George Winston

Sunday, Oct. 16 | 7:00 PM

Helzberg Hall

GRAMMY Award-winning pianist with over 15 albums to his name, George Winston brings his stunning brand of solo piano to the Kauffman Center. Inspired by the seasons and topographies, George Winston’s concerts feature a variety of styles including melodic folk piano, New Orleans R&B piano and stride piano. He performs songs from his seasonal albums Autumn, December, Winter Into Spring, and Summer, as well as Peanuts pieces from his Vince Guaraldi tribute albums Linus and Lucy and Love Will Come.

Montana native George Winston grew up listening to instrumental rock and R&B greats like Floyd Cramer, the Ventures, Booker T & The MG’s, The Doors, and Jimmy Smith. These iconic musicians (and the overall sound of R&B, jazz, blues, and rock) inspired Winston to begin playing the organ in 1967. After hearing pianists from the 1920s and 1930s like Thomas ‘Fats’ Waller and Teddy Wilson, he decided to try his hand at acoustic piano. At the same time, Winston designed his own style called folk piano. Winston drew inspiration from his Eastern Montana upbringing while creating many of his solo piano albums, including Plains (1999) and Montana – A Love Story (2004). In addition, Winston says he draws inspiration from Chinese music, which he calls “some of the deepest and longest running traditional music on the planet.” In 2001, Winston released Remembrance—A Memorial Benefit for those affected by the events of 9/11. This six-song album incorporates piano, guitar and harmonica solos to create a masterful example of how musicians can use their talents to better the world.

Winston has also worked with the late George Levenson of Informed Democracy on three projects and performed the solo piano soundtrack for the children’s story The Velveteen Rabbit for Rabbit Ears Production.

Winston is currently focusing on live performances and will be performing at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts on October 16. Come out and enjoy an unforgettable night with one of the greatest musicians of our time.

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