George Winston

Mr. Winston's music has been a vital part of our lives for three decades. It was great to see him in such an intimate and nicely renovated venue.

George Winston is one of the great American classical pianists. His show is stark and beautiful, He fills the night with playing and gentle commentary. You will love yourself in this man's beauty and interpretation of not only his original works but works of artists whom he admires and can give you a fresh look upon.

Excellent concert with a great pianist. His music was very nice and make the evening lovely.

It was a joy to listen to George Winston play. Not being very familiar with his style I first wondered what made this pianist stand out over so many others. By the end of the first piece I knew. He turned the grand piano into an entire orchestra. It was unbelievable. The promoter could have filled the auditorium had they advertised on the media.So many other people would have enjoyed the night. Had I not happened to drive by a sign promoting the event I never would have known he was coming to town.

My wife and I have been fans of George Winston's music for over 25 years, and last night's concert in Bismarck certainly made for another memorable evening. This incredibly gifted musician is a multi-faceted talent, which was supremely on display for all those in attendance at the Belle Mehus Auditorium. If you have not been to a George Winston concert (or haven't had a chance to attend one in a number of years), you really need to make an effort to see him perform if he is in your area. I guarantee that you will not be disappointed.

First off I must say I love George Winston's music. However seeing him in person live at Benaroya Hall was amazing. There couldn't be a bad seat in the hall we were in. I took my grandmother and she hasn't stopped talking about it since. George puts on a great show!

I took my Mom and Grandma to see this and they loved it. We are all fans and he is an amazing pianist, as well as talented on the harmonica and guitar. We had no idea and pleasantly surprised. I only wished that he could have had a guest musician and/or singer for a couple duets...

I was familiar with George Winston only through his "softer" piano albums, e.g., "December," "Autumn," etc. I was unaware of his background / talent / interest in so many other different kinds of music. This concert was a real treat for me. Winston is definitely making the most of the incredible talent that God gave him. He's one of those performers through whom you can see / hear / feel a higher sort if inspiration working / breathing.

George Winston was entertaining and a real joy just to hear. His roots in American Jazz piano showed through. When one loves do something it shows.

I have never heard a piano played as well as he played and the way he presses on the parts inside the piano to get richer sounds is simply incredible! He played the guitar beautifully as well which was a very pleasant surprise.

Amazing!!! I thought I was great at mulit tasking but his abilitie is beyond me. To be able to 4 or 5 things at once in one piece so beautifully and continualy was just a treat to watch and hear. You could feel the rain and thunder in "Rain" and you could feel the turmoil in his first piece about New Orleans and the rebuilding. Not only was he able to do it on the piano but the harmonica and guitar. Piano is definatly the strength but he is so well rounded. The whole adiance was mesmerized.

We figured out before we bought tickets to sit on the left side of the theatre, because the piano opens on the right, leaving the pianist sitting on the left. Watching his hands and fingers play is what's really mesmerizing, beside the music coming from the piano. George gets an incredible amount of sound out of the piano, too. You can't believe he's generating this stuff. He is a master of the subtlety of sound and fluctuation of tone. All you say is "WOW", after each song.

A consummate musician who is totally engrossed by his art. A pleasure to watch.

George is a remarkable musician but his choice of music was clearly his choice not the audience who came to hear his music. He chose to play have his set covering other music. He's extremely talented and played everything with perfection and with a wow factor. I would have preferred to hear only his songs. On another note he needs to work on his stage lighting and set. Having only the piano on stage with lights only on the piano makes it very hard to watch as your eyes blur staring at only one small thing on the stage for so long. The show was titled Winter. Could have added some lighted trees with snow around the stage. Other than all that it was a good show.

I saw him first in \u201882 and heard notes his fingers weren t touching. As I sat mesmerized this time, there was a moment that made me blink again. He has created such an interesting way of playing not only piano but guitar and harmonica. Please treat yourself and run to get bathed in genius.

George Winston is a very talented pianist. I would highly recommend seeing him in person at least once in your concert-going life.

Loved the concert ...he s always been my favorite ...he s a truly gifted musician ...

Reflective music performed in an intimate environment brings out calmness and fellowship for all in attendance!

Seeing George Winston in person was a delightful experience. His hands cross over on the piano, he plucks the piano strings, he makes amazing sounds that kept me mesmerized. He is so talented and humble a wonderful, memorable experience.He also plays the guitar and harmonica.

