Known for his fiery-fingers, impressive chops and high-energy shows, pianist Michael Kaeshammer isn’t your average piano man.
The two-time Juno Award winner has captivated audiences for the past two decades with his trademark boogie-woogie style.
For the uninitiated, boogie-woogie is a style of jazz music with a strong, fast beat that became popular during the late 1920s.
“In those day a lot of venues wouldn’t be able to afford a big band so they hired piano players who would basically play a blues form, but fast,” explained Kaeshammer.
“It’s a very upbeat, fun way of playing jazz.”
Born in Germany in 1977, Kaeshammer spent seven years studying classical piano before he discovered boogie-woogie at the age of 13.
Within three years he was playing jazz and boogie-woogie in clubs, concerts and festivals across Germany and parts of Europe.
“It was the rhythm and the energy and the excitement that was infectious for me as a kid,” recalled Kaeshammer.
In 1995 his family immigrated to Victoria and within months he was performing at jazz and blues festivals across the country.
While listening to his music is one thing, witnessing him perform live is said to be an entirely different experience.
“It’s just like he speaks to the audience,” said Beth Russell, an avid volunteer with the Valemount Arts and Cultural Society (VACS), who saw him perform live in Victoria.
“He has such a stage presence that is really amazing.”
For Kaeshammer the audience is an integral part of his music.
“The audience for me is like another member of the band,” said Kaeshammer.
“I don’t really try to put on a show to be honest, I’m just being myself.”
He will be performing at the Valemount Community Theatre (located at Valemount Secondary School) on March 1. Doors open at 7:00 p.m. and tickets cost $35 at the door.
Alternatively, tickets can be bought in advance at Infinitely Office & Health in Valemount for $30 or $25 for seniors/students.
Prior to the show, VACS will also be hosting a silent auction in the high school’s foyer starting at 4 p.m. The auction will close at 8:30 p.m. during intermission.
Paul Clarke [email protected]
