Adult Programs

Judy Handler & Mark Levesque mandolin & guitar duets, guitar duets

World Café

International Music

Experience an exuberant celebration of cultures with this exceptional program of music from around the world.

Audiences will enjoy the lilt of a jam session at an Irish pub, a rollicking Tarantella from Italy, the appealing rhythms of nouveau flamenco from Spain, the warmth and passion of Brazil, the rhythmic poetry of Eastern Europe, the hard-swinging elegance of Gypsy jazz, a sweet love song from Taiwan, the sultry sounds of a Middle Eastern melody and more!

Acoustic Blend

Guitar music from different eras & genres

The guitar crosses all musical boundaries and so do we on this program!

You’ll hear our own unique arrangements of swing & ballads from the 30s & 40s, pop music from the 60s-70s, Americana, gypsy jazz, Celtic, bossa nova, nouveau flamenco and more!

A delightful program with a wide range of styles, amusing anecdotes and a joyful spirit.

¡FIESTA!

Spanish & Latin American Music

Audiences will immediately be drawn into this program of passionate, lyrical music from Spain and Latin America.

They will delight in fiery Spanish flamenco dances as well as the beauty of a Catalan folk song; a sizzling tango from Argentina to a flowing Venezuelan vals; a pulsing Andean dance to the syncopations of Brazil and enticing sounds from Paraguay, Mexico & music on the Puerto Rican cuatro.

JOY TO The WORLD

Holiday Music

Enchanting instrumental renditions of traditional and contemporary holiday music for classical guitar & mandolin.

Enjoy a variety of lively tunes and lyrical melodies from many countries. Music from the U.S., Puerto Rico, England, Wales, Ireland, France, Italy, Spain & Eastern Europe.

Celtic Celebration!

Music from Ireland, Scotland & Wales

Enjoy popular Irish dance music - jigs, reels, hornpipes – as well as beautiful melodies from the Celtic nations. Included on the program will be music by the famous Irish harpist & composer, Turlough O’Carolan, Irish-inspired bluegrass pieces, well known Irish American songs and stories about the music.

An excellent program for Saint Patrick’s Day or any time of the year!

My Funny Valentine

Romantic music from the U.S. & around the world

Celebrate Valentine’s Day or any other day with this lovely program of romantic music.

Enjoy instrumental arrangements of songs from the Great American Songbook like My Romance, My Funny Valentine & I’m in the Mood for Love. Take a trip down memory lane with songs like Crazy, Something, and The Look of Love. Also experience a taste of romance from other countries like Besame Mucho from Mexico, a Spanish Romanza and a passionate tango from Argentina.

Mediterranean Melodies

Music from Spain, Portugal, France, Italy & Greece
Imagine yourself sitting back and relaxing at a seaside café as we take a musical journey through the sunny Mediterranean region.

Our unique arrangements will bring to life Spanish flamenco music, Portuguese fado, French love songs & waltzes, Italian mandolin music and Greek dances. Colorful stories about the pieces will create a more vivid picture of each style and country.

A Jewish Odyssey

Traditional & contemporary Jewish music

Throughout history, Jewish people have migrated to many countries and their music has been influenced by sounds from all over the world.

Our Jewish Odyssey program showcases this interesting diversity with soulful melodies and lively dances from Eastern Europe, Russia, Spain, Brazil, Israel, Germany and the U.S.

Enthusiasm For Our Programs

CONCERT HALLS, LIBRARIES and CHURCH PERFORMANCES

"We enjoyed having you, it was a beautiful concert. I have never had so many patrons looking for CD’s.

They really responded to your performance!"

K.G. Troy, NY

"Your concert was wonderful. I think it was just what we were all wanting! You play in so many styles with such precision and beauty. Thank you for sharing your music with us." J.B. South Glastonbury, CT

"The audience was thoroughly delighted with your performance and many hoped we would ask you to return in the future." C.H. Windsor, CT

"Thank you so much Judy. I am getting so much positive feedback from your performance. It was a terrific afternoon." D.F. Mahopac, NY

"Thank you for such a wonderful program. Everyone thought you were terrific. We loved your selections. You introduced us to music we may not have heard before. You are a great duo! Most definitely I will keep you in mind for future visits" P.G. Orange, CT

"My thanks to you and Mark for a wonderful concert! We don't see too many standing ovations, but you certainly deserved that." A.C. Brookfield, CT

UNIVERSITIES

"Your concert was such a beautiful and meaningful way to celebrate International Week at Central CT State University, thank you!

We continue to hear praise about your performance and look forward to next year (and perhaps other times in between) when we shall hear your music again." N.B. New Britain, CT

"Your music was the perfect ambience for our International Day at the University of Saint Joseph!"

L.S. West Hartford, CT

ARTS COUNCIL

"The audience loved your performance, and can’t wait to see you & Mark again!" B.K. Agawam, MA

"We were so fortunate to have you and Mark play for our event, Judy. Thanks so much for making it such a wonderful evening." J.P. Vernon, CT

RETIREMENT COMMUNITY

"Thank you so much for coming! The residents really had a great time!! I hope we will get to have you again soon!!" C.C. Hartford, CT

"You two are terrific! Our residents love your music, and we all love having you here. Thank you so much for another wonderful concert. I look forward to seeing you both soon." S.G. Wallingford, CT

CONTINUING EDUCATION

"I can't thank both of you enough for the truly magnificent performance that you gave for our MILE group yesterday! Several of our members,

(including our MILE Chair) told me that this was the best musical program that MILE has ever had and Ben and I agree wholeheartedly.

You are both such outstanding musicians, and your choice of selections was just great -- such a wealth of beautiful guitar and mandolin music from so many varied cultures. We all learned a lot from you too, both about the songs and their origin, and about your instruments.

And the many touches of humor that you included were delightful! What a marvelous two hours for all of us at MILE, a performance that we'll remember for a long, long time." N.J. Middletown, CT

HOLIDAY CD QUOTE
"The CD is absolutely lovely, and will become a new family tradition for us at the holidays!"

W.M. Agawam, MA

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