Rachmaninov!

Had the most amazing evening Saturday. Went with my daughter Christa, her boyfriend Taylor, and my wife Nina to see Rachmaninov's Piano Concerto No. 3 in D minor at the Ohio Theatre. It was amazing!!! That is some of the most beautiful music I have ever heard...it's amazing being over 40 minutes long! But so special was spending time with Christa which doesn't happen as much as I'd like anymore. She has a very busy schedule at Grove City and anytime I get to spend I cherish. Kids grow up so fast....

Been working on two Christmas choir pieces for Liberty Church. Christmas is right around the corner - this is the busiest season for me but I'm determined this year to enjoy it and not let the special moments get away from me. Christ's birth is the reason and I am committed this year to remind myself daily of that truth...

Der Dutchman in Plain City

I am now at the Der Dutchman in Plain City every other Friday from 5 - 8 pm! Future dates are Nov. 6, 20, Dec. 4 & 18.

I also had a great time playing at the Govenor's mansion last week for Govenor & Mrs. Ted Strickland as they entertained people from China. It was a wonderful night with gracious hosts! Can't believe it's November already.... I'm gearing up for the concert season so if you're interested in booking a concert at your church or for your Christmas party just send me an email.

Last Sunday night my wife took me to the most amazing concert for my birthday. If you've never seen Celtic Women you've got to go. They are so amazing. Their voices are the most beautiful I've heard and the violin player never stops jumping and dancing all while never missing a note. I highly recommend their concerts...

This Saturday my daughter and her friend Taylor are coming home and we're going to a concert with The Columbus Symphony. The featured pianist is playing Rachmaninov, I think the most difficult piece of music. Christa loves it and it is part of her birthday gift. I sure am looking forward to seeing it but most of all spending time with her!

Thai Orchid in Powell - Thursday's

I know it's been awhile but life has been a little busy around our house. Nina's daughter, son-in-law and 4 children came for a visit the entire month of June! It was amazingly wonderful and busy and was almost a let down when they left. It was great having the kids here on a day to day basis and we got to really bond with the new baby Joshua who's growing by leaps and bounds already. Have sure missed my daughter Christa this summer though and am looking forward to her return from summer camp counseling in PA. next week. She'll only be home for 2 weeks before having to go back to Grove City for her sophmore year of college. There just doesn't seem to be enough time.

I've also started a new venture playing on Thursday nights at the new Thai Orchid in Powell from 6 - 10 pm. Come out and see me sometime! The food is really great and so is the atmosphere!

Piano Lessons

I've decided to return back to the teaching world after receiving so many requests. I will be teaching piano to students reading age to adults, beginner to advanced. I'll be teaching using the style that most fits the desire of the student such as sight reading, ear training and improvisation. If you know of anyone interested send me an email. I'll be teaching in my home in Powell on my Kawai grand piano!

Florida Tour

It was great getting out of Ohio for a little while. The lack of sunshine in February always leaves me a little tired but seeing the sun, green grass and some beautiful sunsets recharges my inspiration. We took Nina's 88 year old mom down to re-visit family and friends. We started by visiting Nina's nephew, a nurse anethicist at Sarasota General and his beautiful wife Christy who is an amazing cook. Then dropped Nina's mom off in Japanese Garden's, her home for 22 years, for four days. During that time we went to Bradenton, Longboat Key, Anna Maria Island and Naples also visiting Bonita Presbyterian Church, Sandi & Jim Hess' church, as you can see in one of the pictures. I'm in the pic with Jeff Faux, Director of Music Ministries at BPC playing a variety of music for him. We then headed over to Boca Raton to Nina's brother Bob and sister-in-law Linda and enjoyed more gourmet meals. Lots of good cooks in that family. We're back now and wishing for an early Spring. Hopefully it won't be long now!

New Recording Finally Underway!!!

Now there's no more fooling around, no more procrastinating and no more excuses....it's way past time to have this new Steve Banks original CD done. I have all the tunes composed but now the challenge is in arranging each piece. I am shooting for the beginning of Dec. but I'll need a lot of prayer to accomplish that...it's been wonderful but time consuming getting married, moving and sending my daughter off to college...but now, I promise, I'm back to making music!!!

Christa's 19th Brithday

Nina & I just got back from Grove City where we celebrated Christa's birthday. We saw two Rugby games...WOW! Christa is a great player and that's a tough game much like football without any pads or helmets...but I found out she is really tough. It was fun meeting her friends and seeing the campus again. I sure am missing her a lot these days but am excited about how these next years will shape and mold her. Here's a pic from our trip....