The Piano Men

In this episode, I sit down with rising piano entertainer Marley Robinson (my son!) and drummer Filippos Samlidis.Both are at the start of their journey—Marley already performing in clubs across the Netherlands with Norway coming up, and Filippos building his career in Utrecht, playing with multiple bands while studying.We talk about what it’s really like getting into this world today, the challenges of starting out, and how the next generation is shaping the future of live music.A fresh and honest conversation with two young musicians finding their way.

In this episode, we revisit some of the best moments from Season 1 of The Piano Men Podcast.With 16 episodes full of stories, performances, and insights into the world of piano entertainment, this is a collection of standout highlights—from memorable conversations to great live music moments.More highlights are on the way, but for now, enjoy some of the key moments that shaped the first season.#PianoPodcast #MusicPodcast #LiveMusic #PianoEntertainment #Musicians

In this episode, we talk with piano entertainer Kim van Dyke and drummer Leo about their 25-year journey performing together.From the early days at Crazy Pianos to building successful entertainment concepts, we explore the stories, lessons, and realities of life as a professional musician.Kim also shares the story behind the Dutch Grand—his innovative portable piano shell now used worldwide.A must-listen for anyone interested in live music, performance, and the art of entertaining.#pianomenpodcast #pianoentertainment #livemusicians #musicpodcast #giglife #duelingpianos

In this episode of The Piano Men Podcast, we’re joined by Dutch pop star Roel van Velzen and drummer Patrick Oehlers.We talk about the early days at Crazy Pianos, Roel’s rise to fame in the Netherlands, and life as a professional musician. The conversation is packed with great stories from the stage, insights into the music industry, and of course some fantastic music.A great episode for anyone who loves live music, piano shows, and stories from the world of professional musicians.#thepianomen #musicpodcast #roelvanvelzen #livemusic #pianoentertainer #musicians #podcast

This episode we Speak with Richard Surie, another transitioned professional to musician. From Electrical engineer to full time musician. As a Guitarist and piano entertainer, Richard has been entertaining throughout Europe and writing songs for many years. With drummer Vinoj Joghi they play some originals including one especially written for the podcast!.

In this episode of The Piano Men Podcast, we talk with Djino about his experience managing and running Crazy Pianos and his own venue, Mad Pianos. He shares behind-the-scenes stories, insights into the world of live piano entertainment, and what it takes to run successful music venues.We’re also joined by Lars on drums, an exciting up-and-coming session drummer who is already performing with rising festival bands as well as piano shows. Expect a fun conversation full of real insight into the trade, great stories from the live music scene, and of course, some fantastic music.

Season 2, Episode 7 was a special one—recorded at the legendary Maxim Piano Bar in Amsterdam. We dive into the bar’s rich history and swap stories from years past with retired manager Hans de Lau, before turning to the music and journey of Stijn van den Berg. Stijn has a unique connection to Maxim: it’s where it all started for him, years ago—and in this episode he shares what that place still means to him today.

Mark and John go way back — they first played together in Tilburg (The Netherlands) at Live Pianos, and the chemistry is still 100% there.Mark, better known as The Piano Guy, now focuses on weddings and private events across the UK. In this episode, he breaks down how the UK private-party scene works compared to the Netherlands, shares practical advice for building a solid career, and offers genuinely useful tips for younger players coming up.And of course, there’s music: Mark and John dive into a few tracks you almost never hear on the podcast — and it leads to some of my favourite performances we’ve had on the show.

Phillys has been traveling the world as a musician for years, collecting unforgettable experiences along the way. In this episode, she shares her best advice on piano entertaining and performs some of her favorite songs together with Sander Mens from the Netherlands. It’s their very first time playing together — but it feels like they’ve been musical partners for a lifetime.

Alex has been a musician for most of his life, but only recently made the bold leap from working as a lawyer to becoming a full-time performer. In this episode, we talk about growing up in The Hague, Netherlands, the joy of jam sessions, and his journey from guitar and accordion to the world of piano entertaining.We’re also joined by drummer Eveline Carels, who shares her thoughts on what makes a great piano-entertaining team and the best ways to play together on stage.Expect plenty of laughs, great stories, and a selection of some of their favourite songs to perform.Note: Towards the end of the episode, we experienced a microphone failure, so we had to get a little creative with the audio to keep the podcast going. Eveline’s mic may sound slightly different, but everything is still clearly audible.Enjoy!

Michael and Roy have been entertaining audiences together for years, collecting plenty of great stories along the way. In this episode, they talk about memorable gigs, share solid advice on piano entertaining—especially for corporate parties and weddings—and, of course, play a few choice songs.

Alexander has one of the very best Billy Joel shows you will ever see, alongside many other projects he’s involved in. Alexander and Dennis have played together for many years in their own band as well as numerous other collaborations. We have a great conversation about the dynamic between drummers and pianists, and the life of a touring musician.

