DavidZipse.com Virtuoso Delaware pianist, Classical, Jazz, Rock. piano player. Wedding party Band musicians play Maryland, New Jersey, Philadelphia Pennsylvania

David Zipse at the Rehoboth Jazz Festival

David at the 2007 Rehoboth Jazz Festival

David Zipse, a virtuoso pianist who plays festivals, concert venues, casinos, clubs, restaurants and theater shows is also available for weddings, parties and corporate events. With David Zipse providing the music for your wedding ceremony and reception, cocktail party or dinner dance, your event's entertainment will be most memorable! From classical music for the ceremony to jazz for cocktails, from soft romantic music for dinner to dance party music for the reception, David Zipse is the one piano player you can be assured will provide the perfect mix to please all your guests. David is renowned for his vast repertoire of over 1000 memorized songs, and prides himself on being able to play most any request. From jazz standards to Broadway, from oldies and motown to classic and modern rock, David knows them all. His passion and perfectionism permeate everything he plays, and his mastery of the piano has the critics proclaiming him a true "virtuoso," a "PIANIST EXTRA-ORDINAIRE!"

Serving Delaware, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Maryland (DE, PA, NJ, MD, DC), from Philadelphia and West Chester to Atlantic City and Cape May, from Baltimore and Washington to Rehoboth Beach and Ocean City, and all places in between!

There is over three hours of music on this site!
Check out the demos page to hear David playing solo piano,
David with Erin Dickins, Joe Pettis or Sean Reilly,
and David with the party band Good Foot.

Schedule updated for 2010!

NEW! Video!

YES! VIDEO! 16 clips of David, LIVE at various venues!
Check 'em out on the DEMOS page!

Recent shows - Were you there?

Zipse’s “Tribute To Gershwin” Musical Returns To The Milton Theatre September 12 & 13 "It brought back many wonderful memories while the performers made each song fresh and new…" -Greg Oliver, Royal Rose Inn B&B, Rehoboth Beach, DE “The way he "tickles the ivories" is remarkable. The two other performers … were a real plus...” -Carolyn & Dean Marolf, Columbus, OH Milton, DE - On Saturday, September 12 (at 8pm) and Sunday, September 13 (at 2pm), the Milton Theatre proudly welcomes back “by popular demand,” “A Tribute To Gershwin,” produced by Wilmington native, David Zipse. This year’s reprise of last year’s sold-out one night performance includes original arrangements of popular Gershwin titles in a musical review that includes song and dance, and chronicles one of America’s most popular composer’s life. “A Tribute to Gershwin,” will feature tunes from David Zipse’s CD of the same name including excerpts from “Porgy & Bess” and the entire fourteen-minute “Rhapsody In Blue”’ that concludes the first act of the two act show. According to the show’s producer, “The Gershwins wrote songs with beautiful melodies and clever lyrics. Many people remember George as a great composer, but few remember he was an incredible pianist and very flashy.” Zipse continued, “Always a show stopper, performing Rhapsody In Blue makes me realize this. He plays the piano in every way imaginable, even crossing his hands in several spots.” According to Larry Pennington & David Lasher, of Rehoboth Beach, “David Zipse's “A Tribute to Gershwin” is an absolute delight. We saw it last year and enjoyed the evening thoroughly. His rendition of “Rhapsody in Blue” brought the piece to life. It was as if he was channeling Gershwin.” David Zipse, a popular pianist/keyboardist in the Rehoboth Beach area, has appeared at various local venues, including Just In Thyme (resident musical artist for the annual Jazz Festival), Corner Cupboard Inn, 59 Lake, Partners Bistro, Dos Locos and Ovations, and has performed as musical director for many local theater shows, including starring as Gershwin in Best Of Broadway’s production of “Gershwin, By George” in 2003. According to Wilmington News Journal critic Jeff Murphy, “The show’s best asset was virtuoso Zipse at the piano, who performs - by memory - a rousing rendition of ‘Rhapsody in Blue’.” Kudos for Mr. Zipse’s work also include: musical director for “High Society” and “Little Shop Of Horrors” in Easton, MD; "big, The Musical,” and “Nunsense II” at the Covered Bridge Theater; "Anything Cole” at the Baby Grand; "Jesus Christ Superstar,” at the Delaware Children’s Theater; "Once On This Island" at the University of the Arts; and “Nunsense I” and “Nuncrackers” at the Milton Theatre. He has also been rehearsal pianist for "Charlotte's Web,” "Wind In The Willows" and "High Notes & Starry Nights" with OperaDelaware at the Grand and "Blood Brothers” at the Walnut Street Theater in Philadelphia. Zipse delves into the complexity of Gershwin’s music once again with the help of Stefanie Jaye and Jason R. Cook, who add an exceptional twist to the show with show-stopping tap-dancing and wonderful solo vocals and duets. “I'm thrilled I was able to reassemble the cast,” said Zipse. “Jason had moved to Manhattan where he's been doing dinner theater. He's a great singer and dancer and worked well with Stefanie, who is simply amazing. Besides being a wonderful singer, she also choreographed the entire show, working up some of the famous dance routines Fred and Adele Astaire did in Gershiwn's shows… when she and Jason tap-danced together, the audience loved it!” Ms. Jaye has starred with Zipse in numerous musicals and has been a featured vocalist with him at the Rehoboth Beach Autumn Jazz Festival. Jaye, an instructor in the fine arts for over 20 years, performs as a jazz vocalist with David Zipse, The Harry Spencer Trio and the jazz duo, Smooth Cocktail. In 2007, she received high acclaim for her portrayal of Judy Garland in a show dedicated to Judy's life. Jason R. Cook is a former member of the national touring cast of “Jesus Christ Superstar.” His previous credits include Charley in “Charley’s Aunt,” Tony in “West Side Story,” Greg in “A Chorus Line,” and Pinocchio in the national tour of “Adventures of Pinocchio.” Curt Stickel of Milford will also return as George Gershwin. He researched Gershwin's life and wrote most of the script. “Having an actor portray George added a whole different dimension to the show, making it more than just a concert,” said Zipse. Advance ticket purchases are suggested for both performances at the Milton Theatre, located at 110 Union Street in downtown Milton, Delaware. For information and tickets ($18 each), call (800) 838-3006 or (302) 684-3400, or visit www.miltontheatre.org. For more information on David Zipse's "A Tribute To Gershwin" CD, visit www.davidzipse.com.

