One August (2005) evening, I was with the great guitar virtuoso, Eliot Fisk. As we sat in his kitchen we spoke about the delicious guacamole (prepared by Eliot's lovely wife Zaira Meneses), the guitar studio at NEC, Boston GuitarFest, politics, friends and family. At that point I had just returned to Boston after being away in New Haven for two years and it was indeed a joy to sit down with him again.
At one point we began talking about guitar outreach, something that he and I both strongly believed in. He shared with me some of his own experiences playing for high schools, elderly homes and even prisons! He spoke from the heart and I, charged with inspiration, began envisioning a way to mobilize the guitar studio at New England Conservatory for community service.
“How about Boston Guitar Project?” I suddenly asked? His eyes widened with interest and with a couple of contemplative nods and enthusiasm in his voice he responded, “Yea! Sounds hip! I love it!” We continued our thoughts as Zaira served us some delicious chili rellenos (another thing I missed dearly).
After dinner I stepped out into the warm summer night and walked towards my car; my mind was swelling with ideas. Little did I know, trouble was brewing off our southern coasts. A few days later we saw the horror unleashed by Hurricane Katrina. With willing hands and sincere hearts Boston Guitar Project presented a fundraiser concert for the victims of Katrina at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church in the South End.
We felt privileged to be a part of something meaningful in the community, and more than anything, this inaugural concert gave us motivation to carry on playing our guitars. We hope in the years to come that we will be able to reach out to even bigger audiences and to make one of the softest instruments be heard! |
Steve Lin
Director - Boston Guitar Project
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Copyright © 2007 - Design by Steve Lin |
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