ABOUT ME

Angelo Lembesis was born in Detroit, Michigan and began his music education at the age of five. His father, an accomplished guitarist and singer of Greek music, started his son on piano because it was the only instrument that Angelo would not break. By the age of eight, Angelo began competing in the American Guild of Music. The AGM competition taught Angelo the importance of making goals and achieving positive results through hard work and persistence. "At first competition is a stressful environment, but through experience you learn how to channel this energy into a positive life experience. Performance, whether in front of colleagues, peers, or the general public, builds character, confidence, and the eventual self realization that you have something unique to offer the world you live in."

At the age of fifteen, Angelo received his first paying music job at Saint Johns Greek Orthodox Church as the congregation's organist. Later that year, he was introduced to his first jazz piano instructor through his high school jazz band director. Within the year Angelo began performing at local restaurants, coffee houses, the Montreaux Detroit Jazz Festival, and frequented the jam sessions at the historic Bakers Keyboard Lounge.

Upon high school graduation Angelo moved to Boston, MA to study at the world renown Berklee College of Music. While in Boston, Angelo studied with Hal Crook, Ray Santisi, Laszlo Gardony, and Joanne Brackeen to name a few. He frequented jazz clubs such as the Regatta Bar, Wally's, and Ryles to perform and listen to a who's who of jazz legends. Boston offered a very diverse culture base which appealed to Angelo and his Greek heritage. He enjoyed his time there and the musical experiences that he encountered provide him continuous inspiration. He graduated in 2003 with his Bachelors degree in Jazz Composition.

In 2004, he moved to Denton, Texas to pursue his Graduate degree in Jazz Studies at the University of North Texas. Angelo and received a teaching fellowship and was responsible for teaching the Jazz Piano Masterclass and Jazz Keyboard Fundamentals courses at UNT. He also worked regularly in and around the Dallas metroplex area in various jazz combos. His favorite gig featured Benny Medina on drums and Joe Johnson on bass every Thursday night for two years at "Hectors On Henderson" in Dallas. While at UNT Angelo studied with Stefan Karlsson and was influenced by the teachings of Dr. John Murphy, Lynn Seaton, and Ed Soph.

Currently, Angelo resides in Austin, Texas. He is an in-demand educator, composer, and performs regularly with: La Mona Loca, Cienfuegos, The Copa Kings, and the Royal Dukes Band. He can be seen performing at such venues as: The Elephant Room, Central Market, One 2 One, The Capital Grill, and The Highball.