THE PIANO MAN'S PIANO MAN with Jeff Jacobs to Play Raue Center

Raue Center has announced the second performance in their new Cabaret Series! Enjoy a solo rock-n-roll piano show featuring Jeff Jacobs with "The Piano Man's Piano Man" at 8 p.m. on August 19, 2017.

"My career in the music industry has been unique in that I have actually been able to work with some of my favorite childhood artists. I was only 25 years old when I first recorded and toured with Billy Joel, and was not much older when I became a member of Foreigner," says Jacobs. "I can relate these experiences to the audience while performing my solo piano/vocal interpretations of some of the giant songs of the era. I was there. I'm excited to bring this show to Raue Center as a place that can truly appreciate the music and experiences of that time in rock-n-roll history."

The solo rock-n-roll piano show will feature the music of Billy Joel, Foreigner, The Beatles and more! The "one man, one piano" live show will also feature some of Jacobs' original music. Jacobs takes audiences on a nostalgic musical journey through his solo piano and vocal interpretations of some of the greatest rock, pop and soul music ever written. Jacobs' "one man, one piano" show is also a part of the National Piano Conference.

"The National Piano Conference at Raue Center shows the wide scope and effect piano has on the music world with special single events like 'The Piano Man's Piano Man.' Jeff demonstrates how the piano was an integral part of rock-n-roll history," says Associate Artistic Director and Raue Center Board President, Tim Paul. "Enjoy an evening of Jeff's vocal and piano interpretations of these great songs and the stories behind them."

Jacobs is an accomplished pianist, vocalist, keyboardist, producer, composer and storyteller. A member of Foreigner from 1990 - 2008, Jacobs is currently touring with Foreigner vocalist, Lou Gramm. Jacobs has appeared on several Billy Joel albums and tours most notably "Storm Front" and "River of Dreams," and has earned the title of "The Piano Man's Piano Man." Joel himself has used this name to describe Jacobs on many occasions.

In addition to his work recording and touring with Foreigner and Billy Joel, Jacobs has also toured with Julian Lennon and has performed as a keyboard player for artists such as Dennis De Young and Grayson Hughes. Jacobs has also recorded with Laura Brannigan and worked as a musical director for Australian giant Tina Arena.

Jacobs has written and produced for blues artists including Lonnie Brooks, Sugar Blue, Honeyboy Edwards, Pine Top Perkins, Carl Weathersby, Wayne Baker Brooks, Ronnie Brooks and Shemekia Copeland. Jacobs has also written and produced songs for gospel artist and Tony-Award winner Heather Headley, as well as rappers Twista and GLC. Jacobs' songwriting credits also include co-writes with Mick Jones and Lou Gramm of Foreigner as well as Jim Peterik of Survivor and Ides of March. His latest release is the critically acclaimed "All Blue To Me."

"The Piano Man's Piano Man" is brought to you by the National Piano Conference and is sponsored by Piano Trends Music Company. Tickets are $10 in advance ($15 at the door) and can be purchased online at rauecenter.org or via the Box Office at 815.356.9212 or 26 N. Williams Street in downtown Crystal Lake.

Raue Center is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to enriching the lives of all through the arts. For 16 years, they have provided quality programming - striving to make it pertinent, available and affordable to all. As a painstakingly restored, 1920s regional Showcase Theatre named for its benefactor-Lucile Raue-Raue Center has attracted the finest stars, Broadway shows, musicians and artists. Named on the League of Historic American Theatres, Raue Center is one of the finest examples of restored art and decor in the nation. The 750-seat theatre, located in historic downtown Crystal Lake, Ill., is a gathering place for our region's citizens and has become a true destination. For additional information, visit rauecenter.org, facebook.com/RaueCenter and twitter.com/RaueCenter.