Unique artist prepares to perform in Logan
Unique entertainment methods and genre combination are the characteristics of Jon Schmidt’s music that have brought unlikely audiences together. Logan will experience the inspirational music of pianist and composer Jon Schmidt Saturday, Nov. 1, at the Kent Concert Hall on USU campus.
Schmidt is a Utah-homegrown artist. His German immigrant parents made classical music a part of his life through piano lessons. After graduating from Highland High School, Schmidt won a scholarship for his music. However, he felt pursuing music was unrealistic, so he decided to major in English. Through college, Schmidt performed occasional benefit shows, and to his surprise, the music took off.
“My success is a miracle, it’s a combination of lots of happy coincidences,” Schmidt said.
Influenced by Beethoven and Billy Joel, Schmidt said he began composing at a young age, developing his unique classical, contemporary and rock ‘n’ roll combination. Often, Schmidt’s music is categorized as new age.
These characteristics are the key to Schmidt’s success in defying demographics, particularly in the intermountain west.
“It’s strange, my audience is all over the map, the young and the old. I have little pockets of people around the world who are fans,” Schmidt said.
Mostly Schmidt performs within the region, but occasionally has a concert in places such as France or England.
“Being able to drive to my performance in one day, and drive back that night is exactly what I want right now. My kids are at home, and they still need help with their homework, and we like to hang out,” Schmidt said.
Schmidt is married with five kids and a successful musician. Through the Internet site mp3.com, Schmidt’s music has had more than 3 million downloads. While Schmidt has experienced success through the Internet, pirating also frustrates him.
“My Web site offers 99-cent music downloads and free sheet music. I wish people would just get it there instead of pirating it from somewhere else,” Schmidt said.
Schmidt is also popular with the LDS population and he has won several music awards from the LDS music market, known as Pearl Awards. He won them for performing arts and individual songs and albums.
An easy-going nature and creativity are synonymous with Jon’s personality. While being interviewed, Schmidt was ordering at the drive through. To come out of an “inspirational slump,” Schmidt reads newspaper headlines with a beat. The same laid-back, fun nature can be observed at his concerts. His willingness to take requests and connect with the audience on a real-human level is very fresh.
The broad appeal of Schmidt’s music is complimented by his outrageous performance techniques. Not only is there a story behind every piece, but also Schmidt can proficiently play on his back with his hands crossed. It is not uncommon for Schmidt to use more than his fingers to play, but toes and elbows as well.
When playing the “Dumb Song,” a tune derived from a Bumblebee tuna commercial, Schmidt wears an unruly red wig and bangs his head on the keyboard.
“I wear the wig to avoid hurting my head when I bang it on the piano,” Schmidt said.
The weirdest thing that happened to Schmidt while doing a concert is that he broke a piano bench.
“I jumped off the bench to do a back flip, and as I did, it broke, and I landed on my head,” Schmidt said. He noted that he was unharmed, just embarrassed.
Listening and watching Schmidt perform is best described as how Schmidt himself illustrated playing the piano.
“It’s comparable to flying on the ride at Disneyland with the panoramic chairs that move,” he said. “As you soar through the air, the tempo speeds up and the adrenaline kicks in.”
This exhilarating quality caught the ear of Logan resident Kathy Heninger.
“Jon’s music is a gift, and he cherishes it, using it in a way to serve others,” Heninger said.
Heninger has been producing the concert annually for the past four years.
“I see the good in bringing great entertainment to the valley, and Jon is phenomenal, hilarious,” Heninger said.
This year’s concert will be sponsored by Lynn’s Audio and dedicated to Lee and Shari Badger for their community service.
The Badgers are adoring fans of Schmidt and Logan residents who own Lee’s Marketplace.
“The Lee’s have a legacy of donating time, money and products to many causes being the silent heroes of our community. They love Jon Schmidt, so I knew it dedicating the concert would be a way to honor their service,” Heninger said.
Jon Badger, the son of Lee and Shari Badger, said that his parents have donated several thousand dollars each year to local and national charities, such as the March of Dimes and the Juvenille Diabetes Foundation. They also have contributed to the new cancer center in Logan as well as the Cure Cancer Walk, he said. Every year, the Badgers hold a food drive at the store to help local shelters, particularly around the holidays, he said.
“Lee and Shari are great examples of service and caring. Many things they do go unnoticed, but are appreciated by so many. They have an amazing ability to give and not want recognition for it. I am happy to see they are getting a little spotlight for the lives they bless,” he said.
The Badgers aren’t the only one who enjoy having Schmidt come to Logan. Schmidt said he, too, enjoys performing in Logan.
“I love coming to Logan. No joke, it is one of my favorite places,” Schmidt said. “The atmosphere is great, I can just kick back.”
Schmidt will perform the usual favorites while in Logan along with songs from his new album, which will be released next summer. Also, Schmidt’s 16-year-old son Spencer, whom Schmidt characterizes as “a musical genius,” will be debuting songs from his album Painting the Finish Line.
“I have goofy antics and my music is energetic, so it is fun to watch,” Schmidt said.
Tickets can be purchased at the door for $14 or for $12 in advance through the box office, (435)-797-8022. See www.jonschmidt.com for details.
–storee.powell@aggiemail.usu.edu