Classical Guitarist to Play in Concert

For Release April 9, 2008

 Gabriel Ayala, classical guitarist, will play at the University of New Mexico-Gallup’s Calvin Hall Auditorium on Tuesday, April 29, from 6:30 to 8 p.m.

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 received his Master of Music degree 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.

The performance, which is sponsored by UNM-Gallup’s Achieving the Dream grant, is free to the public.