An Evening with 5 Grand Pianos!

Last Saturday, I had the privilege of attending the Grand Piano Extravaganza in Shipshewana. Thank you to my aunt for the ticket! When we walked into the building, my mom commented that (based on the average ages of those in attendance) she was the teenager of the bunch. I added, I must be the infant then. I did see a couple of people younger than me. The night began with each of the 5 grand pianist performing southern gospel music with each of their groups respectively as well as a performance by a comedian. The comedian titled his segment "An 8-Track Guy in an Ipod World". Just before the intermission, all the grand pianists came together and played a song. After intermission, it was all grand pianos! That is what I thought the whole night was going to be and what I enjoyed the most. Here Dino Kartsonakis is on the lead piano with the other four pianists. I remember growing up with his music. The pastor's daughter at the Missionary Church would play them as the offeratory on Sundays. It was fun to hear him play his arrangements.

Stewart Varnado of the Dixie Echoes takes his turn playing for the audience. He tried to be funny. He also played a Southern Gospel song in a Sinatra/Dean Martin style. Jeff Stice of the Triumphant Quartet was one of my favorites of the evening. I loved his style and was amazed at how he could make the keys fly! Josh Singletary of the Tribute Quartet is a fellow red-head. Though I was not familiar with him prior to the concert, a lot of people in the crowd seemed to know him. Kim Collingsworth of the Collingsworth Family really brought the house down with her genuine rendition of "How Great Thou Art". She really radiated an anointing of the Spirit. This was my favorite part of the whole night! After she finished, Dino came to the piano and felt the Spirit leading them to stray away from the schedule of the evening. He then led us into a time of worship. I was amazed at how he could just say to the other pianist to just follow his lead and they were able to play along without it being rehearsed! It was a great time of worship. After a time of worship, the pianists got back on the planned schedule for the evening and played songs together. During the finale, the pianist circled up around the piano bench of the lead piano and kept switching out who was playing during the song. Mom got to meet and get her picture taken with Kim Collingsworth after the concert. I think that Kim is Mom's favorite. We chated with Kim a few minutes and she seemed real genuine and such a sweetheart.

I also got to meet Dino and I got my program signed by him. Prior to Saturday evening, I was only familiar with Dino. I love grand pianos and music; now I have others to listen to!