Pianist, humanitarian to perform at BAC

Solo pianist George Winston returns to the Brewery Arts Center Friday and Saturday.

Both concerts begin at 7:30 p.m. in the Performance Hall.

A BAC favorite, Winston cites New Orleans R&B piano and stride piano as his strongest influences, but has recrafted them into the melodic rural folk piano style for which he is most known.

He currently is putting the finishing touches on a new solo piano album, Love Will Come - The Music of Vince Guaraldi Vol. 2, tentatively set for a fall or winter release in 2009.

His latest album, Gulf Coast Blues & Impressions - A Hurricane Relief Benefit, was released in 2006. Dedicated to the rebuilding of New Orleans, 100 percent of his artist royalties were donated to various hurricane relief organizations, raising more than $50,000 to date.

Winston also works with food closets wherever he plays. Those attending his Carson City concerts are invited to bring canned goods to donate to the Food Bank of Northern Nevada. In addition, he will donate a portion of his merchandise sales to the organization.