Jim Loftus - Pianist - Vocalist - Organist

A native of the Logan/Olney section of Philadelphia(near LaSalle University), Jim resided in Green Lane, PA since the '70's, moving 5 years ago to Catasauqua PA. Gifted with a great ear for music, he took piano lessons for seven years from age 6 to 13--yet plays by ear primarily. He was in his first rock band at age 15, played several lead roles in high schools plays and musicals(Nathan Detroit in "Guys & Dolls", Henry Drummond in "Inherit the Wind" and Jesus in Stephen Schwartz' "Godspell"). After two years as a Theatre & Speech major at what is now known as DeSales University, Jim was hired at WAEB radio in Allentown at age 20 to do news/weather reports in 1981. After 5 months there he did a one-year stint as disc jockey for rock station WZZO(Z-95), then headquartered in Bethlehem PA(met Joan Jett twice, Ozzy Osbourne, Kansas, Mike Reno of Loverboy, ZZTop, Johnny Van Zant Band). The band "Vagabond" then tapped him as their keyboardist for a year in 1983 and they played the Lehigh Valley and New Jersey extensively, opening once for the Hooters. From 1984 to 1987 Jim did 5 major productions for Richard Akins Productions as an actor--playing Jesus in "Jesus Christ Superstar", Magaldi in "EVITA" and more. In 1986 Jim began his foray into the piano/bar/restaurant world which he continues to this present day. And now some highlights:
JIM LOFTUS HAS OPENED FOR REGIS PHILBIN(State Theatre in Easton,PA--Jan.1992);written an original rock opera musical "GHOSTS ON BROADWAY" which played NYC's John Houseman Theatre in May 1995(attended by Grammy and Oscar-award winning composer STEPHEN SCHWARTZ. [Jim is currently working on bringing the show back to NYC in a bigger production]; he played tribute dinner functions at the Plaza Hotel,NYC for the late ROSETTA LeNOIRE and DOUGLAS FAIRBANKS,JR.(April 1996),also the late MILTON BERLE(Oct.1996--Waldorf-Astoria Hotel)and JULIE ANDREWS(Feb.1997--21 Club); Jim and his trio THREE TOGETHER opened for TODD RUNDGREN at Crocodile Rock,Allentown, PA(Oct.2001). He's done TV and film extra work in Philadelphia and NYC. The CBS show "HACK"(5 episodes) earned him his SAG card in 2003(now "SAG/AFTRA"). Jim has worked on 15 episodes of "Law & Order:SVU"--his first one as featured jury member in "Strain"(Oct.2005) being his most featured.
Jim released an original 14 track CD in Sept.2000 entitled "THE FAME GAME" available digitally on CDBaby, iTunes and can be heard on Spotify, YouTube and more.
Jim currently works with a trio "VINYL PERSUASION" which features 3 part harmony classic pop/rock gems from the '60's/'70's/early '80's--the "vinyl record era" and can be found on Facebook. He also plays with "The '60's Boy's"(formerly "The Mudflaps" for a few decades)doing late '50's/'60's/early '70's classic pop rock gems, sometimes with a 4 piece horn section--playing mostly festivals and grand events. And of course Jim does a great deal of solo work as a pianist/vocalist/keyboardist AND organist for public and private events including senior residences/country clubs/wedding ceremonies and receptions/cocktail hours/restaurants and certainly house parties.

RECENT REVIEWS:

Broadmead Community/private party
"2nd time have used Mr. Loftus. Praise from guests"

Review by Howard G. from Cockeysville, MD on 9/24/2016

Most Holy Rosary Church/Syracuse NY--Memorial Service
"This is the second time we have hired Jim to perform at a memorial service in Syracuse, NY. What we love about Jim are his talent and his flexibility. We had specific genre's of music we wanted for the service and he learned quite a bit of new music for each of them - and I think he does it all by ear! He has a tremendous voice and is a fantastic pianist. His voice filled the church and created a beautiful service for all to remember. Many thanks to Jim for his flexibility in working with us, and his willingness to make the trip to Syracuse!"

Review by Kathleen G. from Syracuse, NY on 7/20/2016

Northampton Valley Country Club Richboro PA/birthday party
"I hired Jim for a 90th Birthday party in the afternoon. Jim arrived early,set up and was playing when the guests arrived. He only took one break. I requested certain songs and he played all of them throughout the party. Was not loud and obtrusive so that you weren't able to talk. Entertaining. Would hire again."

