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Nicole Pesce

Nicole Pesce

Returning Musicfest Artist

Pianist, keyboardist, composer and arranger Nicole Pesce entertaining audiences with a unique blend of virtuosity, humor, and pizzazz. Nicole’s “Happy Birthday Variations” video has over six million views on YouTube, and Nicole was recognized by Arizona Foothills Magazine with their “Best of 2014” Award for Best Local Band/Musician. With a repertoire consisting of over 12,000 memorized songs, Nicole is often dubbed “the human iPod,” and is hailed as “one of the top ten musicians to hear in Phoenix,” by the Arizona Republic.

Nicole has performed for George Benson, Muhammad Ali, Ricky Martin, President George HW Bush, Waylon Jennings, Taylor Hicks, Janet Napolitano, Shaquille O’Neal, President Jimmy Carter, Chris Rock, Steve Nash, The Gypsy Kings, Glen Campbell, Margaret Cho and Brian Setzer. She’s appeared with American Idol contestant David Hernandez, The Moscow Ballet, Zowie Bowie, and the casts of Mary Poppins, Young Frankenstein, and Mamma Mia!

Classes with Nicole Pesce

Women of Jazz Piano Women of Jazz Piano w/ Nicole Pesce: Dorothy Donegan with Nicole Pesce

Thursday, April 3, 2025

Led By: Nicole Pesce

In this “series finale”, Nicole offers an exciting glimpse into the musical journey and career of pianist, vocalist and musician Dorothy Donegan. Best known for her “Live” performances and her appearances at various Chicago Nightclubs, Dorothy was a piano sensation. Appearing with Cab Calloway, Gene Rodgers, and W. C. Fields in 1945 – Dorothy was hailed by Art Tatum as ...”The only woman who can make me practice!” Nicole further explores music from a 1943 pathbreaking performance, where Donegan became the first African American to perform at Chicago's Orchestra Hall. Highlighting Dorothy’s ability to excel in both Rachmaninoff and Grieg pieces with stunning technique, and then effortlessly switch gears to dazzle the audience in jazz and blues. This “informance” will also offer highlights from Donegan’s appearance on the Ed Sullivan Show – featuring the Gershwin classics “Rhapsody in Blue”, and “The Man I Love”. Then Nicole will explore songs from Dorothy’s White House Appearance like  “Over The Rainbow”, “Smile”, “Misty” and more!   This event is generously sponsored by Bob and Charlotte Otto. 

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