Levi Kreis

Artist Information

Biography

References:

"To be witness to the profound talents of Levi Kreis is one of the most truly authentic moments in my church's history. When Levi opens his mouth and sings, there is a primal sensation of Truth and excitement that reverberates throughout the room. This is a man who is destined for greatness and allows it to shoot forth through his being in such a way that you feel you are being taken on the ride of your life. His singing is amazing! His songs will touch places in your heart that you didn't even know were there. And his gentle but gigantic way of wrapping his love around you will take you by surprise. Do yourself a favor and if Levi Kreis is anywhere near where you live, don't miss him. " -Rev. James Mellon: NoHo New Thought, North Hollywood, CA

Ticketmaster/GoldStar Reviews:

So totally amazing & inspirational...did not want it to end..hope he comes back soon to do another show
Favorite moment: with the intimate setting of the Apollo Theatre, Levi made us feel like "family""

Levi Kreis is AMAZING! I've had the opportunity to see Levi several times... his performances are truly inspiring.

Kreis is King ! The show was amazing, Levi's voice is phenomenal. When we all sang along to "Not Afraid" it was spiritually moving. Can't wait for him to return! If you get the chance to see him dont pass it up, you won't be disapointed.
Favorite moment: Start to Finish!

One amazing performance! I have been a fan of Levi's for a long time.. I've seen him in concert many times... but, this was (by far) the best performance of them all!!! Levi (and company) gave a performance filled with joy and realism... He played all my favorites, and then some!!

Terrific...the energy of his performance is outstanding, he captures his audience...the theater should have been sold out. I stumbled across the performance from Goldstar searching for something else, otherwise I saw no real promotion of the concert, maybe next time.

Levi is an amazingly talented musician. His music comes from the heart and he effected me and the entire audience in an amazing way. He is a star.

The performers were songwriters as well. Listening to and contemplating the lyrics was refreshing and very enjoyable. Levi Kreis was an extraordinary talent who performed and interacted sincerely with a most appreciative audience. You could have heard a pin drop several times due to a captivated audience. I felt the evening would be special but it was also moving, unique, and a memorable encounter.

We saw Levi in Million Dollar Quartet and our interest was peaked when we saw the evening with him on the Goldstar list. It was very enjoyable and we got to see how versatile and talented he is. No wonder he got a Tony! The other two guys were great as well.

We knew Levi from "Million Dollar Quartet" and an article we read in the Trib. Saw ticket offer on Gold Star, but didn't know what to expect: rock and roll, covers?? What a pleasant surprise to find Levi is also a talented songwriter and terrific solo performer. And the bonus of the courageous revelation of his life journey interspersed with outstanding songs and, of course, all that phenomenal talent made this evening truly special.

Levi is an extraordinary performer. I've enjoyed recordings of his original songs for a while now, but I was bowled over by the energy in this live performance. His connection with the audience is authentic and magical, and it was such a treat to hear more about his life's journey as well as his professional opportunities. I hope he comes back again, and I hope that his next concert appearance is more widely promoted. The other artists who shared the evening with him were also excellent.

There is something magical about true artistry. It’s honest and pure. It opens you in way that forever changes your life. This was my intimate night with Levi Kreis. First, his talent is amazing but more incredible is his soul, which he bared unapologetically in a symphony of songs that moved us from celebration to tears and back to celebration. His beautiful voice was sincere as he sang a song dedicated to his mom; it was light and airy and filled with sentiment. He also sang with robust passion and conviction during his #1 song-Nothing At All. I love it and I love him!

Outstanding! A real treat, energizing, a true star. I cannot say enough positive things about Levi Kreis' performance and talent. Blew us away. I'm only sorry that this was for one night only. Come back, please! Thank you too, Goldstar. If not for Goldstar, I would have missed the opportunity since it was otherwise not promoted.

It was an intimate evening that I shared with a brilliantly talented man. Levi is a fantastic performer. The NoHo Arts Center is a magnificent venue. Thank you Levi for a wonderful evening.

Instrumentation

Levi at piano. 2 backup girls, bass, drums, guitar, barri sax, trumpet

Discography

Levi Kreis: One of the Ones: 2005
Levi Kreis: The Gospel According To Levi: 2007
Levi Kreis: Bygones: 2008
Levi Kreis: Where I Belong: 2009
Levi Kreis: Live @ Joe's Pub: 2011
Levi Kreis: Imagine Paradise: 2013

Official Website

http://www.levikreis.com

Links

• Twitter
• Facebook
• MySpace
• Levi Kreis Youtube Page

Audio

• Hallelujah, I Love Her So (Live)
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• I Can't Make You Love Me (Live)
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• Vignette 1 (Live)
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• Just This Good (Live)
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• I Should Go (Live)
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• Left Over (Live)
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• Vignette 2 (Live)
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• The Reckoning (Live)
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• Vignette 3 (Live)
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• Gonna Be Alright (Live)
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Video

I Look to You-Levi Kreis.WMV

The Reckoning by Levi Kreis3.WMV

Photo Gallery

Press

• 'Million Dollar' Kreis Bangs Out A Playful Set [+ Show ]
  

  FIVE STARS Near the close of his sold-out concert at the Apollo Theater on Monday, Levi Kreis, wh...FIVE STARS
  
  Near the close of his sold-out concert at the Apollo Theater on Monday, Levi Kreis, who won a 2010 Tony Award for his depiction of Jerry Lee Lewis in "Million Dollar Quartet," briefly channeled the Louisiana wild man, kicking back his piano stool as he wrapped up an abbreviated "Great Balls of Fire."
  
