- Jackson, MI
- Pianist
- $200 – $500 per event
Dave H. said
“Daniel was very professional and on time. He understood my needs and more than delivered. His piano skills are impeccable. Thanks Daniel for help making our event very memorable. ”
Russell Gates
Overview
Hi! I am a variety piano entertainer: virtuosic classical to karaoke/piano bar/ jazz, connecting with audiences thru interaction- if event calls for it.
I bring PA/mics/keys and specialize in one-man-band, real sounding virtual instruments (doing live orchestrations of film scores/pop/ect) for background/requests, improvisation/spiritual, and sight-reading/grooving shows (I played thousands on cruise ships, and my own solo public/private shows).
As accompanist, I've played for ballet/dance, church choirs, choral groups, festival soloists, live talent scoring, jazz/rock bands, and pro musical theater.
I've also led big bands & orchestra.
Lastly, I've busked!
Reviews
17 reviews
Nichole S.
October 29, 2026Fabulous entertainment!
Russell played at a 50th birthday celebration and the whole night was great from start to finish! He played music while guests were arriving, engaged with the guests to get the party going and rolled with the vibe once everyone was ready to dance, sing and make requests. Excellent evening and wouldn’t hesitate to book Russell again.
Hired as: Pianist
David
January 4, 2026Amazing pianist and entertainer
Russell is an amazing pianist and entertainer. He made our Christmas party special, from his musical talent to engaging guests, he was professional through and through. I would highly recommend him for any event.
Hired as: Pianist
Keiara B. G.
September 19, 2024Great Musician for our Service!
Russell did an amazing job and was very helpful with things that we needed. He even provided accompaniment before and after service took place. It was great!
Hired as: Pianist
Kerry M.
July 27, 2024Fabulous experience!
Russell was fantastic! Very professional but fun and so versatile. Looked nice and presented well. Played some requests from guests annd also from the list I had sent. We could not be happier! On time, and prepared! Great communication. We would have him back for sure, and guests were impressed as well, lots of fellow musicians present and were impressed. Bravo!
Hired as: Pianist
Joanne D.
January 2, 2024So good!
Song selection was fun with current tunes and some classics. His set up is very professional and he clearly enjoys playing. Highly recommend Russell!
Hired as: Pianist
Booking information
Price range: Contact for pricing
Languages: English
Gig length: 30 - 240 minutes
What to expect
Intimate evening of music; interaction with the piano player through a variety of music and acts, duets, ect.
About
In 2001, Russell's composition Moment Of Triumph (dedicated to Olympic gymnast Elise Ray) won the Kalamazoo Symphony's Youth Composition Contest, orchestrated by Harrison Orr and performed in multiple venues by the KSO and the MESA SO. While attending Hillsdale College, he accompanied modern dance studio classes, was recorded on the HC Big Band CD Opus One, the jazz combo album New Music, performed with the Jackson SO, at the Music School of Prague, and Loyola University for the 16th New Orleans Classical Piano Institute. Following graduation in 2005 with a B.S. in Music, he performed in show bands on worldwide tours with Holland America Line, Regent Seven Seas, and Royal Caribbean International/Celebrity Cruises, covering such artists as: the Temptations Tribute, violinist Beverly Davison, oboist Salima Wazir, dulcimer player Penxuin Xui, singer Sinead Blachfield, impressionist Sean O'Shea, comedian/actor Marty Allen, visual sensationalist Yacov Noy, Sesame Street musical director Marty Henn, and Hollywood film pianist Pearl Kaufman. Russell has appeared regularly at Tibbits Opera House, Grand Rapids Art Prize, and Play Me I'm Yours, and given benefit concerts for Free Health Clinics and ACS's Relay For Life. Off stage, he scores/edits/directs short films and documentaries, some of which played at events featuring best-selling authors and presidential nominees.
Additional booking notes
Acoustic or digital piano on-site? If so, what is it? Number of guests? Room size? Dress of event? Specific song requests?
Services offered
Past booked events
October 2026
24
Saturday
Birthday Party
7:00pm - 12:00am (Sun)
•
Perrysburg, OH
December 2025
13
Saturday
Christmas Party
12:30pm - 3:30pm
•
Milan, MI
May 2025
11
Sunday
Holiday Party
10:00am - 2:00pm
•
Commerce Township, MI
January 2025
19
Sunday
Worship Service
11:00am - 1:00pm
•
Battle Creek, MI
December 2024
15
Sunday
Worship Service
11:00am - 1:00pm
•
Battle Creek, MI
November 2024
17
Sunday
Worship Service
11:00am - 1:00pm
•
Battle Creek, MI
October 2024
20
Sunday
Worship Service
11:00pm - 1:00am (Mon)
•
Battle Creek, MI
September 2024
15
Sunday
Worship Service
11:00am - 1:00pm
•
Battle Creek, MI
July 2024
26
Friday
Birthday Party
6:00pm - 10:00pm
•
Sandusky, OH
December 2023
31
Sunday
New Year's Party
11:00am - 2:00pm
•
Brighton, MI
September 2023
10
Sunday
Cultural Event
12:00pm - 3:30pm
•
Fort Wayne, IN
December 2022
17
Saturday
Wedding Ceremony
1:00pm - 4:00pm
•
Eaton Rapids, MI
08
Thursday
Cocktail Party
6:00pm - 7:30pm
•
Ann Arbor, MI
December 2021
04
Saturday
Christmas Party
7:00pm - 11:00pm
•
Grand Rapids, MI
November 2021
27
Saturday
Wedding Reception
3:00pm - 7:00pm
•
Detroit, MI
July 2019
21
Sunday
Funeral/Memorial Service
12:30pm - 2:30pm
•
Kalamazoo, MI
October 2018
12
Friday
Cocktail Party
4:30pm - 7:30pm
•
East Lansing, MI
August 2014
16
Saturday
Wedding Ceremony
2:00pm - 2:30pm
•
Kalamazoo, MI
Set list
Classical, Jazz, Film Score, New Age, Rock, Pop.
Influences and inspiration
Bruce Hornsby, Elton John, Chick Corea, Oscar Peterson, Jim Brickman.
Setup requirements
Whether or not location has piano.
K2500 and PA
Report Russell Gates
Pianist
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