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Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College (NEO) will welcome Miami native David Osborne, known as the “Pianist to the Presidents,” to perform at the NEO Centennial Kickoff Dinner to be held on February 28. A limited number of tickets are available to the public and can be reserved through the NEO Development Foundation Office at 918-540-6115.
For over half a century, accomplished romantic pianist David Osborne has entranced listeners with his music. Learning to play by ear at four, Osborne began to play professionally at thirteen when he traveled the four state area to play organ and piano.
“I am a native of Miami, but I feel like the whole four-state area played a big role in my musical career,” added Osborne. “I was very fortunate to have grown up in area with so many talented people, like DeMaris Gaines, Martha Pate, and Dr. Susan Marchant. I grew up living the dream because my whole life has been around music.”
A 1976 Miami High School graduate, Osborne trained at Oral Roberts University, Indiana University, the prestigious Julliard School, and completed a Master’s Degree at Pittsburg State University. Osborne earned the moniker “Pianist to the Presidents” when he formed a friendship with President Jimmy Carter, for whom he plays almost every year at the President’s birthday. He has also been invited to play for Presidents Reagan, George H. W. Bush, Clinton, George W. Bush, and Obama. Osborne continues to play as the Artist in Residence at the Bellagio Resort and Caesar’s Palace.
“My first performance at the White House was for Jimmy Carter’s 75th birthday party. I have since played there numerous times, and that feeling of excitement for being at the White House never goes away. It is surreal to be there playing on the piano commissioned by President Roosevelt. It is the second Steinway piano ever made and President Roosevelt’s children along with many other notable people have played on that exact piano.”
Coming home for a one-night engagement, Osborne will perform for NEO guests and the Oklahoma State University A&M Board of Regents, including the newly named Oklahoma Secretary of Agriculture Blayne Arthur. The special event will officially begin centennial celebrations at NEO.
“We are thrilled to have the A&M Regents on campus as we kickoff the year-long Centennial celebration at NEO,” said Dr. Jeff Hale, NEO President. “David Osborne’s world class talent is a wonderful way to showcase our kickoff event and we are grateful that he has chosen to join us for this historic occasion.”
Tickets for the event are $100 per plate and include a four-course dinner, the presentation, and Osborne’s performance. Seating is limited and can be reserved at 918-540-6115. Tickets will not be available for sale at the door. For more information on the Centennial Kickoff Event, contact Jennifer Walker at Jennifer.hessee@neo.edu.
