CIYLR Host Reviews

We had Dave McLellan perform a home concert for us as a fundraiser for Fivesparks.  While he had stiff competition from the assembled might of the American military marching in Washington DC, Dave was much more educational, humorous and informed than anything that could be associated with that much more expensive event.  People made the right choice to come and hear Dave!  Dave performed an ambitious and varied program that celebrated many styles of guitar music, from the Renaissance through contemporary music, and we all learned a lot.  We do many home concerts with highly esteemed musicians, and several people said that Dave’s concert was their favorite one yet.  It was a pleasure working with Dave, and we look forward to having him play here again.

​

John Chapman, pianist and composer

Harvard, MA

It was a tremendous pleasure to host Dave's CIYLR program.  His personable, approachable performance style, interspersed with program notes and anecdotes, was a delight for our guests.  All of our guests noted how much they enjoyed the music, and that they learned something musical as well!  Dave’s performance was beautiful and relaxing, and we were extremely happy to fill our home with his music.  The event was easy to plan, prepare and execute, since Dave is organized and experienced with this type of engagement.  We exceeded our fundraising goal for Fanfare, our school’s music booster organization.  Dave’s generosity and commitment to our charitable organization is unique and truly inspirational.

​

Irene Battaglia, president

Fanfare for Music, Harvard, MA

At the 2024 Jameson Singers May auction I won a Concert In Your Living Room featuring classical guitarist Dave McLellan. I live in a co-housing community and our common house was the perfect venue for the concert.  Dave was so easy to work with, and attentive to our specific situation, visiting the venue ahead of time, and provided a program booklet I could print that explained CIYLR and what he would present that night. 

The audience particularly enjoyed Dave's chat about each section or piece. My fingers were tired just watching him play.  Attendees gave him a standing ovation.  Don't pass up a chance to host a Concert in Your Living Room by Dave.  A real treat and a great way support any worthy cause. 

Dave McLellan’s Concert In Your Living Room is salon music in its truest form. He has performed in my home twice now to benefit the theater group Playhouse on Park in West Hartford, CT. His second show was just as wonderful as the first. He brought incredible diversity of styles of music, and his commentary before each group of pieces enhanced the listening experience. Because of the small intimate setting, my guests had the opportunity to watch and listen up close and to ask questions along the way. Most important, I appreciate that Dave offers this opportunity as a way for people like me to support a local arts organization, like Playhouse on Park.

 

Ginny Allen

Bloomfield, CT

A friend and I were fortunately the winning bidders for a CIYLR at an auction to benefit Worcester Chamber Music Society Neighborhood Strings program in Worcester, MA. We had no idea what to expect but felt that it would be a wonderful and unique experience for a group of friends on a winter weekend.  Our expectations were met and exceeded.  Dave McLellan’s program of classical guitar music included pieces from across the globe and time periods.  His presentation of the selections made them even more enjoyable.  It was not only Dave’s musicality but personality that made the evening truly special and one that my friend and I and our guests will remember for a long time.

 

Paige Firment, Bolton MA