Programs are:
Golden Age of American Popular Piano 1890-1950: Ragtime, Stride, Blues, and Boogie-Woogie. The music of Scott Joplin, James P. Johnson, Pinetop Smith, Mary Lou Williams, Pete Johnson, George Gershwin, and Fats Waller, with stories of its history and colorful personalities, with discussion of the broader cultural milieu.
The Great American Songbook 1910-1949: A survey of the Golden Age of American popular song, with memory-sparking stories and history behind the songs, the composers, and the performers: Ellington, the Gershwins, Cole Porter, Rodgers and Hart, Ella Fitzgerald, Frank Sinatra and others. Vocal and piano solos, along with swingin’ singalongs such as All of Me, Who’s Sorry Now, On the Sunnyside of the Street, and It Had to Be You.
A Swingin’ Singalong: Hits from 1920s-1940s (All of Me, Who’s Sorry Now, Blue Skies, On the Sunnyside of the Street, Don’t Get Around Much Anymore, It Had to Be You). Songsheets furnished. Tapping toes and smiles guaranteed!
1920-40’s: Sampler: Any combination of the above.
Hits of the 1950s and 1960s: Two programs:
- The Adult Contemporary Music of Frank Sinatra, Nat King Cole, Tony Bennett, Henry Mancini, Burt Bacharach. Singalong and piano/vocal solos.
- Rock and Roll Hits 1956-1969: Elvis, Everly Brothers, Beatles, Motown, Beach Boys. Singalong and piano/vocal solos. Super fun for your summer picnic!
Spirituals: Piano Solos and Singalongs. The captivating and expressive song of the Afro-Americans, the genesis of American blues, jazz, country, and rock. Presented in blues and boogie-woogie jazz piano styles. Swing Low, Sweet Chariot, This Little Light of Mine, Go Down Moses, Wade in the Water, Joshua Fit the Battle of Jericho, Go Tell It On the Mountain. Discussion of the history and culture behind the music.
Beloved Hymns: Piano Solos and Singalongs. Jazzy renditions of Great Is Thy Faithfulness, How Great Thou Art, When Peace Like a River, Precious Lord, Mine Eyes Have Seen the Glory, Shall We Gather at the River, Just a Closer Walk With Thee, Leaning on the Everlasting Arms, Blessed Assurance, and any requests. Songsheets provided.
Holiday/Seasonal Singalongs. Christmas carols, patriotic themes for Independence/Memorial Day observance, love songs for Valentine’s Day. Songsheets provided.
“Pinetop’s Original Boogie Woogie”