Best Piano Entertainer on Carnival? (Part 2)

[oncruisecontrol]

Just got off the Valor with dana honey.

 

meh

 

cool guy boring show/performance. Now this could just be me but he does these pre-recorded or backed melodies?!? He has an ipad and some other device that plays the bass line and other instruments while he plays piano and sings ...sorta.

 

IMO thats not the experience or interaction I go to the piano bar for. I like the guy/gal to play the piano and their artistic take on the song. to have pre-recorded music/melodies to back you up just kinda takes something away.

 

This is just my .02 cents. nice guy but he was pretty much by-himself every night.

We had Dana Honey back in 2012 on the Imagination. At first I was taken aback by his recorded background music, but we got used to it. We went to the piano bar every night on this trip, and there was a small group of people (about 10) whom we befriended and they were in there every night also. Dana is a cool/funny guy. His repertoire seems to consist of a lot of "oldies" such as Sinatra and Sammy Davis and other jazzy stuff. He also did a few Beatles songs, The Bee Gees, some Genesis, etc. He is a little older than other piano bar singers we've had, but once we adjusted our expectations, we had fun.

[jessemon]

I couldn't agree more!

 

We used to close down the piano bar every night but not anymore. We miss it a lot since it was our favorite nighttime venue.

 

Last year on the Freedom the piano singer was Martin Aucoin. We tried to give him a chance, but he couldn't sing. I have never heard someone who was actually being paid to sing sound so off key. After my sister and my friend left me at the piano bar, there were only 3 other patrons left besides me, and then I soon left.

 

As much as I hate cigarette smoke, I think maybe they should make the piano bar a smoking venue again. When people could smoke in there, it was always hopping--you could barely find a seat. Maybe if the bar generated more revenue they could pay for the better singers.

This past year we've taken a break from Carnival but are considering the Breeze for next year. I'm hoping the piano bar improves by then.

Couldn't agree more...Although I do smoke a piano bar/club has always been a smoking venue on all the lines. Since that has gone by the wayside the talent level has dropped and the piano bars are mostly empty...Very sad because it has always been in the top two of must do entertainment venues on cruises...

[Equest]

I couldn't agree more!

 

We used to close down the piano bar every night but not anymore. We miss it a lot since it was our favorite nighttime venue.

 

Last year on the Freedom the piano singer was Martin Aucoin. We tried to give him a chance, but he couldn't sing. I have never heard someone who was actually being paid to sing sound so off key. After my sister and my friend left me at the piano bar, there were only 3 other patrons left besides me, and then I soon left.

 

As much as I hate cigarette smoke, I think maybe they should make the piano bar a smoking venue again. When people could smoke in there, it was always hopping--you could barely find a seat. Maybe if the bar generated more revenue they could pay for the better singers.

 

This past year we've taken a break from Carnival but are considering the Breeze for next year. I'm hoping the piano bar improves by then.

 

Has the talent changed much or did a livelier bunch frequent the piano bar when smoking was allowed?

[golfadj]

Has the talent changed much or did a livelier bunch frequent the piano bar when smoking was allowed?

 

Good question.

 

The talent level has seemed to have gone downhill since they enforced no smoking. Would think the performers would prefer that but perhaps not.

[dolphins76]

Every night on our Pride cruise that sailed 11/17 the piano bar was packed...except wednesday when it was closed. Roger was by far the best piano player I have seen! Always got the crowd going!

 

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using Tapatalk

[oncruisecontrol]

Has the talent changed much or did a livelier bunch frequent the piano bar when smoking was allowed?

In a way, both. Carnival is hiring less talented piano singers and the passenger attendance to the venue is waaay down. So, it is not so much that the piano bar used to be frequented by a livelier bunch, it's just that a "bunch" of only 6 or 7 people is not very lively.:(

[oncruisecontrol]

Every night on our Pride cruise that sailed 11/17 the piano bar was packed...except wednesday when it was closed. Roger was by far the best piano player I have seen! Always got the crowd going!

 

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using Tapatalk

Roger is excellent. We had him on the Miracle back in 2008.

[alreadypacked]

Every night on our Pride cruise that sailed 11/17 the piano bar was packed...except wednesday when it was closed. Roger was by far the best piano player I have seen! Always got the crowd going!

 

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using Tapatalk

 

Yes, Roger is very good--we had him on the Miracle a few years back. He has been around awhile.