My wife and I attended the performance to celebrate our wedding anniversary. We were both familiar with Winston's season themed music. When he came to the stage he announced he would be playing some selections that included his traditional works and jazz and blues. We both welcomed this variety. Though Winston is obviously a good musical technician I couldn't help but think everything he played sounded pretty much the same. It all sounded like some sort of piano cadence. We decided to leave at the break because we had enough. Disappointing night.

Soothing and beautiful music. Enjoyed the guitar and harmonica. Loved observing how much he was a part of the music.

I have always wanted to see George Winston in concert

Watching this master of the piano is akin to watching Rembrandt paint. Mr Winston is a true artist who gives everything he has when performing. His hands move like water in a stream, exact, yet free. He's a legend

George Winston is an amazing performer. What a great show he put on in Pontiac last weekend. I highly recommend attending one of his concerts.

Lovely venue. Music was superlative, flawless. Set a relaxing tone for the Christmas season

What a beautiful evening! George Winston at his best\u2014soulful artistry!

The show was advertised for $40. Final price plus fee $51.50!! Seriously. Won't pay that again. As for George....could do without the guitar and harmonica.

We enjoyed every minute of this concert. We were not expecting guitar and harmonica but were delighted with both. We have seen George Winston before and he certainly did not disappoint with this concert. He is so humble and plays with such distinction!

A man, a stage, a piano, a guitar and harmonica. That s all there was and that was plenty. He filled the room with great music of his own making and of others he admires or who influenced him. A terrific evening.

Not my first GW concert, but definitely the best one to date! The combination of his amazing sound and the intimacy of this particular venue made for a magical evening. He is such a humble unassuming genius of a piano player. And it is so easy to get caught up listening to his range of solo piano pieces. This time, he even entertained playing his guitar and harmonica! Each time I see him, I am struck by his sheer musical talent. And his choice of concert selections make every show I see familiar yet so different. I will definitely continue to see him every chance I get for as long as he tours!

The George Winston concert was fabulous. What a talent, not only on the piano but the guitar and harmonica as well. He played selections off of his albums and some new stuff as well. The music was beautiful and played with such emotion.

I bought tickets for my sister, who is a huge fan of George Winston. We went, and it was amazing! I hadn't heard more than a couple songs before then, but I was captivated the entire show. Definitely see him if you have the chance!

Piano and acoustic guitar filled the opera theatre!

Best venue possible for an amazing artist. Drove 300 miles one way to make this concert and would do it again in a heartbeat.

Last time I saw George Winston was in the 80s. He's better than ever. Thoroughly enjoyed every minute! My only disappointment was that he didn't play my favorite song, but then again, that will bring me back to see if he plays it next time! :)

I have loved hearing George play for years, but seeing him in action was amazing. If you have never watched him play the piano, inside and out... you simply must plan on attending one of his future concerts. You will be amazed.

I have been a fan of George's since childhood and listening to his music inspired me to take up the piano. I am so grateful he is still taking the time to tour and share his wonderful range of music. His playing his outrageously talented and he has such a humble personality it is hard to not be inspired by this man. Played a great variety from his solo albums, jazz loves, peanuts, and even the doors. Not to mention some beautiful guitar pieces and even his harmonica. Highly recommend this show to any piano lover!

We moved from Illinois to Ohio.........We have attended very many George Winston performances over the years in Illinois and Wisconsin prior to our first in Columbus Ohio since we have moved to Ohio. Each time we have seen and felt how much he cares and shares his personal artistry with the audience. George Winston's talent and music is exquisite beyond belief. We are mesmorized throughtout the concert. Thank you so much.........George Winston. We love you. Lori & Bob

I've not been to the Lincoln Theater, or heard Winston live, so I had two new great experiences in one night. The first half of Winston's show had me literally mesmerized, his arrangements and execution astounding. He is a genius at mixing different musical genres but still making his compositions very much his own. His guitar playing was interesting; while his compositions were original and lovely, his execution left something to be desired. However, his one harmonica tune was ethereal, unique, and breathtaking. The second half, however, left me less breathless. Near the end he played Pachelbel's Cannon, which if I personally never hear any arrangement of it ever again it will still be too soon. (Needless to say, I was disappointed that he played a tune I loathe so much!) But the audience loved it. Overall excellent show. Too bad he can't buy some new clothes to perform in though! C;mon dude - we're paying $ to see you as well as hear you. A nice shirt and slacks isn't too much to expect....the rest of us have to wear nice clothes to work. You can too.

