Ernie Jurgens Pianist from Encino, CA

Ernie Jurgens, is also known as "Grandpa Ernie" to some people. Has been playing piano since he was 10 years old, when at that time he took piano lessons for one year. Hating his lessons and his piano teacher, he convinced his mother that he could teach himself to play the popular songs that his parents and their friends enjoyed listening to. In high school, he taught himself to play "Five-foot Two", and a little ragtime. After high school, he performed for audiences in the Air Force, mostly in Istanbul, Turkey. He has since performed in Mexico, Sweden and the United States. Ernie was raised in a small community in Wisconsin, and moved to California at the age of 32. After a lot of convincing in 2008, he realized that he could make money entertaining in the retirement and assisted living homes. His audiences loved him! And by request, he has recorded two CD albums, on which he goes by the name, "Grandpa Ernie" Because he plays strictly from memory, his tunes are his own renditions. Most of Ernie's music consists of the popular music from the early 20th century thru the 1960's, and some additional tunes from the 1970s, 1980s & 1990s. His repertoire of more than 250 songs includes tunes from Broadway musicals, George Gershwin, Eddie Cantor, Al Jolson, Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr., Tony Bennett, Barbara Streisand, Andrea Bocelli, Celine Dion, Johnny Cash, Elvis Presley, and a host of other famous artists. He performs concerts for the senior citizens in retirement homes and senior centers. He also plays background music for Sunday and holiday brunches, various parties, chamber of commerce mixers, and just about any event where music is desired. He also is able to perform in hotels, restaurants, and shopping malls. Although, he can bring one of his portable pianos, he prefers not having to bring his piano. His attire varies from business casual, to professional (including tuxedo). Song samples #s 1,4,5,7,9,10 are from his CDs Vols. 1 & 2. Song samples #11 & 12 are from his old honky tonk piano, without any added instrumentation sounds. Song samples # 1-10, have added instrumentation sounds created by him on his digital piano.