[golfadj]

In a way, both. Carnival is hiring less talented piano singers and the passenger attendance to the venue is waaay down. So, it is not so much that the piano bar used to be frequented by a livelier bunch, it's just that a "bunch" of only 6 or 7 people is not very lively.:(

 

Would imagine the new people they are hiring work for less than the old players.

 

However since a crowded piano bar is going to sell a lot more booze than an empty one would think they would not go in this direction.

[happy cruzin]

More current list.

 

Current (ish) list as of 11/4/2013

 

 

 

Breeze: Justin Abrams 11/3/2013 - 12/7/2013

 

Breeze: Ben Gentry 2/15/2014 - 6/15/2014 http://pianomanben.com

 

Conquest: Martin Alex Aucoin 10/27/2013 - ??? http://www.martinalexaucoin.com

 

Dream: Rick Yerkes 4/27/2013 - 11/02/2013

 

Dream: "Piano Bar Bob" Berhalter 11/02/2013 - 5/4/2014 http://www.facebook.com/bob.berhalter http://www.pianobarbob.com

 

Ecstasy: Milburn Dumas 8/12/2013 - 1/13/2014

 

Elation: Wally Boik 10/14/2013 - 1/16/2014

 

Elation: Brad Alexander 1/16/2014 - 2/17/2014 http://www.bradthepianoman.com/

 

Fantasy: Rob Crucilla 09/16/2013 - 2/16/2014

 

Fascination: Rob Cozma 7/18/2013 - 1/16/12014

 

Freedom: Marty Gast 5/12/2013 - 11/24/2013 http://www.********************/MartyGast

 

Freedom: Larry Maconaghey 11/24/13 to Dry Dock

 

Glory: Dave Filsinger 8/10/2013 - 3/30/2014

 

Imagination: Gregory Alcock 10/25/2013 - 1/10/2014

 

Imagination: Marty Gast 1/10/14 - 6/10/14

 

Inspiration: Tom Grable 2/8/2013 - 11/4/2013

 

(Inspiration drydock 11/4/2013 - 11/18/2013)

 

Inspiration: Billy Reid 11/18/2013 - 1/17/2014

 

Legend: Kyle Bronsdon 10/10/2013 - 2/2/2014 http://kylebronsdon.com

 

Liberty: Jim Morris 6/29/2013 - 11/23/2013

 

Liberty: Liz Strauss 11/23/2013 - 3/8/2014

 

Liberty: Seth Gibson 3/8/2014 to ?

 

Magic: Jordan Heppner 9/15/2013 - 1/19/2014

 

Miracle: Steven Burks 10/19/2013 -12/7/2013

 

Paradise: Shea Duncan 9/16/2013 - 11/7/2013

 

Pride: Roger Concepcion 2/10/2013 - 12/08/2013

 

Pride: Michael O'Quinn 12/8/2013 - 1/19/2014

 

Pride: Tom Grable 1/19/2014 - 8/3/2014

 

Sensation: Gary Mumford 11/3/2013 - 11/14/2013

 

Sensation: Brad Alexander 11/14/2013 - 11/21/2014 http://www.bradthepianoman.com/

 

Spirit: Natalie Carboni 10/17/2013 - 12/21/2013

 

Spirit: Trevor Jones 12/21/2013 - 2/10/2014

 

Splendor: Frank "Frank Chase" Glenn 9/22/2013 - 12/11/2013

 

Sunshine: Seth Gibson 8/18/2013 - 11/17/2013 http://sethgibsonmusic.com

 

Sunshine: Gary Pickus 11/17/2013 - ???

 

Triumph: Russell Villarin 6/13/2013 - 12/2/2013 http://villarinfamily.wix.com/pinoypianoman

 

Triumph: Michael Geier 12/2/2013 - 2/1/2014

 

Triumph: Russell Villarin 2/1/2014 - 8/2/2014 http://villarinfamily.wix.com/pinoypianoman

 

Valor: Dana Honey 7/28/2013 - 12/29/2013

 

Victory: Angela Johnson 10/19/2013 - 04/14/2014

 

Any idea who's going to be on the Miracle now??