When George Winston played his songs such as Rain, he was great. I didn't like the jazz and didn't realize that he played that. All the CDs that I have are more like Rain. This was what I was expecting.

George Winston's talent is incredible! He is known for his tremendous skill with the piano, and he lived up to that reputation...and then some! I didn't know of his skill with the guitar and the harmonica, but he surely is gifted there, as well. I recommend that you go see George Winston as soon as you get the chance - you will be moved by his persona, his talent, and his mastery of the music!

The man is a talent like no others. Unaware he plays guitar and the harmonica like nothing I have ever heard. Played two solid hours. While the acoustics were excellent, I wish the venue at Ponte Vedra Concert Hall would raise the stage for viewing.

George Winston was an enjoyable and inspiring concert! This was our second time attending his concert and if he comes back, will attend again! Thank you for bringing him to Milwaukee.

We had a fabulous time listening to beautiful music on piano, guitar & harmonica. I enjoyed watching his hands fly across the keys & the way he manipulated the piano wires inside the piano to obtain the sound he wanted. He gave history on many of the songs he played which I enjoyed. I had forgotten that at each concert Mr. Winston donates food to the local food pantry & all proceeds from CD sales go to the hunger task force. I admire Mr. Winston for his charitable work & of course for his musical genius.

Just a man, and a Piano. (and a guitar...). It was an amazing experience. You could really feel the passion in his music. The way he plays, he should have 4 arms. Moved me to tears a few times

I have been a devoted fan of George Winston for 20+ years. I have all of his CDs. He is a gifted musician-- piano, guitar and harmonica-- who seems to almost merge with his instrument. He also exudes a profound humility--- no pretension, no affectation. The music he played on Tuesday evening was beautiful. I totally enjoyed it. I didn't want him to stop. The entire evening was wonderful.

I wasn't sure if I could sit through two hours of a guy playing piano. I did and I would have sat there for 2 more! He was amazing! What a talent! I'm so glad I went and I hope to see him again.

George is a very unassuming person who stuns you with his piano, guitar, and harmonica playing. If you want a night of beautiful music, go see him!

George WInston is a master beyond compare. His concerts are meserizing wether he is playing the piano, harmonica or slack guitar.

I'm so glad that I bought a ticket - I was hesitant to go alone but it was fine! As one who has enjoyed George Winston for over 25 years, it was wonderful to see him in person. I got the last CD and I'm enjoying it in my care, remembering how wonderful the concert was. Well worth the price of the ticket!

I've never been to a G. Winston concert. It was wonderful, relaxing, and surprising! I didn't know he also played guitar and Harmonica! I wish there was a program of the songs that were played. I would like to listen to them again and again- if I remembered the name of the song.

George is, hands down (or up), the best piano player I have ever seen.

We hadn't seen George Winston in years. The last time was at the Kennedy Center. He was as awesome now as he was then. I love the personable venue of the Birchmere. The service was great and the food was, too. Really nice evening. You don't have to go to DC to see a great show. Lots of free parking as well. Will definitely return.

Wonderful performance. Very relaxing and uplifting at the same time.

George Winston has been one of my favorite performers for over 2 decades. His talent is one that does not come around often so you appreciate it any chance you get!

Great venue, great artist, great performance. Highly recommended

Fifth time seeing him over a couple of decades, including Carnegie Hall. Love his music and talent, although it simply appears to be the same show all the time. I do not think I would go see him again, and the stage at Carolina Theater did not do justice to his talent. Great musician, but for me his shows do not vary and are getting boring. He certainly is a must see if you have not.

An excellent concert but not as long as I expected. I was hoping for a few more songs. Overall, it was a great experience.

My wife and I own several George Winston CDs, LOVE many of his songs, and had both seen him separately many years ago. Friday's performance was average. We knew he wasn't a flashy performer, but his presence Friday was detracting. He looked like a homeless man who was bored with what he was doing, and seemed to just go through the motions. Several aspects of the music itself were unique and interesting. We especially enjoyed his guitar pieces. But I doubt we will ever purchase live performance tickets for George Winston if the opportunity presents itself again.

George Winston is a virtuoso ... he plays a wide variety of music that is truly amazing ... He has his own unique technique and piano voice. Thank you, George!