GERSHWIN SHOW A HIT! The "Tribute to Gershwin" performance by David Zipse of Wilmington August 30 at the Milton Theatre drew a standing room only crowd. The highlight of the evening was Zipse's playing of the 1924 composition "Rhapsody In Blue" from memory. Curt Stickel of Milford protrayed the late George Gershwin. Pictured, from left, are David Zipse, Stefanie Jaye, John Cassidy, Curt Stickel and Jason Cook.

-click to enlarge-

To the 230 concert-goers who helped make this SOLD OUT event a huge success:

THANK YOU! I was deeply touched by your standing ovations.
And to those who bought my Gershwin CD, Thank you again!

Wow! What a night! It was one of those times when the performers and audience all connect to make the magic happen, and I live for the magic! Many thanks to Stefanie Jaye, Jason R. Cook, Curt Stickel, John Cassidy and Carol Fezuk for sharing their talents and for all their hard work, It was worth it all just to hear your overwhelmingly enthusiastic applause!

And to those who were unable to get tickets, stay tuned, we may do a command performance ...

Sincerely,
David

"Dear David, Dean and I really enjoyed your concert. "Tribute To Gershwin" at the Milton Theater in DE. The way you "tickle the ivorys" is remarkable. We also like the way the program was put together. The two other performers who sang and danced many numbers was a plus for your show. May you continue to make GREAT music for a long, long time." -Carolyn and Dean Marolf, Columbus, OH

"David Zipse's Gershwin show is an absolute delight. We saw it last year and enjoyed the evening thoroughly. His rendition of Rhapsody in Blue brought toe piece to life. It was as if he was channeling Gershwin. This show is just not to be missed--Pure enjoyment!" - Larry Pennington & David Lasher, Rehoboth Beach, DE

