Experience the bright, shimmering sound of strings in harmony as the Gravenstein Mandolin Ensemble takes the stage at Occidental Center for the Arts. This talented local ensemble brings together mandolins, mandolas, mandocello, and guitar for a lively musical journey spanning folk traditions, classical favorites, contemporary arrangements, and melodies from around the world.

With the mandolin family’s distinctive blend of warmth, sparkle, and rhythmic energy, the ensemble creates a sound that is both intimate and wonderfully full. Join us for an afternoon of beautiful music, community, and the irresistible charm of many mandolins making music together!

The Gravenstein Mandolin Ensemble was formed in 2006 in Sebastopol, California, a town famous for its Gravenstein apples.  With humble beginnings, the six original members grew to its present size of fifteen, including the entire mandolin family: mandolins, mandolas, mandocellos, with additional support from guitar and bass. The repertoire includes music from the Classical Era to the most contemporary works for modern mandolins; the geographical range includes music from Italy, Spain, Germany, Eastern Europe as well as Latin America.  Smaller groups, or “breakout” ensembles, often perform a variety of music, including Bluegrass, Celtic, Choro, and more. The GME has performed at the Green Center at Sonoma State University, the San Francisco Mandolin Festival and numerous venues through the North Bay Area.  In 2018, the GME co-hosted  the national convention of the Classical Mandolin Association of America, held in Santa Rosa.

John Metras, Music Director

Gus Garelick,  Concertmaster

First Mandolins:

Ed Hance

Dana Trillo

Second Mandolins:

Chris Eccles

Bob Baeyen

Eddie Guthman

Rich Nosker

Ella Smith

Mandolas:

Dan Baron

Dave Cohen

Jan Kahdeman

Mandocellos:

Rhonda Berney

Jan Hansen

Guitar:

John Metras

Bass:

Dorian Bartley