New Age Pianist Makes Time To Serenade Spokane

Musical romance will be in the air at the Masonic Temple on Saturday night as burgeoning New Age pianist Michael Allen Harrison will give a Valentine’s concert - albeit early.

Harrison, who lives in Portland, Ore., may not be a household name in the New Age genre, but his popularity is rising.

Since 1986, the pianist has produced 11 releases, nine of them distributed internationally. Two were even heard in space when they accompanied crews on two space shuttle missions. Astronaut Lt.Col. Susan Helms was responsible for bringing “Emotional Connection” along with her on the space shuttle Endeavor in 1993 and “Circle of Influence” on the space shuttle Discovery.

Other studio projects in which Harrison has been involved include composing the score for the 1992 film “Claire of the Moon” and contributing tracks to the “Lights Out” compilations, which feature such other bright talents as George Winston, David Benoit and William Ackerman.

Aside from being a busy recording artist, Harrison also scores music for numerous commercials, infomercials and industrial films, from Soloflex to Mercedes Benz. On top of that, Harrison is music director of Portland’s American Dance Theater. He’s also been the company pianist for the Pacific Ballet Theater, Ballet Oregon and the Oregon Ballet Theater.

Harrison is working on his next studio album. The working title: “Coming of Age.” It should be in stores this year.

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MEMO: This sidebar appeared with the story: Michael Allen Harrison Location and time: Masonic Temple, Saturday, 7 p.m. Tickets: $12