Here's a video clip from the show:

Rhapsody (in Tails) - Quicktime .mov

more info: GershwinShow_Story_090109.pdf

from the 2008 Rehoboth Beach Autumn Jazz Festival program:

$New CD Guaranteed To Jazz Up your Holidays Zipse Releases New CD for Autumn Jazz Festival Rehoboth Beach, DE – Just in time for this year’s Autumn Jazz Festival, David Zipse, the popular and accomplished Delaware pianist, announced that he has just released a jazz-based Christmas CD, entitled "Take Me Home For Christmas." This special holiday recording includes seventeen tracks, with a running time of well over an hour of solo piano music. "I've had many requests for a holiday CD, and for a solo piano CD, so "Take Me Home For Christmas” covers both requests," said David. Zipse played a 7-foot Steinway grand piano for the recording. "Steinway's are my favorite piano. There’s nothing else like them. The response of the instrument to a pianist's touch is incredible. It does exactly what I want it to do, easily. A Steinway not only responds easily, but has richness in its tonal variations depending on how it’s played.” He continued, “I find it so easy to express myself when the instrument does what I want it to do." The arrangements on Zipse’s "Take Me Home For Christmas” CD are all his own. "I like to jazz up Christmas carols," he said, "and play them in different styles." Some arrangements of typically slow songs, such as "I'll Be Home For Christmas," or "Home For The Holidays" begin rubato (a HYPERLINK "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Musical_terminology" \o "Musical terminology" musical term for slowing down the HYPERLINK "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tempo" \o "Tempo" tempo of a piece at the discretion of the HYPERLINK "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solo_(music)" \o "Solo (music)" soloist), but soon break into a toe-tapping swing rhythm. "Santa Claus Is Comin' To Town" begins high and simple, but suddenly breaks into a jazz-rock version of the holiday favorite. The popular "Santa Baby" is given a stride piano treatment a la Oscar Peterson. "Feliz Navidad" retains its original Latin flavor, while "Jingle Bells" is played with a boogie-woogie beat. "Christmas Time Is Here" makes it way to the CD from the well-known Charlie Brown Christmas cartoon. "We Five Kings'" is Zipse's tribute to Dave Brubeck. On this track, he crafts the hymn's melody into 5/4 time, and stretches his improvisational imagination in the middle of the piece. "Irving Berlin's classic, "White Christmas" is my mom's favorite, and my dad's favorite is "I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus," so I put those two on the CD for them," David said with a smile. Other songs on the Take Me Home For Christmas” CD include "We Need a Little Christmas" from Mame, "Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer," "O Christmas Tree," "Winter Wonderland" and Mel Torme's "The Christmas Song," The CD concludes with Zipse's own gospel version of "Silent Night" played over a Fats Domino-type bass line. Jon Orlando, owner of Just In Thyme Restaurant, was pleased to once again host a CD Release & Party at the restaurant on Friday, October 17th from 5-7pm for David’s "Take Me Home For Christmas” CD. The artist will play selections from the new work and be available to autograph copies the new CD or his "Tribute To Gershwin” CD. David is renowned for his vast repertoire of over 1000 memorized songs, and prides himself on being able to play most any request. From jazz standards to Broadway, from oldies and Motown to classic and modern rock, David knows them all. His passion and perfectionism permeates in everything he plays, and his mastery of the piano has the critics proclaiming him a "pianist extraordinaire!" Zipse's previous CD, "Tribute To Gershwin," was released at the 2006 Rehoboth Jazz Festival, and he has received much acclaim for his Gershwin shows. After a 2003 performance, Wilmington News Journal critic Jeff Murphy said, “The show’s best asset was virtuoso Zipse at the piano, who performs - by memory - a rousing rendition of ‘Rhapsody In Blue’.” He also performed at this year's Chautauqua Festival in Lewes, where according to event coordinator Andrea Anderson, “David Zipse created a fabulous experience of George Gershwin's music for an audience of over 500 people. It was a top-notch performance!” And in August, his "Tribute To Gershwin" Show at the Milton Theatre was a sold out success, drawing rave reviews from an overflow standing-room-only crowd. David Zipse’s schedule for this year’s Autumn Jazz Festival includes a Thursday, October 16th performance of solo keyboards at Dos Locos in Rehoboth Beach, from 7–11pm. His musical agenda for this evening will include his own arrangements of jazz standards, along with listener requests and a medley from his just released solo piano CD. On Friday, October 17th, from 7-11pm and on Saturday night October 18th, from 8pm-midnight at Just In Thyme Restaurant on Robinson Drive in Rehoboth Beach, Zipse will feature vocalist Stefanie Jaye. Ms. Jaye has starred with Zipse in numerous musicals and sung with him at previous Rehoboth Beach Autumn Jazz Festivals. As a jazz vocalist, Stefanie currently performs with Zipse, The Harry Spencer Trio and the jazz duo, Smooth Cocktail. In 2007, she received high acclaim for her portrayal of Judy Garland in a show dedicated to Judy's life and also for her performance in August’s Tribute To Gershwin Show in Milton. On Sunday afternoon, October 19th, at Aqua Grille on Baltimore Avenue in Rehoboth Beach, from 4:30-7pm, Zipse joins Jason R. Cook for a jazz happy hour. An actor/singer/dancer and a member of the national touring cast of “Jesus Christ Superstar”, Cook’s previous credits include Charley in “Charley’s Aunt”, Tony in “West Side Story”, Greg in “A Chorus Line”, and Pinocchio in the national tour of “Adventures of Pinocchio”. In addition, he recently received kudos for his song and dance in Zipse’s “Tribute To Gershwin Show”. He currently entertains nightly at Partners Bistro & Piano Bar in Rehoboth Beach. Finally, on Sunday night, October 19th, Zipse, as resident musical director, hosts the 24th Annual Jazz Jam at Just In Thyme Restaurant. For one hour, starting at 8pm, Zipse will warm up the audience with tasty solo piano work, and at 9pm, the Jam begins when the David Zipse Quartet featuring Tony Grandberry will take the stage, providing the groundwork for a variety of musicians and vocalists, popping in to unwind and share their talents with the room. Grandberry, a veteran of the Clifford Brown Jazz Festival, the Bermuda Jazz Festival and The Rehoboth Beach Jazz Festival, is also well known for delighting audiences in Atlantic City at Bally's, Caesar's and The Claridge Hotel & Casino. He is the cousin of Grover Washington, Jr., who dubbed him “The Crooner” because of his smooth and silky style. All musicians are welcome to end the weekend on a high note at the Jazz Jam Finale at Just In Thyme Restaurant! Zipse’s CDs "Take Me Home For Christmas", as well as "Tribute To Gershwin" will be available at all performances. David will be glad to autograph copies. Both CD's can also be purchased online at www.DavidZipse.com$

