Professional piano music for weddings, birthdays, holiday parties, cocktail hours, and more. Dan Kennedy is a conservatory trained, award winning pianist. He has performed in 21 states as well as in Canada. With off-the-charts GigSalad Reviews, Dan's work goes "above and beyond."
Dan's ability to play any style comes in handy:
Jazz///Cole Porter/Jerome Kern to
Classical///JS Bach/Pachelbel/Schubert to
Rock///Billy Joel/Elton John to
Pop///Christina Perry/Demi Lovato to
New Age///Yiruma/Einaudi.
Dan's communication beforehand and insights are keys to helping things run smoothly and for the success of the event. Put Dan's 25 years of experience work for you. Friendly, flexible, and reliable.
Our church was having a celebration and we are between musicians. Dan was professional and skillful. He understood what we needed and brought it! Many thanks!
Response from Dan Kennedy:
Rev. Brae,
Thank you for your kind words!
~Dan
Dan was wonderful to work with. He arrived early to set up and played a broad selection on music for our wedding. We can highly recommend him.
Response from Dan Kennedy:
Thank you, Guy! It was a pleasure and a privilege to play at your wedding at the marvelous Four Seasons in Boston. I appreciate the opportunity! -dan kennedy, piano
Great Pianist all my guess loved him. What a great performer.
Response from Dan Kennedy:
Peter,
Thank you for all of your warmth and hospitality. It was a pleasure.
~Dan
Dan performed during our cocktail hour at our wedding and we are so glad we had him there! It was a great addition to the hour and we heard from multiple guests that they thoroughly enjoyed his performance! We would absolutely have Dan again should we ever need a pianist. He was super easy to work with, timely, and professional.
Wonderful person ! Flexible & reliable !! Would hire again and would recommend to friends and family!
Dan did a great job playing at my son's first birthday party. He quickly communicated before the event, checking in on what we were looking for in music for the event. He even asked for song recommendations in advance so that he could be prepared for the event. He arrived about 20 minutes early and was friendly/easy to work with. He started promptly and ended promptly. He set the tone beautifully for the party, playing a mix of kids' songs, and I noticed quite a few Beatles songs, which I was thrilled about. His playing was beautiful. It was the perfect volume for a big party! Highly recommend Dan!
Response from Dan Kennedy:
Amber,
Thanks for the kind review!
~Dan Kennedy
Dan is truly fantastic. His musical talents provided the perfect backdrop for our Holiday gathering and everyone had such a good time. It was super fun to see my neighbors singing along to the Christmas carols. Thank you for making our evening absolutely spectacular!!!
Response from Dan Kennedy:
Sherry,
Thank you. Your house was so open and inviting, and trimmed, that you made it easy for me to play my best. You even had the piano tuned! I’ll send you a couple more of my holiday CDs as per your request. Season’s Gretings!
~Dan
Dan is extremely skilled and did a great job during the cocktail hour at our wedding. I gave him some information on what me and my then-fiance like for music, plus some direction on what our guests would like, and he picked the perfect songs. Was very happy to have his playing as part of our day!
Response from Dan Kennedy:
Amanda,
What a fun, well-organized day. Congratulations! And thanks for letting me be a part of your big day.
~Dan Kennedy, Piano
Dan is really fantastic. Not only is he insanely talented with a broad repertoire, but he was also so helpful and responsive through the planning process, working with him was a dream. Thank you Dan!
Response from Dan Kennedy:
Lauren,
Thank you. What a cool venue -- a mountaintop art gallery with a Steinway......yes. I wish you both all the best. Thank you for the opportunity to play for you and your vibrant families!
~Dan Kennedy
Dan received nothing but rave reviews for his appearance at a 60th anniversary celebration, and was profoundly flexible and accommodating to special requests. Highly recommend hiring Dan as a performer.
Response from Dan Kennedy:
Malcolm,
This means a lot to me coming from you and such a wonderful family as yours. And what a tasteful modern loft entertainment room carved into that epic barn!
