Jon Schmidt to play in Sandy

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    By Bryce Burger

    Ears can tune in this weekend to Jon Schmidt, world-renowned new age classical pianist, and RCA recording artist, Restless Heart, as they perform at the Sandy City Amphitheater.

    This will not be the first time Schmidt has played at the Sandy City Amphitheater.

    “He has had great success at the amphitheater the last four years,” said Steven Ireland, marketing coordinator for the amphitheater.

    Ireland said Schmidt is a popular attraction when he performs at the amphitheater and his prominence as a local figure helps his popularity.

    “Schmidt has created his own unique style of music by fusing complimentary elements from different musical genres,” Ireland said.

    This infusion makes his music well rounded, Ireland said. Schmidt gives credit to musical group Manheim Steamroller for giving him inspiration and freedom to combine classical and new age music with pop. Schmidt has to his credit five albums and five volumes of his original piano scores.

    “I like his music,” said Debbie Reed, 18, from Sandy. “He is really good at the piano.”

    Reed said she would go to the concert because she enjoys piano music, but especially Schmidt”s piano music.

    Schmidt, who grew up in Germany, has been playing the piano since he was 6 or 7 years old. By age 11 he was playing Mozart, and at age 16 he was already teaching others how to play.

    Sarah Baiesinger, 18, from Sandy, has played piano for 13 years, but for the last three she has been playing Jon Schmidt songs. Beaiesinger said she wants to learn from Schmidt by going to the concert.

    “I want to hear him play live and watch him and his techniques,” she said.

    Schmidt”s performance Friday night should be even more special for him because Friday is his birthday.

    Then Saturday night is one of country music”s all time great bands, Restless Heart, will take the stage for their first-ever performance at the Sandy City Amphitheater.

    Ireland said a survey was taken by the amphitheater patrons to see what type of music they would like to hear more of. From the survey, Ireland found patrons wanted to hear more country music.

    Restless Heart has several gold-selling albums with numerous No. 1 hits. The performance will include many songs from their greatest hits album, Ireland said.

    “Restless Heart has real-life stories in their songs,” said Mike Beus, 19, from Boise, Idaho.

    Beus wants to go to the concert so he can experience Restless Heart live and not just from his CD or the radio.

    Country Music Television released its 100 greatest songs June 13, and Restless Heart made it on that list. The song “I”ll Still be Lovin” You” was No. 65. The song will be a part of Saturday night”s performance.

    Both of the concerts are part of the Sandy Amphitheater Zions Bank summer series. For ticket information to either event call (801) 568-2787.

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