1/10/12 - Have I mentioned....
I'm horrible at keeping anything updated. As always, many more changes to come. Mmmmmmmmmm....change....
9/1/11 - Stu Goes Hollywood...sort of...
Man, a lot of change happens when I don't update for months. So here's the skinny....
I'm no longer in Bella Cain. I had to leave back in May, but stayed with them through June and a few extra gigs after that. I played my last gig with them in Aug at the WI State Fair. Was a great way to go out playing in front of thousands. Had to leave for personal reasons but I made great friends and had a great time & experience with them. As always, I wish the memebers of Bella Cain the best. But things keep moving forward....
Look for a new Adam Sandler/Andy Sandburg movie set to come out next June (Father's Day) called "I Hate You, Dad". My friends have a spot in the movie as a Jazz Trio playing a song I wrote for our group called "A Girl Like You". I'm now the main writer for our team/group and having a blast with these talented musicians/friends. More on that to come, but let me say being on set for the filming of the movie in Cape Cod was life changing. I want more of THAT!
In the meantime, still doing my piano gigs, so check the calendar and hope to see you out! And if you haven't already,friend me on Face Book (Michael Stu Stoinski) and be sure to "Like" my "STU" fan page. I'm not sure why...maybe just because it makes me feel good:)
Cheers!
3/15/11 - Busiest Year thus far....
First off, sorry the site was down the past week. All better now. Secondly,
WOW! This music business is amazing. It's like riding constantly and always having that feeling your crash/bail is coming. Man, I love it! The secret is out on Bella Cain. We've exploded onto the scene. We've landed upcoming gigs at Summerfest, WI State Fair, Country Thunder, Country USA, and more. What's crazy is that we've only had about a dozen gigs and have just launched.
Still doing my "piano guy" thing and loving it more than before. Just figured out why, but I'll save that story for another day. But looking to work more requests in there, too (you know who you are). You should see my work space at home. Napkins all over (not what you think) that have written requests on them that I don't know and need to learn. So much great music out there. The list is never ending. Unfortunately, the time is just that.
Just remember that next time you see me at a show and yell out " STU! Do you know that one song by that guy that sings that.....uh.....and plays the.....mmmm thinger......YOU know?!? THAT song?"
Huh?
Sure buddy. Haven't you heard? I know every song ever written by everybody. (now THAT would be sweet)
10/7/10 - Stu Went Country!!!!!
Ladies and Gentlemen and Hillbillies...allow me to please introduce you to "Bella Cain". That's the band name. If you don't like country but like me, come check us out. Great group of people rockin the best pop country and then some (still Neil Diamond, some "Walking in Memphis" and even a touch of Black Eyed Peas. Fun stuff). When you see "Bella Cain" on my calendar, that's where I'll be. I WILL see you there!
Yeeeeeeeeeeeeehaaaaaaaaaawwwwwww baby!
6/2/10 - Stu Goes Country!?!?! What the....!?!? At least I got "Nothin'!
Oh yeah, practicing with a "top 40" country oriented band. New gig with new people playing new music. I hardly know any country aside from what my dad loved and some of what my drunk Wisconsin friends introduced me to...still...I'm intrigued. My biggest problem is paying attention to when I'm supposed to come in! PROPS! I'm sitting there watching the other band members jam & I get caught up. They're entertaining me! I don't get that often. Either way, I'm enjoying the challenge, brotherhood (with a touch of sisterhood - female vocalist, Jackie + plays fi-fi-fiddle), and just being surrounded with other top notch musicians. Thank you, Rob Harvey...captain my captain. Run this ship baby...run it!
But don't be misled. I'm still playing everything else under the sun that I can wrap my brain around...still doing my thang...attempting requests...learning requests...taking abuse...OH - Speaking of...
Played Sunday night @ Redhead - late shift. Had a "late night" woman ask for 2-3 requests I didn't know. She said eye to eye, "You got nothin".
I aked, "Nothing?"
She said, "I asked you for songs and nothin'...can you play "Levon" since you've played me nothin?"
At least I knew the 4th request...E.J.'s "Levon".
3 songs later...she says
"You got nothin...this guy here (points to dude next to her) says he thinks your a f*#@ing genius...me? I think you got nothin'!"
