Making Music and Spreading Joy in Key Biscayne

Zach Buttrick performing a mini-concert on Key Biscayne (Key News via Jennifer Buttrick)

Zach Buttrick is an 18-year-old Key Biscayner in his campus-interrupted senior year at Ransom Everglades School.   He has been playing violin since he was five years old, developing a proficiency that has enabled him to make a special contribution to the community during the coronavirus stay-at-home period.  Over the last two weeks, Zack has performed over 30 violin mini-concerts for Key residents.  Inspired by cellist Yo-Yo Ma’s online performances of Songs of Comfort, Zach wanted to “take it up a notch” and bring live music to socially-distanced residents, performing in or near the streets adjacent to homes; much like the  violinist at Key Colony who had performed a concert on his balcony a few weeks ago.

Zach is humble and well spoken, highlighting that he is doing what he can to help out the community during this time.  He said that “it certainly has been rewarding to bring joy to people during these unprecedented times.”  Zack likened the current public health emergency to the aftermath of the 9/11 tragedies before he was born. Then, as now, people of all sorts found ways to help others and lift the mood.  Bearing in mind the risk, and losses, and continuing uncertainties people are facing, Zack has focused on pieces that are soothing. His repertoire includes Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah”, U2’s “With or Without You”, as well as familiar classical pieces.  Each mini-concert observes social distancing strictures and features three or four selections, chosen by Zach to suit each audience.   In the midst of illness and threat, and the anxieties and disruptions of the coronavirus emergency, there is a touch of optimism and beauty in Zack Buttrick’s home-delivered music-making, bringing some comfort and maybe a bit of joy, curb-side.

Residents who would like  Zach to come and perform for them can email zachsmusic@bellsouth.net