Steve Banks Music

Project Almost Done!

2011-09-14T13:51:00.000-07:00

I have been working all summer on a remodeling project on our house, the first of several to be done. I have been transforming a room in our loft to be used for Nina's office space. She tore a picture out of a Cottage Living magazine in 2005 and handed it to me and told me she wanted it to look exactly like the picture. Well, it is almost done with yellow beadboard on the walls and shelves and desk space. I think it has turned out pretty well considering it was my first attempt at a project this extensive. Now it's time to get back to my music. I have some Fall and Winter concerts coming up and with the busy schedule of a church this time of year it'll be good to hang up the carpentry work. By the way, a good friend of mine David Tolley and I have booked a duel piano concert at The Columbus Museum of Art on Sunday, January 29. Hope you try to come to our jam session! It will be great fun.

Almost Spring!

2011-03-18T17:01:00.000-07:00

Can't help but be a little anxious for Spring and warm weather. Winter in Ohio drags on forever. We are not out of the woods yet but I know we're on the good side of winter. Spring fever always gets me again motivated to come up with new music. I have been doing alot of composing lately. I just need to finish these tunes and arrange them in song and album form. I am also looking forward to playing golf and tennis this year. For the last 2 years I had been in pain with my right elbow. The doc thought he would have to do surgery to fix the tendons but he tried a new procedure called blood spinning where they take your blood out, spin it in a machine and then inject it back in the spot. Well it didn't help for the first couple of months and so my wife scheduled me for surgery right after Christmas but then all of a sudden it started feeling better. And now I think I can enjoy playing those sports again! And no surgery! It was really amazing.

Valentine's Concert!

2011-01-23T05:57:00.000-08:00

Well I'm getting ready for the Valentine's Concert in Amish country in Ohio again this year. From Columbus the drive is beautiful. Lots of rolling hills and countryside so I'm looking forward to it. My concert is on Valentine's Day at the Carlisle Inn in Sugarcreek but if you can't make it to that I will also be performing with another artist on the 12th at the Carlisle Inn in Walnut Creek. It's a dinner concert and I will be playing lots of romantic tunes as well as many of my originals. I've been inspired lately and have been coming up with many. Hope you can make it! http://www.dhgroup.com/en/shop/mcart.php?ID=1702

The Price Family

2011-01-10T12:20:00.000-08:00

Last Friday as I was playing at Der Dutchman in Plain City Ohio a little 5 year old girl came up to me and asked if she could play the piano with me. She began by playing a hymn very well and I followed. She was very good and not shy one bit. Of course she came from a very musical family - 6 brothers and sisters all musical playing violin, cello, piano, etc. They were all home schooled and very well mannered and a delight to talk to. I was impressed and hope to see them perform someday! The picture I have attached is not the greatest but thought I'd post it anyway.

Spanakopita!!!!

2010-12-29T13:00:00.000-08:00

Well yesterday I did something I have never done before. I actually made a Greek dish called Spanakopita. It is something my Greek grandparents made every year and I enjoyed so much. They made the filo dough from scratch but I didn't attempt that. I used 4 sticks of butter as each paper thin layer needs to be brushed. It really did turn out pretty good - for those that don't know it is a spinach and cheese mixture that is topped and bottomed with filo. Take a look at the picture...

Had a great Christmas but the best has been this week without any work responsibilities. And with Christa home from France it has been wonderful. Can't remember the last time I was this stress free. It really needs to be this way more often. Nina and I actually walked in the snow and sunshine today!

Merry Christmas!

2010-12-15T07:54:00.001-08:00

Just a quick note to say Merry Christmas in this crazy season. My wife and I determined to make this years season a little less stressed with a lot more meaning so we decorated less and are trying to take more time out for reflection of what it's all about.

We've had a pretty crazy year with a mixed blessing. Nina's daughter and family (husband and 4 kids) lived with us for 22 weeks in our 2 bedroom condo! It was wonderful being with the kids every day with all the love and hugs but we realized we really needed a bigger house for all that action. But now they have moved into their new home and it's just a few minutes away so we can now see them on a regular basis. They used to live far away so this is great!

My daughter Christa will be finally coming home from France on 12-21! She has been studying there since August so it has been very hard for me as I have missed her terribly. So I am looking forward to the time after Christmas while she is home from school.

This has been a very busy season for me. I'm not complaining though - it has been a blessing. With many concerts and private parties to play for and all of my church work responsibilities as well as my regular gigs on Thursday's at Thai Orchid and Friday's at Der Dutchman busy is an understatement.

I am looking forward to my Valentines concert at Carlisle Inn in Sugarcreek Ohio for Valentine's Day and would love to see you there. You may go to http://www.dhgroup.com/en/shop/mcart.php?ID=1702 for more information.

