The Music of Billy Joel and Elton John Starring Michael Cavanaugh
Michael Cavanaugh is a charismatic entertainer made famous for his portrayal of Billy Joel in the Broadway musical, Movin’ Out. Handpicked by Billy Joel, Michael appeared in the show for three years with over 1,200 performances and numerous accolades. The show culminated in 2003 with both Grammy and Tony award nominations.
Michael evokes a piano and vocal style rivaling Billy Joel himself. His interpretation of modern pop and rock classics led Billboard to call him “The New Voice of the American Rock ‘n Roll Songbook.” Reuters recognized him as Entertainer of the Year for the private events market.
He has performed everywhere from Carnegie Hall to Malaysia, and continues to thrill audiences with his high-energy performances and exceptional musicianship.
He began playing at age seven when his parents bought their first piano. He formed his first band at age ten and began playing local functions, fine-tuning the craft that would become his chosen career. His first full-time gig as a musician was an extended engagement at the renowned dueling piano bar, Blazing Pianos, in Orlando.
In January 1999, Michael received an offer that would change his life, moving to Las Vegas to perform at the famed New York-New York Hotel and Casino. It was there that Billy Joel spotted Michael and joined him on stage during a career-defining performance in February 2001.
That night marked the beginning of Michael’s ascent to Broadway. It took only two songs before Billy was convinced that he had found his new Piano Man. Michael moved to New York City to work alongside Billy and Twyla Tharp, to shape what became the hit musical Movin’ Out.
After Movin’ Out’s final performance, Michael began touring the world in his own right. He soon became one of the most sought-after artists in the private events market. His tours include corporate and charity events, performing arts centers, and major sporting events including PGA Tour events, the Super Bowl, and the Indy 500.
It wasn’t long before symphony orchestras discovered Michael’s talent and audience appeal. He accepted his first orchestral booking, “Michael Cavanaugh – The Music of Billy Joel and More,” which debuted in April 2008 with the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra.
Since then, he has launched three additional orchestral shows: “The Music of Elton John and More,” “The Music of Paul Simon, Neil Diamond and James Taylor,” and “Rockin’ Christmas with the Pops.” Michael continues to tour all four symphony productions alongside his multiple band-oriented shows.
Michael’s second commercial album, “The Way I Hear It,” was released in April of 2017, and it debuted at #17 on the Billboard Heatseekers chart.
Recently, Michael reached the POLLSTAR Live75, becoming one of the top 75 active touring acts in the country.
What people are saying . . .
The New Voice of the American Rock ‘n Roll Songbook. –Billboard
Entertainer of the Year for the private events market. –Reuters
Built-in 1925, in the grand architectural style of Beaux-Arts Classical Revival, the Simon Theatre provided a splendid setting for many theatrical performances, film screenings and ballroom dances. The James Simon family commissioned Houston architect Alfred C. Finn, whose career included designing a number of prominent Houston buildings as well as the San Jacinto Monument, to design the theatre for the community of Brenham. Today, after a meticulous million-plus dollar renovation, the glamour and grand style lives on for future generations in the newly named Barnhill Center at Historic Simon Theatre.
