Also available in Bromley, Rochester, Margate, Folkestone, Dover, and Greenwich.
Performing as a pianist in Kent
My name is Eugene Portman and I receive a steady flow of work from the Kent area as a pianist. The region is a very popular destination for couples who would like to marry away from London city life. Furthermore, the venues are spectacular and there is an incredible variety to choose from. These venues are ideal for all types of events and I’ve played the piano in many of them. I perform all over Kent, but the towns and cities I visit the most include Maidstone, Canterbury, Rochester, Margate, Folkestone, Dover and Greenwich.
Solo Pianist, Duo and Jazz Band
The biggest part of my work in Kent is as a solo pianist, but I can provide other line-ups. These can range from duo format right up to a five-piece jazz band (piano, bass, drums, vocals, and sax). If you contact me, I can help you find a line-up that will fit both your budget and available space at your chosen venue.
The Music
A lot of my work in Kent as a pianist have been linked to the thriving jazz scene in the region. I love jazz and this is where my main interest lies. I play all the great jazz standards and songs made famous by the great musicians of the swing era. These include the likes of Frank Sinatra, Nat King Cole, Ella Fitzgerald, and Louis Armstrong. My piano style has developed through listening to the great pianists of the past such as Erroll Garner, Oscar Peterson, and George Shearing.
When I play for weddings I have to be adept at performing from many genres of music. This is because I have to be able to provide for every part of your wedding day. For instance, classical music seems to be the trend for ceremonies, while drinks receptions often demand something livelier such as jazz. I can play a wide range of repertoire from the works of Bach and Chopin to Coldplay and Gary Barlow.
My Work as a Sing-along Pianist in Kent
I have recently started performing as a sing-along pianist in Kent events and weddings. The Walnut Tree in Yalding and the Jolly Drayman, Gravesend are two of the venues that have used my services in this genre. Just for your information, I provide all the song sheets and I dress like an old fashioned Cockney pianist.. This consists of a Bowler hat, waistcoat, pocket watch, grandad shirt, etc.
Please visit the sing-along page for more information. As an alternative, you can visit my other website at www.uksingalongpianist.co.uk.
Whether you book me as a solo performer or the full jazz band, you will find that I try and give the music has a feel-good quality. I hope this quality makes the music sit comfortably in any social situation. Hopefully making the music add colour to your event without drowning conversation.
Here are some of the places in Kent where I have performed as a pianist:
Kent National Golf and Country Club, Watermans Lane, Brenchley – There’s no piano at this venue, so pianists must take their own instrument.
Archbishops Palace, Mill Street, Maidstone – Piano on site which is always reasonably in tune. I have played for quite a number of ceremonies at this historic venue.
St. Augustine’s Priory, Priory Road, Bilsington, near Ashford – Piano in main house, but a digital one is needed in the priory itself. This is a lovely and unusual venue set in the beautiful Kent countryside.
Combe Bank School, Sundridge, Kent – A lovely venue where I have frequently played. They have three pianos which can be used for weddings and other events..
West Heath School, Ashgrove Road, Sevenoaks – This venue does have a grand piano, but a digital one is sometimes needed if music is required in other parts of the venue. I have played here for quite a lot of weddings over the years.
Sandwich Guildhall, Sandwich – A great historical venue that is available for weddings and other events.
Here are some of the towns and villages in Kent where I have performed as a pianist:
- Ashford
- Broadstairs
- Canterbury
- Chatham
- Crayford
- Dartford
- Deal
- Dover
- Edenbridge
- Erith
- Faversham
- Folkestone
- Gillingham
- Gillingham
- Gravesend
- Herne Bay
- Hythe
- Lydd
- Maidstone
- Margate
- Orpington
- Ramsgate
- Rochester
- Sandwich
- Sevenoaks
- Sheerness
- Sittingbourne
- Southborough
- Strood
- Swanley
- Tenterden
- Tonbridge
- Tunbridge Wells
- Westerham
- Whitstable