Pianist Joe Curry to perform free holiday concert in his hometown

Pianist Joe Curry to perform free holiday concert in his hometown
DISCOVER! – NW Iowa, SE South Dakota, NE Nebraska and SW Minnesota
Published November 19, 2005

ELK POINT, S.D.—What can you get for free these days? A great night of holiday music. That’s what’s in store for fans who make their way to Elk Point, SD, on Friday, Nov. 25 for a free concert by the town’s son, Joe Curry.

The evening will be titled “Midnight Clear,” named after the artist’s third album, a Christmas compilation. The concert audience won’t just sit still and take in the show; they’ll be expected to sing along and ring their sleigh bells as Curry performs some great Christmas classics , with his own personal arrangements, on the piano.

“Christmas is one of my favorite times of the year, and I’m looking forward to a festive evening of music,” Curry said.

Curry began taking piano lessons at the age of six, something he continued for the next 12 years. He learned the basics of classical piano as well as the art of improvisation. At age 14, Curry became a regular pianist in his home church parish, St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Elk Point. As a junior in high school, he first began to compose and record his own music and did research on the Internet about how he could make and sell his own recording.

He eventually dipped into his college savings to produce his first piano CD, “Milestones” in 1999. After graduating from the University of Minnesota in 2003, Curry released his second CD, “In Focus.” While living in the Minneapolis area, Curry was a regular musician at the University of Minnesota Newman Center and performed with the Life Teen band at Holy Name of Jesus Church in Wayzata, MN.

These days, Curry is living in Indiana and working toward his MBA at the University of Notre Dame. He continues finding outlets for his music and continues to play every day. Guess mom was right – practice, practice, practice.