Kaeshammer returns to Penticton for 4-night stand
Jazz and boogie-woogie musician performs next week at Dream Cafe while on tour for latest recording
Michael Kaeshammer has always treated his fournight stand at Penticton’s Dream Cafe as a working vacation. The seven-time Juno-nominated pianist, vocalist and songwriter returns to the music house Wednesday for what’s become an annual event for more than a decade.
“Penticton is really my favourite week of the year,” he said in a phone interview. “My girlfriend spends the week with me. During the day we go exploring, and I play a gig at night. I’m so glad the place (Dream Cafe) is still around.”
Penticton will be his only stop in the Okanagan.
The jazz and boogie-woogie pianist is touring in support of his latest album, “Something New,” which comes on the heels of his 2016 release, “No Filler,” which received a Juno nod for best vocal jazz album. (Diana Krall took home the trophy.)
“The last two or three years, I decided to only record situations that were on a personal level. I went down to New Orleans and played with some musicians who I’ve always wanted to play with. I recorded with friends. The album came out in April. Now I’m touring.”
This summer, he will hit the festival circuit, followed by a tour of China in the fall, and then a return to B.C.
He will be one of four musicians on “a full stage” in Penticton (along with a grand piano) as he travels with a drummer, bass player and horn player.
There’s no such thing as a set list at a Kaeshammer show. He tells the band the first and last songs of the night and he goes from there.
“It all depends what mood the audience is in.Going down a list of songs every night would get pretty boring. I like all aspects of being a musician, but writing is probably my favourite thing to do because I can do it on the road, at home, I can vent . . . it’s kind of like therapy. But, playing live is still great. That’s really why I started.”
When asked to name the highlight of his career, Kaeshammer picks two: working with the Neville Brothers in New Orleans and playing the opening ceremonies of the 2010 Paralympics in his adopted hometown of Vancouver.
Like just above every classically trained musician, Kaeshammer is a champion for music education in the public schools. He often does workshops with school kids.
“It is one of the most important things,” he said. “Kids are going to absorb anything if exposed at a young age. They may find something that’s a passion within them. It’s not just music, but art, or theatre, and it’s proven to help young people with their academic grades. And, it gets them away from their screens and being in front of gadgets.”
Michael Kaeshammer and his band perform July 1114 at The Dream Cafe in Penticton, beginning at 8 p.m. each night. For tickets visit thedreamcafe.ca or phone 250-490-9012.