Local musician and Indiana University South Bend graduate Ian Maclaverty will present music from his new CD "Lost Highways" from noon to 1 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 28, in the IU South Bend bookstore, Northside Hall.

"Lost Highways" is a concept album that he wrote and produced as his master's degree project. He received his Master of Liberal Studies degree in December.

The Mishawaka resident said the CD's theme is wanderlust and searching for self. He said the committee suggested the theme approach that would incorporate writing, art and the business side of production.

Maclaverty said when he was considering if he would do a thesis paper, he knew that the CD would be more demanding. "It has always been easier for me to write a paper. Fifty pages would not be difficult to me to do. This was much harder, more challenging."

He received a bachelor's degree in marketing and organizational leadership from Purdue University. "Although I have no formal musical training, I do have a musical background and a great love of music. I have been playing rhythm guitar for about 10 years," he said.

After teaching himself how to play, he became interested in writing. He has written more than 50 songs and he has played at open mic nights and other events.

The album was recorded at Beartracks Recording Studio in Valparaiso and was completed in the summer. It is for sale at Front Porch Music, Valparaiso, and in the IU South Bend bookstore.

Visit http://album.wordpress.com/ for more information and details about Maclaverty’s musical journey.