All-Americana Piano Fireworks – from one of the world’s foremost pianists and historians of vintage American popular music – ADAM SWANSON, who, according to legendary Ragtime pianist Johnny Maddox, “can make a piano knit a pair of socks!” Be amazed by his performances of the Great American Song Book, Blues, Boogie-Woogie, Ragtime AND - celebrating its 100th Anniversary – his version of Gershwin’s “Rhapsody in Blue”. ‘Four-Time World Champion Old-Time Piano Player’ Adam Swanson makes his debut on the Lincoln Hall Steinway in Foxburg on Sunday, July 14 at 2 PM.
With four solo albums & appearances at Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center and around the world in Hungary, Switzerland and Australia, Adam’s virtuosity, vast repertoire and program commentary will dazzle! As the ONLY Four-Time World Champion Old-Time Piano Player, Adam’s virtuoso piano pyrotechnics transport audiences back in time while keeping them on the edge of their seats.
A brilliant pianist who loves to entertain audiences, award-winning pianist Adam Swanson will take the audience on a tour through early American popular music. From ragtime and early jazz piano to the blues of W. C. Handy, to the Great American Song Book, Boogie Woogie, the Broadway show music of George Gershwin and a special Gershwin classical medley, be delighted by Adam’s artistry and insightful program commentary in this entertaining, historical journey through American music.
Tickets – Adults $25 Members $20 Students $5. Buy online at alleghenyriverstone.org or call 724-659-3153 to reserve and pay with cash/check at the door.
After the concert, enjoy meeting the artist at the Wine & Cheese reception from 4:00 to 6:00 PM at the Red Brick Gallery and Gift Shop (adjacent to and a short walk from Lincoln Hall) for an art exhibit opening that complements Adam Swanson’s musical tour of a century of American popular music: The exhibit features ARCA Board member and RBG Cooperative Artist Karen Mortland and her family: MOTHERS & DAUGHTERS. One Family. Four generations of women. 100 years of art. Ruth Coy, Carolyn Kingman, Annette Kingman, Karen Mortland, Nissa Rappoport.
Adam Swanson’s mentor was the legendary, late Johnny Maddox. Like Maddox, Adam performs ragtime, early standards and obscurities from the Great American Songbook, novelty pieces, and medleys that make one want to sing along. Swanson earned degrees from the Peabody Conservatory, has appeared at many ragtime and jazz festivals, and had previously recorded four solo albums plus collaborations with pianist Frederick Hodges, drummer Danny Coots, singer Ian Whitcomb and the Peacherine Ragtime Society.
Swanson lives in Durango, Colorado, and has performed at the local Diamond Belle Saloon a countless number of times. An Evening In The Diamond Belle Saloon is a two-CD set that gives one a strong idea what his shows are like. Some of the pianist’s interpretations are purposely dominated by humor and are even a little corny (such as an eccentric version of “The Entertainer,” and “12th Street Rag”) while some others are relatively somber. In most cases, Swanson is intent on both having a good time and making his performances fun for the audiences.
Ragtime and early jazz purists are not the main audience for this batch of honky-tonk piano, but those who like good-time music that is filled with nostalgia and surprising moments will enjoy Adam Swanson’s spirited solo outing.