Today we’d like to introduce you to Bethany Lorentzen.
Hi Bethany, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Music has always been my first language. Everyone in my home sang and played different instruments. I grew up singing in every choir available to me in elementary school and beyond, started doing musicals when I was 15, then landed my first professional union role at 19 while studying musical theatre at Arizona State University. You could always find me onstage in a musical, play, or the occasional opera. I eventually made my way back to my family in Dallas, and joined the amazing theatre community here, where I performed, music directed, and choreographed all over the metroplex up until the pandemic.
When all the theatres closed, I was incredibly lucky to be asked to audition for Emerald City Band. It was an intense audition process, but they decided to take a chance on me. My only band experience prior to that was a small jazz quartet that I’d had for a few years called French Twist, and a short time in another cover band. After a few months of intense rehearsal, I was singing front line and choregraphing for the best band in Texas! It was really a dream to perform with some of the most talented musicians and singers I’ve ever had the pleasure to meet.
After a few years of whirlwind travel and nonstop performing with Emerald City, I decided to push myself as a musician and dig into playing piano. I had taken classes in college, but wasn’t a pianist by any stretch. For about a year, I practiced piano for four hours every day on top of a grueling performance schedule with ECB. I built a setlist as a solo performer and joined a national dueling pianos company called Felix and Fingers. After a year of juggling 3 different show calendars, I made the transition to focus entirely on solo performances and dueling pianos for private events. Now, I have residencies as a singing pianist at The Library Bar in the Warwick Melrose Hotel and Truluck’s Dallas, and a packed calendar of weddings, parties, and events. I’m living a life I couldn’t have ever imagined!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I don’t think I know a single artist whose path has been perfectly smooth. I’ve had a lot of moments that felt like roadblocks or setbacks, but they have always turned out to be what pushed me to my next big thing. When all the local theatres had to shut down in 2020, we were all suddenly out of work and unsure of what was next. But, without that happening, I never would have made the leap into the music scene. Deciding to learn a new instrument while gigging full-time was a self-inflicted torment, but it was worth every lost minute of sleep. If I’m being completely honest, I think my biggest struggles in each transition have come from my own self-doubt and insecurity. Each time I am able to push past that, I’m able to blossom (shout out to my therapist!). Every “no” I’ve ever had just pointed me in the direction of my next “yes.”
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
As a singing lounge pianist, I love playing happy hours, cocktail hours, and dinner sets. I’m there to set a vibe and an energy that keeps the room upbeat, but still allows for conversation. Clients and regular guests know me for my soulful voice, clean sound, and an eclectic setlist. I want to sing something for everyone in the room, so I play everything from pop and R&B to soul and Motown throwbacks, plus a few country tunes sprinkled in for good measure. I also love throwing in unique funk or modern covers of classics throughout my set. It’s so fun to surprise my audience with one of their favorite songs, but with a twist.
As a dueling pianist, my number one goal is for everyone to have a good time, me included! Whether I’m belting to the rafters, starting a singalong, or getting people on the dance floor, it’s a party all night long. These shows are where I get to let my weird out to play! When I’m not making jokes and singing my face off, my bedazzled kazoo puts in some killer legwork to cover guitar solos. We play at weddings, corporate events, fundraisers, and city events – basically any event that is ready to party!
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
I’m eternally grateful to everyone who brought me under their wing and gave me an opportunity to grow. I had incredible mentors at ASU and the Phoenix Theatre. In Dallas, the Firehouse Theatre and Uptown Players have given me some of the best moments of my theatrical career. Also, I have to give a huge thank you to Deno and the entire Emerald City Band family for 5 years of incredible music-making.
My biggest supporters in everything I do are my family. I couldn’t do what I do now if it weren’t for each of them. My mom is the one who instilled the love and knowledge of music into me from an incredibly young age. I wouldn’t be the artist I am today without her to look up to as a musician. My dad and sister are always my biggest cheerleaders, and duet partners when they feel like it. Last, but not least, I absolutely couldn’t have built the life and career I have without the endless love and support I get from my husband, Bryan. He’s my own personal photographer, hype man, and #1 fan.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.bethanylorentzen.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bethanylorentzen
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bethanylorentzen