Catch David and friends at the 2009 Rehoboth Beach autumn Jazz Festival:

Just In Thyme Restaurant, Home of Rehoboth's Original Sunday Night JAZZ JAM Finale - NO COVER! 25th Anniversary of JAZZ celebrating 25 years of supporting JAZZ MUSIC at the Beach! featuring David Zipse. 25th anniversary of jazz, Friday, October 16, 2 shows: An Evening with Sinatra featuring the vocals of Sean Reilly, two dinner Seatings, Price Fixe Dinner and Show. Saturday, October 17, 7:30 PM, Silver Anniversary of Jazz, David Zipse Quartet featuring Stefanie Jaye, Sunday Oct 18, Annual Jazz Jaz, "the most fun Rehoboth's music scene has to offer!" Hosted by David Zipse featuring Tony Grandberry, reserve your seat early - Always a sell-out! Music starts at 8 PM, Just In Thyme Restaurant, 31 Robinson Drive and Route 1, Rehoboth Beach, DE. Silver Anniversary Of Jazz Weekend Lineup Includes “An Evening Of Sinatra” with Sean Reilly, The David Zipse Quartet, Stefanie Jaye, Tony Grandberry And The Longest Running Jazz Jam At The Beach Rehoboth Beach, DE – Jon Orlando, owner of Just In Thyme Restaurant, located at Route 1 and Robinson Drive in Rehoboth Beach, is pleased to announce this year’s lineup for the Rehoboth Beach Autumn Jazz Festival Weekend. “In 2009, Just In Thyme will celebrate our twenty-five years showcasing and celebrating jazz music musicians at the beach,” said Orlando. “This is a special year for Just In Thyme, it’s our Silver Anniversary, and we will start off the weekend celebration on Friday night, October 16th with two shows featuring the vocal stylings of Sean Reilly, accompanied by pianist/keyboardist/host, David Zipse in ‘An Evening of Sinatra’.” Reilly is a 52-year-old Wilmington native, a former restaurateur (Shipley Grill, Wilmington) and executive headhunter, who topped a dozen other Ol’ Blue Eyes impersonators in Sinatra’s hometown of Hoboken, New Jersey, by winning this year’s Third Annual Frank Sinatra Idol Contest in June, for his performance of “The Best is Yet to Come.” “I’ve been personally trained by “the Chairman,” is a line the Irish-American singer uses to describe his rehearsal history. Yes, it’s true …by listening repeatedly to his parents’ Sinatra albums from the age of seven; he has since rehearsed and committed over twelve hundred Sinatra songs to memory, mimicking the rat packer’s shoulder shake to famous phrasing and piercing blue-eyed stare. “His music is ‘great glue’ for all generations,” he says. “Nobody’s going to turn off a Sinatra song.” Supported by his Musical Director David Zipse, the pair met a couple of years ago while performing a musical tribute to Judy Garland (played by Stefanie Jaye – see Saturday night’s lineup) in Wilmington. Reilly portrayed Sinatra, Jaye portrayed Judy and Zipse scored the musical production. After which, Reilly has collaborated with Zipse to create a Sinatra act with a repertoire of 50 to 60 tunes and started doing gigs for wedding, entertainment venues, country clubs, restaurants and clubs including the Union City Grill, located in Wilmington’s Little Italy, the Rehoboth Beach Yacht & Country Club and Pescatore’s in Chadd’s Ford, PA. The duo just signed to play at Dover Downs and a dozen gigs at the Hotel DuPont in Wilmington. Impersonating the Ol’ Blue Eyes is easy for Sean, says Zipse, “He really gets the crowd going!” Reilly’s repertoire favors Sinatra’s tunes with the Count Basie Orchestra and arrangements written for the super-star by Nelson Riddle. In an article by Joseph Ryan, Assistant Editor of Dialog writes, “Reilly noted that Sinatra became the