Back at the Allison this weekend

I'm very happy to announce that I will be playing this weekend on the beautiful Allison grand piano: Friday and Saturday 5-9 p.m.  Bring your list of favorite song requests. Check my calendar for more dates in March, including the last two weekends.  I hope you can drop in. 

Summer 2022 Update

 Greetings. 

I guess once a year, the least I can do is update my calendar and blog. School is out, and my performance schedule is filling up.

You can still find me at the Allison Inn & Spa a couple nights a week, Thursdays through Saturdays. 5:30-9:30 (check the calendar for specific dates).

This Wednesday I will be at Arrivederci with my talented friend, Heather Lindaman. Showtime is from 7-9 p.m.

Send me email requests at: gapappelis@aol.com

I hope to see you one of these nights.

Fridays at the Allison Inn Spa Living Room Grand

Greetings, all. 

After a full year away from public performance (like everyone else), I am happy to announce that I will be playing at the Allison Inn Spa in Newberg on Friday evenings from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m.  Their "Living Room" grand is excellent, and the room's atmosphere is elegant and refined. 

Check their website for more information and directions. Hopefully, I'll see you there.

Gus

Disneyland Golden Horseshoe Jamboree (very early treatment - again if you are looking for something different)

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Disneyland Golden Horseshoe Jamboree (early treatment)

Many years ago, in a galaxy far, far away (California)...

I helped write a live stage show for Disneyland and Walt Disney World.  Here is a wonderful memory of a long running favorite, The Golden Horseshoe Jamboree (The Diamond Horseshoe Jamboree in Florida). Marilyn Magness was the show's director and choreographer. I was the  musical director and was in charge of writing and arranging the show. The Golden Horseshoe Jamboree title song was our original collaboration.

This particular video is one of the earliest versions of the show which underwent adjustments and fine tuning as it ran in the theme parks for many years. It is great to see this early treatment. I hope it brings a smile to you, too.  gp

Sanrio Puroland Christmas Show (if your are looking for something different)

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Sanrio Puroland Christmas Show

Here is the Christmas Show in its Sanrio Puroland (Tokyo) version. I haven't heard this in 30 years. The show was directed and choreographed by Baayork Lee (of A Chorus Line original cast fame) and Matt West (of A Chorus Line movie fame). The musical director (arrangements and studio production) was by yours truly. MelloMacs should especially get a kick out of this. Maybe we can learn the show in Japanese. gp

Our first summer surprise: Blues Pianist Eric Adcock graces the Portland City Grill

I am amazed at how quickly the months fly by. It's summer! Time for some fun...

We all had a delightful surprise last night at the Portland City Grill.  Eric Adcock, New Orleans Blues pianist extraordinaire, is in town performing with Roddie Romero & the Hub City All-Stars in the Portland Blues Festival (in fact, they play today at 4:10 and 8:20 p.m.)  Eric and his wonderful wife, Jennifer, stopped by to enjoy the PCG atmosphere and view last night.  I knew exactly how to handle that situation: put him to work on our Yamaha Grand.  Thanks, Eric, for sitting in for a couple tunes. The music was sublime.  Let's do it again some time soon (maybe tomorrow night, if you're still in town). Have fun at the Festival, and have fun visiting to our fair city. Maybe we can make it down to New Orleans and see you there.

If you are in the neighborhood, I'll be playing Sunday at the PCG from 5-8 p.m.

Summer Thoughts - continued

While I'm reminiscing over my musical journey, I want to take time to thank another inspiration figure in my college experience, Mike Hanes, the long-time musical director of the SIU's Summer Music Theater program, member of the School of Music faculty, and fearless leader of the infamous Marching Salukis.    Now retired, Mike was truly an energetic educator in all the years that I knew him.  For many years, he directed many of the musical productions for SIU.  There were many Jr. and Sr. high school summers days which found me in the back of McLoed Theater observing rehearsals and performances, soaking in the magic that is music for the theater. In those days, the McLoed Summer Playhouse program would produce up to four Broadway musicals in two months! Every weekend there would be a musical or Broadway play. It was great for me.  I already loved the Broadway repertoire, and now I was able to watch each show come together, piece by piece: music, actors, sets, lights, everything.  I also was able to watch performances and see the reaction of the audience to each of the elements of the shows.  What a great opportunity for me.  As a high school junior, I was hired to play piano for SIU's production of Oh, What a Lovely War in that same McLoed Theater.  I already felt quite at home as part of the production in that space.  Many more shows would see me in the orchestra pit or on stage as part of the action.

