Acclaimed musicians coming to Civic Arts Plaza

Nicholas Gunn Thousand Oaks-based Gemini Sun Records announced that for the first time the record label will bring several worldclass musicians on stage in concert at the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza.

The show, scheduled for Fri., Aug. 11 at 8 p.m., will feature multi-platinum inspirational recording artist Nicholas Gunn, composer David Arkenstone, who was nominated three times for a Grammy award, Loren Gold, a smooth jazz composer and keyboardist, and Johannes Linstead, current Billboardcharting, nuevo flamenco guitarist.

To set the stage for the concert, the four artists are offering a sampling of their music at Borders Book Store on Aug. 10 at 7:30 p.m. Borders is east of The Oaks mall, at 125 W. Thousand Oaks Blvd., Thousand Oaks.

Jonathan Todd, president of Sabre Entertainment in Westlake Village, a company that represents Gunn, Arkenstone and Gold, said that Gemini Sun Records "is a recognized leader in instrumental world and inspirational music."

Gunn, who owns Gemini Sun Records and serves as the label's chief executive officer, recently released the third in a series of inspirational instrumental music called "Beyond the Grand Canyon," which comes bundled

with an hour-long motion picture "scene scape" of the Grand Canyon scored by Gunn to the world class photography of Michael Fatali.

Todd said the CD has been so well received by the industry that it (and a photo of the Grand Canyon) was featured on an internationally distributed catalog that showcases new products in the music industry.

"His new band performs his critically acclaimed music with amazing energy and a Latin flavor," Todd said.

Arkenstone's music has been described as a "cinematic world," and Todd compared it to "a film-score soundtrack without the film."

"His compositions are known for taking listeners on an audio-journey inspired by mythical adventures and exotic places," Todd said. "His live performance recreates this journey for an audience right before their eyes."

Arkenstone is well known for his recent release, Atlantis, and will re-release Sketches from an American Journey with new songs on Gemini Sun Records.

Gold is expected to bring a "pop-flavored smooth jazz" element to the show. Gold is the keyboardist and musical director for actress and singer Hilary Duff. But according to Todd, Gold's true passion is composing and recording instrumental "smooth jazz." The concert will be Gold's first public performance of new original music.

Linstead has been called a flamenco guitar virtuoso by many members of the music industry, said Todd. A native of Canada, Linstead is touring the United States to promote his new album, "Caf Tropical," which is his first Gemini Sun Records release.

Gemini Sun Records is known for presenting instrumental world, flamenco, new age and smooth jazz music on the market. Their slogan-- "music that illuminates your life"-is expected to reach a broad audience at the Civic Arts Plaza.

Gunn said that although the concert scheduled at the Civic Arts Plaza will be the first time that he's presented a night of music so close to his Thousand Oaks hometown, it probably won't be the last.

"This music is meant to be experienced in a live setting and I'm so excited that we can bring it to life at the Civic Arts Plaza," Gunn said.

"This will be a really exciting night and we look forward to doing many more in the future."

For more information on the event, call Gunn at (805) 3717882. Todd can be reached at info@sabreentertainment.net.