When acclaimed Canadian pianist Michael Kaeshammer performs in Vernon Saturday, it will be obvious to many that the guy likes to have fun.
Whether he’s playing boogie-woogie, blues, jazz, or pop, or a cross-over of those styles, Kaeshammer is a true showman.
“Kaeshammer’s performances are a true joy and his energy knows no bounds. He has piano technique to burn and to his audience’s delight has an acrobatic way with a grand piano,” said Erin Kennedy, artistic director at the Vernon Performing Arts Centre.
Audiences will see for themselves when Kaeshammer arrives in Vernon Saturday, Oct. 3. to entertain for the Performing Arts Centre’s 14th annual Birthday Bash and 2015-16 season opener.
Called Canada’s triple-threat combo of piano virtuosity, vocal ability and charisma, this potent combination has earned the Toronto-based artist international critical acclaim and a loyal and growing fan base.
Drawing mostly from an impressive list of standards and his catalogue of original studio recordings, Kaeshammer will be joined on stage by his longtime drummer Mark McLean and bassist Marc Rogers.
“Kaeshammer and his band will have the crowd eating out of the palm of their hands and never do they leave with anything short of a standing ovation,” said Kennedy.
A reviewer of his performance at the Tanglewood Jazz Festival noted: “Drawing on a rock solid knowledge of the early piano greats, Kaeshammer does more than play the way they did. He entertains with a capital ‘E’ the way they did… he taps into a part of music that’s almost lost, connecting deeply with the audience on a gut level, so they are no longer just spectators in the music-making.”
Tickets for Kaeshammer’s performance, which starts at 7:30 p.m., are $40 for adults, $37 for seniors and $35 for students. Call the Ticket Seller box office at 250-549-SHOW (7469) or log online to www.ticketseller.ca for tickets and more information.
