CJ STEINWAY

I'm an old-school, two-fisted piano player with a strong tenor voice for all styles of popular music. Whether you need life-of-the-party entertainment or background music, I'm your guy. I can deliver swingin' standards like Harry Connick, Jr., or rock and soul Piano Man-style hits in the vein of Elton John, Billy Joel, Ray Charles, Jerry Lee Lewis, Dr. John, and Fats Domino. My goal is to get the whole room swingin', dancin', and singin' along, and I'm always happy to pass the mic to a guest singer because, after all, It's your party!

I've been performing for more than 20 years, playing at various venues such as piano bars, restaurants, wedding receptions, cocktail hours, corporate events, casino lounges, and private parties. I've entertained crowds from the Pocono Mountains to the Jersey Shore and from Maryland to Connecticut. I have the ability to "read the room" and tailor my performance to suit the vibe of the moment. What sets me apart is that I perform completely live, without any programmed or recorded background tracks – I'm proudly old-school.

I specialize in playing songs you know by heart, infusing them with an accessible and danceable style that's just different enough from the original recordings to keep things interesting and fun. I love mixing swingin' standards with rock, soul, and blues. I can even make rock 'n' roll classics swing. Check out my videos, and you'll hear exactly what I mean. I also enjoy taking a new song from an unexpected genre and putting my own rock or swing spin on it. If it grooves, I'll give it a shot.

If you're looking for a bigger sound, I can bring in some of my talented sidemen and vocalists to turn up the heat. I collaborate with excellent female vocalists, including the lovely Ashley Godshall, who can croon standards from the 1920s to today alongside me. And if you want even more, I can arrange for an upright bass and/or drums, maybe a sax, trumpet, or jazz guitar – just tell me what you envision for your event, and I'll assemble the perfect combo.

Professionalism is a top priority for me. I'm always punctual and courteous because I understand that your affair is special for you and your guests, possibly a once-in-a-lifetime event. I take pride in bringing my "A" game to every performance, and my love for music shines through in every song. You have many options when choosing entertainment, and my goal is to earn your future business and enthusiastic referrals to everyone you know. I'm dedicated to making your event unforgettable through the power of live music. Let's make it a night to remember!

VIDEOS

TESTIMONIALS

 

"I've had the opportunity to work with CJ Steinway on many occasions. He is a consummate professional with impeccable piano and vocal skills, a dapper style, and an unmatched ability to get the crowd swinging along! In my career as a professional vocalist, CJ is one of my favorite musicians with whom to work. He is always punctual, receptive to requests, and when I'm sorting through the sea of hired musicians to choose from in the area, his talent and energetic love of music stands out above the rest!" 

Ashley, Philadelphia, PA 

 

  "CJ recently played for my 50th birthday party and he was awesome! He was hired to play from 8-10pm but fortunately showed up at 6pm. The sound system I had set up for cocktails and dinner wasn't working, and CJ stepped right in and, and without being asked, started to play some recorded music over his own system. He saved the night. I am a professional musician and I am pretty picky about other musicians. CJ has a great style, with a warm, mellow sound, similar to Harry Connick Jr. He was gracious and professional. Tons of complements from my guests, many of whom are musicians. You will not be disappointed."

 Deborah S

 

"CJ Steinway "made" our Valentine's party epic! From his ultra cool attire to his incredible vocals, he played songs that everyone wanted to hear. There wasn't one request he couldn't fill. He encouraged everyone to sing along and just have fun - which they did! CJ is beyond talented and we felt super lucky just to have him in our home playing for our party. He came early, set up easily and went to town - performing everything from standards to contemporary songs that all of our guests loved. He was so much fun and truly made the night a blast! Friends have been texting me like crazy asking for his name and number for their upcoming parties... He was THAT great!"

Joy B