Pianist, songwriter, and radio host Jim Brickman has spent nearly three decades bringing his signature sound to audiences across the country. This fall, he returns to one of his favorite tour stops — Richmond — for two intimate performances at The Tin Pan.
A Longtime Connection with Richmond
Jim Brickman loves performing in Richmond. It was one of the first performance stops in his career and it has been a regular stop ever since.
“It’s one of the grassroots areas that did well for me. But I also spent a lot of time cultivating it. I had great relationships with people there,” says Brickman, who has been touring for 28 years. “I have a lot of respect for the local broadcasters and journalists.”
This year, Brickman will be bringing his distinctive piano style to The Tin Pan for two shows on November 2.
A Prolific Career in Music
A pianist and prolific songwriter, Brickman has 22 Number One albums and has garnered a number of awards, including two Grammy nominations, Gospel Music’s Dove Award, and two Society of European Stage Authors and Composers Songwriter of the Year Awards.
He’s also written three best-selling books, starred in five TV concert specials, and is in the 27th season of hosting the syndicated radio show The Jim Brickman Show.
Brickman started playing the piano when he was about five years old. “I was always drawn to the piano. I was always drawn to music,” he says. “My parents encouraged it but didn’t push me.”
From Jingles to Joy
Because of his knack for writing ear worms — musical fragments that stay in your mind — pop choruses, and hooks, Brickman started writing jingles in college.
“It really hones your skills in an amazing way,” he says, noting that it allowed him to take direction and turn it into something that emotionally resonates with audiences.
Writing jingles is a competitive business, he adds. “It was a wonderful thing. I learned how to produce singers and musicians and do arrangements. I loved it. It suited me.”
Years of jingle writing helped Brickman see the music business as an industry as well as a creative endeavor, which has helped him throughout his career.
A Performer at Heart
If there’s one thing that can be said about Brickman, he was born to perform.
“It’s the thing I love to do the most,” he says.
Over the years, he has collaborated with artists from all different genres — everyone from Martina McBride and Lady A to Donny Osmond and Jane Krakowski.
“I like it because it not only exposes me to other genres and styles but it’s also fun for a lot of these singers to not sing what they are known for,” says Brickman. “The thru line is that it’s my songs.”
An Intimate Experience for Richmond Fans
Brickman has done a number of Christmas shows in Richmond that are large productions. “It’s much more of a theatrical experience and less of a conversation in my living room,” he says.
Venues like The Tin Pan are fun to do, he adds. “It’s a very casual environment and because music is such an intimate thing, it’s a rare chance for the audience and me to have that experience together.”
Brickman likes to understand what is going to entertain an audience. “One of the most important things for an artist is to know your audience and what is important to them,” he says.
“You have to give people surprises and an emotional ride. It’s so important.”
Concert Details
When: Saturday, November 2, with two performances
Where: The Tin Pan, Richmond, VA
Tickets: Available online at The Tin Pan.
Note: Early purchase is recommended as these intimate performances sell out quickly
Fans can expect an evening filled with Brickman’s signature piano melodies, favorite songs, and a few surprises along the way — a perfect night for music lovers of all ages.