standard-bearer for America’s greatest generation. Sinatra’s music, by great American songwriters such as George Gershwin and Richard Rodgers, remains a touchstone for all vocalists, including aging rock stars,” Reilly said. “This music is forever.” Just In Thyme will offer two prix fixe dinner seatings (6pm and 8:30pm) for this special Friday night that will include the Sinatra show. Reservations are strongly suggested. On Saturday, October 17, from 7:30pm, Just In Thyme presents the Silver Anniversary of Jazz with the David Zipse Quartet featuring Stefanie Jaye and offering open dinner seating from 5-11pm. Ms. Jaye has starred with Zipse in numerous musicals and sung with him at many previous Rehoboth Beach Autumn Jazz Festivals. As a jazz vocalist, Stefanie currently performs with Zipse, The Harry Spencer Trio and the jazz duo, Smooth Cocktail. In 2007, she received high acclaim for her portrayal of Judy Garland in a show dedicated to Judy's life and once again for her performance in last month’s revival of Zipse’s “A Tribute To Gershwin Show” at the Milton Theatre. Finally, on Sunday, October 18th, Just In Thyme presents the Annual Jazz Jam Finale. Orlando claims every year, (It’s) “the most fun Rehoboth’s music scene has to offer!” At 8pm, Zipse, as resident musical director, will warm up the audience with tasty solo piano selections. At 9pm, the Jam begins with the David Zipse Quartet featuring vocals by Tony Grandberry. Veteran percussionist/drummer Mike McShane will also take the stage, providing the groundwork for a variety of musicians and vocalists, popping in to unwind and share their talents with the room. Grandberry, a veteran of the Clifford Brown Jazz Festival, the Bermuda Jazz Festival and The Rehoboth Beach Jazz Festival, is also well known for delighting audiences in Atlantic City at Bally's, Caesar's and The Claridge Hotel & Casino. He is the cousin of Grover Washington, Jr., who dubbed him “The Crooner” because of his smooth and silky style. David Zipse is renowned for his vast repertoire of over 1000 memorized songs, and prides himself on being able to play most any request. From jazz standards to Broadway, from oldies and Motown to classic and modern rock, David knows them all. His passion and perfectionism permeates in everything he plays, and his mastery of the piano has the critics proclaiming him a "pianist extraordinaire!" After college he traveled on the road with several different bands before settling around Atlantic City and playing in the casino circuit for 12 years. He moved back to Wilmington, and has been performing solo and with various singers and bands in local restaurants and clubs, while continuing a career as Musical Director and Accompanist of musicals. Zipse's CD, "Tribute To Gershwin," was released at the 2006 Rehoboth Jazz Festival, and he has received much acclaim and drawing rave reviews for his Tribute to Gershwin musicals held at the historic Milton Theatre. David can be heard regularly at several area restaurants and clubs, backing up various artists including jazz vocalist and founding member of Manhattan Transfer Erin Dickins, Sinatra Idol Winner Sean Reilly, and singer/songwriter Joe Pettis, as well as with the dance band Good Foot. All musicians are welcome to end the weekend on a high note Sunday night at the Jazz Jam Finale at Just In Thyme Restaurant! Zipse’s CDs "Take Me Home For Christmas" and "Tribute To Gershwin" will be available at all performances. David will be glad to autograph copies. Both CD's can also be purchased online at www.DavidZipse.com

