Hilton Kist started his musical career at the age of eight, having studied under the direction of several accordion enthusiasts. He also gained training and experience playing and singing in his Uncle “Herb Kist Band”. He performed singing and playing his accordion and guitar in other local bands that carried him to several states.
Hilton earned enough money playing music to be completely self supportive. He earned enough to buy four cars and another professional model ‘Accordion’ before he graduated in his senior year of high school.
Son of German immigrants from the town of ‘Kist’ Germany , Hilton reflected upon a culture of which music was part of the fabric and spirit of his countrymen. Hilton played on KSGM radio in a quaint little town west of the Mississippi , Ste. Genevieve, Missouri .
Hilton Kist is a singer and accordionist performing for audiences around the St. Louis Metro Area. He, on his accordion & keyboards, can sing the ‘Sinatra’ sound. As part of his performance, Hilton combines a classic accordion sound with background technology to create a “one man orchestral effect”. He has appeared in numerous festivals, concerts, and other venues and before politicians and other celebrities. Hilton sings “Elvis & Dino” with emotion and conviction. He also enjoys and utilizes some of the Daniel O’Donnell style. He encourages his audience into participation during his renditions of ‘sing-a-longs‘ for his other accordion classics.
GENRE:
Pop Music, Rock & Roll, Big Band, Blues/St. Louis, Cajun/Jambalaya, Children’s Music, Country, Folk, Gospel, Oldies, Polka, Waltzes, World Music.
DESCRIPTION:
Having played on the radio station KSGM, and for his first wedding at the age of 11, Hilton has been providing the music for that most special of all occasions for more than 40 years. Whether the request is for Romantic Waltzes or energetic Polkas, Country Music on the Keyboard or Guitar as well as classical music. A request for music focused on a specific era or region, he is honored to accommodate the Wedding party and other “Special” occasions.
He provides music for other special occasions: retirement receptions, anniversaries, memorial services, birthday parties, holidays, and any other “Special” occasion.
His motto is: “What A Wonderful World Music Makes. When Words Fail, Music Speaks“. He is eager to make certain that the music provided is appropriate for the occasion and the audience (without overbearing loud volume). One performance might feature soft background music, and the next song might be Rock & Roll, C&W, Swing, POP, Classics, Waltzes or Polkas. Line dancing is popular with many.
Performing either as a soloist or with ensembles and bands of many sizes, the instrumentation can be as varied as the occasion warrants. Folk, gospel, western swing to traditional folk tunes from around the world, he has what you need to fill your stage or venue with the desired ambiance.
Hilton’s ability to play along with others is probably the reason he’s been a key member of several bands and combos around the country. As an accordion player since he was 8 years of age has been filling floors/seats (dancing & dining) with fans who enjoy his showmanship and his fresh enthusiastic musical style.
Hilton’s show utilizes his talents on the accordion, along with keyboards, a guitar and his many vocalist song styles. Performing for events such as festivals, picnics, weddings, anniversaries, birthday parties. He plays a variety of music from Czech/German polkas and waltzes, country, and gospel, to his style of toe-tapping Swing & Jitterbug music. He was the lead singer in a Gospel Quartet for many years.
His high energy style of accordion music attracts the attention of all ages. Through his energetic accordion playing, Hilton hopes to bring the accordion back as a mainstream instrument.
AVAILABLE FOR:
Anniversaries, Banquets, Birthday Parties, Casinos, Celebrations, Christmas Parties, Church Services, Clubs, Coffee Shops, Community Events, Conventions, Corporate Functions, Country Clubs, Cruise Ships, Dinner Dances, Festivals, Fund Raisers, Funerals, Graduation Parties, Grand Openings, Hotels, Picnics, Private Parties, Resorts, Restaurants, Reunions, Showers, Ski Lodges, Weddings
Pay Range: Varies depending on distance and time involved.
INFLUENCES:
Dean Martin, Perry Como, Tony Bennett, Hank Williams, Myron Floren, Floyd Cramer, Elvis Presley, Daniel O’Donnell……to name a few.
Without the music a Wedding, Party or Event would seem pretty empty. Musicians lend an air of class and elegance to the event and will keep the guests entertained. Think about it, a live Musician to perform their own rendition of a guests favorite song or perhaps the Bride and Groom themselves have a special request for the Wedding Music, nothing is more special than music performed live. The same goes for other types of special events, such as Birthday Music, or Party Music will keep the crowd coming back for more.
Accordion Music is one of the most popular forms of live music for events. An Accordion has a special sound all unto it’s own that creates a feeling no other instrument can. A talented Accordion Player can take any style of music and give it a special twist to suit their own instrument.