The Villages - May 2022 - 43

Joe began to play the piano professionally in 1974.
His first opportunity was at the Deutsches House, a
German restaurant that served fish and fries. From there,
he continued to play the grand piano at several cocktail
lounges and restaurants until the mid-1980s, when he
found an opportunity to blend his passion with something
that would appeal to a wider audience--sports. It would
also be one of the biggest highlights of his career.
" I was an organist for the Buffalo Sabres and the Seattle
Mariners for a number of years, " Joe said. " I just went for
fun. They had what was called the fan relations booth
downstairs before the game. I just went up to the PR guy
and said, 'you know what, if he [the current organist] was
sick tomorrow, I could fill in for him with no problem at all.
I know exactly what to do. I just know what to do.' " Joe's
timing couldn't have been more perfect. In a week, their
organist was leaving for the rest of the year and they were
looking for a replacement. The job was his.
Joe came up with an innovative idea during his tenure
as an organist for the Sabres. It wouldn't just appeal to his
audience, but create more opportunities for interaction.
" I'm surprised nobody does this anymore, " Joe said. " The
electronics were just getting better and better. I thought
to myself, 'well, gee, what if I were to get an electronic
keyboard, one of the smaller ones, hook it up wirelessly and
go into the stands?' "
Despite his attempts to embrace technology, Joe knew he
was embracing what would be replacing him.
" I could see the technology in the arenas, " Joe said. " I
was going to lose my job eventually. "
Joe didn't give up though. He decided to embrace
technology in a different way by teaching high school
media for the next 13 years while keeping to his true
passion in his off hours.
Now that Joe is retired and living in The Villages, he is
still doing what he loves--playing the piano. Three days
a week, diners at the Rose Plantation are serenaded by the
classic melodies that come to life at the tips of Joe's fingers.
He remains thankful to David and Diana Andrews for
providing him the opportunity to regularly showcase his
passion for music.
" This has been the best job of my life, " Joe said. " I've
never had anything better than this. "
Joe also serves as the president for The Villages piano
club, which meets on the first Wednesday of every month
at the Laurel Manor Recreation Center. Residents of various
skill levels are allowed to bring friends and family while
trying their hand at a couple of tunes on the piano.
" We're a very forgiving audience, " said Joe.
His word of advice when it comes to mastering the piano
is something that not a lot of people would like to hear, but
remains true, time and time again---practice.
" I've been playing 55 years, " said Joe. " I still practice two
hours a day. "
MAGAZINE
43
The Villages - May 2022

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of The Villages - May 2022
