John Doan: Calendar

Friday, May 9th, 2008

The Old Church

The show “Beyond Six Strings,” will feature John's playing of the 20 string harp guitar first patented in America in Port Townsend, Washington in the 1890's. Doan will perform original works on the harp guitar inspired by Jimi Hendrix, Mason Williams, John Fahey, among others, as well as forgotten works by Fernando Sor, father of the classical guitar, on a rare 1829 three-necked harpolyre.

The instrument that John plays is the first modern 20-string harp guitar and was built and redesigned in Portland, Ore. by Jeffrey Elliott and now deceased John Sullivan. Several dozen copies of this instrument are forming a new movement in harp guitar playing today. It supplements the standard guitar's six fretted strings with six unfretted sub-bass strings, but its most distinctive sound is the crystalline harp tones of eight super-treble strings, which ring with bell-like clarity.

In addition to his solo touring John currently performs with the Mason Williams and the New Christy Minstrels and has performed with a diverse range of artists from Burl Ives, Donovan, Rickie Lee Jones, and Larry Carlton, and his virtuoso playing and arranging has attracted praise from no less guitar luminaries than Chet Atkins and Doc Watson. He has starred in two much-loved television specials produced by Oregon Public Broadcasting: A Christmas to Remember With John Doan (seen on PBS) and A Victorian Christmas With John Doan, which was nominated for an Emmy. He is featured in a recent DVD release titled, "Primal Twang - the Legacy of the Guitar" with a veritable "who's who" of the guitar world today.

Although growing up in Los Angeles John has now lived most of his life in the roughed beauty of the Northwest and has enjoyed his teaching at Willamette University since 1977 where he is an Associate Professor of Music. When John is not touring he lives in Oregon with his wife Deirdra.

Saturday, June 14th, 2008

The Great Basin Highland Games and Scottish Gathering

John will be a featured artist for the Burns Music Festival. This will be an intimate afternoon of stories and music accompanied by a visually stunning video production taken on location throughout the Celtic Isles. John will play music from his award winning recordings "Eire - Isle of the Saints" (awarded "Best Celtic Album of the Year") and "Wayfarer."

The Burns Festival has a $5 gate fee for the entire day and all entertainment and athletic events are included. People get their hand stamped at the gate and they can come and go all day as they please. Also during the days eventss there will be a bagpipe band, Scottish dancers, athletic competitions, etc. as well as clan booths, vendors of Scottish and Celtic items and food. They also encourage people to compete in the athletic events as well as wear their clan tartans. It is a full day of fun and entertainment for the entire family.

Friday, June 27th, 2008

House Concert

This will be an intimate House Concert where John will play the harp guitar and three-necked harpolyre to a small audience. There will be no amplication nor need to bring opera glasses for this up front and personal evening of music.

Saturday, June 28th, 2008

House Concert

This will be an intimate evening of stories and music accompanied by a visually stunning video production taken on location throughout the Celtic Isles. John will play music from his award winning recordings "Eire - Isle of the Saints" (awarded "Best Celtic Album of the Year") and "Wayfarer."

Friday, September 5th, 2008

Mason Williams will be joined on stage by John Doan and Art Maddox for an evening sure to be a "Gas." Williams recorded "Classical Gas" in 1968 and BMI has recently certified it as "The Most Listened to Instrumental In History!" This and many other classics from Mason Williams will be featured throughout the concert. John Doan will be featured with several harp guitar solos of his own.

Sunday, September 7th, 2008

Mason Williams will be joined on stage by John Doan and Art Maddox for an evening sure to be a "Gas." Williams recorded "Classical Gas" in 1968 and BMI has recently certified it as "The Most Listened to Instrumental In History!" This and many other classics from Mason Williams will be featured throughout the concert. John Doan will be featured with several harp guitar solos of his own.

Sunday, December 14th, 2008

Hudson Hall, Willamette University

This Emmy-Nominated production has become a holiday favorite in it's twenty-second season. Revisit the parlor of a century ago and experience a time when people use to entertain themselves. Come to enjoy the parlor setting, scores of forgotten instruments, sing-alongs, and an evening of story and song. It is simply too much fun!

Thursday, March 5th, 2009

Private Event

Friday, March 6th, 2009

Higley Auditorium