-Dan Kennedy, Piano
Dan was a true professional! Very kind and easy to work with and his playing was really a treasure. We hope to have Dan back sometime and strongly encourage anyone to hire him. You won't be disappointed!
Response from Dan Kennedy:
Hi Anne,
Thank you so much, it was my privilege to play for you. As far as the opening of the building, that new building was...stunning. Let me know if you would like me to play for you another time, I travel. Take care.
~Dan Kennedy
Dan showed up well ahead of when we needed him for the cocktail hour at our wedding and was very well received by our guests.
Dan provided a wonderful musical backdrop to our gathering. It was great to meet and get to know Dan and we appreciated his musicianship. Extremely easy to work with and very professional. We would love to have Dan at a future event.
Response from Dan Kennedy:
Scott,
It was a pleasure and a privilege, thank you. What a warm gathering of family and friends that were there...I was happy to get to contribute.
~Dan Kennedy
Spectacular job
Response from Dan Kennedy:
Thank you for your grace and kindness.
Dan was super flexible with us even through last minute changes. He was a life saver for this concert!
Response from Dan Kennedy:
Kelsey,
Great to meet you. Thank you for allowing me to be a part of it as you nurture your high school chorus.
~Dan Kennedy
Dan is a pro who made the evening!!!
Response from Dan Kennedy:
Rarely have I experienced such an outpouring of love and support at an engagement. A sincere thank-you.
SPL
Response from Dan Kennedy:
Thanks Liz! The uptempo music choices were a — non traditional — hit.
Dan was terrific playing for our 50th wedding anniversary party. He played the songs we requested and based his choices on our taste. He is a very talented musician and kind person. Thanks Dan!
Response from Dan Kennedy:
Linda,
It was a wonderful afternoon at The Wayside Inn and I was happy to be a part of it with the piano. You have an amazing extended family and I felt right at home.
~Dan
Dan was on time, his price for his services was reasonable and he was VERY talented.
Response from Dan Kennedy:
Dean, It was an honor to play for your family in a time of need. Call me again at any time, I am at your service. ~Dan
Dan was amazing, he showed up a little early and played a lovely collection of music. It was for my wedding and we talked ahead of time to pick out music together. Dan was able to learn an perform a song for me very last minute. He is amazing and I cannot recommend him enough.
Response from Dan Kennedy:
Brenna,
Your and Aaron's wedding was as fun as it was beautiful. Thank you for the opportunity and my very best wishes.
~Dan Kennedy
When the party started he played beautiful subtle backdrop while people arrived and settled in. Then he helped organize our Christmas carol singing. We had a blast! He is a gifted musician and a great guy! Hope to be able to use him again and I highly recommend him.
Response from Dan Kennedy:
Bertha,
Thank you! You did a great job organizing the successful party. Happy to help!
~Dan Kennedy
He was a very accomplished piano player and had a very large repertoire. He was friendly and all the guests loved him ! Very personable.
Response from Dan Kennedy:
Hi Betty,
Thank you for your kind words. It was a privilege to be invited into your home and play for you and your 60 guests. A skilled party-giver you are!
~Dan
Already looking forward to creating a reason for Dan to return.
Response from Dan Kennedy:
Michael,
You were such a kind and generous host. Such a fun party you had! I would love to come back.
~Dan
Thank you so much for making our special day even more special! Dan was professional and accommodating of our requests. We highly recommend!
Response from Dan Kennedy:
Dear Jasmyn,
Thank you for your kind review. I am so happy for you and your husband. There was a lot of love in the room, and it was a privilege for me to participate in your wedding. Best wishes.
~Dan Kennedy
Dan did an amazing job at our cocktail hour! Our guests raved about him!
Response from Dan Kennedy:
Thanks, Katie, for your kind words. It was my pleasure and privilege to play for you. Let me know if you have another event or a holiday party and I can play for you again.
~Dan
Dan played jazz piano for 2 1/2 hours in a cold damp tent out doors! He was a trooper and We are still receiving compliments on his performance.
Response from Dan Kennedy:
Dear Mary,
Thank you for the opportunity, and for your kind words; I had fun. I also play high quality, homestyle Holiday Concerts, so let me know if you would like one.