I have enjoyed George's music since the early 90's. To listen to a recording is one thing to observe him at the piano keyboard actually performing his craft is yet another. He truly is a cut above! If you have the chance to hear him in person by all means Go!!!!

I thought it was unfortunate the crowd did not seem to understand the authenticity of his request to let him completely end the piece before applauding. As a musician of his caliber he integrates all sound into his masterpieces. I hope the lack of respect on the audiences part doesn't discourage him from returning to BW.

George Winston's music is magical! However, the fact that he was not elevated took something away from the concert. Watching Mr. Winston play is certainly a must!

Excellent! Can't beat live piano music in a small event space with good acoustics. The last time we saw George Winston was at Avery Fisher Hall. While we got to dance on stage to Linus and Lucy at that time, this smaller space felt more enjoyable and personal. One improvement would be placing the piano an an elevated platform for better viewing since it's all floor level seating.

George Winston ia beyond compare and the venue site amazing!

Great experience start to finish. Given the ticket as a gift and transfer was easy online with print out tickets. Easy parking. Lovely gift shop, and refreshments available. Beautiful space. Seating crowded and flat. Liked the music, excellent seat guiders. Got a guide flyer for the concert. Aisle seat was good for my friend. Nice intermission. Clean rest rooms.

What an enjoyable night of listening to George Winston at Bethel Woods in a cozy, intimate environment.

We love George Winston and he continues to be a fabulous piano player. However, we wish he would have played more of his Christmas songs as the concert was so close to Christmas. Also, please leave the harmonica at home next time George. It added nothing to the show. The guitar playing was OK, but again, we love his piano music and that's what we came to hear. It's difficult to be critical of George Winston, but I really was disappointed in this show.

I am big fan so it pains me to give George a 3 star review. His performance was off and he has virtually no stage presence. These tickets were expensive and I expected a better performance. I think the Fitz was a great venue for him but something was off or perhaps he is loosing his edge for live performances.

George is senstive to the desires of the audience as for the issue of playing old crowd favorites. Amazing technician

Just close your eyes and appreciate the wonderful music of George Winston. If you have never seen him in concert be prepared for the fact that it is all about the music. A man of few words and little need to verbally engage the audience his piano playing and occasional guitar songs speak louder than words. Never heard of George Winston but a big Peanuts cartoon fan? If you enjoy the music of Great Pumpkin and Charlie Brown Christmas you will love George Winston.

Amazing ability to create beautiful melodies. Command of piano goes without saying. But slack key guitar and harmonica both welcome bonuses. So talented.

He truly is one of the most talented performers of the day. Between his amazing creativity of the songs and his beautiful playing style, this man is just a must see / listen at your earliest convenience. As an audio engineer, I can say with out a doubt that the skill and special touch he has with this music is absolutely unmatched. Close your eyes, and he has the ability to take you on a journey in your mind to long forgotten memories. Take my word for it, treat yourself to one of the best live performances around.

Although I hadn't seen George Winston live in about 20 years, he was as entertaining as I remembered. This time I took my 14 & 12 year old daughters, and they were amazed at how great he played. The fact that he plays so many different styles is quite impressive.

Simply amazing. He played a little of everything from his career. I wish he had played a few more pieces from his December album considering it was close to Christmas.

as we expected always enjoy his music - accoustics are amazing.

One of the best experiences of my life. I have never seen more tallent and emotion! Simply breathtaking; every song was perfect!

Remarkable! I sat in the second row and was able to see the reflection of his hands on the keys...amazing. Wonderful show...an amazing talent. Who new he played harmonica and the guitar?

George Winston was unforgettable. I had no idea that besides his virtuosity on the piano, he was also spectacular on the Slack Key guitar and harmonica. He also seemed like a humble man. One of the best concerts I've been to.

Such a great performance! Love how he chats with the audience!

I was disappointed with this show. I have seen George WInston before and he is an inredible talent. However this was billed as an "all holiday show" and there were only a few true holiday pieces.

The right numbers and the right duration. Met all expectations!

My friend George has more talent in his little finger than anyone I know. Highly recommend his concert. It was incredible to watch him work. I was a little dissapointed in the Civic Center. Seats are very tight, and it was too hot in the hall. If I ever go to an event there again, would have to get either the very front row, or an isle seat for everyone.

