Michael Cavanaugh, Gulf Coast Symphony salute Billy Joel Feb. 20

Hand picked by Billy Joel to star in the hit Broadway musical Movin’ Out, Michael Cavanaugh received both Tony and Grammy nominations for the role. Named “the new voice of the American Rock and Roll Songbook” by Billboard, Cavanaugh will have you rockin’ in the aisles to “Piano Man,” “Uptown Girl” and “New York State of Mind.”
Michael Cavanaugh will perform the music of Billy Joel with the Gulf Coast Symphony at Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall at FSW on Sunday, Feb. 20 at 7 p.m.
Michael began playing at age seven, when his parents bought their first piano. Encouraged by family and friends, and inspired by his hero Billy Joel, Michael formed his first band at age 10 and began playing local functions, fine-tuning the craft that would become his chosen career. His first full-time gig as a musician was an extended engagement in Orlando, Florida, at a piano bar called Blazing Pianos.
In January of 1999, Michael received an offer that would unknowingly change his life: an opportunity to play Las Vegas at the famed New York, New York Hotel and Casino. It was there that Billy Joel spotted Michael and joined him on stage one fateful night of February 2001.
It only took two songs before Billy was convinced that he had found his new Piano Man: Michael Cavanaugh. Michael closed up shop at New York, New York and moved to New York City to work alongside Billy Joel and Twyla Tharp to shape the Broadway Musical that would be called Movin’ Out. In the lead role, he received both Tony and Grammy nominations.
“We are so excited to bring “Michael Cavanaugh to Fort Myers. His performance with the Gulf Coast Symphony will have people dancing in the aisles,” said Maestro Andrew M. Kurtz.
For ticket information, visit www.gulfcoastsymphony.org or call 239-481-4849.