This next week and through this New Year I wish you joy and peace in Christ's love for you...

"Always" - new recording DONE!

2010-02-16T17:17:00.000-08:00

As promised my new recording was complete for the Valentine's concert in Sugarcreek, Ohio. It really was hot off the press as the first time I heard it was just a few minutes before my concert. The concert was great and so glad the snow held off until it was over. Nina and I stayed for an extra day to celebrate Valentine's Day just hanging out at the hotel. We had dinner with my parents and Nina's mom and then they headed back to Columbus and we had a quiet evening listening to a college student play the viola and piano and spent time in the hot tub at the hotel. It was amazing. Haven't relaxed like that for a long time....On Monday we visited some Amish stores and then began to head back to Columbus at about 3 in the afternoon. Well the snow had begun and instead of it taking us 2 hours to get home it took 5! We traveled at around 25 - 35 mph so it was a slow ride but we took country roads home....it was actually very beautiful! The pictures above tell the story. We're back to work now but just for a little while as we will be going to Fla. to see Nina's granddaughter for her 9th birthday on the 24th! Looking forward to getting out of the cold for awhile!

A Romatic Evening Piano Concert in Sugarcreek!

2010-02-10T19:54:00.001-08:00

Well my new CD is done "Always" and will be available for the very first time at a concert in Sugarcreek on Saturday, February 13 and of course it will be available on my website very soon! Then I'm taking a much needed break and spending more time with the people I care so much about. Producing a CD is much like the birth of a baby and it takes that long! But it's done now and I am so relieved....it's time for some rest and relaxation. Then I'm going to fix things around the house and re-organize stuff. Things get kind of out of control when you are working on a huge project. Then I want to plan a visit to see Christa. Can't believe she's already almost half way through college...

2010!!!

2010-01-12T18:02:00.000-08:00

I know I haven't written in awhile but always for me November and December is so busy. I was in charge of a choir that performed in early Dec. and the Advent concerts at Liberty...but then had several of my own concerts and private parties so it was really crazy. The first day I really had time to rest and enjoy Christmas was December 25!!! That day was so relaxing. I had a couple of days with Christa and then she was off to Maine to visit her boyfriends family for a week. She's back now for a little while and I am really enjoying time with her. This picture was New Year's Eve at Thai Orchid in Powell, the place I play regularly every Thursday night. I am also working hard at finishing the big band CD. Am playing at the Carlisle Inn in Sugar Creek, Ohio on Feb. 13 so my goal is to be able to have it available for that concert. It's called..A Romatic Evening....I hope you had a good Christmas too and I am sure we are all looking for great things in 2010!

Rachmaninov!

2009-11-09T08:49:00.000-08:00

Had the most amazing evening Saturday. Went with my daughter Christa, her boyfriend Taylor, and my wife Nina to see Rachmaninov's Piano Concerto No. 3 in D minor at the Ohio Theatre. It was amazing!!! That is some of the most beautiful music I have ever heard...it's amazing being over 40 minutes long! But so special was spending time with Christa which doesn't happen as much as I'd like anymore. She has a very busy schedule at Grove City and anytime I get to spend I cherish. Kids grow up so fast....

Been working on two Christmas choir pieces for Liberty Church. Christmas is right around the corner - this is the busiest season for me but I'm determined this year to enjoy it and not let the special moments get away from me. Christ's birth is the reason and I am committed this year to remind myself daily of that truth...

Der Dutchman in Plain City

2009-11-04T13:17:00.000-08:00

I am now at the Der Dutchman in Plain City every other Friday from 5 - 8 pm! Future dates are Nov. 6, 20, Dec. 4 & 18.

I also had a great time playing at the Govenor's mansion last week for Govenor & Mrs. Ted Strickland as they entertained people from China. It was a wonderful night with gracious hosts! Can't believe it's November already.... I'm gearing up for the concert season so if you're interested in booking a concert at your church or for your Christmas party just send me an email.

Last Sunday night my wife took me to the most amazing concert for my birthday. If you've never seen Celtic Women you've got to go. They are so amazing. Their voices are the most beautiful I've heard and the violin player never stops jumping and dancing all while never missing a note. I highly recommend their concerts...

This Saturday my daughter and her friend Taylor are coming home and we're going to a concert with The Columbus Symphony. The featured pianist is playing Rachmaninov, I think the most difficult piece of music. Christa loves it and it is part of her birthday gift. I sure am looking forward to seeing it but most of all spending time with her!

Thai Orchid in Powell - Thursday's

2009-08-06T13:38:00.000-07:00

I know it's been awhile but life has been a little busy around our house. Nina's daughter, son-in-law and 4 children came for a visit the entire month of June! It was amazingly wonderful and busy and was almost a let down when they left. It was great having the kids here on a day to day basis and we got to really bond with the new baby Joshua who's growing by leaps and bounds already. Have sure missed my daughter Christa this summer though and am looking forward to her return from summer camp counseling in PA. next week. She'll only be home for 2 weeks before having to go back to Grove City for her sophmore year of college. There just doesn't seem to be enough time.

