KALAMAZOO (MICH.)- When Edward Callahan began playing piano at the age of 5, he may not have realized his journey would inspire others. Callahan, a 2006 graduate of Kalamazoo Central High School, will be the featured performer for the Gilmore Keysfest Friday, February 19-20th. In addition to him performing a virtual classical concert, he will take part in masterclasses for young pianists.
“I started as a kid attending Gilmore concerts and admired the pianists they brought to town,” said Callahan, who now resides in New York City. “It has been a dream to be a Gilmore artist and inspire other young musicians. This opportunity is amazing.”
Callahan will also host a socially-distanced meet and greet from 6-8 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 18th on the second level of the Radisson Plaza, downtown Kalamazoo. Those who want autograph copies of his album and new book, “Little Eddie Goes to Carnegie Hall,” can obtain them at that time. Watch his video interview and learn more about how to attend the concert at the link below!
For more information or to attend the virtual concert, CLICK HERE!
In addition, Callahan’s dream of performing at Carnegie Hall has been captured in a children’s book, Little Eddie Goes to Carnegie Hall. The book, written by Sonya and Sean Hollins and illustrated by Dan Monroe, shares the importance of music and mentorship in the lives of youth. The story not only shares a story that features African American male characters, it highlights musical terms and African American music icons who also played at Carnegie Hall.
Callahan was surprised with the book after attending a virtual storytime by Kalamazoo Public Library, one of the sponsors of his community concert. Bill Caskey, children’s librarian, invited Callahan on as a guest to share his upcoming concert. When asked if he could stay on for the storytime, he was shocked to learn the book was based on his own life.
“I was in shock as I heard the story,” Callahan said. “The name of the character and that he played piano sounded familiar. It took a while for me to realize, ‘hey, this is about me!'”
Less than 24 hours after the books release on Amazon, it hit #87 for Best Children’s Books in Performing Arts. Callahan’s journey to Carnegie Hall is still in the works. However, as he works toward his goal, he is dedicated to learning to master classical works while bringing a new face to classical music.
In the meantime, what began in Kalamazoo through lessons from Mrs. Billie Netterwald to attending performance camps at the Gilmore, has come full circle. He is not just a spectator of the amazing talents line up The Gilmore provides to the community, he has become one of them.
“I admired the legends of classical who looked like me,” he said. “I want to be able to do that same thing for young African American students who may not know they, too, can have a career in classical music.”
