Star pianist set to boogie for the Bay

Boogie pianist Ben Waters is widely regarded as one of the best in the world.

Audiences should brace for a bounty of boogie blues as the genre's preeminent performer is on his way to the Bay.

Ben Waters, the boogie pianist, will tour the country with full live band and his concerts will feature Auckland rhythm and jive band Fat Mouse.

Waters has collaborated with some of the biggest names in music during his illustrious career.

He is proud to count many of the legends of Boogie Woogie as friends.

Waters played alongside Jerry Lee Lewis, Chuck Berry and even the Rolling Stones.

Jools Holland, the internationally acclaimed frontman described Waters as one of his favourite piano players of all time and asked him to perform at his wedding.

He is a prodigious piano player, regarded by some as up there with the best in the world.

Waters is also a professional music tour and music festival organiser.

His Napier concert "Lifting the Blues" will double as a fundraiser for the Brain Injury Hawke's Bay Inc.

When he's not captivating crowds for charity, the piano player and vocalist is producing superstar offspring.

He devotes a lot time and effort in encouragement of his musically minded youngsters.

His 15-year-old-son Tom will be accompanying him during his New Zealand tour.

Daughter Molly, age 13, also often takes to the stage to belt out songs with a powerful and stylish voice.

After seeing him play at age 9, Waters considers Ian Stewart one of his greatest influences.

Waters dedicated an entire album to Stewarts memory dubbing it "Boogie For Stu."

Boogie blues:

* What: Ben Waters - Lifting the Blues

* When: 7pm this Saturday, April 2

* Where: MTG Century Theatre, Napier

* Tickets: 0800 BUY TIX (289 849) 1