Charlie Dennard, born November 3, 1969, is an American keyboardist and composer. He is currently the musical director of Cirque du Soleil’s touring production “Totem”. Charlie has recorded and performed internationally over the past 20 years with many jazz, blues, and world music ensembles. He also performs in theatrical productions. Charlie was the keyboardist and assistant bandleader for “Alegria”, a Cirque du Soleil show that won a Grammy. They performed more than 1,700 shows in 12 countries between 2002 and 2007. Charlie was an Ellis Marsalis student and received his Masters Degree of Music in 1998 from the University of New Orleans. In 1992, he earned his Bachelors Degree of Music Media and Industry at the University of Miami. Stanton Moore’s instructional DVD “Take it to the Street”, (’05), and Moore’s CD “Flyin’ the Koop,” (’02) contain some of Charlie’s compositions. Dennard composed the music for “Universo Casuo”, a Brazilian acrobatic circus, which was directed and produced by Marcos Casuo (’08). The Birmingham Metropolitan Orchestra, Charles Neville (Neville Brothers), Mike Keneally(Frank Zappa), Cleveeaton (Count Basie), Oteil Bourbridge (Allman Brothers), and Steve Masakowski are some of his other recording credits. Charlie Hunter, Galactic, Skerik, and G Love and Special Sauce were among the jazz musicians who performed in New Orleans from 1996 to 2002. Charlie was also a member of many award-winning ensembles, including the New World Funk Ensemble and Quintology, Michael Ray, Stanton Moore, Stanton Moore, and the Cosmic Krewe. Charlie Dennard is well-known for his diverse music and passion for performing. He continues to be involved in creative projects that showcase his impeccable sense of time, sensual harmony, and fluid improvisation. from www.charliedennard.com
