McDonough returns to Burlington to close Civic Music?s ?16-?17 season

Nationally acclaimed, Iowa-based pianist, Jim McDonough, his Steinway concert grand piano and 14-piece orchestra are set to return to Burlington on Friday, April 21, for Civic Music Association?s final performance of the season.

The show is scheduled to begin at 7:30 p.m. The Harry and Virginia Murray Foundation is sponsoring McDonough?s appearance.

McDonough was born in Monticello, and graduated from Wartburg College with a degree in Music Education. After college, he took a job as band director for the senior high school in Waukon. After a year, he accepted a position at a larger school in LaPorte City, and found himself directing two concert bands and two jazz bands, and offering private lessons.

In the summer of 2000, McDonough auditioned over the telephone for a two-week fill-in job on a cruise ship. This quickly evolved into a full-time job on the largest cruise ship in the world. For more than two years, he performed in cruise ship piano lounges and in an 1,800-seat dining room.

In 2002, McDonough recorded his first CD, ?Requests,? and moved back to Monticello to concentrate on producing and distributing his music. Since then, he has produced more than 15 albums. In 2010, piano maker Steinway and Sons named McDonough to its worldwide artist roster, which includes Irving Berlin, Harry Connick Jr., Billy Joel, Diana Krall and Cole Porter.

Tickets may be bought through Burlington Civic Music by calling 319-752-0336, or at the Port of Burlington Welcome Center every day from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tickets also will be available at Memorial Auditorium the night of the show.

Information about Civic Music Association?s 2017-2018 season will be distributed before the show.