~Dan Kennedy
Dan was perfect for our event . He was on time , played beautifully and exactly what we requested . Very professional:)
Response from Dan Kennedy:
Michelle,
It was a pleasure and a privilege to play at the big day. Thank you for the opportunity.
~Dan Kennedy
Dan is an amiable and talented pianist. He was amenable to perform music provided by the organizer of the event. Dan played tirelessly for almost four hours. I would definitely hire him for a future party.
Response from Dan Kennedy:
My pleasure! Your family really knows how to have fun. It was a privilege to be a part of the party. ~Dan
Excellent relationship made this event music easy to enjoy. Dan is very professional, exceptionally talented and professional. I left the repertoire up to him and he did very well in choosing just the right tone. A “win”.
Response from Dan Kennedy:
Hi Bonnie,
Thank you. It was your excellent communication and planning that really helped me, too. I sincerely enjoyed playing at the event. Let's stay in touch.
~Dan Kennedy
Dan was very punctual, polite and pleasant and did a super job.
Everyone enjoyed him.
Response from Dan Kennedy:
Thanks Jeanette,
Your party was well organized, truly pleasant. Thank you for your kind words.
~Dan
Dan played at our small wedding ceremony and was absolutely stellar. He maintained the social ambiance while we (and most of our guests) were an hour late, with grace and professionalism. He communicated with our celebrant to ensure they were on the same page, without my needing to fuss or worry. He accommodated our requests with ease. I would book him again in a heartbeat if I ever needed a pianist. I cannot recommend him strongly enough. Thank you, Dan, for helping make our special day everything we hoped it would be!!
Response from Dan Kennedy:
Alisha, Thank you so kindly for taking a moment and writing me a pleasant review. Your wedding was easy to play; it was organized, well thought out, and had loads of emotion to it. Your vows belong on a "Best Of..." list. Best wishes in the years ahead. Sincerely, Dan Kennedy, 25 years exp., Amherst MA
Dan was a blessing. He was very professional. Knew the music and was able to transpose at the last minute. I'm not sure what I would have done if it was not for his talent. Thanks Dan for your beautiful incidental music and your ability to accompany my singing. I highly recommend Dan for any event that you need a professional pianist.
Response from Dan Kennedy:
Thanks Donna, you sounded amazing. Thanks for the opportunity -- what a heartfelt, beautiful event. My condolences again.
Dan was phenomenal from the start! His knowledge, empathy and personality throughout the entire process helped make our ceremony perfect!
Thank you so much Dan!
-Mike and Sena
Response from Dan Kennedy:
Dear Mike and Sena,
Your organization ahead of time really helped it be one of the most beautiful of weddings I've been to. You were both so poised and confident on your big day. Congratulations, and thank you for the opportunity to play piano for your wedding.
~Dan Kennedy
Dan performed at our small wedding. We requested that he play 4 songs for us before and after the ceremony. He was able to provide us with "samples" of the song prior to our wedding day as the songs were somewhat unique. He arrived early and the songs sounded great! Thanks again for all your hard work Dan!!
Response from Dan Kennedy:
Frederick,
It was my pleasure playing piano. Your and Lisa's wedding was intimate and fun and people had a great time. Thank you for the opportunity.
~Dan
Punctual
Professional
Great background music
Dan was very accomadating . He learned a new song for my Serbian husband
Response from Dan Kennedy:
Dear Patricia,
Thank you so very much for the opportunity to play piano at your wedding. It was such a cozy, unique event.
~Dan Kennedy
Dan gets a 5 star rating, we were in a pinch and needed a piano player last minute as the one we had originally booked cancelled. He came on very short notice and was great!! Played some really great songs, took all our requests, had so much fun singing along, made it a fantastic party! Would highly recommend Dan
Response from Dan Kennedy:
Tom, you are so kind and you treated me well. Thank you.
Dan worked with us on a Cabaret Night in which he was asked to accompany amateur and professional performers from all genres. He was absolutely fabulous. Not only was he incredibly skilled, he was patient and humble and put everyone at ease. Thanks Dan, for a wonderful evening!
