CINDY WOOD/independent feature writer

Jim Brickman knows a thing or two about romance. Audiences are sure to see that softer side during “An Evening of Romance,” which comes to the Niswonger Performing Arts Center at 7:30 p.m. on Sunday, February 13.

Brickman is a critically acclaimed pianist and performer who is currently on a 125-city tour around the nation.

He’s performed for presidents, received two Grammy nods, and has collaborated with legends of the music industry that include Lady Antebellum, Martina McBride, Carly Simon, Michael Bolton and Olivia Newton-John.

Through it all, he’s remained the same down-to-earth guy who grew up in Cleveland with, ironically, a non-musical family.

“It’s really a mystery to all of us,” Brickman said. “My parents were not in the last musical, but I just felt drawn to it at a very early age.”

It’s worked out well for the performer, who began playing piano at the age of 5 and studied music at the Cleveland Institute of Music. However, when Brickman’s parents learned of his musical abilities, they didn’t quite know what to think.

“They really didn’t know anything about it, so they signed me up for a gymnastics class that concentrated on rhythms,” Brickman said. “It really taught me the theory of music, and I think it made a huge difference in how I play today.”

At the Cleveland Institute of Music, Brickman’s teacher immediately recognized his young student’s talents – something Brickman feels contributes to his highly-successful career.

“When you have an advocate like that who sees that talent in you, it just changes the whole dynamic,” he said, adding that, soon after, he began studying classical music and improvisation. Brickman began writing and composing as a teenager.

For him, writing and composing came naturally.

“If you want to be a songwriter, you really just have to learn to imitate the people who you admire,” he noted.

For Brickman, that included just about any songwriter from the 1970s.

“I grew up in mainstream suburbia, listening to ’70s radio,” Brickman said. “Pretty much anything from that era that was a pop hit, I gravitated towards.”

“Especially the great songwriters of that era,” he added. “The Carole King Tapestryalbum was a favorite, as were the Eagles and Fleetwood Mac.”

Brickman was especially drawn to artists who actually wrote the songs they performed, but his list of inspirations ranges from Dolly Parton to Bruce Springsteen.

“Anybody that brings a song to life or has the ability to bring a song to life in a unique way interests me,” he said.

Brickman also said he knew from a very early age what he wanted to do in life, but didn’t always think he would performing live in front of audiences all over the world. His musical journey has included stints as a commercial jingle writer for advertisers such as McDonald’s, Pontiac and Kellogg’s. Along the way, Brickman also founded his own advertising music company.

“I just knew I wanted to be in the music business,” he said. “I actually never thought I would be a performer. I knew I would write songs or be on a radio station or work at a record company.”

“I’m just as interested in the business of music,” Brickman added. “I guess my calling, though, came when I began performing.”

He’s been following that calling all over the world, and has performed for a slew of notable figures, including President Bill Clinton, the Prince of Malaysia, the Princess of Thailand, and yes, Kermit the Frog, where Brickman performed a duet with the Muppet for the Jim Henson USPS stamp dedication. He also lays claim to being called the most covered adult contemporary artist of the decade with 18 charted hits, and he’s held the first-, second- and third spots on the Billboard New Age chart.

His most recent album, entitled Home, is near and dear to Brickman’s heart.

“I guess you can say it’s about comfort and gathering, quiet times and intimate moments,” he said. “It’s all the things people experience with family when they walk in the front door. I really wanted that feeling to exude from the album.”

Despite the hectic pace of a 125-city tour, Brickman is more at ease behind the piano than anywhere, he said.

“It’s where I’m the happiest, and it’s what I do best in my life,” Brickman said. “We all have a talent in us, and this happens to be mine. It’s easy for me because this is just who I am. It’s where I’m supposed to be.”

Tickets are available at the Niswonger Performing Arts Center by calling 419.238.6722 or visit the NPAC website at www.npacvw.org.