Each pianist will play a solo set, some will play duos, and on a few numbers, all four pianists, eight hands and 40 fingers will tickle the ivories.
Nimtz, who is the director of Miami University’s VOA Learning Center, has played a number of concerts like this in the past, several of them with Smith, a longtime friend. This concert, however, is “an interesting generational split. Tom and Dave are a generation ahead of Jeff and I,” said Nimtz.
With a variety of players, there will be a variety of music. Reuter will play a tribute to George Gershwin, as well as “Over the Rainbow.”
“I play mostly modern jazz and ballads, said Reuter, who played piano for First Lady Barbara Bush in 1990.
Belew, who is well known around the city as a music booster, organizes the annual Open Door Pantry benefit concerts. He will play a medley of some of his favorite songs, including “Misty” and “Sophisticated Ladies.”
“I essentially play by ear,” Belew said. “I try to play with a lot of feel but I don’t have a lot of frills.”
Smith hasn’t decided exactly what he will play yet, although he said “The Feather” from the “Forrest Gump” score was a possibility.
“I think it’ll all be great. I’ve heard them all play and they’re all great musicians. We’re going to have a great time,” Smith said. His work includes performing a number of theme parks, including Kings Island, Disney World in Florida and Disneyland in Tokyo.
Trying to alternate between being a soloist and an accompanist will be a challenge, but a fun one, Nimtz said.
“There’s a give and take between the role of the accompanist and a soloist. It’s a balancing act. There are no written arrangements. Everybody knows the tunes. We agree on the key and the style beforehand and take off from there,” Nimtz said.
The cost for members is $15; non-members $17.
Contact this reporter at (513) 705-2836 or erobinette@coxohio.com.
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