Classical guitarist Larry Almeida will perform at the Jacklin Arts and Cultural Center tonight, as part of the Friends of the Guitar Hour Concert Series.

“It’s an international series that’s happening right here in North Idaho,” said Leon Atkinson, who organized the concert series. “You go to New York and you won’t find anyone better than what we’re getting here.”

A classical guitarist and self-described guitar advocate, Atkinson has hosted “Guitar Hour” on public radio for 26 years. When planning the Friends of the Guitar Hour Concert Series, he makes a point of featuring a local guitarist.

This season, it’s Larry Almeida.

For 20 years, Almeida was a professional guitarist and guitar teacher. He has performed with the Clarion Quintet, the Alexander String Quartet and the Winston Salem Symphony. He also performs locally with Chorale Coeur d’Alene.

After another 20 years working as a librarian with the Community Library Network, Almeida retired and returned to music.

He said that highlighting local musicians helps the community discover what’s happening in Coeur d’Alene’s music scene.

“There are people here who are doing some really interesting things,” he said.

Tonight’s concert will take a turn through 20th-century guitar music, as well as 16th- and 19th-century voice and guitar music. Two pieces are Northwest premieres — music that has never been performed in this region — including “Sonata (1987),” which was composed for Almeida by Larry Alan Smith.

“It’s great to finally get to play it here in this region,” Almeida said. “I think people will really like that.”

Larry Almeida will perform the Jacklin Arts and Cultural Center tonight at 7:30 p.m.

Tickets are available in advance at www.brownpapertickets.com for $35 or for $38 at the door.