Emile Pandolfi to Return to PAC

Popular pianist-humorist Emile Pandolfi, who earned his music degree in Texas and learned how to be funny for audiences in Los Angeles, will return to the Performing Arts Center of Middle Township for his fifth concert appearance on Saturday night, Oct. 13, at 7:30 p.m.

Pandolfi , born in New York City and now a resident of Greenville, South Carolina, began playing the piano when he was five years old and made his symphony debut when he was 14. Hishis early interest advanced him to a degree in music from Texas Tech University and a career that initially earned him varied engagements in the Virgin Islands, London, and Los Angeles where for six years he was the house pianist for The Comedy Club. There he worked with such stars to be as Jay Leno, David Letterman and Robin Williams.

That experience , coupled with his classical education, enabled him to put together a concert performance career that some music critics likened to Victor Borge with the qualification that Pandolfi plays the piano better.

“Emile is one of our most popular performers,” said Kay Aspell, managing director of the PAC which soon will be marking its 20th anniversary. “It is a testimony to his talent and popularity that we are often asked by local residents to bring him back for repeat performances.”

While Pandolfi combines music with humor, there is also a serious side of his music. He has made more than 30 recordings and his album sales have totaled in the millions. He was one of four pianists selected to record Gershwin’s “Rhapsody in Blue” for the opening ceremony of the 1984 Olympics and was one of 84 pianists playing live during the ceremony. And he has performed at posh hotels and concert halls from coast to coast.

Appearing with him in the PAC concert as a special added attraction will be vocalist Dana Russell.

Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 on the day of the concert. Call 609-463-1924. The PAC is situated at 212 Bayberry Drive, Court House, about one block east of the Garden State Parkway Exit 10.. On site parking is free.