Greg Papesh

Fishers, IN

$200 and up

Travels up to 60 miles

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Overview

I am classically trained and received a B.A. in music performance from Marian University in 2010. I've played for numerous weddings and parties in the Indianapolis metropolitan area. Some notable venues include: Lucas Oil Stadium, Old National Center and The Indiana Roof Ballroom. I have played/sang and am available for weddings, cocktail hours, fundraisers, dinners, Christmas parties, etc. I provide nice background music for all to enjoy.


Reviews

1 review

Small thumbnail image for reviewer Tory F.

Tory F.

December 15, 2016
Verified review

Perfect!

Greg was great for the event. His music was fantastic and he gladly obliged my holiday guests with accompanying them as they belted out Christmas carols. We were thrilled to have him and I would gladly hire him again.

Hired as: Pianist

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Booking information

Price range: $200 and up

Languages: English

Gig length: 60 - 180 minutes

What to expect

What the Audience Will See (The Experience)
When your guests arrive, they will experience a polished, engaging performance tailored precisely to the room's energy. Depending on the event, they will see:

An Elegant Solo Act: A sophisticated setup featuring a professional vocal and piano performance. The music seamlessly bridges generations, blending timeless classics with modern hits rearranged with a fresh, elegant twist.

Dynamic Range: The audience will experience a performer who knows how to read a room. I can deliver a warm, quiet yet passionate performance that sits perfectly under the cross-talk of a busy cocktail hour, or step up the energy to be the captivating centerpiece of a private party.

A Master of the Craft: For theatrical and ensemble events, school groups and congregations will see a collaborative, highly skilled accompanist who brings precision, supportive energy, and a commanding command of the keys to school musicals, show choirs, and church services.

What the Client Will Get (The Service & Logistics)
From an organizer or event planner's perspective, a great gig is a stress-free gig. When you hire me, you get a reliable professional partner, ensuring:

Absolute Versatility: You don't have to worry about the setlist matching the crowd. Because my repertoire spans multiple genres and eras, the music will be perfectly curated to fit your specific venue, timeline, and demographic.

Turnkey Professionalism: I arrive early, dressed appropriately for your event’s dress code (from black-tie formal to casual upscale), and fully prepared.

Seamless Collaboration: For directors and coordinators handling school musicals, show choirs, or church services, you get an adaptive, quick-learning musician who takes direction flawlessly, respects rehearsal timelines, and supports the vocalists on stage.

Self-Sufficient Setup: I can provide my own professional keyboard and sound amplification system, meaning you have one less logistical detail to worry about on your event checklist. I plug in, sound check, and am ready to play.

About

Welcome! I am a professional pianist and vocalist dedicated to bringing top-tier musical entertainment and unforgettable energy to every event. My performance style is dynamic, elegant, and highly versatile, seamlessly blending classic hits with modern twists to captivate audiences of all ages and tastes.

Whether you need sophisticated, soulful background music for a cocktail hour or a commanding, high-energy performance to anchor a major event, I tailor my setlists to perfectly match the atmosphere you want to create.

With extensive experience across a wide range of venues and settings, my musical background includes:

Churches & Sacred Spaces: Delivering moving, respectful music for services and special ceremonies.

Cocktail Hours, Restaurants & Private Events: Crafting the perfect elegant ambiance or upscale, lively backdrop.

Corporate Events: Providing polished, professional entertainment that aligns with your brand and schedule.

School Musicals & Show Choirs: Utilizing sharp technical skills and collaborative energy to support theatrical productions and vocal ensembles.

As a GigSalad performer, I understand that incredible entertainment requires absolute professionalism off the keys as well. When you book me, you can expect prompt communication, punctual arrival, top-tier reliability, and a completely stress-free experience from the initial consultation to the final note.

Let’s make your upcoming event truly memorable. Request a free quote today, and let's start planning the perfect soundtrack for your guests!

Additional booking notes

Technical Specifications & Event Requirements
To ensure the highest quality performance and a seamless setup, please review the following technical and logistical details. I am highly adaptable and can work with everything from a fully equipped theater stage to an intimate restaurant corner.

1. Audio & Sound Requirements
Solo Performance (Self-Provided Gear Option): For standard private events, cocktail hours, and corporate parties, I can bring a complete, professional, self-contained setup. This includes a premium digital stage piano, a high-quality vocal microphone, and a compact, clear PA sound system suitable for small-to-medium venues.

In-House Sound Systems (Venues/Theaters/Churches): For larger venues, school auditoriums, or spaces with an established house PA, I require:

Inputs: One (1) direct input (DI box) for the keyboard/digital piano, and one (1) XLR input for my vocal microphone.

Monitoring: At least one dedicated stage monitor (or wedge) with a clean mix of both the piano and vocals so I can hear clearly while performing.

Acoustic Pianos: If the venue prefers that I use an in-house acoustic grand or upright piano, it must be tuned within two weeks prior to the event date and have a functioning sustain pedal.

2. Staging & Power Requirements
Space Allocation: A minimum performance footprint of 6' x 6' is required to safely accommodate a standard 88-key digital piano, keyboard stand, microphone stand, amp/speaker, and bench.

Power Access: At least one dedicated, grounded 120V AC power outlet must be located within 15 feet of the performance space.

Staging & Level Ground: The performance area must be completely flat, level, and stable. If the performance is outdoors, the setup must be 100% protected from direct sunlight, wind, and precipitation via a tent, canopy, or permanent overhang to protect the electronic equipment.

