Internationally acclaimed guitarist Preston Reed has the first performance in Ferris
State University’s Arts and Lectures Series on Tuesday, Oct. 3, at the Fireplace Stage
of the Rankin Atrium in the David L. Eisler Center.
A free concert on Tuesday, Oct. 3, at the Fireplace Stage of Ferris State University’s Rankin Atrium will introduce the audience to the unique style and sound of guitarist Preston Reed to kick off the 2023-24 Arts and Lectures Series.
Committee chair Glen Okonoski, the Television and Digital Media Production program coordinator, is pleased to secure Reed for this 6:30 p.m. performance after experiencing his music live several years ago.
“I first saw Preston in a classical guitar series in Grand Rapids,” Okonoski said. “He plays an acoustic-electric guitar and does so with a very unique style.”
Okonoski said guitar players and students, faculty, staff and the greater community should be intrigued by Reed’s presentation.
“He has his left hand over, rather than under the guitar neck, and Preston actively incorporates percussion, striking his guitar, which brings a most unexpected sound,” Okonoski said. “There are others who are following his method and other stylings, but Preston is world-renowned, very much ‘out front’ as a performer.”
Having picked up his first guitar 60 years ago, Reed performed across the United States and internationally before moving to Scotland in 2001. His resume includes performances on six continents.
“I was in conversations with Preston before the pandemic and waited till he was comfortable with touring before securing this performance,” Okonoski said. “We are thrilled to be one of his first U.S. shows in years and to bring his talents to our audience.”
The Arts and Lectures Series provides diverse events intended to broaden the horizons of Ferris students and the community. For more information on Reed’s performance and for those who require accommodation in support of attending this event, contact the Arts and Lectures Committee at (231) 591-3626.