Classical guitarist Gabriel Ayala plays at the University of New Mexico-Gallup’s Calvin Hall Auditorium Tuesday, April 29, from 6:30 - to 8 p.m. The performance, sponsored by UNM-Gallup’s Achieving the Dream grant, is free and open to the public. Ayala, who is Yaqui, has performed at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Oscar Meyer Theatre in Green Bay, Wis., National Museum for the American Indian, the Gathering of Nations, and a host of universities and other venues.
He has also performed on radio and television, and in 2003, released his self-titled debut CD, for which he was nominated for a Best Independent Recording award for the Native American Music Awards. He also recorded a Christmas CD in 2007, and is at work on two new CD’s this year, one of which is on Canyon Records and is due for release in July.
A resident of Tucson, he earned a master’s in music from the University of Arizona. He has taught in all levels of education from elementary to college. The winner of several music competitions, he also serves as a judge for competitions.
In addition to his career as a solo classical guitarist, Ayala also promotes
Native culture through traditional singing and dancing.
Media Contact: Linda Thornton, (505) 863-7565; email: lthornton@gallup.unm.edu
Posted by scarr at April 11, 2008 05:45 PM