When he can take time out from his international touring, the single Brickman likes to swim, bike and work toward getting his pilot's license. "It's exciting to know that this music has become so popular and that people are finding a way to use this music to their benefit, whether it's to play in the background of a dinner parry or to play while doing yoga, taking a bath or mak- ing out," he said. El Jim Brickman's Gilmore Festival performance begins at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday; April 29, at the WK Kellogg Auditorium, Battle Creek. $35 includes a private meet-the- artist session at 6:30 p.m./$25-$12. (800)34 PIANO. The Gilmore Festival When Jim Brickman visits western Michigan to be part of the Irving S. Gilmore International Keyboard Festival, he shares the spotlight with more than 30 other acclaimed per- formers. The biennial festival showcases the classical talents of pianists such as Emanuel Ax and Krystian Zimerman as well as the jazz stylings of musicians such as Diana Krall and Peter Nero. It offers more than 100 events including concerts, master classes, lectures and public education pro- ararns. The selection process for the artist award is secret, with commit- tee members traveling to hear con- certs of finalists, who have no idea that they are being considered. Families, at a cost of $ I 0 or less for each program, can enjoy a special series that features nine artists in separate one-hour pro grams. In addition to playing their favorite instruments, they talk. about the music and its relevance today. Featured musicians include Laura Spitzer, Frederick Moyer, Leon I3ates, Lincoln Mayorga, Yuki and Tornoko Mack, The Gilmore, which Andrea Schneider, offers performances between April 25 and May Pianist E rnanuel Ax Andrew Armstrong and Danilo Perez. 3, fills auditoriums in Other festival highlights include: Kalamazoo, Grand Rapids, Battle • Pre - Concert Lectures and Meet Creek, Benton Harbor and the sur- the Artist Sessions, which begin one rounding communities. hour before the concert and are "(There is) a cross-section of about 20 minutes long. Participating music as wide as the keyboard itself performers are An.dsnes and Maestro for all ages and all musical tastes," Yoshirni Takeda, April 25-26; Pablo said Irma Vallecillo, artistic director. Ziegler and Christopher O'Riley, Besides working on the selection April 27; Emanuel Ax, April 28; and of the many talented instrumental- Krystian Zimerman, April 30. ists who headline the biennial event, • Symposium: "The End of Vallecillo coordinates the seven- Music?" — the April 25 subject of a member committee that selects the distinguished panel that features Ara winner of the Gilmore Artist Award. Guzelimian, artistic director of the Every four years, an honoree is Aspen Music Festival, and William chosen and featured in concert and Littler, critic of The Toronto Star. receives a $50,000 cash grant and • Lecture-Recital: "Classical Jazz $250,000 for career-enhancement Connections" with Stuart Isacoff, projects. pianist and editor of Piano Today, on This year's winner is Norwegian April 26. pianist Leif five Andsnes, who per- -- Suzanne Chessler forms at 8 p.m. Saturday, April 25, at Miller Auditorium, Western Performances of The Gilmore Michigan University, Kalamazoo, International Piano Festival run and at 7 p.m. Sunday, April 26, at April 25-May 3 throughout west- the Dalton Center Recital Hall on ern Michigan. A complete sched- the same campus. The Saturday ule and other information is avail- evening opening-night performance able by calling (800) 34 PIANO, will be emceed by Martin or visit the Gilmore Festival Goldsmith, host of National Public Websire at www.gilmore.org Radio's "Performance Today." Big Deal, Small Price. Mazel Tov! Whatever the occasion - wedding, bar mitzvah, anniversary, or holiday - we have a great deal for you! For our low BounceBack Weekend rate of just $69 per night, we'll give your visiting guests a spacious room, complimentary continental breakfast each morning, and fresh baked cookies each evening. For reservations, call your professional travel agent, 1-800-HILTONS, or the Southfield Hilton Garden Inn at 248-357-1100. 26000 American Dr. Southfield, MI 48034 248-357-1100 www.hilton.com Kids 18 and under stay free in their parents' or grandparents' room. Offer valid every day of the week through 5/31/98. 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