Review by Susan S. from Richboro, PA on 8/28/2016

Engagement Party
"We hired Jim for our sons engagement party. Jim was flexible and friendly when trying to coordinate the event. He got the audience engaged and before long got everyone singing. Having a pianist/vocalist at our party made it even more of a memorable event for us."

Review by Laura W. from Doylestown, PA on 5/7/2016

Office Christmas Party
"Jim was fantastic for our Holiday office party!"

Review by Sean M. from Mechanicsburg, PA on 12/23/2015

Holiday Party
"Jim was great!! We enjoyed his playing and he really set the mood for our party. All around, great performance!"

Review by Kelsey S. from Bala Cynwyd, PA on 12/5/2015

Thanksgiving Celebration/Private home/upright piano
"Jim is talented, tells great "musical stories" in between songs, played requests and was overall a great entertainer. I certainly would use him again and again...."

Review by Irene W. from Wallingford, PA on 11/26/2015

Birthday Party/Private residence
"In show biz, early is on time and on time is late. Jim was there, set up and ready to go, AND PLAYING, by 3:50 for a 4:30 start time. Musicians can have egos and insecurity, and maybe they deserve to: "I have been playing piano everyday since I was 11 years old, and now I am being asked to work with amateurs?" Jim had the opposite attitude, enjoyed working with my family members in an entertaining tribute to my father, and even made all of our performances better. By 6, Jim was part of the family, celebrating with us. By 8, my aunts were approaching Jim, trying to get my cousins married off. He played and stayed later than 9:30. Just a perfect match. A++"

Review by Joseph P. from Wayne, PA on 4/18/2015

Engagement Party
"great guy-a pleasure to work with- definitely added a dimension to our party- was not an easy crowd because guests wandered all night to different rooms, but Jim was a great sport and continued playing to whoever wanted to listen.. My guests really enjoyed his music and his voice- would recommend him highly"

Review by linda k. from Villanova, PA on 11/29/2014

Private Party/Restaurant Albany NY
"I have nothing except the highest praise and regard for Jim Loftus. He is a delight to work with and every person at my event continues to remark about his entertainment and warm personality. As the hostess, I could not have been more pleased. His talent as a musician and singer combined with his graciousness to my guests (and as my guest) could not be matched by anyone else, I am convinced. Thank you from the bottom of my heart, Jim, for the time of my life!"Jeanne Olson, September 26, 2014.

Review by Jeanne Loftus O. from Albany, NY on 9/26/2014

Wedding/Stroudsburg PA
"Working with Jim was great! We hired him about two weeks before our wedding and spoke with him about a week before and he was able to do everything that we wanted and more on the day of our wedding. He jumped from the organ to the piano in the church and he even sung during out candle lighting ceremony. He has a beautiful voice and adds a very special and personal touch to any job he does. We highly recommend Jim for your wedding or any special event. Thank you Jim!!!"

Review by Julie G. from Stroudsburg, PA on 9/12/2014

Adult Birthday Party/Restaurant
"Jim was perfect! He was so accommodating to all my needs. He was able to read the crowd and seemed to know exactly when to zig and when to zag! He is a great musician and mingled perfectly with all the guests, he accommodated all the requests and had to deal with a tiny space and loud crowd, All the guests commented on how much his talent and ability enhanced a great success for my husbands birthday surprise, he was very professional and dressed impeccably for the event. If you want to have a real Gem and talent to make your special occasion shine, I suggest you give Jim Loftus a call . He had a great voice and you will not be disappointed!"

Review by DINELLE W. from Allentown, PA on 8/24/2014

Memorial Service/Bronx NY
"Jim was unbelievable. He an amazing singer and wonderful at both the piano and keyboard. Jim played at my sister's memorial service and at the reception. First he played the piano and sang beautiful hymns at her service; just heavenly. We hired him last minute, so he had to learn some songs in just two days--he played them beautifully. Then, we rocked to the beat at the reception; he was great at reading the crowd. His song selection was perfect. He had us all up and dancing; my sister would have loved that. If you want a perfect event, I will say, don't think twice, hire Jim. He is nice, accommodating, easy to work with, and an amazing talent."

Review by Maria W. from Bronx, NY on 8/16/2014

Wedding Ceremony/Hideaway Hills Kresgeville PA
"Jim wonderful. He really listened to what I wanted and made my day very special. He Is very professional and accommodating. I will definitely be recommending him !!!"

Review by Jodi l. from Kresgeville, PA on 8/9/2014