I said, "Really? Before you said I had "nothin" then I tried to give you "somethin'" and you still say I have "nothin'" I think now you're just being mean". And ignored her.
Security escorted her out 2 songs later. Love 'em there @ Redhead.
If you're trying to share a gift with the world, be prepared to be tackled by everyone who wants to rip it open.
Then move on.
Peace,
Stu
More to come.
4/24/10 - Download some Stu...Mmm, Mmmm, good!
Here's a link to find my 2nd album Swig by Stu - iTunes on iTunes and sample it. It's also on Amazon (here's another link Swig by Stu - Amazon) and just about everything else....everything but Napster ;) Enjoy! I'm trying to get the first album Looking for Change on there due to so many requests for "Like Kings" and others. We'll see....
Thanks everyone!
Stu
2/16/10 - Wait a minute...did Stu update his news?!?!?
Kind of updated. Not much to update. Just wanted to touch base.
Been really busy with gigs. Usually I play 3 gigs a week and have been closer to 4 or 5 a week lately. Been challenging, but fun at the same time.
CD Sales have been constant considering I don't "push" my music on people when I'm told I should. Just the self conscious part of being a musician, I guess. But the CD is also available on i-tunes, Amazon, etc. (everywhere but Napster). Want to work on some videos for YouTube and see how that goes.
I auditions for "America's Got Talent" last October. Crazy experience. My audition time was @ 2:00pm. Showed up at noon. Actually auditioned at 9:30pm. LONG DAY and missed a gig that night. I never miss gigs. Was told we would hear back in January, but haven't heard anything. But on the bright side, I heard they're still auditioning, so who knows. Not keeping my hopes up, but so many people told me I should audition, so there you go. At least I tried.
I'm also finally on FaceBook. I'm listed under "Michael Stu Stoinski" but I've also created a Stu "Fan" page just listed as "Stu". Become a fan or a friend if you're into FB. At least while it lasts. Heard they're going to charge for FB starting in July. Who knows.
So check out the schedule. I've picked up some new gigs, so come check out my new digs. Would love to see you or any new faces that come out. Just did Street Scenes @ Carmel HS last weekend and had a blast. Great crowd!
Best wishes and by the way, Happy New Year & Happy Valentines Day.....Happy St. Patrick's day, too, in case I don't update this for almost ANOTHER YEAR!
Cheers,
Stu
6/10/09 - Take a "SWIG"
The new CD is out. Thanks to everyone that was able to come to the early release party on the 7th. As you may know, there's another party this Friday the 12th @ the Redhead. The feedback on the CD already has been great. I appreciate it all. Thanks for listening and I'll just keep working on the next album...and the next one...and the next one.....
Hope to see you out soon, grab a CD, and let me know what you think. Now that this is out, I can go back to spending more time learning your requests that I've been putting off for weeks, or months, or years. Sorry. I'll get there.
Peace,
Stu
2/08/09 - Looking for Change? Here's Change, change, and more change - that's THREE changes
Change One: Here's some major change for Stu. After 5 years of loyalty to the Redhead Piano Bar, I have just been rewarded with "Friday Night Early Shift": - which means I am now the regular Friday night opener at the Redhead Piano Bar in Downtown Chicago. Check out the "CALENDAR" section to see dates and times. Aside from the occasional absence, I'll be there every Friday. That Rocks!
Change Two: Here's some major change for you K-town friends. My shift at Chops on the Lake has changed on Thursday nights. Management has decided to bump me up so you're not as hung-over on Friday mornings as usual. I'm now playing 7:00pm-11:00pm on Thursdays but as always, if we're still rocking after 11:00, I'm in for the long haul. Check out the "CALENDAR" section to see dates and times.
Change Three: My new CD is officially a "Rock" CD. That's a change - Stu can rock! I didn't see it coming either, but it is some of the best comfort rock I've heard in a long time. I can't wait to share it with you all. We should be finished up within a month or so. Uptown Recording has been amazing with the tunes I've created. There's even talk about a "Stu Band" coming soon. Personally, that's just crazy, but I'm all for it. We'll see....
None of this would be possible without you. Thanks, as always, for the constant support.