As an undergrad student, my first year days were spread all over SIU's beautiful campus.  I was a science and math major my first two years (in fact my Bachelors degree is in cellular biology).  I would crisscross campus with my chemistry, physics, biology, and calculus books.  At the same time, I was also selected to play piano for the SIU Women's Gymnastic Team by coached Herb Vogel.  Their practices took place in the SIU Arena.  I could often hear the Marching Salukis practicing outside the Arena readying music and marching routines for the upcoming football games. Somehow, I was encouraged to join the band as their marching grand piano player (picture a small, hollowed-out grand piano with an electric keyboard inside and mounted on wheels).  I'm not sure if this was the first year of the marching band grand, but it could have been.  It was a blast. The Marching Salukis were a lively and sometimes mildly wild group of fun-loving musicians.  Their musical director and musical performance guru: Mike Hanes.

By my very good fortune, Mike Hanes was assigned as chairman of my Masters committee in the School of Music.  He mentored my graduate level studies as I studied music for the theater and Gershwin's use of the Jazz idiom in Porgy and Bess.  It was Mike who encouraged me to take up the directing baton and strengthen my skills as a conductor and, consequently, as a composer and arranger.  One of my master's projects was to musical direct SIU's production of Frank Loesser's Hans Christian Anderson. The many skills that Mike helped me develop in my musical repertoire all came together. I didn't know then that in just a year's time I would be using all of those many directing and performance skills in Los Angeles.  I remain very thankful to have had the chance to work with the very talented and inspiring Mike Hanes as part of my career preparation.

A Few Thoughts for the End of Summer

Summer break is ending, but, happily, the music continues.  I play at the Portland City Grill tonight and Friday.  It is always a pleasure.

It is amazing that this week marks the 31st anniversary of my leaving Illinois for Los Angeles.  I had just finished my Masters degree in music for the theater, and I thought perhaps I would be heading to New York and Broadway.  That was not to be.  I really didn't know anyone in NYC, but I was so fortunate to have two friends who encouraged me to redirect my trip to L.A.  Both had made the same choice in their musical careers: Darryl Phinnessee, an incredible vocalist and composer, a long-time touring vocalist with Michael Jackson, and an SIU classmate of mine; and Alan Oldfield, a truly inspiring pianist, composer, session musician, and (fortunately for me) a former SIU educator extraordinaire who helped me find my bearings in a new environment, music.  Both Darryl and Alan were very positive and successful in their work, and they also were very kind and generous with their time and advice for me.  I am still very thankful to them for their encouragement and inspiration.

Now I find myself in Portland, which is a beautiful city and also a great music performance town.  I continue to be inspired by the talent around me.  It helps be continue to strive to improve as a pianist, composer, and musical director.  Carbondale to Los Angeles to Portland; so far, so good.

Summer Has Arrived

It has taken about ten days for me to adjust to the idea that summer break is here. Now I can go to play in public in a little better rested condition. What a luxury!  This last Sunday was a long day of music, but I had the pleasure of playing with a wonderful jazz band for a dinner/dance fundraiser. It was great to fill in for John Bennett and to play with Wayne Travillion and Dave Duthie again, along with Dave Evans on reeds, Brent Martens on guitar, and Sam Foulger on drums. Great band, great music.

I just received the video of our MelloMac Spring Concert.  This was our Gershwin Show, and it features Kit Taylor on piano, Dave Duthie on bass, and Ron Leach on drums.  Find it on youtube at https://youtu.be/bYZM0SSgxlc and enjoy!  You will easily see that George Gershwin is one of my favorites.

See you at the Portland City Grill on Fridays at 5 p.m.

Happy New Year to all!

It looks like we are sold out at Gracie's tonight, but the musical celebration will continue into the weekend.  I will be at the Portland City Grill a little later this week (6 pm to 9 pm) to ring in the New Year.  Also check my calendar for Wednesdays in January and February at the PCG.

I hope 2015 is a great year for all of us.  Happy New Year!

