Bruce Engelhart really just wants to sing to people. He says it makes him feel blessed to do so.
But, according to those who have watched him work a room of senior citizens, strumming on his guitar and singing tunes like “Let Me Call You Sweetheart,” or “God Bless America,” he has quite an impact on his audiences as well.
“It’s really amazing to see how the residents respond and how they react to him,” said Marta Schug, the activities director at the Schoellkopf Helath Center where Engelhart regularly performs.
Schug says she likes to watch the response of the residents as he sings, noting that some are veterans of World War II and the patriotic songs especially “bring tears to everybody's eyes.”
Englehart touches people, literally and figuratively, she said, as he is always taking the time to speak to those in his audience personally, patting hands and touching arms.
The performer, who plays regularly at nursing homes and other venues in the Niagara region, was recently presented with a VIP of the Year award from the DeGraff Adult Day Care Center in North Tonawanda.
“Bruce has done so much for us both in his music and giving of himself,” said Marlene Marciniak, manager of the center, who noted that Engelhart often donates his time when there is no money in the entertainment fund to pay him. “As soon as he comes in he lights up the room and in doing so he lights up our lives,” Marciniak said. “You can just feel the room change as soon as he walks in. If you've seen him, you know his style, it's just infectious.”
Engelhart said that the pleasure is all his. “They give me as much joy as I give them,” he says of his audiences. “I feel like it’s a mission, a ministry. If somebody wants me I feel like that’s where I’m supposed to be.”
Recently, during a performance at Schoelkopf, the musician played the standards, and got many hands clapping or fingers tapping along. Even residents diagnosed with dimentia seemed to appreciate the tunes.
“They'll smile, they'll attempt to try and clap along,” said Schug. “It boosts their mood too and that’s nice.”
“I’ve never seen anyone doze off during his performances,” added Marcinaik. “He doesn't demand anything, he just wants us to laugh and sing along and that’s what we do.”
Engelhart, who was raised in North Tonawanda but who now lives in Alden, will be performing at the Schoellkoph Residence Halloween Party October 30. Some of his other upcoming engagements include:
DeGraff Adult Day Care, North Tonawnda, Nov. 11, 20, and Dec. 22; Schoellkopf Residence, Nov. 12; Heritage Manor, Niagara Falls, Nov. 25 and Dec. 16.
He has recorded six albums, with his newest coming out in December called “Grace by Which I’ve Been Saved.”
Beyong the title of the new album, the words seem to reflect his outlook on the world: “I feel that I have a message to take to people,” he said. “I want to share happiness and love with them. I honestly feel that I'm doing what God wants me to do.”
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