Star Staff Reports
Classical guitarist, Jeff Bianchi, will perform at the Baker Community Center for one night only on Wednesday, Sept. 16 at 7 p.m. The concert is offered in cooperation with Millington Arts, Recreation and Parks. It is the mission of Millington Arts, Recreation and Parks to serve, educate and enhance quality of life for all our citizens by providing quality programs, special events, parks and facilities. This concert is just one of the ways the department is working fulfill its mission and increase the arts offerings in Millington. As a native of Williamson, New York, Bianchi 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 to Atlanta in the summer of 2002. From 2005-2007 Bianchi took a hiatus to tour nationally with Country acts Young Guns (Nashville) and Chace Roberts (St. Paul, Minnesota). As an electric guitarist, Bianchi toured much of North America; playing clubs and dance halls with capacity crowds. It was an exciting time in his life and was quite the adventure. On his return home, Bianchi resumed his solo performances. By 2009, he was touring throughout Georgia, playing in places such as Savannah, Tybee Island, Toccata, Richmond, Duluth, and Hartwell. Large, enthusiastic crowds were the norm at these events. These positive reactions together gave him a goal to take his music to a much wider audience. In February of 2010, Bianchi undertook his first cross country solo tour. Making stops in Georgia, Mississippi, Louisiana and Texas, he gave concerts for audiences as large as 600 people. The overwhelming success of this tour enabled him to expand his solo career to a national level. Bianchi continued his success in 2011 with performances in Kentucky, Tennessee, Georgia, Alabama, South Carolina, Mississippi, Louisiana and Florida. His success sky rocketed in 2012 and 2013 with successful concerts as far away as Colorado, Wyoming, Idaho and Wisconsin. Concerts were also give in Texas, Ohio and all of the South East. His 2014 concert season built upon the success of previous years, with repeat visits to venues in Alabama, Wyoming, South Carolina, Georgia and Mississippi. The season also included a first time visit to Minnesota. Bianchi’s 2015 concert season includes concerts in the Georgia, South Carolina, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Mississippi and Tennessee. His concert program will include works by Dupree d’Angletere, William Lovelady, Jose Luis Merlin, and Heitor Villa-lobos.” On coming to Millington, Bianchi said, “I am thankful to have the opportunity to work with the City of Millington. I’m looking forward to visiting and having the opportunity to play for everyone.” Tickets for the concert are $10 and can be purchased at the door or in advance at the Baker Community Center.
For more information, call 873-5770, or visit Bianchi’s website at http://www.velvetguitar.com/.
