Frederick Community College (FCC) is proud to welcome back alumnus and New York-based guitarist Diego Retana (AA Music, 2013) for a special concert at the Jack B. Kussmaul Theater on Friday, October 24, at 7:30 p.m.

Retana will be joined on stage by his original jazz-fusion band Mixed State and Baltimore-based Celtic folk band The Pilgrims of Deep Run.

The event is free to attend, with a suggested $15 donation to the FCC Music Program. Tickets can be reserved at https://2025DiegoRetana.eventbrite.com.

Retana is a freelance guitarist and music educator currently based in New York City. With more than 23 years of performance experience and 15 years of teaching, he has built a career defined by versatility and curiosity across musical genres. He has recorded and performed with singer-songwriters, pop, rock, funk, soul, R&B, jazz, fusion, Celtic traditional groups, and more. His teaching work includes private lessons and ensemble coaching at The Dwight School, where he directs a middle school rock band and a high school jazz/funk fusion group.

“We feel passionately about giving our community access to high quality performances, but it's extra special to host an alumnus like Diego,” said Dr. Mike Gersten, Associate Professor of Music at FCC. “He's a shining example for our students. To see how comfortable he is playing in such different styles is a testament to his hard work and dedication. We're thrilled to welcome him back to FCC along with these exciting bands.”

Alongside his professional work in New York, Retana remains active in the DMV area, continuing to perform with The Pilgrims of Deep Run while also bringing his original projects to audiences nationwide.

Event Details

• Date/Time: Friday, October 24, 2025, 7:30 p.m.
• Location: Jack B. Kussmaul Theater, Frederick Community College
• Admission: Free, with a suggested $15 donation to the FCC Music Program
• Tickets: Reserve online at https://2025DiegoRetana.eventbrite.com.

For more information, please contact:
Dr. Mike Gersten
[email protected] | 301-846-2566