Hope to see you at Street Scenes in Mundelein, IL this weekend. For those that don't know, Street Scenes is known as the biggest beer bash in Lake County (music, entertainment, gambling, bands, booze, food, and more) and also where I began. It used to be my gig I had once a year for over 10 years. It'll be nice to return to my old high school and stomping grounds. Check out the "CALENDAR" section to see dates and times.
Best wishes and Happy Valentine's and President's Day - if you're into any of that!
Peace,
Stu
1/07/09 - HAPPY NEW YEAR! HAPPY NEW YOU!
My best of wishes to everyone in the New Year. Still digging into the CD and pushing for Feb release date. We'll see how that goes. A lot of work to do the next month.
I just want to say quick thanks. Times are tough and I certainly don't need to tell you that. Trying to make bucks going to work every day - watching every dollar we spend. I personally want you to know how much your support means to me with all of you constantly finding time to check me out wherever I'm playing. It means to me more than you'll ever know. I wish you all the greatest of everything and see you next time.
More importantly, if there are those of you checking this out I haven't seen in a while, as much as I miss you, I understand. See you next time, too.
I hope the greatest of everything to you all and see you soon.
Stu
12/08/08 - "Stu, how's the recording going?"
I'm flattered to get so many questions on the development of the new CD that let me just post an update (I was surprised people were actually reading this thing).
The CD is coming along great! I'm really excited about this project. It's a huge step forward for me as an artist to get the songs I'm trying to create to sound as close as possible to how I hear them in my head when I create these songs. I'm learning so much how to play my favorite instrument (the triangle...jk) along with other musicians. I feel like on this project that I'm playing a "piano part" to the songs along with the other artists. It's even more fun than the first time around. As for the release, it's obviously delayed (you guys getting to know me yet?); but not as delayed as before. I'm seriously looking at a release date in February...March at the latest.
Hope everyone's holidays have been good. I understand, like everyone, times are tough. Just remember what it's all about.
Family and friends, my friends.
If you have neither of those, come talk to me and at least you'll have one of them.
On a different topic, I want to open this forum up to answer any questions you guys have publicly. I'm not shy. Shoot your questions and I'll post them with some response. But let me know if you don't want it posted.
Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, Happy New Year, I love you all,
Stu
8/06/08 - Uh, oh! Stu's recording, again...
Yep, it's true. I just got back into the wondrous environment of Uptown Recording in Chicago http://uptownrecording.com/ with my boy, Dan Stock. We're trying to pound this out to have a new CD of Stu originals out sometime this fall (in time for Christmas ;) More to come on that as it develops.
As always, I want to thank the constant support I get from friends, family, and fans that keep bringing more people out to watch me do what I do. I've been on top of the schedule, but I do have to continually apologize for my procraSTUnation on updating these notes or more importantly, my emails. My emails bog me down. I think it's because I want to spend more time than I do replying, so I procraSTUnate. So much that it prompted one devoted groupie (or as we call 'em "Stupie's or Stupy's") to call me out 100% on my procraSTUnation. Here's a parody to Sir Mix-a-lot's "Baby Got Back" written by Tiffany Exner. And to Tiffany, thanks for trying to keep me in line...and good luck with that. My family has tried forever, but this is a good start.
ENJOY!
EMAILS ARE WHACK
BY: TIFFANY EXNER
Oh, my, god. Look at all those emails.
I can’t believe how many are out there. It looks like,
I’m not going to reply to them for another month.
But, y'know, who understands those emails?
They only sit there so long, because,
I’m a total procrastinator, 'kay?
I mean, who really wants to read all those emails.
I can't believe how many people think I’m going to reply, it's like,
come on, I mean – I haven’t replied yet. Look!
It’s just so much work!
I like to procrastinate and I cannot lie
You other brothers can't deny
When an email shows up in my inbox
You’re assuming I’m gonna reply
Then you get sprung, when I finally email back
'Cause you notice that it’s been a month
And you’re saying that’s just whack
Deep in the emails I’m glaring
I'm hooked and I can't stop staring
Oh groupies, you should know betta
And not expect a letta
My homeboys tried to warn me
That being famous can be annoying
Ooh, another email just came in
You say not replying is a sin
So, accuse me, accuse me
'Cause you ain’t the average “Stu”py
I've seen them all come in'
To hell with replyin'
How much you wanna bet
That I’m not gonna break a sweat
I'm the procrastinator king
And emails aren’t my thing
Take the average person and ask them that
I’m never gonna email back
So, groupies! (Yeah!) Groupies! (Yeah!)
