By Megan Fitzgerald, PhD, Associate Professor

Known for his signature piano sound and deeply emotional performances, Jim Brickman will perform Jim Brickman: Hits Live! In Concert at the Amaturo Theater on February 2, 2025. As one of the most successful pianists of his generation, his music has been the soundtrack to countless special moments in people’s lives—from weddings to the birth of a child, or even a quiet date night at home. Brickman’s upcoming show promises a night of emotional music, personal stories, and a unique connection that spans generations. In this exclusive interview, we dive into what makes his concerts so special, what audiences can expect, and why his music continues to connect with listeners in such a profound way.

Megan Fitzgerald: You’ve said that venues are important to you. What makes the Broward Center so special?

Jim Brickman: The Broward Center is the perfect size for me—it’s intimate, which is important at this point in my career. While I’ve played much larger venues for my Christmas shows, this one feels more personal. It’s like being in someone’s living room, telling stories. The smaller setting allows for a closer connection with the audience. It’s more than just a performance; it’s a shared experience.

Megan Fitzgerald: That personal connection seems to be a key part of your show. What kind of atmosphere can people expect?

Jim Brickman: I hope they leave feeling like they’ve escaped reality for a couple of hours. The music is idealistic, hopeful, and very emotional. I’ve had people tell me they cry during the show—tears of joy. To me, that means they’re connecting to something deep inside themselves, something they might not have time to feel in their busy lives. The music is a reminder that, no matter how tough life can get, there’s always hope.

Megan Fitzgerald: Your music certainly carries a lot of emotion. Do you have a specific message you want your audience to take away?

Jim Brickman: My hope is that they leave smiling, with a sense of hope and promise. It’s about the idea that even in our toughest moments, something beautiful can come from it. I think we all feel like outsiders at times, and that’s why I resonate so much with characters like Kermit the Frog or Charlie Brown—those characters that are trying to fit in but still keep going. I try to bring that same message to the show: Even when you feel like you’re on the outside, there’s always something to look forward to.

Megan Fitzgerald: Your audience is incredibly diverse, isn’t it?

Jim Brickman: Absolutely! It’s multi-generational. I have fans who grew up listening to my music with their parents, and now they bring their kids. It’s really special to see families connecting through the music. About a third of the audience is piano players or people who know the music. Another third of them have had my music be part of major moments in their lives—whether it’s a wedding, a funeral, or the birth of a child. And the last third? They’re new to the show, but they’re always surprised by how much they enjoy it.

Megan Fitzgerald: It sounds like there’s a real sense of community at your shows.

Jim Brickman: Exactly. It’s a family-friendly event, and we make sure that everyone—no matter their age—feels welcome. There’s no negativity, no breakup songs—just a celebration of life’s beauty. It’s all about lifting people up.

Megan Fitzgerald: That’s beautiful. You’ve been doing this for a long time, and the show continues to evolve. What’s new for this tour?

Jim Brickman: One of the fun new things we’re doing is a “live by request” section. The audience can shout out requests, and we’ll play whatever they want to hear. It’s really interactive, and people love it! Plus, we have a sing-along where we record the performance that night and send it to everyone as a thank you for coming. It’s a way for the audience to take a piece of the show home with them.

Megan Fitzgerald: What a unique way to make the experience even more special!

Jim Brickman: I think it really adds to the connection. At the end of the day, it’s about creating a moment that people will remember. I want them to leave the concert feeling like they’ve been part of something meaningful.