Pianist-composer Bill Marx to be honored at Steinway fundraiser

Jazz, concert pianist, composer and humorist Bill Marx will be honored at the Steinway Society of Riverside County’s (SSRC) major fundraiser, Bravo 2022 — Children in Music, on Sunday, Feb. 13, 11:30 a.m. at the Classic Club, located at 75-200 Classic Club Boulevard in Palm Desert.

“We are very excited to honor jazz pianist and composer Bill Marx for his more than 30 years of contributing music and support to our community,” said Ruth Moir, SSRC founder and CEO. “Bill also has been a great supporter of the Steinway Society for many years; his passion for helping youngsters learn and appreciate music is well known.”

A native of Los Angeles who studied at the Julliard School of Music, Marx’s many musical accomplishments include having written numerous concertos that have gained world-wide exposure with premieres in Los Angeles, London, Boston and Santa Fe. He has also composed music for motion pictures, theater, television and ballet.

As a stage performer, Marx combines his piano artistry with humorous anecdotes about the life and times he shared with his dad, Harpo Marx, both personally and professionally as his arranger and conductor.

He is a much sought-after guest speaker and performer in concerts for various civic, corporate, charity and social events, where he often recounts rare stories of his relationship with his dad, straight from his own autobiography, "Son of Harpo Speaks."

Guests will also enjoy the music of featured former Broadway star Patricia Welch singing songs from The Great American Songbook to opera. She has starred with Yul Brenner, Wayne Newton and Robert Goulet. Welch performs live at the Indian Wells Resort Hotel Friday and Saturday nights in season with rising star Marc Antonelli.

Mistress of Ceremonies Patti Gribow, a well-known local entertainment personality, businesswoman and community leader, will lend her charm and talent to introducing the performers, including a surprise performance of young pianists. These are top students in one of Steinway’s music programs.

Cost for the event is $150 per person, $1,500 per table, and special front row VIP tables at $1750. Tickets are available by calling (760) 341-4130 or visiting steinwayriverside.org.

Celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2022, SSRC provides free music education and instruction programs to all three Coachella Valley school districts, serving some 35,000 children each year.

For more information and to become a donor, visit steinwayriverside.org or call (760) 341-4130.

Pamela Bieri is a freelance writer covering events, people, food, restaurants and lifestyle. She established Bieri Marketing & Media Relations in 1994 and is certified in nonprofit management and grant writing. She enjoys working with many local nonprofit organizations. Contact her at pambieri49@gmail.com.

This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: Pianist-composer Bill Marx to be honored at Steinway fundraiser