I've also started a new venture playing on Thursday nights at the new Thai Orchid in Powell from 6 - 10 pm. Come out and see me sometime! The food is really great and so is the atmosphere!

Piano Lessons

2009-03-17T09:48:00.000-07:00

I've decided to return back to the teaching world after receiving so many requests. I will be teaching piano to students reading age to adults, beginner to advanced. I'll be teaching using the style that most fits the desire of the student such as sight reading, ear training and improvisation. If you know of anyone interested send me an email. I'll be teaching in my home in Powell on my Kawai grand piano!

Florida Tour

2009-02-28T12:09:00.000-08:00

It was great getting out of Ohio for a little while. The lack of sunshine in February always leaves me a little tired but seeing the sun, green grass and some beautiful sunsets recharges my inspiration. We took Nina's 88 year old mom down to re-visit family and friends. We started by visiting Nina's nephew, a nurse anethicist at Sarasota General and his beautiful wife Christy who is an amazing cook. Then dropped Nina's mom off in Japanese Garden's, her home for 22 years, for four days. During that time we went to Bradenton, Longboat Key, Anna Maria Island and Naples also visiting Bonita Presbyterian Church, Sandi & Jim Hess' church, as you can see in one of the pictures. I'm in the pic with Jeff Faux, Director of Music Ministries at BPC playing a variety of music for him. We then headed over to Boca Raton to Nina's brother Bob and sister-in-law Linda and enjoyed more gourmet meals. Lots of good cooks in that family. We're back now and wishing for an early Spring. Hopefully it won't be long now!

New Recording Finally Underway!!!

2008-10-27T16:29:00.000-07:00

Now there's no more fooling around, no more procrastinating and no more excuses....it's way past time to have this new Steve Banks original CD done. I have all the tunes composed but now the challenge is in arranging each piece. I am shooting for the beginning of Dec. but I'll need a lot of prayer to accomplish that...it's been wonderful but time consuming getting married, moving and sending my daughter off to college...but now, I promise, I'm back to making music!!!

Christa's 19th Brithday

2008-10-27T16:10:00.000-07:00

Nina & I just got back from Grove City where we celebrated Christa's birthday. We saw two Rugby games...WOW! Christa is a great player and that's a tough game much like football without any pads or helmets...but I found out she is really tough. It was fun meeting her friends and seeing the campus again. I sure am missing her a lot these days but am excited about how these next years will shape and mold her. Here's a pic from our trip....

Bluebonnet Farms

2008-10-05T15:39:00.000-07:00

Went to Bluebonnet Farms in Argyle TX to visit Nina's daughter Amy and her family. It was Emma's 3rd birthday and Amy's 35th so we got to celebrate them both while we were there. It was good to be back in TX and was reminising about those days in college when I spent some time there....now that's making me feel old!

Steve Gets Married! - June 6, 2008

2008-06-20T09:00:00.000-07:00

I married Nina on June 6, 2008! What a wonderful day that was. Most of the immediate family joined us at The Worthington Inn for the ceremony and an intimate dinner. We put the event together in about 6 weeks from start to finish. Of course it helped that Nina is a wedding planner, my Dad a pastor, and brother and sister in law, Dave & Karla Banks, wedding photographers! So with my connections in music we are somewhat connected to the wedding business. We were married under a Chupah, an old Jewish Tradition which signifies God's protection over us. Nina & I are strong Christians but love the traditions of the Old Testament. We then traveled to San Juan to board a Royal Carribean Cruise Ship. We went to Barbados, St. Lucia, St Marteen, St. Thomas, Antigua and St. John, our favorite. Cinnamon Bay on St. John is the most relaxing, beautiful place we've ever been to. After we got off the ferry a local told us about this fantastic rib place so we enjoyed the best ribs we've ever tasted on Cinnamon Bay....wow, that is living! Can't wait to go back there!

2008-06-20T08:00:00.000-07:00

My family and Nina's family below.

Christa Graduates from High School

2008-06-02T09:00:00.000-07:00

June 1, 2008 was a landmark day for my beautiful daughter Christa as she graduated from Worthington Christian High School! I was so proud of her but is seems she grew up way too fast. Where did that time go anyway?....all those days where time was short and I thought I had another day to spend with her...now here she goes spreading her wings of independance.... but time marches on and I am so proud of her character, commitment to Christ and her amazing piano talent. She will be off to Grove City College in PA in Aug. and is taking up Engineering. You never know, someday she could be designing the next jet airplane!