Music Under the Redwoods returns to Peri Park in Fairfax on Aug. 2. Now in its fourth year, the afternoon concert is the brainchild of Marin’s Gary Muszynski—an award-winning percussionist, composer, bandleader and producer. Set among the trees, the event offers a unique blend of world-class musicianship and natural ambiance.
It’s also “pay what you can,” with a suggested donation of $25–$30.
Joining Muszynski are Venezuelan-American guitarist Carlos Caminos and Brazilian 7-string guitar virtuoso Julio Lemos. Together, the trio weaves Latin, Brazilian and improvisational styles into a richly textured musical experience.
Muszynski says the event grew from “a need to build community in an unsure and increasingly tumultuous world.” He adds, “Out of all of the great venues I have played at, Peri Park may well be my favorite outdoor venue … [it] offers a healing antidote for challenging times.”
His resume includes collaborations with Bobby McFerrin, Omar Sosa, Mark Summer, Varijashree Venugopal, Romero Lubambo, Kai Eckhardt and Frank Martin. But for this performance, he’s especially excited to share the handpan—a modern instrument with a soothing, ambient sound.
“The handpan was created in 2001 by two amazing craftsmen, artisans in Bern, Switzerland,” Muszynski explains. “They had been making steel pans, originally from Trinidad and Tobago, for 10, 15 years…and then they got an idea to create a hybrid acoustic instrument called the ‘hang.’”
The instrument consists of two fused metal shells with a hollow center. The top, or “ding,” has hammered tone fields around a central note. The bottom, or “gu,” has a central hole and produces a note when its rim is struck. “It definitely was one of those inflection points in my life,” says Muszynski of discovering it.
Muszynski met Caminos after collaborating with the guitarist’s wife, movement artist Juliana Mendonca. “I had heard about Carlos for years, and then we finally got to play together. He is an extraordinary person and musician … and one of the sweetest guys I know,” he admits.
Caminos, nominated for a Latin Grammy in 2022, blends Latin, Flamenco, and global styles. “He’s just a joy to play with,” says Muszynski.
Lemos, from Goiânia, Brazil, was “classically [trained] but also brought up to play samba and choro,” Muszynski explains. He notes, of Lemos’ 7-string guitar: “They are playing these bass lines that are derived from Bach. How cool is that?”
“How can you go wrong with beautiful music going to be new to your ears [and a] very healing vibe?” he asks. “Plus, those gorgeous redwoods, surprise guests and the beauty of Fairfax, California?”Music Under the Redwoods runs 2-4pm, Saturday, Aug. 2, at Peri Park, 16 Park Rd., Fairfax. Arrive by 1:30pm for a good spot. For info and early donations, visit oneworldmusic.com.