 

 

Sent using the Cruise Critic forums app

[Equest]

In a way, both. Carnival is hiring less talented piano singers and the passenger attendance to the venue is waaay down. So, it is not so much that the piano bar used to be frequented by a livelier bunch, it's just that a "bunch" of only 6 or 7 people is not very lively.:(

 

I recently experienced the piano bar for the first time since smoking ban and I believe there are several reasons for the decline. The piano bar was one of the few places smokers could hang out, I noticed more smokers hanging out on the Lido and casino bar this time. The 12 people who regularly hung out at the piano bar appeared not to drink much and they did not know piano bar customs. How I feel about Lucille leaving can come as shock to the uninitiated especially when only one person voices it. The talent made a comment about having more activity this cruise than the rest of his tour combined, I took it to mean 11 people learning why Hank drinks and how good times never seemed so good, so good, so good is not the norm.

[Out to sea!]

I recently experienced the piano bar for the first time since smoking ban and I believe there are several reasons for the decline. The piano bar was one of the few places smokers could hang out, I noticed more smokers hanging out on the Lido and casino bar this time. The 12 people who regularly hung out at the piano bar appeared not to drink much and they did not know piano bar customs. How I feel about Lucille leaving can come as shock to the uninitiated especially when only one person voices it. The talent made a comment about having more activity this cruise than the rest of his tour combined, I took it to mean 11 people learning why Hank drinks and how good times never seemed so good, so good, so good is not the norm.

 

Piano Bar customs? :confused: Like not peeing on the floor or what? :confused::confused:

[manmtnmike]

Sensation: Brad Alexander 11/14/2013 - 11/21/2014 http://www.bradthepianoman.com/ ????

-----------------------------------------

As per this link on Nov 15... Brad's FB says his next cruise assignment:

"My next cruise ship contract is on the Carnival Liberty, January 18th to February 22nd, 2014."

Soooo. who's really on the SENSATION.....???

[gay head]

Who is playing on the Magic on the New years eve cruise out of Galveston? Is he good?

[Midwestgal]

The piano bar on Liberty last week was rocking.

[Plant]

We really enjoyed having the "Play It Again" piano bar on Carnival Magic open relatively early (7:15 to 8:15), since I'm "old" and not able to stay up later :D! We had Jordan playing piano most night's, but we also had Chris Ray, who is a very good guitarist.

 

The bartender's were good and we had a very nice time!

[Out to sea!]

The piano bar on Liberty last week was rocking.

 

They must have changed piano players because when I was on the Liberty in June, it was just a rock in there. :(

[Bahama Fool]

Sensation: Brad Alexander 11/14/2013 - 11/21/2014 http://www.bradthepianoman.com/ ????

-----------------------------------------

As per this link on Nov 15... Brad's FB says his next cruise assignment:

"My next cruise ship contract is on the Carnival Liberty, January 18th to February 22nd, 2014."

 

Soooo. who's really on the SENSATION.....???

 

Inquiring minds want to know . . . .

[Midwestgal]

They must have changed piano players because when I was on the Liberty in June, it was just a rock in there. :(

 

I'll take a look at my Fun Times and see who he was. I have to say the passangers on this cruise were the best and the most fun we have ever sailed with.....could be a factor?

[spazilla1]

We are sailing on the Victory in January - any idea how good Angela Johnson is? We have never really done the Piano bar but I want to this time, would be sad if we get a so so performer. I am really looking forward to doing this as it would be a new thing for us to try. thanks for any input you have.

[Bahama Fool]

I have to say the passangers on this cruise were the best and the most fun we have ever sailed with.....could be a factor?

 

I would agree. Fun passengers can keep the piano bar rocking even with a mediocre piano player.

[golfadj]

Sensation: Brad Alexander 11/14/2013 - 11/21/2014 http://www.bradthepianoman.com/ ????

-----------------------------------------

As per this link on Nov 15... Brad's FB says his next cruise assignment:

"My next cruise ship contract is on the Carnival Liberty, January 18th to February 22nd, 2014."

Soooo. who's really on the SENSATION.....???

 

Brad is one of the best.

[LizaMM]

Sensation: Brad Alexander 11/14/2013 - 11/21/2014 http://www.bradthepianoman.com/ ????

-----------------------------------------

As per this link on Nov 15... Brad's FB says his next cruise assignment:

"My next cruise ship contract is on the Carnival Liberty, January 18th to February 22nd, 2014."

Soooo. who's really on the SENSATION.....???

 

Brad is one of the best.

 

I would be very happy if this is true!!

