Spanish concert from San Antonio

St. Paul Evensong Concert Series opens its 2009-2010 season on October 4 with a performance by the San Antonio Vocal Arts Ensemble.

The concert, which is held at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Salem, begins at 4 p.m. The southern group, comprised of instrumentalists and vocalists, is set to present a selection of sacred Latin American music from the colonial period.

SAVAE has recorded their music, including the Billboard magazine-charting "Guadalupe: Virgen de los Indios." Their music is a fusion of pre-Colombian and European sounds, and comes from cathedral archives throughout Latin America.

In keeping with the authenticity of the historic genre, the group uses ancient Mexican percussion instruments as well as reproductions of pre-Colombian flutes. Included in the repitoire is an Aztec double flute, a clay flute, a small ocarina, a log drum (teponatzli), a tall drum (huehuetl), a small clay drum, stones (lajas), a rainstick, and an assortment of rattles and shakers. The rhythmic patterns used are adapted from Canticos mexicanos. Several of the pieces were composed by Native Americans who had been converted to Christianity.The afternoon concert is free, with donation accepted.

For more information, call 503-362-3661.

Local hip/hop musician releases third album

Even in the age of digital music, making an entirely new album is likely a collaborative process. For Salem hip/hop artist, Matty, his latest venture features a host of guest artists that added to the music.

On October 3, the 21-year-old releases "The Good Years." On his latest album, Matt Almendinger boasts local guest musicians two-time world rap champion Illmaculate, The Kid Espi, Bubbi Swata, Top Shelf, Tope and Mac Smiff of Portland.

As part of the October release, Matty has two salem CD release shows planned. The first of two is scheduled on October 16 at the Triangle Inn beginning at 8 p.m., with the evening booked at The Coffee House Cafe, starting at 9 p.m.
For more information on Matty or his music, go to www.myspace.com/MattyRaps or www.twitter.com/Matty503.

Composer bring quintet to Salem

Though not normally seen by the public, many composers actually perform themselves. Such in the case with Grammy-nominated New Yorker John Hollenbeck.

Hollenbeck, who is a drummer, has been performing with his acclaimed chamber jazz ensemble "The Claudia Quintet" for the past 12 years.

On October 30, the quintet takes the stage in Hudson Hall at Willamette University at 7:30 p.m. During this rare Northwest appearance, the jazz ensemble performs with special guest pianist Gary Versace. Opening the evening event is Willamette University's own Willamette Jazz Collective. Hollenbeck, who was awarded a grant from Arts International to travel with the quintet to Brazil, is joined on stage by acoustic bassist Drew Gress, percussionist Matt Moran, tenor saxophone and clarinetist Chris Speed, and Ted Reichman on accordion.

The event is free and open to the public.

For more information on the group, go to www.myspace.com/theclaudiaquintet.