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SHREWSBURY, Mass. – Shrewsbury resident Bruce Andrews has been bringing the joy of nostalgia to local seniors – and himself – with his old-fashioned musical performances.
Andrews, who puts on seasonal performances with his guitar and ukulele, plays at a variety of venues around Shrewsbury and in surrounding towns, including Southgate and other assisted living facilities, nursing homes and Senior Centers.
"The Senior Center shows are a lot of fun because everyone sings along," Andrews said. "Playing at nursing homes is tougher, but also the most rewarding."
Andrews said that while performing at nursing homes, he sometimes finds one song which can connect with one resident.
"It is wonderful to see them focus and enjoy the music," Andrews said.
About eight years ago, Andrews retired from his position at National Grid and began looking for something new to do with his time.
"My sister-in-law asked me to play at a kids' party," Andrews recalled. "When she handed me a check afterward, I was surprised and refused to take it since I wasn't expecting it. But it got me thinking that this was maybe something I could do."
Andrews learned to play the guitar about the same time he learned the nearly 450 songs in his repertoire – when he was a boy.
"I enjoy doing this so much because it brings me back to my childhood when my mom used to play the ukulele and I'd play the guitar," Andrews said. "Most of these songs I heard when I was young."
Many at Andrews' shows feel the same sense of nostalgia when they hear the old songs.
The shows also feature a bit of humor and history, with Andrews telling one line jokes or talking about the story behind some of the songs in between playing.
Andrews also volunteers in town at St. Anne's Church and reads poetry on Shrewsbury Public Access Channel 28 in his show "Roses are Read."
