As a teenager, it became apparent that a career in music was going to be Danny Carroll’s calling.
On September 25th, this accomplished and talented Winnipeg based artist returns to his home town to present a concert of his music at Hilldale Lutheran Church.
Danny’s concert will be a mix of grand piano, a Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra string trio, and electronics. Interwoven throughout the music are his insightful thoughts and humorous stories about music, life and his early experiences growing up here.
One of Danny’s compositions is entitled ‘Chippewa’ and it was inspired by his time at his family camp. As a teenager he worked at Chippewa Park where he would occasionally sneak in the hall to play the old Heintzman Piano. “One day a visitor from Minneapolis walked up to me while I was playing and showed me a blues scale in a jazzy style, that moment of improvisation opened up my imagination to explore music, as did my teacher Sister Immaculata at the Avila Centre who encouraged me to pursue music at the University of Manitoba”, shared Danny.
“Winnipeg provided me with so many great opportunities including playing in their robust theatre scene where I composed productions with the Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre, Prairie Theatre Exchange, Manitoba Theatre for Young People, and the Winnipeg Jewish Theatre. I’ve also created music for children’s choir, film, and corporate videos”.
Danny is a true gigging pianist and has played for musical theatre shows as rehearsal pianist, pit musician and /or Music Director, and is inducted in the Wall of Fame at Rainbow Stage
(Canada’s largest outdoor musical theatre venue).
Over his many years on the Winnipeg Theatre music scene, he had always excelled in composing and performing for other people, but always dreamt of sharing his own personal compositions. Then in 2018, Danny survived a heart attack and that life changing event inspired him to be more focused in pursuing that dream. Two years ago, that achievement was realized when Danny released his very first album of original compositions.
In our phone conversation, Danny’s youthful voice was filled with excitement at the prospect of being back home. “I’m really excited to play and tell the stories behind my journey. Thunder Bay was so good to me - I can’t wait to share some time with family, new friends and old ones. Making connections through music is what I was always meant to do”.
Danny Carroll in Concert happens Thursday, Sept. 25, 7:30 PM, at Hilldale Lutheran Church on Hilldale Road.
A portion of the concert proceeds will go to the Thunder Bay Regional Food Distribution Association. Tickets are available at the door or you can buy in advance at www.dannycarroll.ca