Most of us are fans of 20 years or more. It was nice to hear him live. It was a small setting and gave an intimate feel.

I love George Winston's music. I can listen to him for hours; I can even replay a CD (or part of it) after I've just finished listening to it all the way through. And I would recommend anyone who hasn't seen him live go to his concert. It's amazing to watch him play. In fact, I brought five family members - who've never seen him live before - to the show with me. And they all enjoyed it. But after seeing him for a third time myself, I think I agree with a reviewer whose comments I read when I bought my tickets: that George Winston doesn't really put on much of a show. To be fair, I'm not a frequent concert-goer; and I've never seen any other solo pianist in concert. So I can't really say he's less of a showman than anyone else in particular. But I can say the show was a little hum-drum. I don't think he played any songs that I didn't hear him play in the previous two concerts I attended. And the comments he made before each song were almost exactly the same (if not exactly the same) as the comments he made in the previous concerts. No variety, so it wasn't as impressive as the first or second times I saw him. But, like I said, I would recommend anyone who hasn't already seen him live go see him in concert. Our seats were okay; at intermission, we moved to seats with a better view. Our tickets were for seats in row I (something like the 9th row), on the right side of the concert hall. We were below piano level, on the wrong side of the stage, we couldn't see his hands. We moved to the back row, on the left side of the hall, and had a much better view!

In a small,intimate setting Mr. Winston delighted on the piano, guitar and harmonica. Classics, fun stuff, blues, Hawaiian - a nice variety performed beautifully, and he often shared a bit of history about the pieces. You sort of felt like you were in the den with friends - he was in jeans, button-down shirt, and stocking feet with the piano,notes and beat-up old guitar case. Thanks - it was a great way to spend a Saturday night.

Mr Winston is a phenomenum, every piece takes you to a different world. It's almost like he is playing different instruments. Too bad the venue was pretty bad, acoustics and seating.

DOUBLE WOOOW!!!!! What else can one say about Mr. Winston!!!

Loved the George Winston show! I wouldn't definitely recommend seeing him in concert!

I wish it had been longer! I have seen George Winston in several venues and this was not the best of the venues. Yet, the small setting was also a nice change.

I love George Winston's piano playing but I might as well have been listening at home. He did NOTHING to engage the audience. Just stated the title of the song he was playing, and then played it. Next song - ditto. It was very disappointing.

We really enjoy listening to George Winston. He was great!

George Winston is an excellent musician and improviser. His harmonica and guitar skills impressed me greatly! I wanted the show to keep going!

The greatest "draw" for us is the venue. The Genesee Theatre is magnificent! Acoustically, it is the best venue I know of to experience musical events. The amiance of the theatre adds to the experience. George Winston is extremely talented and an astounding pianist. He makes sounds come out of a piano that most wouldn't expect. One would swear that he must have three or four hands to be able to play as he does. As a "showman", however, his performance is lackluster. He doesn't have the stage presence that other pianists I have seen posess. His dialogue between pieces seems forced and it is evident that he would rather just play without having to interact witht he audience. Overall, though, I would recommend this show to anyone who enjoys listening to well-played piano music.

Most enjoyable. I saw George Winston 20 plus years ago and he is as good as I remember. This is a great alternative for Holiday entertainment. He did a variety of pieces from Autumn and December. Great venue, we parked on the street, half block from the theater. Our seats were perfect.

George put on a good show, opening with a long jazz number and then following up with several favorites from his Seasons collections. He combined pieces from different albums to create a seamless songs. Always amazing to watch a piano master live.

Great music. How do the right & left side of his brain work that way? The left hand works indepently of his right. He's an amazing pianist. Not the best entertainer as far as stage presence goes, but his pure talent made up for it.

I though George Winston was incredible. He's extremely impressive and should be invited back. I do, however, think the Genesee Theatre could do a much better job of cleaning up the stage. We sat in the first row of the Loge section and could see a tremendous amount of dust and dirt all over the stage. An hour or concerted effort to simply clear or polish the stage could have gone a long way toward making the environment look more professional. Everything else about the theatre is nothing short of incredible... why not take the same effort in making the stage look respectable.

George Winston was wonderful. I have been going to his concerts for over 25 years and they never disappoint.

Great acoustic set mixing old favorites with new material. Concise explanations of each selection. Works performed on piano, harmonica and Acoustic Guitar.