Piano player Jason Farnham will be visiting with students at five area elementary schools prior to his performance next Tuesday at the Performing Arts Center. (Submitted)

New Philadelphia, Ohio - The Performing Arts Center is continuing its tradition of connecting local students with internationally recognized artists.

 General Manager David Mitchell says piano man Jason Farnham will be visiting five area elementary schools next week prior to his upcoming performance.

“It’s magical when we get to see the reactions from students when professional musicians visit their school,” Mitchell says. “Our goal is to get to every school in the county with visits so far to Claymont, Dover, Indian Valley, Newcomerstown, New Philadelphia, Tusky Valley and Tuscarawas Central Catholic school districts over the past three years.”

Mitchell says this educational experience is possible thanks to generous from the Tuscarawas County Community Foundation and the Dover Exchange Club.

In addition to educating local students, Farnham will also take the stage on Tuesday, Feb. 26th, beginning at 7:30 pm. Mitchell says this is a fun show that appeals to all ages. 

"Take Jerry Lee Lewis, add some Victor Borge, Beethoven on steroids, garnish with Schroeder from Peanuts, throw it all in a blender, and what comes out is an unmistakable Jason Farnham show," he says. 

Farnham was raised in Northeast Ohio and began playing the piano at the age of four. He studied piano with numerous teachers and was classically trained. In high school and his college years at Ohio University, he began crafting his own style of music. He has since moved to California where he has been involved in numerous projects composing, producing and songwriting for feature films, commercials and television.

Mitchell says the features contemporary romantic piano, jazz, bossa nova, blues, stride piano and classical with a modern twist along with a few of Farnham's original piano pieces. He will also demonstrate his unique talent of playing the piano while lying upside down. 

Tickets start at $26 and are on sale now and can be purchased at the Performing Arts Center box office, by calling 330-308-6400 or online at www.kent.edu/tusc/pac. The box office is open Monday through Friday from 8 am to 5 pm and Saturdays from 10 am to 2 pm.

The Performing Arts Center’s 2018-2019 Season is sponsored by Michael Taylor Insurance and Financial Incorporated, an Allstate Agency.

Free parking is available for all shows. Kent State Tuscarawas is located at 330 University Dr. NE in New Philadelphia.

KENT STATE UNIVERSITY AT TUSCARAWAS PERFORMING ARTS CENTER