The Man -The Myth - The Legend

Inception

How did you come up with the name Mr. Keys Entertainment?
It was around 2010, I was having a couple beers with my cousins one night ‘brainstorming’ the name of my company. ‘Mr. Keys’ rolled off my cousin’s tongue. I liked the name and decided to run with it and see where it takes me.

Where were you born and raised?
Born and Raised in Seattle, WA.

Can you share with me your experience as a pianist?
I’ve been in numerous productions ranging from plays, Broadway shows, school accompaniment, music directing little kids on the piano, playing piano church services, recitals, funerals, wakes and weddings.

What is your expertise in the piano?
My expertise is painting the scene by paying attention to how everyone is feeling. If people are feeling distressed, I will bring calmness into the atmosphere so everyone can get settled.

How did you become a wedding pianist?
My first wedding I performed was when I was 14. It was a catholic wedding and I was nervous out of my mind. The wedding turned out very well and the couple enjoyed the music I played.

​What do you love about weddings?
I love getting to know the couple and creating a song set that is an extension of their love. I get to put my creativity to work that leaves my clients floored and enamored.

Experience

Where have you performed locally?
I’ve performed at Holy Rosary, St. George Episcopal church, Lake city Presbyterian church, Aegis in Bellevue, Shoreline community College, and Skyline retirement community just to name a few.

What is unique about your piano playing?
I connect authentically with people’s hearts and spring music out of that connection. I bring out how they feel inside and express that feeling to their friends and family.

What kind of music do you play?
Improvised romantic classical pieces along with broadway tunes, jazz selections, and sacred selections.

Do you specialize in weddings?
indeed! What we love most about weddings is creating an atmosphere that is unique to each couple. We can go off the cuff when the ceremony calls for it. For instance, if the Master of Ceremonies forgets their book, a wardrobe malfunction in the bridal party or simply people not being lined up, we cover that up with music so that guests can still be embodied in the ceremony without having their minds wander.

​What is it like to have you at our event?
I am calm, responsive, and lively when I am at your wedding. I set the atmosphere so everyone can relax. They are assured they’re in good hands when I start playing. I start playing about 20-30 minutes before your family and guests arrive, perform the ceremony and play for about 10-15 minutes after the ceremony is complete.

Preparations

We’re planning a religious ceremony, can you help?
Yes. I can help prepare the music and assist in reading selections for a Catholic setting and also for an Episcopalian setting. I grew up as a catholic, played piano for worship starting at age 13. I have been playing professionally for the Catholic church since I was 19 years old. As the music director at St. George, I can assist in planning the music for that religious setting.

Do you learn special music?
Yes. If we can learn the song within a reasonable time frame, we will do that.

Do you charge extra for learning new songs?
If it is within our skillset, then we can play it at a minimal cost. If it requires more practice and effort on our part, we may charge a little more because of the additional time to learn a song.

logistics

Do you have the proper equipment including microphones, speakers, and amplifiers?
At a minimum, we bring a 500 Watt Roland Speaker, FP5 Roland keyboard with weighted keys and a music stand to hold our music. We have a PA system and microphones available for rental.

Do you require a meal?
We welcome a meal when it is offered. It is not a requirement yet it is a kind gesture when the bride and groom or venue can offer a meal for musicians.

Are you willing to dress formally?
Yes. I dress in a tuxedo for weddings as my standard attire.

How far do you travel for a wedding?
I’ve travelled as far as New York to perform for a wedding.

Can you also play music during cocktail hour, dinner, and reception?
Yes. During the reception, it seems piano is best suited for cocktail hour and/or dinner hour. If you are planning on having upbeat dancing later in the evening, we prefer to leave that up to the DJ or band.

​How many breaks do you take?
For a wedding ceremony, none. For the reception,  I take one 5 -10 minute break each hour  prepare for the next set.

Contracts and deposits

Do you have a written contract?
Yes. We have contracts when planning a wedding

What is your cancellation policy?
If Bride/groom cancels our servi

​Is there a deposit?
Yes. A Non-refundable $100 deposit is due to hold your spot.