Don Latarski Quintet plays at the Jazz Station in Eugene
- Don Latarski guitar
- Jake Pavlak guitar
- Damien Masterson harmonica
- Zach Wallmark bass
- Jason Palmer drums
Don Latarski has been playing the guitar since 1963. At the age of 10 he put down the accordion and little league for guitar lessons. These decisions have proven to be sound. Latarski grew up in a rural community about 35 miles north of Detroit, Michigan. After moving to Oregon at the age of 19 he began studying jazz. As a music student at the University of Oregon he studied classical guitar and that experience led him to incorporate finger picking. His style incorporates elements of jazz, folk, and Americana. His instrument of choice is a handmade Spohn baritone acoustic guitar, which produces a deep, rich, and all-encompassing sound. Most of his life has revolved around composing, practicing, teaching, recording, and performing. After graduating with a music degree he was hired to be head of guitar studies at the University of Oregon School of Music and Dance. He has authored and published 21 books on guitar instruction and recorded 15 albums, mostly of original music.