Lodewijk is a fantastic piano entertainer and boogie-woogie piano player from Amersfoort, the Netherlands. In this episode, we talk about his early days performing with his boogie-woogie band, his own piano show Pumping Pianos, and his long-time collaboration with versatile drummer Matthias van Olst.This season also introduces a new format, with a drummer added to the mix — resulting in a fun and lively three-way conversation. Enjoy!

Johnathan Is an English piano entertainer and booking agent living in Bergen Norway. We talk about Work family life balance, his early years with his original band, working the Liverpool circut and travelling abroad as a working musician. We also talk about Dippner Entertainment Agency and what they look for in piano entertainers. This is our very first On location Interview and our last episode of season 1!. Next season we will be doing more on location, online and piano with drums! A whole mix of different situiations so we can reach a broarder range of players worldwide. Be sure to share with your friends so we can get the word out to those who may benifit from ther information shared by professional players! thanks for watching and listening and enjoy!

Berry started his carreer in bands playing with famous dutch artists and becoming a keyboard expert for others, whilst then moving into piano entertaining and playing on American cruise ships and in Dutch piano bars. We talk about his unique set up and interesting tatoos! #pianoman #interview #keyboardtech #dutchartist

Albert is a lot of fun and a well seasoned piano entertainer from The Netherlands with many crazy stories. Also a fantastic Latin pianist with time spent studying in Cuba through his university years. We laugh a lot and shared some great stories of his experiences over the last 25 years as a piano entertainer.

Frank is a Dutch drummer who has converted to a piano entertainer yet still plays as both. Playing mostly with De Jongens Van Je Weet Wel as a piano entertainer, Frank also drums for touring blues bands. He has a lot to say about his brand of piano entertaining with some really great tips!

Bart is a very talented young Dutch musician with a great skill of entertaining and more than competent musicianship. We talk about his touring with Dutch top 40 artist Hannah Mae, his role as MD with Mumma Mia The Party and his journey as a professional piano entertainer.

Lenny is a Dutch-Caribbean piano entertainer with a long history as a touring drummer for world-class acts in the Netherlands. In his 30s, he transitioned into piano entertaining. We discuss his early experiences in bands in Curaçao and the Netherlands, as well as his move into piano entertaining.

Benjamin was one of the original players from Crazy Pianos that later went into business for himself creating a popular piano show in The Netherlands called " De Jongens Van Je Weet Wel." We talk about his journey to becoming an accomplished musician and piano entertainer and some fun stories of his travels.

Hans is a well known piano entertainer in The Netherlands. We talk about his unique experience in becoming a piano entertainer, his philosopy on entertaining in general and his experience with performing to massive crowds with his own bands.

At only 24, Bonno Is an up and coming piano entertainer currently studying pop music at the Conservatory of Amsterdam. We talk about Mozart, his work on The Beatles tribute, his love of Elvis and everything to do with his journey into being a piano entertainer.

Spike is a young Dutch piano entertainer that started his journey in Covid times, transitioning from being a drummer supporting Pianisits, to being one himself. We talk about how to become a piano entertainer in modern times and his current developement as a professional piano entertainer, DJ and drummer.

James Byrom is a UK born piano entertainer living in The Netherlands and performing frequently with Howl At The Moon on cruise ships between gigs in The Netherlands. He talks of his passion with humour in the job and performing in the American duelling shows.

Adrian is from Romania and has travelled extenisively as a piano entertainer. We talk about life as a musician growing up in communisim and life through the pandemic. Adrian has a very unique and original way of playing songs as he demonstrates at the piano. We talk also about his solo set up with the Korg pa700.

Kevin is a brilliant musician, entertainer and composer that was born in America and raised in Canada before moving to Europe performing regularly in piano bars and theatres. A great indepth conversation about his own philosophy of entertainment and musicianship. And some fantastic performances!.

Johnny Corsie has been a long time player at Crazy Pianos and has travelled extensively as a solo piano entertainer giving him plenty of crazy stories to talk about!. This is the first podcast where we do a deep dive into a very unique solo set up with keyboards and drum machines.

Rudi is born to Dutch and Columbian Parents in The Netherlands and got his start as a drummer at Crazy Pianos, successfully transitioning to a very talented piano entertainer. we talk about his transition, influences and his entertaining phiosophy. Rudi speaks and sings in 3 languages fluently.

In this first episode we interview Stevie J, A prominent piano entertainer from the UK who lives in The Netherlands and plays at Crazy Pianos. Stevie is one of the greatest, most well known piano entertainers in Europe and has played all over the world. He shares his stories of travels and his own approach to the trade of piano entertaining and plays some of his favourites.

Every Tuesday as of the 22nd October, 2024, we post an interview with an international piano entertainer and talk about their lives as an entertainer, skills they have aquired, and some crazy stories at gigs from all over the world!