Overview
About/Bio
The Piano Men is a musical celebration of the 1970’s- year by year, hit by hit- from the songbooks of Billy Joel and Elton John. Award winning Canadian recording artist Jim Witter and his incredible band lead an expertly crafted tour of an entire decade that begins with “Your Song” and winds us along on a musical time machine, saluting two of the century’s most popular contemporary songwriters.
Utilizing spectacular visuals on a giant screen behind Witter and his band, we return to the newspaper headlines, the automobiles, the people, the events, the toys and even the TV shows that shaped a decade. Along the way, the sounds of “My Life”, “Candle in the Wind”, “Rocket Man”, “Just the Way You Are”, and many more classic hits create an evening that’s so much fun, you won’t want it to end. By the time you hit 1979, you’re begging these musicians to move back to 1970 and start all over again. With Witter at the grand piano and his incredibly talented band mates, the music is not an attempt to “recreate” or “mimic” the evening’s long list of familiar hits. Instead, Witter unleashes his golden tenor on hit after hit to recreate fully-formed mental and emotional return visits to specific landmarks in a pop culture timeline.
If you can remember where you were when Elvis may have died, this show’s for you. If you can smell the interior of your 1973 VW Beetle, you’ll recognize every song. If you watch re-runs of Gilligan’s Island or Green Acres, you’ll find yourself singing along. And if you still have your bell-bottom jeans and Puma running shoes, then you probably need more help than Witter can provide...
Now in it’s 16th year of touring, “The Piano Men” has enjoyed sold-out performances, return engagements and rave reviews in theatres across North America, Great Britain and Dubai. So sit back, relax, and enjoy the trip down memory lane!
Testimonials
Wanted to send you a quick note. I was in attendance last night for Piano Men and WOW... just WOW. Speaking from the "after 70's" age bracket I so thoroughly enjoyed it. My mom wasn't necessarily clear on what I would be seeing so I honestly had low expectations but we both walked away completely in awe. From the talent to the enthusiasm, to the entertainment, it was a night my mom and I will both remember. Just down right FUN! It was quite nostalgic for my mom in that she graduated from ECC in 72 (don't tell her I told you how old she is). She said it was just the icing on the cake to see them here in the Blizzard Theatre. She also is HUGE Simon and Garfunkel fan so she's stoked for them to return. Needless to say, we will be there. Thank you for bringing them to our area! And thank you for the EYSO shoutout prior to the show. Kyla Brittain, Director of Development Elgin Youth Symphony Orchestras- Elgin, IL
Jim Witter and his band are just aces! The show last night was perfect, and I just got back from the outreach at the theater for about 125 students. We are trying to take good care of all of them. Very pretty day for them to relax before the show tonight. Thank you for checking in with us. Jim is one of our favorites! Cathy Traver, Executive Director- Aiken Performing Arts (APA)