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Ian Benjamin - Singing Pianist
- Charlotte, NC
- Singing Pianist
- Travels up to 600 miles
- $250 and up
Overview
Whether you want an evening of Billy Joel and Elton John classics, a 1960s-themed sock hop, a hit parade from across the past eight decades, or anything in between, I'd love to play for your next event. With a repertoire of over 700 songs, let me bring the Piano Bar to YOU!
17 Reviews
From the very beginning of our communication, Ian was professional and pleasant to work with. He responded almost immediately upon me reaching out, was very fairly priced, and followed-up with me as needed throughout the planning process. He made the process of hiring a musician easy. At the event, he arrived early, was dressed professionally, had a friendly demeanor and was personable with the attendees. His talent was evident in his performance! He required absolutely no micro-managing throughout the experience from first contact to the time he packed away his piano. We would absolutely hire him again and plan to do so at our next event!
Keyboard Player
Ian is a top-rate musician with a huge repertoire! He is engaging and fun. I would recommend him for any occasion! We love him!
Singing Pianist
Ian has been providing engaging entertainment to our Independant Living Retirement Community for a few months now and has been doing a fantastic job. Ian is super accommodating and understands the demographic of his audience and plays familiar tunes and songs accordingly. His skill set on the piano and keyboard are impressive.
Jazz Pianist, Keyboard Player, Pianist, Singing Pianist
Ian is fantastic, lively and interacts very naturally with his audience. I highly recommend!!!!
Pianist
The first time you book someone, you're never quite sure how that performer is going to be. Well, let me tell you that you have nothing to worry about with Ian! He showed up a little early to get the lay of the land since it was his first time here. His keyboard playing was terrific and he has vocals to match. His song list could not have been better for our crowd. Thanks Ian. Every patron I spoke with afterwards said to be sure to get him to come back and believe me, they don't always tell me that. Listen, if you are planning an event and need to hire someone who is professional in every respect, hire Ian. You will be thrilled that you did!
Keyboard Player, Singing Pianist
Ian provided great musical entertainment! He was professional, he sounded great, and his sense of humor charmed our customers. We’re looking forward to having him back!
Singing Pianist
Ian is magnificent! He came to visit our retirement community for a performance. Very engaging with our residents, very wide range knowledge of music and musicians. Wonderful voice and wonderful pianist.
100% Recommend him for event!
Oldies Music, Pianist, Singing Pianist
Response from Ian Benjamin - Singing Pianist:
Thanks Asia! I had a great time, and I'm looking forward to coming up to perform for you again!
Ian knows his crowd and tailors his music right to them. He had 80+ year olds up on their feet dancing! Has a deep breadth of music to choose from in his head. Takes requests and performs them like they are his favorite songs. You cannot go wrong with Ian at the piano.
Jazz Pianist, Singing Pianist
Response from Ian Benjamin - Singing Pianist:
Wow John, thank you for your kind words! I hope I can come back and perform for everyone again soon!
Ian performed for our Assisted Living and Memory Care residents last month and they loved it! He was engaged with the residents and played all their favorite songs. They are excited for him to return soon!
Oldies Music, Pianist
Response from Ian Benjamin - Singing Pianist:
Thank you Yvonne! I had a great time performing for them, and I'm excited to come back with a new show!
We have had Ian come perform at our Senior Care Center a couple times now and it is always such a great show! He keeps everyone engaged and entertained, and I always get asked immediately when he will be back to perform again. He is a wonderful entertainer and I would highly recommend!
Oldies Music, Pianist, Singing Pianist
Response from Ian Benjamin - Singing Pianist:
Thank you so much Meg! Your residents are so kind and welcoming, I always have a lovely time performing for them!
Ian is awesome! From the time you book with him to the end! His music is beautiful and he draws the crowd in with his personality! We will definitely have him again!
Singing Pianist
Response from Ian Benjamin - Singing Pianist:
Thank you, Hillary! I had a great time, and your residents were so kind and welcoming. Looking forward to coming up to perform for y’all again!
Ian provided an afternoon of entertainment for our community and everyone loved him. He is so talented, with a great personality and had the place rocking! We highly recommend him and everyone wants him back!
I wanted to take a moment to say, "Thank you!" to Mr. Ian Benjamin and to Gig Salad. Mr. Benjamin was our guest pianist for our worship service yesterday morning, and he did a wonderful job! We hope to have him as our guest again in the future.
Thank you again!
