By Grace Holmes
On Thursday, Oct. 30, the International Guitar Series hosted its fall 2025 concert appropriately named Guitar Night. The performance, which took place at the Keller Recital Hall in the Smith Music Center, was a celebration of the spooky season, featuring an interactive Halloween costume contest that encouraged attendees to dress up with the chance to win a free Cordoba classical guitar.
The atmosphere was warm and sociable as family and friends gathered to support their loved ones performing. Upon entrance, guests were given a bulletin to guide them through the numerous performances.
While the experience may have been new to some people, Roger Davis, 57, said, “I like to come as often as they have concerts,” and that he’s on a Grand Rapids community guitar mailing list. Not only does he enjoy guitar music, Davis said, “I love the venue.”
Jonathan Marshall, GRCC’s Interim Associate Dean of Liberal Arts and Director of Guitar Studies, started the night with a grateful welcome. He manages the event and shared in a later discussion the longevity of Guitar Night, spanning around 20 years. His own passion began 27 years ago, first with classical piano and then guitar, as “it was a little more mobile to play.”
Marshall then took the stage himself, accompanied by guitarist and adjunct instructor, David Martin, with the former humorously putting on an orange pumpkin mask. The pair began with “Milonga al sur.”
Brian Morris sat on a piano bench and shared a few of his own personal songs, including “Gently Flowing” and “Dance.” Folias Duo, consisting of Carmen Maret and Andrew Bergeron, also played originals such as “Lake Ontario” and “And Blaze The Butterflies,” the latter of which is based on a poem by Emily Dickinson, often called “Sleep.” Maret coined their performance as their Michigan debut.
The Adam’s Family Theme, played by the GRCC Student & Community Guitar Ensembles as well as the previous guitarists, was among the crowd favorites as everyone snapped along. Another notable performance was Michael Jackson’s Thriller. Both ensembles were directed by Christopher Belland and Martin.
Davis, of Grand Rapids, said, “I love Manuel de Falla,” who composed “The Miller’s Dance.” The song was performed by Morris, who he knew from previous concerts. Davis said, “It was nice to hear a variety.”
To finish off the night, participants in the costume contest formed a line and faced the crowd. Each person was then introduced, and attendees would cheer for the costume they liked. In the end, a massive Guitar was cheered on the loudest and granted the winner. A second place prize went to a steampunk pirate who was awarded a free guitar lesson at GRCC and a $10 certificate. Everyone then gathered to enjoy refreshments and mingle.
Marshall said the outcome was great and “there’s many more cool things like this to happen.”