See schedule for upcoming appearances.

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David is proud to have won
WeddingWire's
2010 Bride's Choice Award
for Wedding Ceremony music!

GOOD FOOT

GoodFoot is
THRILLED and HONORED
to have received the prestigious
"2009 Rising Star Award"
from GigMasters for being their
#1 "R&B band"
in the entire U.S. & Canada!

Thanks to all of our previous clients!

Top Event Entertainers Receive GigMasters' 2009 Rising Star Award

REDDING, Conn., March 16, 2010 - GigMasters.com, the number one event entertainment booking service, today revealed its annual "Rising Star Award" winners for 2009. The 129 winners represent the highest earning entertainers in their performance category. Winners were selected from GigMasters database of over 7,000 top-quality, client-rated event entertainment acts, across the United States and Canada.

GigMasters' entertainers earned a total of $14.8 million dollars in 2009, while performing at weddings, birthday parties, corporate events, holiday gatherings, and other special events. To see the complete list of winners go to:  http://www.gigmasters.com/about/Rising-Star-Awards.aspx

Congratulations to Sean
for WINNING the
2009 Sinatra Idol Contest
at the Frank Sinatra Park
in Hoboken, NJ!

www.SeanSinatra.com

Catch Sean & David
at the
Union City Grille
8th & Union, Wilmington, DE
every other Thursday
(3/18, 4/1, 4/15, 4/29, etc.)

6 - 9 PM

see schedule for more
upcoming appearances

including the HOTEL DuPONT
Jan 22 & 23
Feb 13
Apr 9 & 10
May 7

see Schedule

David is proud to be
Musical Director of
the annual
First State Gridiron!

Proceeds benefit the Wm. P. Frank Scholarship Fund, Inc.

The First State Gridiron Dinner & Show is the longest running annual roast of politicians and business people in the state and has remained a mystery to many Delawareans - and for good reason. It was originally envisioned as an invitation-only, political insiders' affair with comedy skits that might offend the uninitiated, but not so any more. Attendance has grown dramatically since the show was opened to any and all who wanted to come. It has become one of the premier formal affairs in the state!

This year’s event promises to provide a most amusing satirical view of recent happenings on the local, state and national scene. Join us for the funniest revue of the year!

Chase Center on the Riverfront
Saturday, May 1, 2010

Black Tie - $150.00 per person
Tickets: www.degridiron.org