Do you still wanna reply? (Hell yeah!)
Well then make me! (Make me!) Make me! (Make me!)
I’d like to see you try
Emails are whack!
1/24/08 - Did I spell this right...ProcraSTUnation?
I've just been given access to handling the updates on the web site personally, so I'll be looking to stay on top of it. I can't promise anymore because last time I did (see below) was to say I'd be updating more often and followed with an "I promise". Not to mention that was over a year ago.
Anyway, it's a new year with new things. With Illinois going "smoke-free", I'll be starting to change my venues by cutting down my play-time in the smoking allowed bars. I love a good smoky bar as much as the next guy, but it's tough trying to sing with a mouthful of second hand smoke (let alone cigar smoke). So I'll be filling gigs in Illinois and bouncing around for a while. We'll see what happens. That being said, I'll be playing one last Saturday up at the 262 Ultra Lounge in Kenosha on Sat, Feb 2nd (see calendar). Hope to see most of you there.
Also, been kicking around ideas for the new CD. Just have to find a way to fund it, but I'm getting the itch and working closer to getting back into recording.
As always, thanks for the continued support and I'll look forward to seeing you out and about.
Peace,
Stu
1/09/07 - Did Somebody Say, "CD"?
Happy New Year everybody! Sorry I’ve been away from keeping notes updated so long. These past several months have been a blur. But I’m past everything and looking forward. And YES, you heard me right. The CD, “Looking For Change” is finally done. It was a lot of fun to make and I’m already thinking about the next one to start working on this year. So I can only say this: You asked for it; I hope you like it. Don’t be afraid to be brutally honest with me. I can take it. No one is a worse critic on me than me. But I’m pumped, excited, stoked, and every other word you can think of for it. My biggest shortcoming on the CD is I left off the “thanks” on the thing. What can I say? I’m still green. So I plan to put something on the site and make some thanks at the release party.
Speaking of, you may have heard by now that I’m having the release party at The Red Head Piano Bar in downtown Chicago on Sunday, January 28th from 4-7. There’s going to be free beer, wine, and “Yes Vodka” martini’s (one of the sponsors). CD’s will be sold that day and then available online, as well. I’ll also be bringing them to gigs. But be sure to email the Red Head or call Keely at the Red Head to RSVP for the party if you want to go. I know one thing is for sure…I’ll be there! (And no football on that day…see? I’m thinking).
If someone would have told me 3 years ago that I’d be playing piano for a living and releasing a CD at a party at the Red Head Piano Bar, I’d have laughed, dreamed a bit, and laughed some more. I can’t believe this is actually happening. Thanks so much to everyone for your kind words and support for what I do… and even the not so kind words. They help me, too. If this all ended tomorrow, I had a blast getting to today!
I’ll be in touch. I promise!
-Stu
9/15/06 - Ooohs & Ahhhs
Well you're here so you must be checking out the new site. What do you think? I hope you find the new site both functional and informative. Oh yeah, it may look a little nicer as well. Actually, I have a few more pages to complete. I want to get Demos and Pictures from actual events posted on the site. All this and more will be coming soon. I was just so excited about the site that I wanted to get it up and running ASAP! If you have any questions about the site, just e-mail webmaster@iampianoguy.com and the little gerbils running the damn thing from inside the computer will get back to you. I need pictures of you guys (and ladies) as well. Please e-mail them to me at stu@iampianoguy.com and the gerbils will add them to the site. Summer is winding down and that means that fall is just around the corner. Football season is underway and the holidays are not far off! I am looking forward to an exciting end of year. Here's to the Bears, beer and of course some of the best piano and singing entertainment around. I look forward to seeing you all this fall and throughout the new year. - Stu
P.S. Cd coming soon.
7/11/06 - Almost there!
Met with the designer for the CD and the CD cover. Once she's finished with her inspired work, it goes into production. Still looking to have a release party (it's really just an excuse to have a party) Looking for a place to have it. Let me know of any suggestions. All will be invited - no worries. Thanks again for all the support. I can't wait to get this done ... then I can start on the next one! -Stu
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