Jim McDonough's Holiday Grande 2015

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HOLIDAY GRANDE 2014: “Iowa’s Own Pianist” Jim McDonough Announces
Holiday Concert Tour to Benefit Camp Courageous of Iowa

MONTICELLO, IA — It’s beginning to SOUND a lot like Christmas! “Iowa’s Own Pianist” Jim McDonough and his orchestra and singers will tour the state with a sensational all-new production show benefiting Camp Courageous of Iowa. Tickets for the eight-city tour are on sale now.

This spectacular holiday stage production — new for 2014 — features acclaimed International Steinway oncert and Recording Artist, Jim McDonough at the concert grand piano, his 14-piece orchestra, a cast of singers and dancers, elaborate sets and costumes and the true spirit of the season. The tour will deliver the message of Christmas in a production perfect for all generations. “We’ve put together the grandest Holiday Grande’ yet,” McDonough says. “It’s elegant, it’s exciting, it’s filled with spectacular musical arrangements, and it benefits a wonderful organization.”

For nine years, McDonough has toured to benefit Camp Courageous of Iowa, a year-round respite and recreational facility for individuals of all ages with disabilities. The “Holiday Grande 2014” tour encompasses ten shows in eight of Iowa’s most beautiful venues: Monticello – Friday, November 28, at 2:30 p.m. & 7:30 p.m. at the Monticello Auditorium Cedar Rapids – Saturday, November 29, at 2:30 p.m. at the Paramount Theatre Davenport – Sunday, November 30, at 2:30 p.m. at the Adler Theatre Ottumwa – Saturday, December 6, at 2:30 p.m. at the Bridge View Theatre Des Moines – Sunday, December 7, at 2:30 p.m. at Hoyt Sherman Place Burlington – Wednesday, December 10, at 7:30 p.m. at the Memorial Auditorium Dubuque – Saturday, December 13, at 2:30 p.m. & 7:30 p.m. at the Five Flags Theater Cedar Falls – Sunday, December 14, at 2:30 p.m. at the Gallagher-Bluedorn Perf. Arts Ctr. Jim McDonough’s 16 CDs – including his latest album, “Country Roads” – are available at gift shops across the country and via his Web site, www.PianoFavorites.com.

ABOUT JIM McDONOUGH
After stints as a high school band director, cruise ship entertainer and air-traffic controller, Monticello ative, Jim McDonough, began selling his distinctive brand of soothing piano music in gift shops in eastern Iowa. Today, the International Steinway Concert and Recording Artist’s CDs are available in nearly 1,000 stores across the country and via his Web site, www.PianoFavorites.com. Jim’s independent record label, Jim McDonough Productions, Inc., has already sold a quarter-million of his CDs. The road to success, though, has been paved with detours. In eighth grade, an accident nearly ended his musical career. A falling piano crushed three fingers on his right hand – and nearly crushed his dreams in the process. Jim emerged from two hours of surgery with pins in his fingers and tiny fractures across his hand. But throughout more than a year of physical therapy, Jim kept playing – with a cast on his right hand – and concentrated on improving his performance with his left hand. “Playing the piano defined me,” McDonough says. “It was my life, and I was determined to play again.” He devoted nearly every spare moment to working to get back the dexterity in his right hand, and the rigorous rehearsing paid off. In ninth grade, instead of a car, Jim bought a Steinway grand piano to celebrate how far he’d come. McDonough was recently honored by the legendary piano maker, Steinway & Sons, naming him to its worldwide artist roster. As a Steinway Artist, McDonough joins an exclusive international list of the most accomplished and discriminating performing artists, including classical pianist, Lang Lang; jazz star, Harry Connick Jr.; pop icon, Billy Joel; and “immortals,” Irving Berlin and Cole Porter. His discography includes Requests (2002); Home for Christmas: Christmas Favorites Vol. I (2003); Projections: Songs from the Silver Screen (2004); An Ivory Christmas (2004); Music of the Night (2004); Simple Gifts: Songs of Faith & Inspiration, Vol. I (2005); With Love: Timeless Love Songs, Vol. I (2006); Homeward Bound: Songs of Faith & Inspiration, Vol. II (2007); Country Dreaming: Country Favorites, Vol. I (2008); A Christmas to Remember: Christmas Favorites Vol. II (2008); Rat Pack Remembered (2009); Isn’t It Romantic: Timeless Love Songs, Vol. II (2010); Young At Heart (2011); Christmas Eve: Christmas Favorites, Vol. III (2011); One Nation Under God: Songs of Faith & Inspiration, Vol. III (2012); and his latest release, Country Roads: Country Favorites, Vol. II (2013). For more information, visit Jim McDonough’s web site at www.PianoFavorites.com or call (800) 375-7095.

MEDIA ONLY: For more information about Jim McDonough or to set up an interview, please contact Susan Bohlken at (319) 465-7095, or via email at Susan@PianoFavorites.com. High-resolution press photos are available under the “media” link online at www.PianoFavorites.com.