by ROSS BALLARD
The Robson Valley is in for a show, folks!
Valemount Arts and Cultural Society and the Valemount Community Theatre are proud to present the Boogie Woogie stylings of Pianist Michael Kaeshammer.
This writer did not know what to expect when I went on YouTube to check out the live performances of the jazz band front man. What I found was a pianist that is guaranteed to get your feet tapping and heart racing! The German-born Kaeshammer started training in classical piano at the age of six in his parent’s home town of Offenburg. At the age of thirteen he discovered Boogie Woogie and stride piano and three years later he was playing clubs, concerts, and festivals throughout Germany and surrounding countries in Europe. The family moved to the west coast of BC in 1996 where Michaels musicianship was immediately noticed. He spent that summer playing jazz and music festivals throughout Canada. Since that first summer in his new country Michael’s career has taken flight and expanded to include composing, arranging and producing.
He has written ten albums in twenty years and been nominated for seven Juno awards; winning two of them. Recently he has won the Western Canadian Music Awards for both Musician and Entertainer of the year!
‘Kaeshammer does not play at you during the show; he plays with you’ says one happy critic and it seems he is right as the audience becomes an extension of the band clapping, stomping and singing along. “We are all in it together and there is no fixed destination” says Kaeshammer of his live show.
Also deserving recognition is the small group of musicians that make up Michaels band. With an amazing wealth of talent clearly noticeable on drums, stand up base, sax and trumpet. The result is a full and soulful sound that will have you out of your seat and stomping to the groove!
“He is technically brilliant and a complete showman” says CBC’s Tim Tamashiro. “If you haven’t seen him live you haven’t seen him in his element.”
It sounds to this writer like our little village is in for a big show!
Kaeshammer performs Tuesday March 1st at the Valemount Community Theatre. Doors open 7pm show starts 7:30 Tickets available at Infinity Office and Health. Adults- $30, Seniors/Students $25, $35 at door night of show.
He performs in McBride March 2nd at the Roundhouse Theatre. Doors at 7, show at 7:30. Tickets available at Home Housewares for $35 or $40 at the door.
