Kent Strand has performed as a pianist at the top clubs and hotels in the Bay Area and throughout the United States. From 1988 to 1995 he performed as a solo pianist and with his jazz trio at the Compass Rose at the Westin St. Francis Hotel and at the Redwood Room at the Clift Hote and regularly at Stars Restaurant, the Ritz Carlton San Francisco, the Palace Hotel and for many corporate and private events.
“One of today’s best-kept secrets in piano jazz. A great classic jazz trio” February 2004 Keyboard Magazine review of Kent’s CD.
The Kent Strand Trio performed Sundays in the Garden Court at the Palace Hotel for the last 5 years and performed at the Cityscape Bar and Restaurant at the San Francisco Hilton for Sunday brunches from 1999 to 2006.
Kent had been hired to performed with Michael Bolton, Daruis Rucker and with jazz greats Cab Calloway, Benny Carter, Mark Murphy, Kevin Mahogony and Doc Cheatham at jazz festivals throughout the United States. He has performed on National Public Radio on Garrison Keillor’s Prarie Home Companion Show and on Billy Taylor’s Jazz Alive. He has backed comedians Bill Murray, Robin Williams, Paula Poundstone, Kathie Griffin and Martin Short.
Kent’s experience includes studio work, backing shows in Las Vegas, performances on cruise ships, and performing at the George V Hotel in Paris in 1995 and 1997. He was the featured pianist for the 50th anniversary celebration of the United Nations where he played for the world’s ambassadors. He has also performed for Presidents Barack Obama and Jimmy Carter, the King of Norway, the San Francisco Giants and Danielle Steel.
The Kent Strand Trio consists of piano (or keyboard) with bass and either drums or a horn (sax or trumpet).