"Thank you so much!  Our department truly enjoyed
having you as a part of our Holiday party last week,
and we received many compliments about the music.
You brought such a special touch to our event,
and we appreciate you making our first experience
with live music memorable . . . " 
Gracey Hessinger
(Bioengineering Dept., Stanford University)

“We sought out Michael for my wife's intimate dinner party
after hearing his demo and reading his reviews.
Michael played great and was very in touch with the mood
of the room, making our dinner party very special." 
Douglas Munson
Sacramento

“From the first time we talked on the phone until the event ended, I could tell that you would successfully guide us toward the best entertainment solutions without us having to give a second thought to the details.”
Greg Schlappich
Coates-Kenny Consulting Actuaries

"We loved your playing and singing !
Thank you so much for being here and entertaining
my friends at my birthday party. I'll for sure contact you
for our next get together. Just fabulous!"
Lisa & Neil Cavezza
Concord

"Last December, I was in charge of a Holiday party
that also was a celebration of our beloved Dollar Clubhouse
becoming a National Historic Place in Walnut Creek.
And part of my job was to find a great pianist.
After listening to Michael Smolens' demo recording,
I knew we were going to be in good hands.
He played his arrangements of Holiday pieces beautifully,
and many people stopped by to thank him,
request special songs, and even inquire about
private lessons with him."
Bob Dickson
Walnut Creek

“Everyone truly enjoyed the solo piano music at my holiday party. Michael's style is clean and precise, yet relaxed, and was a good match for the Gershwin era music that my guests enjoy.”
Richard C. Hutson
San Francisco

“Besides playing solo piano, Michael accompanied my
guests who sang a variety of jazz, and played show tunes
at my New Year's party. Quite a few people shed their shyness,
stepped up to the piano and joined in the singing enthusiastically. Michael was also very professional. He made a great difference!”
Harry M. Dorfman, JD.
San Francisco

as a one-man-band soloist

"We had a lot riding on the opening of our new San Francisco branch, but Michael's music was just perfection. He has the uncanny ability to track and amplify what is happening in the room at any moment, whether it was playing solo piano, singing a familiar song, or creating a mix of etheric vocal parts along with his alto flute and West-African marimba simultaneously; (I swore there were four people playing...) Unlike many other events I've been to, I was always able to carry on conversations with every guest I spoke to. He even elicited requests from nearby guests and I watched him adapt lyrics to that person, on-the-fly, no less! Michael brings real art to solo music entertainment."
Karen Bradley
corporate liaison, W. Bradley Electric Co.

“Michael did a fabulous job at our open house for
the Laptop Lounge, the new business lounge in Walnut Creek.  
It was attended by business professionals and members
of the Chamber of Commerce and City Council.
Michael arrived on-time, set up quickly and efficiently,
then wowed the room with his wide range of skills
and unique combination of sounds.  
Because I have hired Michael before, I knew he could easily
read the room very well to provide the right sounds
at the right times.  His sound is lush and remarkably complex,
whether playing straight piano or using his digital looper
to create a rich multi-layered sound.  (At one point,
I heard him playing and singing, even though he was
momentarily away from the equipment).  
Michael is a wealth of musical resources,
regardless of the type of event you are planning.”
Victor Mataraso
founder of the Laptop Lounge and Reliable Receptionist
Walnut Creek

“Michael performed at our two-day national conference
in Monterey in two completely different formats—
as a jazz piano/sax duo and as a West-African soloist.  
Both acts were great and entertaining, but the African music
was exceptional.  All of our guests go to see Michael
layer all kinds of parts—percussion, alto flute,
and multiple vocals—with a cool electronic device
to create a REAL One-Man Band.  He also talked about
all of his exotic instruments, which we found fascinating.  
Our organization cannot recommend him highly enough!”
Jon Welch
Regional Chair of Little People of America

"My customers tell me that they stayed longer just to hear Michael perform during our busy Holiday season. He is just spectacular ! Because we attract visitors from all over the world (and with different religious backgrounds), we count on Michael's music to make them feel welcome. Traditional carols & Christmas pop (both old & new), spirituals & gospel, seasonal jazz & classical, Jewish & even Hindu songs, he covers it all. Not only does Michael play a half-dozen different instruments and sing, but he somehow manages to do them simultaneously ! His arrangements make the familiar enchanting, and his timing is just impeccable. We're fortunate to have Michael return for his 2nd five-week run here at BOUDIN'S."
Marisa Garcia
manager for BOUDIN'S on Fisherman's Wharf

as a bandleader

“Michael Smolens brought together three very diverse
and professional groups for our large social event
at the Chabot Space and Science Center—
the West-African trio Bal du Kor, a jazz piano trio,
and funky quartet with vocalist.
The energetic and personalized selections that resonated
from each of these groups entertained and intrigued
our guests from early evening until the late hours.   
We would be pleased to call upon any of Michael’s talented
groups for future social functions.”
Hal and Andrea Wolf
Walnut Creek

"Wonderful jazz trio of piano, bass, and drums for a 90th birthday celebration with 200+ people. The music fit the energy, vibe, and flow of the party perfect throughout. All three musicians were outstanding and Michael was a professional from start to finish, and so helpful in the planning process."
Kristin Ashton
Vancouver

"I wanted to reach out and express my sincere thanks
for performing during our New Year's Eve party.
Your talented quintet truly made the night one to remember,
and we received numerous compliments on your performance."
Izem Guendoud
(Resident Engagement Specialist, Coterie Cathedral Hill)

“I hosted a party for 350 Hewlett-Packard employees
and family members at the Mark Hopkins Hotel in
San Francisco where we were entertained by Michael Smolens
and his band. Overall, I highly recommend Mr. Smolens
as a performer and bandleader. He demonstrated excellent
professionalism and flexibility with us at Hewlett-Packard,
and we would certainly hire him again for a similar event.”
Kevin Morgan (R&D Lab Manager)
Hewlett-Packard

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