Guitarist gives benefit concert
<p>Missoula guitarist John Floridis will perform a benefit concert for Neighbors in Need in Whitefish Dec. 15.</p>
Missoula guitarist and singer-songwriter John Floridis will perform a benefit concert for Neighbors in Need Sunday.
The show starts at 7 p.m. at United Methodist Church, 1150 Wisconsin Ave., Whitefish. Donations will be accepted.
The mission of Neighbors in Need is to provide “funds of last resort” for emergencies such as temporary shelter, rental assistance, utilities, food and gasoline for people with limited incomes.
Floridis will be performing material from his two seasonal releases, “December’s Quiet Joy” and “The Peaceful Season,” both of which feature his fingerstyle acoustic guitar arrangements of traditional Christmas/winter melodies, as well as original compositions.
Floridis will also include uplifting and positive vocal songs in the performance.
The concert invites the audience to escape the frantic stress that too often pervades the holiday season and relax in an intimate listening environment with music to warm the heart and soul.
Floridis is a 20-year Missoula resident and is recognized as one of the state’s most popular and respected musicians, having performed in a wide variety of venues, festivals and concert halls in support of his seven independently released CDs. 2013 saw the release of his most recent recording, “Live From 11th and Grant,” the soundtrack from his Emmy-winning performance on “11th and Grant with Eric Funk” on Montana PBS.
Floridis also participated in the highly acclaimed TedX Bozeman series in collaboration with award-winning dancer, choreographer and filmmaker Sabrina Lee.
Floridis is the host and producer of “Musician’s Spotlight,” a weekly program on Montana Public Radio. A former registered music therapist and clinical social worker, Floridis has also served as the concert promoter for the Missoula Folklore Society.
“Being involved in a project like this feels very natural, given my background in working as a music therapist and social worker with children in need and their families,” Floridis said.
“I look forward to having a chance to perform this music in a relaxed listening environment. I have always been moved by the timeless melodies of traditional Christmas and winter music and have enjoyed arranging them into fun and hopefully unique pieces for guitar and voice.
“I grew up in the United Methodist church, so having this concert set at [Whitefish United Methodist] feels very much like coming home,” he added.