Indianapolis jazz pianist Dave Hepler will perform at Warsaw Community Public Library Feb. 11. The performance is titled “Lovers of Jazz Piano Concert,” and is from 2 to 3 p.m. Hepler, 55, Indianapolis, said he was 8 when he started playing piano. He said his sister and grandmother influenced his love of playing the piano. Later, artists Bill Evans, McCoy Tyner, Chick Corea, Thelonius Monk and recently Chucho Valdez and Monty Alexander from Jamaica all influence him. Hepler has played at the Indy Jazz Fest, Indianapolis Colts parties, for the governor and mayor of Indianapolis and others at a NCAA reception and for the President of Martin University. “I enjoyed the events for the President of Martin University the most as I also was honored to play at her wedding,” Hepler said. “Probably these were the most enjoyable because she, her husband and dignitaries made it known to me in an emotional way how much they were touched by the music.” During the performance at WCPL, Hepler will perform some music from his CDs as well as a completely improvised piece and some other new music. He will perform selections by composers George Gershwin, Duke Ellington and Cole Porter from Peru, where in June he will play for “The Cole Porter Festival.” He also will play the Elkhart Jazz Festival in June with a bassist from Indianapolis and a drummer from Fort Wayne. “I am excited about all of these 2012 new opportunities to share my music,” Hepler said.
