Classical guitarist Jeff Bianchi returns to Osceola

On 7 p.m. Saturday, June 17th, classical guitarist Jeff Bianchi will return to Iowa to give a concert for the community at the Osceola United Methodist Church. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. The concert is sponsored by The Clarke Area Arts Council and is part of Bianchi’s 2017 Summer concert season.

As a native of Williamson, New York, Jeff 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 to 2007, Bianchi took a hiatus to tour nationally with country acts Young Guns (Nashville, Tennessee) and Chace Roberts (St. Paul, Minnesota). As an electric guitarist, he toured much of North America; playing clubs and dance halls with capacity crowds. It was an exciting time in Bianchi’s life and 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, Jeff 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. Jeff 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 given in Texas, Ohio and the entire southeast.

His 2014 through 2016 concert seasons built upon the success of previous years. Repeat visits included venues in Alabama, Wyoming, South Carolina, North Carolina Georgia and Mississippi. These seasons also included first-time visits to Minnesota, West Virginia, Pennsylvania and Iowa.

Bianchi’s 2017 concert season includes performances in the Georgia, Minnesota, South Carolina, and Iowa. His program consists of music by Laurent de St. Luc, William Lovelady, Jose Luis Merlin and Heitor Villa-Lobos.

Jeff first visited Iowa in August 2016. He enjoyed it so much he made it a point to return for his current performing season. On performing in Osceola, Jeff says, “I’m honored to have the opportunity to work with the Clarke Area Arts Council again. Iowa was such a wonderful state to visit last year, and the audience in Osceola was very welcoming. I am looking forward to returning.”

CDs will be available for $15 following the performance.