The Becker Area Senior Center hosted a classical guitarist Tuesday morning to the delight of 40-45 seniors.
Jeff Bianchi, from Buford, GA, was invited to play at the senior center through the Great River Regional Library in Becker. Bianchi was flown in by GRRL Monday and plans to visit a few other area libraries (Little Falls, Annandale and Elk River) to present his unique guitar-playing style.
He returns to Minnesota in September to visit libraries in Buffalo, St. Michael, Upsala and Clearwater.
Bianchi said he was “somewhat” familiar with Minnesota since he worked with another artist (Chace Roberts) from the Twin Cities years ago and they spent some time playing clubs and dance halls in the Land of 10,000 Lakes. Bianchi had also already had a previous stint with GRRL just a few years ago and was appreciative he was invited back.
Bianchi’s style is classical meaning he uses a wooden guitar with nylon strings and plucks or strums the strings near the back of the soundhole to get the soft, flowing style.
Bianchi’s first four songs were Scottish folk songs that were originally written for the lute — a 16-string instrument from the 1600’s.
Many of the seniors in the audience appeared to find solace, tenderness and peace in Bianchi’s performance of 45-minutes to an hour.
Bianchi, a native of Williamson, NY, began performing at weddings and cafes while still in his teens. The uniqueness of the classical guitar coupled with his professionalism enabled him to stay working over the years.
As his skills grew, he gave full concerts throughout Western New York. His hard work earned him performances at the Rantucci International Guitar Festival as well as the nationally recognized Ithaca Guitar Festival. His concerts continued with his move close to Atlanta in the summer of 2002.
GRRL serves Benton, Morrison, Sherburne, Stearns, Todd and Wright counties.
BASC Upcoming Events
The senior center has a July birthday recognition lunch next Tuesday and music by Joel Hagberg. They will be attending the Sherburne County Fair Thurs., July 20 from noon to 4 p.m.
Aug. 10, they will be carpooling to Big Lake for a Coborn’s Grocery tour and talk by Dietician Emily Parent.
September 13, they will be participating in their Mystery Tour for men and women seniors where the destination and activity will be a mystery. The cost is $49 per person which includes lunch, activity, tips and the bus ride.
