Red, White and Rhapsody in Blue

Saginaw, Midland, Bay City… Residents of the tri-cities live in a place rich in history and culture. The region is full of many local wonders, and if you know where to look, you’ll be in for some great surprises. Fortunately, you needn’t look further than Kevin Cole, the renowned pianist who brings musical joy to families and friends of all ages.

On Friday, Cole played by candlelight at the Osgood Wedding and Events Venue. Built in 1925 as a Masonic center, it has been carefully restored and maintained so events just like this can be held in the community. All funds from ticket sales went toward preserving the historic Osgood, so many more events like it can be hosted for years to come.

The atmosphere was calm and dark. The yellow glow of candles surrounded a wooden piano, and surrounding the candles were numerous round tables for Cole’s fans to enjoy his music up close and personal. The Osgood Auditorium is a picture of elegance, and in honor of 250 years of American history, Cole’s program on Friday night featured a vast repertoire of George Gershwin’s works. The entire concert was a tribute to Gershwin’s genius and the musical marvels he brought to American culture in the 20^th century, a fitting tribute not only to Gershwin but to 250 years of America’s musical exceptionalism.

Cole played for over 90 minutes without intermission or sheet music. His fingers danced up and down all 88 keys with great dexterity. As someone who has seen Cole perform many times, I still leave his concerts with an even greater appreciation for what he can do on the piano. One can hardly understand that he only has ten fingers moving up and down the octaves, hitting so many notes. Cole is the kind of pianist who can conjure up a symphony with a single instrument.

Gershwin’s magnum opus, Rhapsody in Blue, closed the concert. Cole is widely regarded as the finest pianist of Gershwin’s compositions, so the audience was in for a preeminent piano performance from start to finish, since all the selections celebrated Gershwin’s music throughout his lifetime, beginning with The Real American Folk Song from 1918 and finishing with Love is Here to Stay shortly before his death in 1937. The legendary composer and pianist passed away before he reached 40, yet even with such a short life, he redefined America’s musical culture, and Kevin Cole perfectly captured Gershwin’s musical legacy through dozens of his arrangements, some in medleys and others featured on their own.

From Somebody Loves Me to Fascinating Rhythm, from Liza to Of Thee I Sing, from Let’s Call the Whole Thing Off to They All Laughed, Kevin Cole put together a concert that truly paid homage to Gershwin and America.

Thanks to talented musicians like Kevin Cole, the adoration of his fans, and unique venues that offer a platform for local talent, our community is treated to the finest music from the finest musicians. While Cole’s musical talents have sent him around the world, he has a soft spot for his Bay City roots and brings musical joy to his loyal fans year after year.