Hear the Angels Sing video

Hear the Angels Sing by Gus Pappelis and sung by Portland's Holy Family Catholic Church Choir on Sunday, December 21st.  The octavo is published by Oregon Catholic Press (edition 11991).

Last of the Christmas concerts

Two concert nights left. Tonight at 5pm my Christ the King choir sings at our home parish, and then later at approx. 6:30, I will join the Holy Family choirs as they sing their concert theme song (and my composition) Hear the Angels Sing. Tomorrow, my choir will sing at the Grotto's Festival of Lights at 7pm

Holiday Favorites tonight

This close to Christmas, it is hard to resist playing all the seasonal favorites.  The music starts at 5pm at the Portland City Grill Yamaha Grand.  Come on up for Portland's finest happy hour and songs to complement our city's festive holiday spirit.

Friday is Gershwin Night at the Portland City Grill

This Friday, September 26, marks the birthday of George Gershwin.  To celebrate, I will be featuring his songs at the Portland City Grill Yamaha grand.  Bring some friends and your list of favorite songs and join the fun.  The music starts around 5 p.m.

MelloMacs Go Gershwin

It's September, and the delightfully talented and musical MelloMacs are back! This mixed choir of Portland's Multnomah Athletic Club meets weekly to put together musical entertainments that are shared all over the Portland community. This season the group will feature a brand new show filled with Gershwin favorites. It's hard to go wrong with Gershwin; these are some of the best-loved songs of the American songbook.

Later this month, on Sept. 26th, we will all celebrate George Gershwin's birthday. A bright light of the Jazz Age and the golden days of Broadway in the Twenties, Gershwin's use of the Jazz idiom infused the American spirit into his compositions.  So many of his songs have become beloved standards in the American songbook; they are rediscovered and enjoyed by each generation of artists and audiences.  His larger works like Rhapsody in Blue, Concerto in F, and An American in Paris are a tribute to his orchestral abilities and innovations.  His biggest masterpiece may be his folk opera, Porgy and Bess.  So much great music from this American original.  I look forward to the MelloMacs and their new musical tribute to this American legend.  And I will enjoy playing many of his songs at the Portland City Grill, as I celebrate one of my greatest musical inspirations, George Gershwin.

Touch Me in the Morning by Michael Masser

This day in 1973, singer icon Diana Ross hit the top of the charts with the song "Touch Me in the Morning," one of her longest charting recordings (her second solo #1 after her time with The Supremes).  I was in college at the time, and I remember how powerfully her song captured the American audience.  Ross had also just received great reviews for her acting debut in Lady Sings the Blues.  That new song, "Touch Me in the Morning," was also a launching vehicle for a new young composer, Michael Masser, who later contributed on many other great songs including "The Greatest Love of All" (Whitney Houston), "Didn't We Almost Have It All," "Saving All My Love for You," "Tonight I Celebrate My Love" (Roberta Flack and Peabo Bryson), "If Ever Your in My Arms Again," "Theme from Mahogany (Do You Know Where You're Going To)," and many more.  So many great songs that resonated through our lives!  My one little individual side note: a few years later, I performed for Michael Masser.  In fact, he hired my dance orchestra to supply musical entertainment for his son's wedding reception.  I remember how The Gus Pappelis Orchestra performed admirably that day, but I also remember how much in awe I was of this composer, Masser, who had written so many of the songs we loved playing for our guests. Yes, Diana Ross sang it beautifully, but Michael Masser put the notes together for her to sing.  I'll have to add those titles to my Portland City Grill playlist this Friday.

Pi Day Update:

I am very happy to report that our St. James Pi Day Celebration 2014 was a wonderful success.  Our fifth graders had a blast, and everyone came through the festivities smiling. It only took me a day and a half to recover, which isn't too bad.  By the way, our math field day received excellent news coverage with many interviews on our local radio stations, Portland's K103 fm and our local KLYC am 1260 (they even sent the YamVan for the occasion).  Our McMinnville News-Register also covered the story with student interviews and pictures. I want to thank Fr. Kelly Vandehey, our principal Jeananne Bloudek, and all our St.  James School staff for their support. Also, here is a shout out to Linfield College for sending over one of their math majors as a guest emissary.  Pi Day 2014 was a big project, but it was worth the effort.  There are now 184 students and assorted teachers and parents who have experienced how much fun math can be.

