money, and later in the evening they'll join the band for some collaborative musical magic. It's an evening dedicated to song writers, their songs and the stories behind them, and its' presented by The Collabative. Collabative founder Kris Ferris says the word is a combination of collaborate and creative. He's a singer/songwriter himself, we're sampling from his CD Private Passion, and he stopped by for a concert preview.

You can check out "A Night of Stories & Song" beginning at 6:00 pm with food, drink and conversation until the music begins at 7:30 pm. Then it'll be live performances by Lawyers Guns & Money, Molly McGinn and Sam Frazier. The concert takes place at The Creative Center in Greensboro, 900 16th Street, and concert goers are encouraged to bring a snack or finger-food-type item to be shared by all, and their choice of beverage. Wine or beer is to be brown-bagged, and there are no tickets to buy because the event is free and open to the public. Much like public radio, listeners hear the performance, reflect on its value to them, and leave a donation in whatever amount they choose.