Jay Daniels at the piano

Electronic Press Kit

Jay Daniels

Pianist · Vocalist · Musical Storyteller
Available for libraries, theaters, clubs, senior living & special events

Booking Inquiries
(917) 426-3655
jay@jaydanielsmusic.com
www.jaydanielsmusic.com

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About

Booking Biography

Jay Daniels is a pianist, vocalist, and musical storyteller with over 30 years of professional experience. Based in the New York metropolitan area, he performs themed concert programs that blend live music, historical context, and audience engagement into something audiences don't quickly forget.

Each show is crafted as an intimate, narrative-driven experience -- part concert, part radio broadcast, part living history lesson. Audiences don't just listen; they share memories and leave humming something they may not have thought of in decades.

Jay's twelve seasonal programs span a wide range of beloved repertoire: Beatles and Billy Joel, Motown and bossa nova, Broadway and soul, folk and holiday. His 2027 season centers on the music of 1967 -- one of the most transformative years in popular music history -- with programs devoted to Sinatra's bossa nova sessions, Motown's golden peak, the Summer of Love, and more.

He has performed for public libraries, senior living communities, country clubs, theaters, synagogues, and private events across the Northeast, Midwest, Southeast, and Canada. His programs are self-contained and require no stage setup beyond a standard piano, sound system, and audience seating.

Jay is widely praised by presenters as "easy to work with," "incredibly kind," and "a true showman." His concerts consistently generate standing ovations and repeat bookings.

Jay Daniels performing

Based In

New York City region
Available nationally & in Canada

Program Length

1 to 2 hours
Depending on client's needs; intermission taken for programs over one hour. Cocktail music available up to three hours.

Audience

All ages welcome
Especially popular with 50+ audiences

Arrival

60 minutes early
Jay handles all setup and breakdown

Equipment

Venue-provided preferred
Piano, sound system, and microphone requested from venue. Jay can supply equipment if unavailable.

Contact

(917) 426-3655
jay@jaydanielsmusic.com

Concert Programs

All twelve programs are available for booking. Each is designed as a complete, self-contained show. Jay can discuss program selection based on your audience and season.

January · Fan Favorite

Piano Men: Chapter Two

The music of Billy Joel and Elton John -- two of the greatest piano-driven songwriters of the rock era -- in a celebration of their parallel careers and shared genius.

February · Romance

The Look of Love

Romantic sounds from 1967: Bacharach's spy-film cool, Sinatra's bossa nova warmth, and the lush orchestrations that defined the era's most timeless love songs.

March · Bossa Nova

Quiet Nights: The Sinatra-Jobim Sessions

An evening devoted to Sinatra's legendary collaboration with Antonio Carlos Jobim -- "Girl from Ipanema," "Dindi," "How Insensitive" -- and the gentle revolution of bossa nova.

April · Motown

Ain't No Mountain High Enough

Motown's greatest year. 1967 gave us "I Heard It Through the Grapevine," "Ain't No Mountain High Enough," and a string of hits that redefined American soul music.

May · Pop

All Creatures Great and Groovy

The Monkees, the Byrds, the Animals, the Turtles -- the irresistibly fun pop side of the '60s, full of hooks, harmonies, and songs that have never really left us.

June · Broadway

Come to the Cabaret!

The year the musical got dangerous: Cabaret, The Graduate, Hair, Casino Royale. A night of show-stopping songs from one of Broadway and Hollywood's most daring seasons.

July · 1967

The Summer of Love

Peace, protest, and poets: Dionne Warwick, the Association, the 5th Dimension, and the idealistic, flower-crowned spirit of a summer that changed everything.

August · Soul

Lean on Me

The soulful sounds of Jay Daniels: Bill Withers, Al Green, Otis Redding, and the deep wellspring of American soul music at its warmest and most human.

September · Folk

The Storytellers

Folk classics reimagined: Dylan, Baez, Simon & Garfunkel, Joni Mitchell. The poets who turned popular music into literature and gave a generation its voice.

October · 1967

The Autumn of 1967

As the summer's euphoria faded, the music deepened. "Leaves That Are Green," "Both Sides Now," "For Once in My Life" -- the season's quiet, gorgeous turning point.

November · Beatles

Here, There and Everywhere

The Beatles at their creative peak: Revolver, Sgt. Pepper, Magical Mystery Tour. The songs that made 1966-1967 the most astonishing two years in rock history.

