Contact Mike Cross Piano Artistry

Crossing musical styles By ARRISSIA OWEN Reporter

Mike Cross is right where he wants to be: in Big Bear Valley and retired. As a lifelong musician, Cross is finally able to put his entire focus into his musical side as a pianist, producer and composer for hire. He’s the boss at Piano Artistry Unlimited.

The result is his newest CD, “Gemini’s Dream,” an eclectic, funky jazz offering. The instrumental songs are inspired by his newfound freedom and full-time delve into making music.

To showcase the melodic fruits of his labor, Cross performs piano concerts Sept. 9 and 10 at the home of John and Barbara King in Big Bear Lake. The evening begins with music by Sharon Rizzo on cello and Barbara on piano performing French classical music.

All proceeds benefit Rizzo’s elementary strings program offered through Bear Valley Unified School District. The program sustains itself through fundraising. “It is so generous of Mike to team up with us,” Rizzo says. “If we must self fund the strings program, one of the unique things about our cause is that we can support music with music.”

Known around Big Bear Valley as The Piano Man, Cross has long been a fixture on the local music scene playing solo, backing other musicians, as well as for his time with now defunct music group The Catz in the Hatz.

Cross’ introduction to music came many years ago through his grandmother, who was a piano teacher, and his father, a professional musician. But it was his fourth-grade teacher who truly set things in motion by placing a trombone in Cross’possession.

“It’s what kept me in school,” says Cross, adding he was required to keep up with his studies to continue to pursue music. “It’s critical that we continue to offer music instruction in the schools. It’s not all about baseball and football.”

Helping children discover music through the schools is Cross’passion, he says. “Music serves as a helper,” Cross says. “It makes life bearable, helps them learn to work together and play together. It’s something they will use the rest of their lives.”

“Gemini’s Dream” is a culmination of a lifetime of musical progression, leading up to the recording that incorporates various influences, from piano greats like Ramsey Lewis, George Shearing and Vince Guaraldi, to more modern players like David Benoit. There is even a little techno tinge to set things off.

“This style has always been in my heart,” Cross says about his less traditional turn for “Gemini’s Dream.” Now he has the time to unleash his amalgamation of styles. “I have changed. When you can get out from under the man, you find yourself.”