
BIOGRAPHY
Gary has a classical background from Pease Conservatory in Sacramento, studying under the master, Dilworth Simmons.
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He entered into the world of commercial performance in 1980 in Saratoga CA, playing 5 nights a week at Shakey's Pizza Parlor on Hwy. 9.
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A partnership was forged with Banjo Bill, and they moved on to Clancy's in Jack London Square. After many years of saloon entertaining in this smoky environment, Gary played at the Overland House and later, the Fat Lady. The early 80s ushered in a 15 year run of Sunday afternoon entertainment in Tiburon and Corte Madera at 39 Main, the Dock and Marin Joe's, where Gary and several other musicians played for loyal fans. San Francisco piano bars stole Gary away from Oakland clubs and he drew fans to the Gold Dust and Lefty O'Douls on Union Square. Other San Francisco venues included Hornblower Yachts, Cityscape and the Holiday Inn at the Wharf. During this same timeframe Gary was the piano player for Don Neely's Royal Society Jazz Orchestra.
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When Gary moved to Contra Costa in the late 90s he began developing a local presence, accompanying singers and playing at the San Franciscan, Slates, Marcello's, and Bing Crosby's. Faz has been the venue receiving most of Gary's time in recent years and helped keep the piano bar scene alive in Danville. Classical music at home is rounding out the hours of quarantining during the pandemic.