3. Lighting & Visibility
Performance Lighting: Standard ambient venue lighting is perfectly fine for most cocktail and private events. For stage productions, school musicals, or show choirs, standard front-washing stage lights are preferred.

Reading Visibility: If the performance area is dim or heavily stylized (e.g., a dark restaurant or moody lounge), please ensure there is enough light for me to clearly see the keyboard and read sheet music/cues, or allow space for me to attach a small, subtle LED clip-on music stand light.

4. Logistical Requirements
Load-In & Soundcheck: I typically require access to the performance space 45 to 60 minutes prior to guest arrival for load-in, equipment setup, and a brief audio soundcheck.

Seating: I provide my own professional, adjustable piano bench unless an appropriate, stable piano bench or chair is explicitly provided by the venue.

Past booked events

December 2016

10

Saturday

Holiday Party (Christmas)

11:00am - 1:00pm

Indianapolis, IN

Set list

Sample Repertoire & Song List
Below is a curated sample of my performance repertoire, showcasing how I blend classic hits, elegant jazz standards, modern pop favorites, and theatrical favorites to fit any venue or audience demographic.

1. Modern Pop with a Classic Twist (Upbeat & Contemporary)
"Blinding Lights" – The Weeknd (Reimagined acoustic/jazz style)
"If I Ain't Got You" – Alicia Keys
"Flowers" – Miley Cyrus (Elegant piano-vocal arrangement)
"Perfect" / "Thinking Out Loud" – Ed Sheeran
"Don't Start Now" – Dua Lipa (Vintage/Postmodern Jukebox style)
"Happy" – Pharrell Williams

2. Piano Rock & Pop Classics (Crowd Pleasers & Sing-Alongs)
"Piano Man" / "New York State of Mind" – Billy Joel
"Rocket Man" / "Your Song" – Elton John
"Superstition" / "Signed, Sealed, Delivered" – Stevie Wonder
"Georgia on My Mind" / "What'd I Say" – Ray Charles
"Don't Stop Believin'" – Journey
"Lean on Me" – Bill Withers

3. Elegant Jazz Standards & Soul (Cocktail Hours & Fine Dining)
"L-O-V-E" – Nat King Cole
"Fly Me to the Moon" – Frank Sinatra
"At Last" – Etta James
"Come Fly With Me" – Frank Sinatra
"My Funny Valentine" – Jazz Standard
"What a Wonderful World" – Louis Armstrong

4. Broadly Appealing & Sacred Selection (Churches & Formal Services)
"Amazing Grace" – Traditional / Soulful Arrangement
"Hallelujah" – Leonard Cohen
"Bridge Over Troubled Water" – Simon & Garfunkel
"You Raise Me Up" – Josh Groban
Selection of traditional hymns, contemporary worship, and classical service preludes available upon request.

5. Theatrical & Show Favorites (Musicals & Show Choirs)
Selections from Hamilton (Lin-Manuel Miranda)
Selections from Into the Woods / Sweeney Todd (Stephen Sondheim)
"Defying Gravity" – Wicked
"Seasons of Love" – Rent

Extensive sight-reading repertoire available for school musical accompaniment and show choir rehearsals.

Note to Event Planners: This is a small sample of a constantly expanding library. I am always happy to take special requests, learn a specific song for a wedding march or corporate theme, or collaborate directly with directors on specific theatrical scores.

Influences and inspiration

Musical Influences & Inspiration
My musical style is shaped by an eclectic mix of legendary pianists, powerhouse vocalists, and modern genre-bending artists. By drawing inspiration from these diverse acts, I am able to seamlessly shift from sophisticated background ambiance to a dynamic, high-energy performance.

1. The Masters of Piano-Pop & Storytelling
Billy Joel & Elton John: The blueprints for the definitive singing pianist. Their ability to command a room with just 88 keys and a microphone inspires my high-energy sets, driving rhythms, and deep connection with the audience.

Alicia Keys: A modern icon who masterfully blends soulful, intricate piano arrangements with powerful, contemporary vocals. She heavily influences how I bring a fresh, current feel to solo acoustic performance.

2. Elegant Jazz & Soul Trailblazers
Nat King Cole: The ultimate standard for cocktail hours and upscale restaurants. His smooth, sophisticated piano voicings and effortless vocal delivery inspire the elegant, timeless atmosphere I craft for high-end corporate and private events.

Stevie Wonder & Ray Charles: Masters of rhythm, soul, and vocal expression. They shape the dynamic, soulful groove I bring to classic hits, ensuring the music feels alive and moving.

3. Modern Reimagining & Theatrical Depth
Scott Bradlee’s Postmodern Jukebox: A massive influence on my "classic hits with a modern twist" approach. Their genius at taking contemporary pop songs and spinning them into vintage, elegant arrangements directly inspires how I mash up eras to surprise and delight audiences.

Stephen Sondheim & Lin-Manuel Miranda: Drawing from the worlds of school musicals and show choir ensembles, the complex storytelling, harmonic richness, and collaborative energy of musical theater heavily influence my precision, versatility, and dramatic instinct on the keys.

Why This Matters For Your Event:
By blending the timeless elegance of classic jazz and soul with the crowd-pleasing energy of pop and theater legends, I can curate a musical experience that resonates with guests of all generations—keeping the room sophisticated when necessary, and completely engaged from start to finish.

Setup requirements

Greg has all equipment necessary for performance if not provided.

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