Concert Program: Americana
Saturday, May 30 | 4:00 PM
SAN DIEGUITO UNITED METHODIST
170 Calle Madgalena, Encinitas
Sunday, May 31 | 4:00 PM
LA JOLLA PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
7715 Draper Ave., La Jolla
AMERICANA
Concert Program
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.
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
Unclouded Day — Rev. J.K. Alwood; arr. Shawn Kirchner
Stopping By Woods on a Snowy Evening — Text by Robert Frost; Music by Eric Whitacre
In Bright Mansions Above Traditional Spiritual — arr. Roland Carter
No Time — Susan Brumfield
Light of a Clear Blue Morning — Dolly Parton; arr. Craig Hella-Johnson
Katherine Waugh, soloist
Down in the River to Pray — Eric Nelson; “Down in the River to Pray,” traditional American folk song; “Deep River,” African American spiritual
Bound for the Promised Land — American Folk Hymn; arr. Mack Wilberg
Ramon Cardenas, guest pianist
INTERMISSION
My Soul’s Been Anchored in the Lord —Traditional Spiritual; arr. Moses Hogan
The Times They Are A-Changin’ — Bob Dylan; arr. Adam Podd
Karlie Carbone, soloist
Wildflowers — Tom Petty & Stephen Foster; arr. Amanda Quist and Tim Brent
Mackenzie Nelson, soloist
Shed a Little Light — James Taylor; arr. Greg Jasperse
Daniel Freeman, soloist
Angel Band — arr. Ryan Brandau
Hannah Arevalo, Karlie Carbone, Mackenzie Nelson, and April Fisher, soloists
All of Us, from Considering Matthew Shepherd — Craig Hella-Johnson
Renee Calvo, Mackenzie Nelson, and Evangelina Woo, soloists
The Road Home — arr. Stephen Paulus
Aeria Chang, soloist
With gratitude to our concert sponsor:
DOUGLAS WILSON COMPANIES