Joshua Rich has been performing music for many years and would love to play with Billy Joel, among others. He has played all over the U.S. and is performing for the first time at the Lyceum, 201 S. Washington St, on Saturday, July 5 at 7 p.m. Tickets are $25/couple or $15/person.
<b>Introduce yourself:
</b>Joshua Rich, pianist, vocalist & composer has 30 plus years of experience playing a complete range of music including my own compositions.
<b>How did you get your start in music and how long have you been performing?
</b> I discovered my gift for playing while sitting on my Dad's lap and watching him play. I began writing songs at age 10...and went on from there.
<b>What is it that you love about performing?
</b>Sharing my passion for music with an audience & feeling them relate to my music.
<b>Where is your favorite place to play, either publicly or personally?
</b>So far The Kennedy Center and Blues Alley. I also enjoy house concerts, which affords me the opportunity for a close interaction with the audience.
<b>Best compliment about a performance?
</b>That I had the deepest connection to an instrument the person had ever seen.
<b>What is your favorite piece of music and why?
</b>Hard to say...my favorites are my own. Depends on my mood. But I also like my versions of jazz and classical pieces.
<b>Who would you love to play with? Why?
</b>Paul McCartney, Elton John and Billy Joel. They were my favorites growing up. I would have loved to have been able to play with Louis Armstrong.
<b>Describe your sound:
</b>A hybrid of original solos, piano, jazz and classical music with improvisation and a personal touch.
<b>Biggest musical influences:
</b>Elton John, The Beatles, Mozart, Fats Waller, Chico Marx
<b>Where have you toured?
</b>Music has afforded me the opportunity to travel and perform across the US.
<b>Anything special about the upcoming show at the Lyceum?
</b>This my first time performing at The Lyceum, hopefully exposing my music to a new audience.
<b>Future plans:
</b>To continue to expand my music venues from youth programs and adult productions, such as my Originacts Theater Company, solo concerts to eventually performing at Carnegie Hall.
<b>What would you recommend to someone starting out in the business?
</b>Take it seriously and don't give up!