LOUISVILLE, Ky. — World-class musicians have come together to show their support for a local piano player who is recovering from a stroke.
On the top floor of the Decade restaurant in Louisville, music fills the room. Friends gather in the private dining room, prepared to listen to music and support the local music community. But unlike most hangouts, this group is included a Grammy-Award winning music director and a composer of multiple Emmy-Award winning sitcoms.
They are showcasing their talents to help their friend and fellow musician, Pete Petersen, who is recovering from a cerebral vascular accident stoke.
“We have to support each other with our mental health and physical health. And Pete is a gem in town. If you haven’t seen him, then, you’ve really missed out on global culture because he is one of one of our finest artists in this city,” said Teddy Abrams, the music director of the Louisville Orchestra.
Before scoring theme songs for television hits including “Seinfeld” and “Will and Grace”, Jonathan Wolff played the Louisville music scene often, which he credits to part of his success.
“I remember how supportive Louisville and the Louisville musicians’ community was of me when I was a kid coming up, and I’m so pleased to see that it’s still that way to support our friend Pete,” Wolff says.
Petersen says since he experienced a stroke in January, the local music community has worked in harmony to help him recover.
“I feel like in Louisville has been fairly strong throughout the years, and, and we’ve all pitched in to help each other in times of need. So, you know, all of us have helped each other somewhere along the line,” he shared.
The pianist has been working with medical professionals at Norton Neuroscience Institute of Neurological Rehabilitation and UofL Health’s Frazier Rehabilitation Institute.
He says the stroke made it difficult for him to speak, and he could not move his left side on his own.
“I can walk around without my cane, even though it’s new, but I’m doing fairly well. I mean, considering I can move my arm, I can move my fingers, I can walk, I can keep my balance,” he explained.
Teddy Abrams with the Louisville Orchestra says the community bands together no matter the genre of music.
“Doesn’t make a difference if you’re a musician. We understand what it means to get up on stage and play and share the music that you love and bare your soul for audiences.”
It’s a labor of love to help the “Piano Man” during a challenging time.
Petersen has played in the Louisville music community for 50 years and has played with numerous groups, including America, Eddie Harris and Bo Diddley. He is also a member of “The Doorway,” a Doors tribute band.