"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...

Dear Lovers of Music, Yesterday, a singing sky and morning sun invited me outside with my cappuccino, a first for 2026. Reflecting on the performed album release concerts, I felt such gratitude towards the six guest artists and the fans who have attended and tuned in. It is not often that I feel: "I did something," but hearing the response to the music and my Bill of Rights, Amended (intro, piece at 3:05) has demonstrated a greater sense of unity of purpose than I have felt in some time....

Dear Lover of Music, The past eight days have been a whirlwind—four performances with guest artists, two university residencies, and three interviews—all centered on GUITAR AMERICA 250: Revolutionaries & Rockstars. The response has been electric. In recent talks with students at Salem State University and Longy School of Music of Bard College, I was reminded: being an artist is not small work; it's massive. It’s a responsibility—to reflect, provoke, nurture, celebrate, and give shape to...