Pianist Gil Rosas, almost 90, performs benefit for the Center for Successful Aging
Tracy Lehr
SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) Pianist Gil Rosas performed an encore show full of romantic songs on the day after Valentine’s Day.
Fans filled the Marjorie Luke Theatre to enjoy Rosas show called “Everything’s Coming up Rosas!.”
The produced by Rod Lathim also included classical favorites.
Rosas turns 90 on February 24, so the performance was like a birthday celebration.
He is at home behind a grand piano and said learning Chopin keeps his skills sharp.
Rosas was just 17 when he become one of the first staff members at KEYT-TV in the early 1950s.
He played on live broadcasts and has made a living playing piano ever since.
The concert served as a fundraiser for the Center on Successful Aging.
Gary Linker, who has a doctorate in clinical psychology, is the clinical director of the nonprofit.
“We work with low income seniors who have a variety of needs with several programs,” said Linker, ” senior pier counseling, we have a help line, we have a program to assist people in their homes and we have our successful aging newspaper.”
The motto of the Center for Successful Aging is “Ending Loneliness, Building Community.”
“The center offers a program to combat loneliness and isolation called the successful aging club. This club is open to anyone 55 years of age and older who wishes to participate in educational social and recreational programs. The fee is $60 per year and the next event will be at the end of March where a physician will be talking about the physical, nutritional emotional and lifestyle characteristics that make for a successful life,” said Linker.
Contact the Center at 805-898-8080 for more information or visit, https://cbbsb.org