An American Story

“nobody’s got a monopoly on the American story—in part because there is no single tale to be told.”
– The Arts Fuse on Guitar America 250

In the late 1800’s, my mother’s family escaped from pogroms in what is now Ukraine. Soon after, my father’s family emigrated from outside of Moscow, as Jewish families weren’t allowed to live in Russian cities without a permit. The latter came to the US through Baltimore, hence the C in Caplan and not K (see Declaration below). My mother’s family ended up in Colorado, one of the first Jews to own land in the State. My great-great grandfather Mendel “Max” Fisher was “pushed off” a Colorado cattle train and one relative ran the biggest brothel in Denver. My grandfather grew up poor in Denver, moving every few months to evade eviction. My mother and father met at college. My mother lives in Oregon and father in Colorado. I was born in Oklahoma. In August, I will have lived 30 years in Boston, 24 as a husband to Catherine, an immigrant.

It is my story. An American story. I love American stories. 

As I hear the noise in the world, I recognize shifts in higher education, the arts, and of course, politics. Sadly, I see a grand circling of the wagons both in large and small communities. I work for another outcome where we share our traditions, welcome each other over music, and break bread with good butter and excellent cheese.

As I tour Guitar America and share the stories of the composers featured, I learn stories from audience members, new to America and well seasoned. One thing I hold close to my heart: be elite, not elitist.

Though some disagree, this is the time to celebrate US history. Celebrate those who stood up before us against unjust laws, those who sacrificed for a greater good, and those alive today who inspire and protest – in all forms. I celebrate the premise and belief in an ideal, the USA, with recognizing and learning from where we fall short and our failures. 

As we’ve seen the arts weaponized, a very American thing to do, actively support American music and musicians, stand up for a neighbor (serve them some cider while welcoming them in), be an active and positive member of society, listen well…(American) Dream well

Declaration of Intention

A few years back, my aunt sent me a beautiful copy of the 1911 ‘Final Papers’ for my Great Grandfather, Charles Caplan, renouncing his allegiance to the Czar of Russia and becoming a US Citizen.

I celebrate the bravery of those who left their homes either for safety or a better future, and those who continue to do so. I read this document with great pride, it gives me chills, and have no intention of giving that away easily.

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What’s your American story?

Read this on my new substack

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