Kevin Cole

Introduction
About Kevin
What the Critics Say
Concert Schedule
His Repertoire
Recordings
Contact Kevin

Kevin Cole, America’s Pianist, is the top performer of works from The Great American Songbook and concert works of their great American composers. He delights audiences with a repertoire including the best of 20^th Century American music.

Cole’s performances in general and his interpretation of George Gershwin in particular have prompted accolades from many of America’s most prominent music critics. He is regarded as the foremost interpreter of George Gershwin compositions according to members of the Gershwin family, Howard Reich of The Chicago Tribune, Gershwin biographer Ed Jablonski, and composer Hugh Martin to list only a few who share this opinion.

"When Cole sits down at the piano, you would swear Gershwin himself was at work...Cole stands as the best Gershwin pianist in America today."

—Howard Reich, The Chicago Tribune

About Kevin.

Born in Bay City, Michigan, Cole graduated from the renowned Interlochen Arts Academy. Soon afterward, he began a history of garnering personal praise from legends like Irving, Berlin, Harold Arlen, E. Y. Harburg, Hugh Martin, Burton Lane, and Stephen Sondheim as well as members of both the Jerome Kern and George/Ira Gershwin families.

"Kid, if I could have played piano like that, I would never have become a song writer!" -Irving Berlin

Kevin performing at the Hollywood Bowl

Kevin Cole’s symphonic engagements include sold-out performances with Los Angeles Philharmonic (Hollywood Bowl), National Symphony (Kennedy Center, Washington, D. C.), BBC Concert Orchestra (Royal Albert Hall, London), Philharmonia Orchestra (London), Cincinnati Pops, Chicago Symphony, Minnesota Orchestra, Nashville Symphony, San Francisco Symphony, Pittsburgh Symphony, Boston Philharmonic, New Zealand Symphony, Edmonton Symphony (Canada), The Gilmore Keyboard Festival (Michigan), Indianapolis Symphony, Qualcomm Hall (California), and many others.

Festival appearances as featured soloist include Millennium Park (Chicago), Grant Park (Chicago), First Annual George and Ira Gershwin Festival (Oceanside, CA), Minnesota Orchestra Music Fest, and Ravinia Festival (Chicago). Cole’s first appearance at Chicago’s Ravinia Festival was named one of the ten best concerts of the year by the Chicago Tribune. His performance with the Minnesota Orchestra was selected one of the ten best of the year by the Minneapolis Star.

What the Critics Say.

So, just what is it about Kevin Cole performances that brings classical and jazz audiences alike jumping to their feet and shouting out like hockey fans?

"Kevin Cole is the living embodiment of Gershwin's style. His virtuosity is breathtaking and he has the power to galvanize an audience to tremendous enthusiasm." —Benjamin Zander, The Boston Philharmonic

Kevin at Royal Albert Hall, London

"Kevin is the best Gershwin pianist since Gershwin himself—no one can touch him."

—Edward Jablonski, author of the Encyclopedia of American Music

"A piano genius...he reveals an understanding of harmony, rhythmic complexity and pure show-biz virtuosity that would have had Vladimir Horowitz smiling with envy."

—Andrew Patner, The Chicago Sun-Times

Kevin performing at the State Theatre, Bay City, Michigan

Concert Schedule.

April 17, 2011  — Indiana Landmark Society with Sylvia McNair

Indianapolis, IN

April 22-23, 2011  — International Symphony Orchestra
McMorran Theatre, Pt. Huron Imperial Theatre, Sarnia, Ontario, Canada

May 21, 2011  — Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra Lincoln-Way North Performing Arts Center

June 26, 2011 — Michigan Jazz Trail Festival Temple Theatre, Saginaw, MI

July 15,2011  — Minnesota Orchestra - The Gershwin's HERE TO STAY

A New Multimedia Concert Event, Minneapolis, MN

July 23, 2011 — Chicago Symphony - Ravinia Festival

James Conlon, conductor

with Brian Stokes Mitchell, Kelli O'Hara and Sylvia McNair

October 1, 2011—  Evansville Philharmonic Orchestra

Alfred Savia, conductor
Evansville, IN

November 4,5,6, 2011  —Elgin Symphony Orchestra

                                                                  Robert Hanson, conductor
                                                                  Elgin,IL

• November 27, 2011  — St. Mary Catholic Parish, Wayne, Michigan

Choral /Gershwin piano concert