 

I remember hearing great things about Brad when he was scheduled to be the Piano Bar player on one of my previous cruises and then something wound up happening and he was off the one week I sailed :rolleyes:

[happy cruzin]

More current list.

 

Current (ish) list as of 11/4/2013

 

 

 

Breeze: Justin Abrams 11/3/2013 - 12/7/2013

 

Breeze: Ben Gentry 2/15/2014 - 6/15/2014 http://pianomanben.com

 

Conquest: Martin Alex Aucoin 10/27/2013 - ??? http://www.martinalexaucoin.com

 

Dream: Rick Yerkes 4/27/2013 - 11/02/2013

 

Dream: "Piano Bar Bob" Berhalter 11/02/2013 - 5/4/2014 http://www.facebook.com/bob.berhalter http://www.pianobarbob.com

 

Ecstasy: Milburn Dumas 8/12/2013 - 1/13/2014

 

Elation: Wally Boik 10/14/2013 - 1/16/2014

 

Elation: Brad Alexander 1/16/2014 - 2/17/2014 http://www.bradthepianoman.com/

 

Fantasy: Rob Crucilla 09/16/2013 - 2/16/2014

 

Fascination: Rob Cozma 7/18/2013 - 1/16/12014

 

Freedom: Marty Gast 5/12/2013 - 11/24/2013 http://www.********************/MartyGast

 

Freedom: Larry Maconaghey 11/24/13 to Dry Dock

 

Glory: Dave Filsinger 8/10/2013 - 3/30/2014

 

Imagination: Gregory Alcock 10/25/2013 - 1/10/2014

 

Imagination: Marty Gast 1/10/14 - 6/10/14

 

Inspiration: Tom Grable 2/8/2013 - 11/4/2013

 

(Inspiration drydock 11/4/2013 - 11/18/2013)

 

Inspiration: Billy Reid 11/18/2013 - 1/17/2014

 

Legend: Kyle Bronsdon 10/10/2013 - 2/2/2014 http://kylebronsdon.com

 

Liberty: Jim Morris 6/29/2013 - 11/23/2013

 

Liberty: Liz Strauss 11/23/2013 - 3/8/2014

 

Liberty: Seth Gibson 3/8/2014 to ?

 

Magic: Jordan Heppner 9/15/2013 - 1/19/2014

 

Miracle: Steven Burks 10/19/2013 -12/7/2013

 

Paradise: Shea Duncan 9/16/2013 - 11/7/2013

 

Pride: Roger Concepcion 2/10/2013 - 12/08/2013

 

Pride: Michael O'Quinn 12/8/2013 - 1/19/2014

 

Pride: Tom Grable 1/19/2014 - 8/3/2014

 

Sensation: Gary Mumford 11/3/2013 - 11/14/2013

 

Sensation: Brad Alexander 11/14/2013 - 11/21/2014 http://www.bradthepianoman.com/

 

Spirit: Natalie Carboni 10/17/2013 - 12/21/2013

 

Spirit: Trevor Jones 12/21/2013 - 2/10/2014

 

Splendor: Frank "Frank Chase" Glenn 9/22/2013 - 12/11/2013

 

Sunshine: Seth Gibson 8/18/2013 - 11/17/2013 http://sethgibsonmusic.com

 

Sunshine: Gary Pickus 11/17/2013 - ???

 

Triumph: Russell Villarin 6/13/2013 - 12/2/2013 http://villarinfamily.wix.com/pinoypianoman

 

Triumph: Michael Geier 12/2/2013 - 2/1/2014

 

Triumph: Russell Villarin 2/1/2014 - 8/2/2014 http://villarinfamily.wix.com/pinoypianoman

 

Valor: Dana Honey 7/28/2013 - 12/29/2013

 

Victory: Angela Johnson 10/19/2013 - 04/14/2014

 

Still trying to figure out who's on the Miracle 2/15/14!! ;)

 

 

Sent using the Cruise Critic forums app

[golfadj]

We are sailing on the Victory in January - any idea how good Angela Johnson is? We have never really done the Piano bar but I want to this time, would be sad if we get a so so performer. I am really looking forward to doing this as it would be a new thing for us to try. thanks for any input you have.

 

We sailed with her some years ago in one of her first weeks as a piano bar player and she was learning songs frantically.

 

Thought she was pretty good and have heard good things about her since.