Petersburg: Virtuoso pianist, composer John Bayless performs in Art Park, rare opportunity

PETERSBURG — Don't miss the Pop Up Piano Concert with John Bayless at Petersburg Area Art League's Art Park in Old Towne. Bayless, a virtuoso pianist, composer, recording artist and teacher is a stroke survivor who has overcome physical adversity to perform and share his phenomenal talent and gift of music.

The child prodigy attended Juilliard, played Carnegie Hall at 25, and was Leonard Bernstein’s protégé for a dozen years. "John was Henry Steinway's close friend and played at his funeral on a Steinway piano gifted to him from Henry. A stroke left John unable to use his right hand. He fought and won, playing with one hand, "Bill Nicholson, Petersburg Area Art League president and chief sponsor, said. "This is an amazing, rare opportunity to hear John."

Nicholson who is presenting the concert encourages our readers to watch the YouTube video “Left Alone Rhapsody – The Musical Memoir of Pianist John Bayless." "You’ll be mesmerized," Nicholson said. "Pack a chair, blanket and snacks to bring with you to the open-air performance at PAAL by the award winning pianist and composer."

Tickets are $25 each and children under age 12 are free to attend. Limited space available. The concert on Tuesday, May 7 is from 6:30 - 8 p.m. PAAL is located at 7 E. Old Street in Old Towne. To purchase tickets and to learn more about the non-profit organization's programs, history, PAAL membership, gallery hours and more, visit paalarts.org and follow PAAL on Facebook.

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This article originally appeared on The Progress-Index: Petersburg: Virtuoso pianist, composer performs, rare opportunity