December · Holiday

A Jolly Christmas from Jay Daniels

Inspired by Sinatra's beloved 1957 holiday album -- warm, swinging, and festive. The perfect close to the concert year, and to the season.

Custom programs and special repertoire requests are available. Inquire for details.

Testimonials

"Jay Daniels made his Canadian debut today in the Hamilton Room at the Central Library for the Noon Hour Concert performing Piano Men. 70 members and a fan from New Jersey came to celebrate the unforgettable hits of Billy Joel and Elton John. With rich vocals and jazz-infused flair, Jay performed classics like Piano Man, Your Song, Rocket Man, and many more, bringing fresh life to the music of two pop legends. Many members hope he will return and tour in Southern Ontario again."

Nadine Sayliss -- Hamilton Public Library, Hamilton, ON

"Working with Jay was a pleasure from start to finish! He was professional, kind, and very talented. Jay drew a great crowd to our Afternoon TEA series and presented his program 'Piano Men', which was incredibly well done. You could tell Jay put a lot of time into choosing the songs and perfecting his renditions of them. He also was engaged with the audience through storytelling and interactive discussion which was fun to witness. If you're looking for a talented entertainer who is sure to impress, I highly recommend Jay Daniels!"

Amanda Kowalczuk -- Landmark on Main Street, Port Washington, NY

"Our patrons raved about Jay's Piano Men concert! Jay greeted each attendee as they arrived and made sure that everyone felt welcomed and connected to his performance. In addition to his talent as a performer, Jay is incredibly kind and easy to work with. A Jay Daniels concert is a great addition to any venue's calendar!"

Jenn MacDowell -- Mashpee Public Library, Mashpee, MA

"Jay was as courteous and professional as he is talented. His stellar vocals combined with his wonderfully crafted piano arrangements captivated both myself and the audience. He kept the audience engaged. He even took their requests at the end of the show. A true showman."

Michael Serraino, Program Coordinator -- Manhasset Public Library, Manhasset, NY

"Jay Daniels is an absolutely delightful performer! He's a wonderful pianist and vocalist who chooses songs the audience will enjoy, making them his own. His warm and engaging manner charmed the audience. Jay is the full package -- an extremely talented performer who understands his audience and connects beautifully with them."

Jessica Koenig, Library Director -- Island Park Public Library, Island Park, NY

"Jay Daniels is an incredibly talented performer, with the type of voice that draws in the audience and makes you want to sit and listen for hours! His charming manner was perfect for inviting the listeners to gather around and join in the fun. I highly recommend a Jay Daniels concert for any venue and for audiences of all ages!"

Carrie Sturgill, Head of Youth Services -- Radnor Memorial Library, Wayne, PA

Technical Information

Performance Requirements

Jay requests that the venue provide the following. If any items are unavailable, please note this when booking so arrangements can be made.

Venue Provides

  • Piano in good working condition (grand or upright)
  • Sound system with adequate coverage for the room
  • Vocal microphone and stand
  • Clear performance area of at least 8 ft x 6 ft
  • Audience seating arranged to face the performance area
  • Point of contact on day of performance
  • Parking for one vehicle near load-in entrance

If a piano, sound system, or microphone is not available at your venue, Jay can supply the necessary equipment. Please indicate this when booking.

Jay Provides

  • All repertoire, arrangements, and program materials
  • Portable digital piano, PA, and microphone (if venue equipment unavailable)
  • All cables, extension cords, and accessories
  • Setup and breakdown handled by Jay; assistance with moving piano, speakers, and equipment is welcome and appreciated

Day-of Schedule

  • Arrival: 60 minutes before performance
  • Sound check: 20-30 minutes
  • Performance: 1 to 2 hours depending on booking
  • Intermission: taken for programs over one hour
  • Cocktail music: available up to three hours
  • Post-show meet and greet: available on request
  • Breakdown and load-out: 20-30 minutes

Program Format

  • Narrative concert with storytelling and historical context
  • Post-show Q&A available on request (add 15-20 min)
  • Photography and social media sharing welcome
  • Recording requires prior written permission

Press & Promotional Assets

Download Jay's high-resolution headshots, logo files, booking biography, and one-sheet for use in your event listings, newsletters, and promotional materials. For additional press materials, contact Jay directly.