Response from Dan Kennedy:
Catherine,
I'm honored, and I had so much fun. Remember to tell your group for me how great I thought they were!
-Dan
Music can make or break an event that I host - personally, it is the key to a successful event; putting guests at ease and simultaneously livening the mood. When searching for a pianist for our corporate event, we wanted someone that could play a mix of light, upbeat songs and classical numbers as well. Dan Kennedy was the perfect choice for our recent cocktail reception. He arrived well before start time and played for 2 hours, only stopping during the presentation portion of our event. He seamlessly transitioned between songs, maintaining the perfect sound and mood throughout the evening. Several guests commented on his wonderful talent. When planning future events needing a pianist, I will definitely contact Dan Kennedy and would recommend his talents to any who inquire.
Response from Dan Kennedy:
Thank you, Nathan, for your extraordinarily kind words here and your hospitality. It was my pleasure. Everything at this corporate event was planned very well, kudos; which made it easy and fun for me.
Price Range: $275 min.
Languages: French, German
Client should expect
---------------------------
-Ample communication beforehand to meet client needs.
-Friendly, business-like presentation.
-Reliable transportation.
-Appropriate dress.
-Early arrival and a great job done.
Client gets
----------------
-25 years experience.
-Someone who can "go with the flow."
As a performer Dan has two formats:
1) Solo piano. He usually plays solo piano. He can provide a digital piano and speaker. He can play virtually every style, and his skill set ranges from classical to pop to jazz.
2) As a group. If requested Dan may be able to put together a group for the performance.
Contemporary Solo Pianist Dan Kennedy has performed in 21 states as well as Canada. His recorded music has garnered well over 660,000 spins on the internet.
Dan is available to play concerts, weddings, holiday parties, corporate events, and help you customize any special event. He is the rare player who can play jazz and classical, blues and rock, pop and...really any style whatsoever! To date all of his GigSalad reviews have been 5-star -- he'll do a great job for you.
Classically trained with a Bachelor's from Oberlin Conservatory and a Master's from New England Conservatory, Dan is remarkably down-to-earth. He has worked with such luminaries as Will Ackerman, Joe Bongiorno, Charles Neville, Wings drummer Steve Holley, Glen Velez, and T-Bone Wolk.
“Like being plugged into a socket in the heavens where I can focus on what is really
important in life. 5/5 Stars.” —Keith "MuzikMan" Hannaleck
"A finely cut diamond, a glorious and brilliant addition to any solo piano album collection.”
—Dyan Garris
Weddings
---------------
When it comes to weddings, Dan won't just play the ceremony, he'll confer with you ahead of time to help organize the music. Dan honors special requests of literally any style. Once Dan understands your needs, consider it "taken care of." Dan prepares in advance, dresses appropriately, and arrives early. He is a Featured Performer here on GigSalad.
"Beyond awesomeness! Dan is a pro who made the evening!"
—Michael K.
"Dan, thanks again for playing at our wedding. You did a great job and
many people have commented on our "elegant" wedding, which we
owe a lot to you." —Matt and Negar
Examples of popular Wedding Music Dan uses
Classical: JS Bach, Jeremiah Clarke, Wagner, Pachelbel, hymns
Modern: Yiruma, Sarah McLachlan, Einaudi
Cocktail Hour: Hammerstein/Kern, Cole Porter, Elton John, Billy Joel
and much more.
Holiday Parties
--------------------
Find joy of the season, relaxed merriment. Think lightly falling snow, a hot meal
and a great time for your guests. Why not sprinkle in a bit of piano music?
Dan is professional, punctual and reliable. Based in Amherst, MA, Dan can
travel to play your event. He plays all the old chestnuts and the more
modern pop tunes as well.
Adequate lighting should be considered for this event. 3-prong, grounded outlet for keyboard.
The set list varies. If you are using a printed program, contact me ahead of time to coordinate.
A piano is best. Dan can also bring a digital piano and speaker, though a small portage fee is factored in to any quote.
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