Elizabeth Forsythe
Director of Music Ministry
Mount Bethel United Methodist Church
Bahama, North Carolina
Pianist
Response from Ian Benjamin - Singing Pianist:
Thank you Betty! It was my pleasure!
I hired Ian Benjamin on short notice to play piano for a small gathering of friends/dinner party. He was nothing short of wonderful! He fulfilled a song request I had mentioned during the booking process and he took several other song requests as our party was winding down. He performed wonderful background music, keeping his volume appropriate so we could all enjoy our conversations and the music at the same time. He was friendly and polite with my guests and I will definitely hire him in the future! I never knew my piano could sound that good!!
Pianist
Ian is incredibly talented and knows how to sing and play several different music genres! He is absolutely someone you're going to want to work with. He gets the job done and always exceeds expectations. Truly a treasure and a delightful person. I highly recommend that you chose Ian, he is a well trained versatile artist and an overall great person! 5 star rating for sure!!!
Pianist, Singing Pianist
I hired Ian as one of two piano players for a festival dueling pianos gig. He was easy to get along with through the booking process, showed up early and prepared, represented my company well and is very talented!
Singing Pianist
Piano bars and the piano lounge artist is a lost art form in our city of Charlotte but Ian Benjimen is bringing it back in full force AND "raising the bar," so to speak. Ian is definitely a pro and from the minute he starts his performance, you know you're in for a fun & unique experience. Be ready to engage with him with your favorite playlist in-hand, he knows them all. :) Can't wait to see/hear Ian again!
Singing Pianist
Booking Info
What to Expect
AS A SINGING PIANIST:
- A repertoire of 700+ songs, ranging from Frank Sinatra to Fleetwood Mac, Billy Joel to Bon Jovi, ABBA to Adele, Elton John to Ed Sheeran, the Beatles to Bruno Mars.
- Jazzy cocktail hour? Check. Acoustic pop covers? Check. Slam-dunk sing-along dance party? Super check.
- When the time is right: Christmas and Holiday parties!
AS A PIANO PLAYER/KEYBOARDIST:
- 25 years experience playing piano.
- Ability to read music, chord charts, and lead sheets; excellent sight-reader.
- I can also do weddings and ceremonial music!
About
Ian has entertained audiences of all ages in two dozen states and over fifty countries world-wide, coupling his high-energy, fun, upbeat performances with his charming, witty, positive personality. He has worked as a singer, a pianist, a singing pianist, a music director, a cruise director, and an entertainment manager. Career highlights include eight years working at sea, traveling the world while performing in award-winning entertainment aboard cruise ships, and performing in New York City, including the famous 54 Below cabaret and the West End Lounge.
Originally from Ohio, Ian got his BFA in Musical Theatre from Wright State University. While in college, he paid his rent by music directing various student productions, and accompanying a local church choir. He moved to New York in 2016, where he promptly booked his first gig as a Lead Vocalist on a Holland America Line cruise ship. A couple years later, he began working as a Piano Bar Entertainer, engaging crowds by playing hit songs from the past eight decades in his signature interactive style. After the pandemic, he was head-hunted to be the cruise director for the inaugural season onboard the American Countess steamboat, sailing the Mississippi River on a luxury old-style paddle-wheeler, where he performed "Ten Grand" -- a rocking show highlighting the music of history's greatest singing pianists -- to rave reviews.
Now semi-retired from life on the water, with nearly twenty years of professional experience under his belt, Ian is thrilled to spend most of his time singing and playing in and around Charlotte, North Carolina, where he lives with his wife, Eva.
Additional Booking Notes
Electrical outlet and space for a keyboard.
I've got everything else covered!
Upcoming Booked Events
July 23, 2024 • 5:00pm - 6:00pm | Retirement Community Event |
August 23, 2024 • 7:00pm - 9:00pm | Restaurant/Bar Event |
November 16, 2024 • 8:00pm - 11:00pm | Birthday Party |
Past Booked Events
April 03, 2024 • 10:00am - 10:45am | Corporate Event |
February 14, 2024 • 1:30pm - 2:30pm | Holiday Party |
January 03, 2024 • 6:30pm - 8:30pm | Restaurant/Bar Event |
December 14, 2023 • 2:30pm - 3:30pm | Dinner Party |
December 08, 2023 • 2:00pm - 3:30pm | Christmas Party |
October 29, 2023 • 6:00pm - 7:00pm | Cocktail Party |
October 17, 2023 • 2:30pm - 3:30pm | House Concert |
October 15, 2023 • 9:30am - 12:00pm | Worship Service |
August 11, 2023 • 6:00pm - 7:00pm | House Party |
Social