​​​​​Steinway Jazz Cafe

Pierre Fracalanza, piano

Pierre Fracalanza, the son of a concert organist from Italy, began playing the piano and organ at three years old. His first experiences with music were simply playing back something he heard from church or his dad’s studio. Pierre began playing in church at age eight. At age twelve, he was playing at weddings, and by sixteen, he was the Organist and Choir Director at St. Stephen’s Church, Port Huron.  Pierre continued his musical studies throughout high school and college, studying Vocal Performance from Eastman School of Music. With a love for improvisation, Pierre spent his twenties to mid-thirties entertaining in some of Detroit’s finest clubs and restaurants.

Through the years, Pierre has performed at countless charitable events, private parties and even played for such luminaries as First Lady, Hillary Rodham Clinton and Senator Ted Kennedy. He has performed on theatre organ in Pittsburgh, Philadelphia; Great Falls, Virginia; Cleveland, Detroit, Rochester, New York; and Sarasota. Today, Pierre is the Organist and Music Director for St. James the Greater Parish in Novi, which currently has 3000 families. His YouTube videos have been viewed by thousands of enthusiasts around the world. In 2012, Pierre became part of the exclusive roster of Steinway Artists, an international group of pianists and musicians that exemplify the high standards of the Steinway piano.

Cliff Monear, piano

Anyone who’s a fan of Steinway Gallery concerts is a fan of Cliff Monear. He is a world-class jazz pianist who, during the day, is a Gold-Award STEINWAY piano consultant. He is a decorated member of the Wayne State music faculty and is the curator of the Steinway Jazz Series.