Library patrons treated to classic music

Because his name is Ashton, we had to find out if this musician was related. Was he? – Read this and discover the answer – and why Jeffrey Ashton’s music is so well received …

Amid the stacks at Woodstock Branch Library, Jeffrey Ashton plays classical music for the enjoyment of library patrons.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
People at the Woodstock Branch Library seemed enthusiastic that a fellow by the name of Jeffrey Ashton was performing a few weeks ago.

When we met Ashton as he set up for his performance, we found he was a man of few words – but not a direct relative.

Listening to him play, we also discovered that Jeffrey Ashton is a very talented classical guitar artist; a world-class musician. Some members of his audience came because they read about his performance in our Community Calendar. As he continued to play, folks who came to the library for other reasons pulled up a chair and listened to the spirited performance of this musical artist.

The artistry of Ashton (the guitarist, not your writer) can be heard in every song he presented.

We wanted to rise and shout, “Bravo!” But, being in the library, we restrained ourselves, and now offer our tribute, quietly, in print.

From his friends at Portland Classic Guitar, we learned that Ashton has been playing guitar for over 30 years. He is an active performer, teacher, composer, recording artist, writer and arranger.

Born in Boston, Massachusetts in 1955, he began to play the guitar at the age of 10. He lived in Europe, staying in Germany, Elgin, Switzerland, in Austria, Italy and England. We’re told that this immersion into these cultures gave him a deep appreciation of early and Renaissance music.

Ashton moved to Portland in 1982, where he lives with his family and teaches at the University of Portland, as well as Portland State University, the Community Music Center, and Portland Classic Guitar.

By the way, you can enjoy Ashton’s music anytime by picking up a copy of his CD, entitled “1536“. We’ve enjoyed the copy since we purchased it!

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