Submitted photo Gary Froiland performs as a one-man band and recently did a live show at the Adult Community Center.

MARSHALL — A band performed live Thursday morning at the Adult Community Center in Marshall, one that comes complete with a host of instruments such as a guitar, upright bass, harmonica, fiddle and banjo.

They were all played by solo performer Gary Froiland.

As a one-man band, Froiland treated the audience of about 40 people to a variety of popular songs featuring country, bluegrass, gospel and patriotic music. The themes of Valentine’s Day and winter each spanned several different selections included as part of the hour-long performance.

Along with music Froiland entertained with video clips, jokes and frequent participation from audience members.

Two unusual instruments were included in the show. Froiland performed “Amazing Grace” with his musical cowboy hat, which audience members were invited to try out after the show. He also made music by sliding a bow over the flat edge of a handsaw.

“I play a little bit of everything,” Froiland said. “I go from one instrument to the next and have a great time with it.”

His musical interests coincide with a rural way of life. He grew up on a farm and still has farm equipment from the horse-drawn era of his grandfather’s generation.

He’s published a joke book based on Norwegian jokes he features in his concerts. The first one that he shared on Thursday was that “God made Norwegians first … thinking he should start with something simple.”

Both his guitar and banjo cases feature examples of his wood carving. His home in the Rochester area includes his own country-themed museum with components like antique cars and a farm kitchen. He has recorded two CDs (one bluegrass and the other gospel music) and made a DVD from his video clips.

“It’s important for my show to have variety,” Froiland said. “Humor and videos help to keep the audience interested. The hour goes fast.”

His musical repertoire began to take shape when he was 5 years old after his father bought him a harmonica. It was followed by another gift, a guitar, when he was 17. Some of his first job-related earnings were later invested in a banjo.

His first performances were as one member in a group band. He took a break from performing to start a family, then went back to it with a family band after his children were old enough to join him on stage. The family band made appearances at locations such as Silver Dollar City, the Mall of America and the Miss Minnesota Pageant.

“When my kids grew up and our family band ended, I started to think about what I should do next,” he said. “It was harder to find band members than when I was young, so I decided to try performing on my own. Playing just one instrument didn’t seem like enough for an entire show. It was more entertaining to bring in a group of them.”

During the show, he asked audience members if they grew up on a farm, then inquired about animals that their families raised. With every question, a large percentage held up their hands.

Bill Koska of Marshall said he enjoyed both Froiland’s music and his way of including several elements that together add up to an entertaining show.

“I enjoyed it,” Koska said. “He has a great combination of music and videos.”

Other audience members said they liked how the show incorporated ideas related to rural America, family life, patriotism and faith.

“I thought it was fantastic,” said Kathy Christensen of Marshall. “I liked all of it. He’s a very good musician with an entertaining sense of humor.”

Froiland performs at a variety of venues. They include senior centers, nursing homes, churches, threshing bees, tractor shows, and others.

Adult Community Center program coordinator Heather Radke said Froiland was highly recommended by other participants in regional and state associations of professionals who plan activities for seniors.

She’s brought several different one-man bands to the area. Before working at the Adult Community Center, she coordinated activity programs for the Colonial Manor nursing home in Balaton.

“They all have somewhat different styles, but they always stand out because of the variety of instruments,” Radke said. “Just by looking at the faces of audience members, I could tell that they enjoyed his show. We’d be happy to have him back.”