World-renowned pianist and songwriter Jim Brickman will perform at the Crest Theatre Nov. 4 with musical guests Anne Cochran and Benjamin Utecht. Brickman, who also sings at his concerts, said he will be performing romantic melodies, a few Christmas songs, but no breakup songs – that’s just not his style.

"The Gift," "Valentine” and "Love of My Life" are just some of his famous love song compositions.

He has collaborated with various musical talents, including Martina McBride, Olivia Newton-John, Michael Bolton and Lady Antebellum.

"You have to find your own voice, because if you sound like someone else, then there's nothing unique about you," Brickman said.

His distinct style of music comes in the form of inspiration, romance, calm and emotional moments. Something he does not do are breakup songs. He said he likes to promote hope in his music.
Brickman began playing piano at age 5 and did not come from a musically inclined family, but he said his family has always been supportive of his love for music.

In high school, he played with a band performing at weddings. It was not until he moved to California in his late 20s from his hometown of Cleveland when he started getting recognition – a couple years after sending his sample music to radio stations and recording companies.

Since then, Brickman, turning 50 this November, has produced six albums that received gold and platinum status and two Grammy nominations. A gold status is awarded for an album with more than 500,000 units in sales and platinum status is awarded for an album with more than 1 million units in sales, according to the Recording Industry Association of America website.

Well-renowned pianist and songwriter Jim Brickman will perform at the Crest Theatre Nov. 4 (Image by: Image courtesy Jim Brickman)

"I think it’s something that comes naturally. I don't think it’s something you attain or grow into," Brickman said when asked about when he fell in love with music. "In my case, it’s much a part of me like learning to talk."

Playing live is his absolute favorite, he said. He does not have any rituals or special preparations before performing live in his concerts. Instead, he assesses the environment by using the first song he plays as the barometer if the mood of the audience is energetic or calm.

Brickman has performed many times in Sacramento, and the Crest Theatre was the venue of his first performance in this city.

"I always loved that neighborhood in downtown with all the restaurants, and I always have a great time." Brickman said. "I haven't been there in a long time, and I'm really excited to introduce the audience to my special guests."

In his upcoming concert, he will be performing with special guest artists Adult Contemporary Singer Anne Cochran and Pop Singer Benjamin Utecht. Brickman said he enjoys collaborating with other musicians and letting them bring their own style to his songs.

"It’s always a lot of fun. I think sometimes people think it’s going to be a recital or quiet,” Brickman said. “It's actually joyful and sometimes very lighthearted and funny, and there’s a great variety, from the hit songs, a couple of new ones, a little of Christmas, and great guests.

"I sing quite a bit in the shows as well,” he added, “so I think people don't expect as much singing, and I don’t think they expect it to be as lighthearted as it is."

The concert will begin at 8 p.m., and ticket prices range from $30 to $65 and are available at tickets.com. The Crest Theatre is located at 1013 K St.