How I found the Portland City Grill and how they found me!

March 14th St. James Annual Pi Day Celebration Update - So far we have received confirmations for 175 5th-graders and 16 teachers and chaperones.  I will have a final total Tuesday or Wednesday for our huge math field day event. It's going to be a blast.

My plans are still to be at the Portland City Grill Friday, March 14th.  It is Pi Day (3.14), and Albert Einstein's birthday. But not only is it my birthday, it is also my anniversary of the opening of Portland City Grill.

The Portland City Grill opened to the public on March 19, 2002, but this was after a "soft opening" to friends and guests the week before. That's when I first came in contact with this new Portland hot spot. It really began with a surprise call that had received from the PCG office. They had been told by a business friend that I had played piano professionally in Los Angeles, and that they should consider giving me an audition.  I had heard of the new restaurant/bar (it was wildly anticipated by the city), but I had never been to the place, even when it was Atwaters in the old days. It was now under new ownership and was scheduled to open soon.

I went up to meet the managers, and I was invited to have an audition - more precisely I was asked if I would like to play ( it was one of their soft opening nights, the week of my birthday).  As I looked around, my first impression was that it was a gorgeous night club: elegant, classy, with a spectacular  view of the Portland city lights 30 floors below, and with a wonderful Yamaha grand piano surrounded by tables.  I admit that I assumed they were expecting to hear the usual society background stylings of Cole Porter, George Gershwin, etc., which actually is an era of music dear to my heart. But that evening, just before I started toward the piano to begin my "audition set," one of the managers stopped me and explained, "Now remember, we don't want any of that old music here. We want fun music, rock and roll, 60's - 70's - 80's, everything young and upbeat."  With a grin on my face, I sat down in the middle of a huge, enthusiastic crowd and let the music begin.

It was just like being in college again. The place was literally packed with thoroughly enraptured guests. The energy was high with lots of laughter and singing. It was like a continuous party; the hours just zipped by. At the end of my audition, the managers said they were pleased and gave me a choice of playing nights.  I picked 8 pm on Friday, thinking it was my one free weekend evening (working around my choir schedule).  They said that was great, and asked what other night I could play. I picked 5 pm on  Wednesday (again working around choir practice and school).  And then they asked for another!  So I went with Saturday with an 8 pm start (enough time to accommodate my 5:30 Mass).  I went up for an audition thinking that I might be able to play there once or twice a month, and I ended up playing there practically every Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday evening for over ten years.  I was chosen as one of several fine pianists who eventually filled out the week's house musicians. Three of our original group still entertain there weekly.

So it has been 12 years this week. I still smile on my way to play there, and I usually smile all the way home.

Happy Anniversary, Portland City Grill.  See you Friday.

Concert season is over

The Christmas concert season has gone very well. The MelloMacs entertained brilliantly at the MAC and around town. CTK Choir was superb at their Sunday hometown concert and Monday's Grotto Festival of Lights appearance. Tuesday's Ivories Holiday Bash was a sell-out sensation - we all had a great time.  The students of St. James Catholic School were wonderful in their Christmas Program.  All is well in the musical world!  Thanks to everyone who helped make it so successful a season.

Now I can settle into a little more regular schedule.  The Yamaha grand at the Portland City Grill is still a great place to enjoy songs, and I will be there one more time before Christmas (this Sunday evening), so we still have one more chance to sing Christmas songs together.

In the meantime, Merry Christmas to everyone, and I hope this new year is the best one ever for all of us.

Christmas is coming

Christmas music is already playing in my classroom and my office. I'm not trying to push up the holiday; I just love the music, and let's face it, the holiday season truly is upon us. Important upcoming  concert performance dates: the first MelloMac concert of the new season this Monday, Nov. 11th;  the MAC  Open House Holiday Fest  is Thursday, Dec. 5th; CTK Choir Concert at the Grotto Festival of Lights on Monday, Dec. 16th; The Gus Pappelis Holiday Happening at Ivories on Tuesday night, Dec. 17th; and the St. James School Christmas Program on Wednesday, Dec. 18th.  A quick look at my calendar  explains the Christmas music in the classroom.