Americana
Saturday, May 30, 2026 | 4:00 PM
San Dieguito United Methodist Church
Saturday’s concert is SOLD OUT. Limited tickets available for Sunday, May 31.
AMERICANA
From Appalachia to Laurel Canyon — the many voices of American music.
Americana is a celebration of American music and the artists who shaped it. As the nation marks its 250th anniversary, this program reflects on the musical traditions that continue to define and connect us.
Moving from gospel and spiritual traditions to bluegrass, folk, and the iconic singer-songwriters of the 20th century, this concert honors the roots of American music and the communities that carried these songs forward.
You’ll hear the power of the Black church tradition in works by Moses Hogan and Roland Carter. The storytelling spirit of Bob Dylan. The intimate lyricism of Dolly Parton, Tom Petty, and James Taylor. The timeless poetry of Robert Frost. And the front-porch harmonies of traditional folk songs passed down the generations.
Though these styles span regions and genres — from Appalachia to Laurel Canyon — they are deeply connected. Each grew from communities seeking expression, resilience, hope, and belonging.
Americana reminds us that our musical heritage is layered and diverse — and that when we sing across traditions, we discover what unites us.
To see the full concert program, click here.
San Diego Master Chorale
John K. Russell, Music Director & conductor
Ramon Cardenas, Assistant Conductor & piano
Bryan Verhoye, piano
Ondrej Lewit, fiddle
Eric Foster, guitar
Jack Akers, bass
Josh Frontiero, drums
CONCERT DETAILS – both days:
- 3:00 PM: Concert Box Office opens and will be located near the main entrance.
- 3:15 PM: Doors are expected to open for General Admission seating.
- 4:00 PM: Concert begins.
- Parking: parking at this venue can be challenging. Please consider carpooling or using rideshare apps like Lyft or Uber. Please plan to arrive early to find parking and make your way to the venue to enjoy the concert in its entirety.
GUEST ARTISTS
JACK AKERS
Jack Akers is a professional studio and live-performing electric bass player based in the San Diego area. His musical journey began at the age of 11, when a gift from his late grandfather sparked what would become a lifelong passion for music. Growing up in the church, Jack gained his earliest performance experience playing pop, country, and gospel music during Sunday services, developing both his ear and stage presence from a young age.
After graduating high school at just 15, Jack continued his education at Palomar College, where his musical perspective expanded significantly. There, he studied under Dr. Ellen Weller and SD Master Chorale’s own Dr. John K. Russell, appearing in numerous college performances. During this time, he became fluent in jazz, blues, and classical styles, laying the foundation for a versatile and professional career. It was also in college that he deepened his to the bass and discovered a passion for music composition and orchestration.
In addition to his live work throughout the San Diego area, Jack has contributed to studio recordings, including singer-songwriter Olive Zalevsky’s album Laurels of Sage and Folly appearing in “The Kind That Lasts,” “Patience,” and others.
Currently, Jack is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in theology at Reformation Bible College near Orlando, Florida, with plans to graduate in 2027. He also intends to continue his studies in bass performance and orchestration through Berklee College of Music’s online program. As he continues to develop his craft, Jack aims to continue using his musicianship to serve others and communicate through the powerful medium of music.
ERIC FOSTER
Although born in California, Eric Alan Foster gave his debut solo recital over thirty years ago in La Paz, Bolivia. He has since lived as a teacher, composer and performer in Southern California. He studied guitar with Turan Kamal while earning a Bachelor of Arts Degree with an emphasis in music theory and composition at the University of California Santa Barbara and later with Celin Romero while getting a Master of Music degree with an emphasis in guitar performance from San Diego State University. His firs teaching assighment was at the “Instituto Eduardo Laredo” in Cochabamba, Bolivia. Mr. Foster has since taught a variety of college level courses including music history, music theory, class guitar, guitar ensemble and individual lessons at both the University of San Diego and MiraCosta College in Oceanside. Some of Eric’s compositions for guitar ensemble are published by Les Productions d’Oz in Canada. His concertos for guitar and orchestra (A California Concerto, Latin Wave Concerto, and Concerto Three) were performed with Eric as soloist in San Diego, Tijuana, Oceanside, and Orange County. His “Concerto for Guitar, Mariachi Ensemble and Orchestra” premiered with the Southern California Philharmonic in October 2025.
JOSHUA FRONTIERO
Joshua Frontiero is a San Diego native musician with a background in American music. Studying predominantly jazz at Palomar College, he has performed and toured with many groups in the San Diego music scene. Currently Josh is teaching music at Bonsall Middle School as well as privately. He also performs regularly throughout the region.
ONDREJ LEWIT
Born in Prague (Czech Republic), Ondrej Lewit began studying violin at age seven and continued at the State Conservatory of Music, earning his MA at the Academy of Performing Arts. As a member of Camerata Pragnesis, Camerata Nova, concertmaster of J. Suk’s Chamber Orchestra, and first violin of Cuartetto Cassoviae, he performed across Europe and recorded for Czechosloval Radio and Television, Italian RAI, and labels including Supraphon, Opus, and Edigsa.
In 1983 he moved to Spain, becoming concertmaster of the Tenerife Symphony Orchestra and leader of its Chamber Orchestra, performing as a soloist with conductors such as R. Barshai, E. Colomer, and D. Solomon. He taught vioin and chamber music at Santa Cruz Conservatory (1984-1989) and at OST’s Academy of Orchestral Studies from 1997, directing the string department. He renewed his quartet activity as first violin of the Lewit Quartet, performing in Spanish concert halls through 2000.
He has also taught and performed internationally, including with Eastern Philharmonic Orchestra, Eastern Music Festival in North Carolina, Spanish Youth Orchestra, and Catalonia Youth Symphony. After moving to Barcelona in 2000, he served as concertmaster with Liceo Opera Theater Orchestra and guest concertmaster with several Spanish orchestras. From 2005-2010 he was concertmaster of the Baja California Orchestra and taught at its Conservatory. Since 2004 he has maintained a private studio in San Diego, performing with ensembles such as Encore Trio, Yrion, Quartetto Sorrento, and Sorrento Camerata, and serving as concertmaster of the San Diego Interfaith Choir and Orchestra and the Grossmont Symphony Orchestra.
SDMC ALUMNI: Come Sing With Us!
Join us on stage for the final piece of our 65th Anniversary Season.
As part of San Diego Master Chorale’s 65th Anniversary Season, we’re inviting SDMC alumni singers to join the Chorale for the closing work of our Americana concert on Sunday, May 31 at 4:00 PM in La Jolla.
Alumni will join SDMC on stage to perform The Road Home by Stephen Paulus, bringing together voices from across the Chorale’s history for a meaningful close to this milestone season.
How to participate:
- RSVPs are now closed.
- Purchase a ticket for the May 31 concert.
- Watch for music and arrival details, which will be sent in advance.
Alumni participants must purchase a concert ticket to attend. Music and rehearsal details will be shared with confirmed participants.