"nobody’s got a monopoly on the American story—in part because there is no single tale to be told."
​– The Arts Fuse on Guitar America 250​

In the late 1800's, my mother's family escaped from pogroms in what is now Ukraine. Soon after, my father's family emigrated from outside of Moscow, as Jewish families weren't allowed to live in Russian cities without a permit. They came to the US through Baltimore, hence the C in Caplan and not K (see Declaration below). My mother's family ended up in Colorado, one of the first Jews to own land in the State. My great-great grandfather was "pushed off" a Colorado cattle train, while another relative ran the biggest brothel in Denver. My grandfather grew up poor in Denver, moving every few months to evade rent and eviction. My mother and father met at college. My mother lives in Oregon and father in Colorado. I was born in Oklahoma. In August, I will have lived 30 years in Boston, 24 as a husband to Catherine, an immigrant.

It is my story. An American story.

As I tour Guitar America and share anecdotes of the composers, I learn histories, short and long, from audience members. One thing I hold close to my heart: be elite, not elitist.

Though some disagree, this is the time to celebrate US history. Celebrate those who stood up before us, those who sacrificed for a greater good, and those alive today who inspire and protest – in all forms. I celebrate the premise and belief in an ideal, the USA, while recognizing and learning from where we fall short.

Actively support American music and musicians, stand up for a neighbor (serve them some cider while welcoming them in), be an active and positive member of society, listen well...

American Dream well,
Aaron
​
*A full version of this is on my new substack​

Recent Reviews, Concerts, & Declaration

Album Review "Larget-Caplan’s command of both his instrument’s capabilities and his materials is first-rate. Nothing borders on predictable or cliché" – The Arts Fuse Read article

Colorado & Oklahoma June 25-28: Six Concerts in Garfield County, Rocky Mountains, CO. July 1: One concert at Oklahoma City University for the Leyenda Convention, June 29-July 3. Program: Guitar America - Music of Abolitionists, Suffragists, Immigrants, Revolutionaries, Rockstars, and Aaron Read article

July 4 in Salem On Saturday July 4, I will perform a short medley from Guitar America 250 to celebrate July 4th alongside the Hillyer Festival Orchestra. Fireworks will follow Read article

Declaration of Intention A few years back, my aunt sent me a beautiful copy of the 1911 'Final Papers' for my Great Grandfather, Charles Caplan, renouncing his allegiance to the Czar of Russia. I celebrate the bravery of those who left their homes either for safety or a better future. I read this document with great pride and have no intention of giving that away easily. Read article

Guitar America 250 CDs are selling! Copies are available on Bandcamp Streaming everywhere! CDs – Streaming Publication: Patriotic American Songs for Guitar is available on Bandcamp and through the American Composers Alliance. Publications

YT Video Shorts Only have a few seconds? Check out my video shorts on YouTube. Bach, Berlin, Cage, Han, Van Halen... Watch & Subscribe