Brian Hutzell

Piano is my other instrument. I have played keys with rock bands, including Plastic Mikey and rock 'n' roll pioneers Danny and the Juniors. My piano skills have also served me well for many theater gigs, as accompanist, music director, and composer.

Q:Why the bare feet?
A:I guess it just feels good. During warm months, I avoid shoes whenever possible. It does generate some strange looks from other people on the street, but I'm OK with that.

Q:Who are your musical heroes?
A:John Lennon, Paul Mccartney, Burt Bacharach, Brian Eno, Vinni Reilly, Maynard Ferguson, Herb Alpert, Stephen Sondheim (How's that for a mixed bag?)

Q:How did you get into the art thing?
A:With the help of my wife, Tomi Kanno, who is an artist, and my good friend David Zermeno, also an artist. Because I'm untrained as a visual artist, I adopt an anything goes approach, which yields some interesting results. I've even had several successful solo shows!

Q:What are you working on now?
A:Training for another marathon. I'm a distance runner, albeit a very slow one. It gives me a good excuse to be outside, alone, and getting some fresh air and exercise. It's good therapy, both physically and mentally. And running is a lot cheaper than seeing a psychiatrist.

Q:What kind of people or opportunities are you hoping to find on Berkleemusic?
A:I'd like to work on more stage shows, and toward that end, I'd lke to enlist the aid of a good dramaturg who wants to collaborate on interesting projects.

Shows both nights begin at 7pm and run until 9pm. For more information, call The Market at 515-309-1332, or visit their webpage:
http://www.marketatjordancreek.com/
 
June 2, 2007
Last night, I accompanied the Des Moines Gay Men's Chorus at the Matthew Shepard Scholarship Awards Dinner at the Hotel Fort Des Moines.

For more information on the Des Moines Gay Men's Chorus, visit http://www.dmgmc.org/

For more information on the Matthew Shepard Scholarship, visit http://www.eychanerfoundation.org/
 
February 24, 2007
Liberty Gifts, which carries some of my artwork, has a new webpage! You can visit their online storefront here: Liberty Gifts online ...or visit the actual store in Des Moines' East Village. Check it out; it's a cool place. Thanks!
 
February 4, 2007
I'll be playing trombone in the pit band for this show:

STAGE WEST PRESENTS "TOMFOOLERY"
FOR BENEFIT OF AMOS

Stage West will present a special production of the classic satirical review "TOMFOOLERY", featuring the music and lyrics of Tom Lehrer. The proceeds will benefit the community improvement work of AMOS.

Three Des Moines performances at the First Unitarian Church, 1800 Bell Ave., Des Moines, Friday through Sunday, February 16 through the 18th at 8pm..

One performance in Ames on Saturday, February 24, at Bethesda Lutheran Church, at 8pm. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door.
 
November 10, 2006
Liberty Gifts, in the East Village neighborhood of Des Moines, will soon be selling my artwork! I'm very excited about this, as it's a great little store in a cool area of the city. You can learn more about the store at their website: http://www.myspace.com/libertygifts
 
October 31, 2006
I will be playing trombone on Copland's "Lincoln Portrait" as part of the Des Moines Community Orchestra's Fall Concert. The show is at 1:00pm this coming Sunday, November 5th at Drake Sheslow Auditorium. For more information, visit the website: LINK