~ A Story Parlor Signature Event ~
Featuring performers hand-selected by the Asheville Classical Guitar Society— each with a distinct take on the versatility and expressive potential of the instrument. Hosted by Andy Jurik.
FALL 2026 Featured Artists:
Kareem McCullough
Demeler
Come, sit, listen, and bathe in an intimate evening of masterful classical guitAR
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A California native, Kareem McCullough began studying guitar at the age of 5 within the Loudoun County Public Schools system, which had begun to make a name for itself as a powerhouse in classroom guitar.
He quickly fell in love with the instrument and decided to continue his studies at Radford University under the instruction of Dr. Robert Trent, earning a B.M. in music education.
In 2012 Kareem was granted a teaching assistantship at Marshall University, where he pursued his M.A. under the direction of Julio Alves.
From 2013-2016, Kareem served as adjunct faculty at the University of Rio Grande and briefly taught in Cabell County Public Schools before accepting a position at Loudoun County High School, where he directed the guitar and orchestra departments from 2016-2021.
Kareem currently operates The McCullough School of Guitar, his own private studio based in the northern Virginia area Kareem has made a presence on the stage as a soloist, chamber musician and conductor both nationally and internationally.
He performed and toured with the inaugural US Guitar Orchestra, led by Bill Kanengiser, and also serves as ensemble director for the Romero Guitar Institute where he conducted the famous quartet and guitar orchestra in many performances including performances of Concerto de Aranjuez.
Kareem had the great pleasure of studying with renowned guitarists like Roland Dyens, Pepe Romero, Jorge Caballero, and Marcin Dylla.
In 2020, Kareem was invited to be the guest composer for the 2020 Marlow Guitar International Youth Guitar Competition. This inspired him to explore composition even further and in 2021 he released his debut album titled, “Under Quarantine”.
Kareem’s album is an intricate display of originally composed music that reflects his profound and personal journey throughout the 2020 pandemic.” Under Quarantine is available now on all music streaming services.
His followup album titled “After the Dust Settles” was released in March 2024 and is also available all streaming platforms.
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Demeler is comprised of wife and husband Rachel Hansbury (voice) and Andy Jurik (guitar), blends their love of café and salon music with modern composed repertoire for a fusion of old and new world sounds.
From Edith Piaf and Robert Burns to contemporary composers Stephen Goss and Dušan Bogdanović to signature arrangements of jazz and folk songs, the duo pursues their love of music with intriguing connections between genres and time periods. Highlight performances include the Wired Music series (Columbia, SC), Wednesday Night Live concert series (Hendersonville, NC), and the Guitar Muse Society Gala.
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Rachel is a vocal artist based in Asheville, NC. Her singing has been described as “both angelic and full of human emotion” (John Pitcher, artsnownashville.com). She has performed as a soloist throughout the Southeast with groups such as Music City Baroque, Gateway Chamber Ensemble, Asheville Choral Society, and the Weaverville Music Study Club. Rachel proudly serves on the voice faculty at UNC Asheville and Asheville Music School.
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Andy has performed and presented at the Dublin Guitar Symposium, the Palm Beach Atlantic University Hispanic Heritage Festival, and the Radford International Guitar Festival.
His most recent album, Tinto, was praised by minor7th.com and Soundboard magazine for its blend of classical, jazz, and contemporary influences.
Andy teaches music theory and guitar at UNC Asheville and leads the Asheville Classical Guitar Society.