Jim Brickman Returns to The Center - The Center for Performing Arts's MySpace Blog |

We open our 15th Anniversary season at The Center with the much anticipated return of fans favorite Jim Brickman to The Center. We have spent the summer painting up, fixing up, shampooing and in general getting ready for this exciting night on October 3. While we were getting ready for your return, Jim was busy as every touring the country and recording his special Beautiful Word concert in Niagara Falls on June 5 and 6. We are thrilled to be presenting this concert here at Governors State University.

Jim Brickman has revolutionized the sound of solo piano with his pop-style instrumentals and star studded vocal collaborations.Since the release of his debut album “No Words” in 1994, Jim Brickman’s romantic piano sound has defined him as a marquis among contemporary instrumental hit makers. His signature style of playing and songwriting has also brought him six Gold and Platinum selling albums, 26 charted adult radio hits, a Grammy nod in 2003, Two SESAC “Songwriter of the Year” awards, a Canadian Country Music Award and a Dove Award presented by the Gospel Music Association.Jim's best-known compositions include the chart-toppers “Valentine,” “The Gift,” “Love of My Life,” “Simple Things” and “Peace.” In November 2005, he held the top three spots on Billboard’s New Age chart for his albums The Disney Songbook, Grace and Greatest Hits. Jim has established a reputation for his collaborations with many gifted musical artists that include: Martina McBride, Gerald Levert, Lady Antebellum, Michael W. Smith, Kenny Loggins, Carly Simon, Herb Alpert, Collin Raye, Pam Tillis, Michael Bolton, Sara Evans, Donny Osmond and Olivia Newton-John.A native of Cleveland, Ohio Brickman began playing piano at the age of five and studied music at the prestigious Cleveland Institute of Music. He founded his own advertising music company in 1980, writing commercial jingles for such advertisers as McDonald’s, Pontiac and Kellogg’s. A strong supporter of PBS, Jim has taped three concert specials for that network, which include Jim Brickman at the Magic Kingdom—The Disney Songbook (2005), My Romance, An Evening With Jim Brickman (2000) and Love Songs and Lullabies (2002). The 2009 PBS concert special Beautiful World is inspired by Jim’s many travels and his memorable experiences of music bridging borders and cultural divides. It’s theme of friendship, healing and connecting cultures includes the quintessential Jim Brickman sound and unites worldwide musical influences. You can see more about Jim on his website at http://www.jimbrickman.com/ or see his best videos at http://www.gatasi.com/tag/jim%20brickman

I look forward to welcoming you to this and many other events at The Center this season. Our 15th anniversary season is one in which we reach out to all members of our communities with events that Touch Our Lives. As in past years the events presented at The Center cover an entire spectrum of musical, dance, comedy and family events. We hope to see you again this year for events at The Center that entertain, educate and engage your spirit.

See You at The Center!

Burt Dikelsky
Executive Director