  But although Kreis portrayed Lewis in the Chicago production of the musical for 15 months and continues to do so on Broadway, the song still had to be coaxed from him. "I've backed myself into a corner," he said sheepishly after teasing the audience with its fiery intro. The singer-songwriter dedicated much of the remainder of his 70-minute set to his solo output - deeply personal tunes that swung between heartfelt ballads and rollicking ragtime spirituals - despite his concerns that "Quartet" fans might not want to see the "weird guy who contorts at a piano," as he put it.
  
  Kreis, seated at a piano, surrounded by electric candles and a bushel of rose petals, joked that the set looked like an episode of " VH1 Storytellers." And he took full advantage the surroundings to muse on his upbringing in Oliver Springs, Tenn. Stories touched on coming to terms with his own sexuality (Kreis is openly gay), the six years he spent attending reorientation therapy prior to college and a 2004 split with Atlantic Records that left him with $200 in his pocket and countless questions about his career choices.
  
  That said, Kreis, dressed simply in a plaid shirt and with his short hair artfully tousled, maintained a playful, optimistic demeanor throughout — a personality trait that frequently bled into his music. "Sky ain't fallin'," he sang on a swinging "Ain't Nobody." "At least not today." Elsewhere, the singer appeared to age ten years as he delivered a devastating take on Bonnie Raitt's "I Can't Make You Love Me," flirted with gospel on a version of "Not Afraid" that had the crowd swaying like a rapturous church congregation, and captured the tingle of first love on "Just This Good," his fingers fluttering over the piano keys to match the butterflies rising in his gut. Miles removed from the glitz and gloss of Broadway, the casual show was the equivalent of catching Kreis in his own living room, his guard down and inner-workings defiantly on display.

• Tony Award Winning Performer Levi Kreis Bids Farewell to LA With Unforgettable Concert Up Close & Personal [+ Show ]
  

  On Friday July 13 and Saturday July 14 Tony Award-winning actor/singer Levi Kreis presented his elec...On Friday July 13 and Saturday July 14 Tony Award-winning actor/singer Levi Kreis presented his electric one-man odyssey Up Close and Personal to a packed house at the NoHo Arts Center to benefit both the venue and Independant Music. Consisting mostly of original material from his three albums - and a preview of "Timeless" from a brand new album with a 2013 release - and a little patter in between the tunes - just enough for audiences to get a sense of just how up close and personal Kreis really is - the 75 minute set was a whirlwind of Kreis's excessive talent. Imagine a flamboyant Billy Joel, only gay, alone at the piano, pounding the keys harmoniously and singing from the depths of his soul. Of course to please his fans, the bill included the familiar "Hallelujah, I Love Her So", "Seasons of Love" from Rent, in which Kreis played Roger for a while on the West Coast tour, "Great Balls of Fire" from his Tony winning Jerry Lee Lewis in Million Dollar Quartet and his own composition, the very popular "Nothing At All". The Kreis sound is unique - a little rock, pop, blues with enough touches of gospel and country mixed in to make each tune the perfect telegram to communicate his very personal experience as passionately as possible. Most can relate to such passion, but, regardless of how serious the tone may become, it is always laced with humor. Take for example, the Gospel According to Levi; there's a delicious tongue-in-cheek quality to it. He's intensely sweet and full of a devilishly unwicked charm. Hardly wicked, as he does glow spirituality!
  Kreis brought everyone in the room to their feet, as he bid a tearful farewell to his many LA friends. There is no better way to say it, but Levi Kreis is Who He Is, Where He Belongs, and we're all the luckier for it. The best to him as he leaves LA after 12 years to take up residence in Chicago! Prior to the concert there was a lovely private VIP reception with wine and delicious hors d'oevres in an upstairs Center party room, hosted by Artistic Directors James Mellon and Kevin Bailey, where Kreis spent time talking to everyone. In my chat with him he expressed feelings that Chicago is currently where it's at for him and his partner, as he continues to explore opportunities to make waves in his musical career. Hopefully, he will wend his way back to Broadway in the not too distant future to enchant us once more, maybe this time with ... The Levi Kreis Story.

• Concert Review: Love Letter To Levi Kreis [+ Show ]
  

  FIVE STARS I have been to the church of Levi Kreis and the gospel is simple. Love yourself! The l...FIVE STARS
  
  I have been to the church of Levi Kreis and the gospel is simple. Love yourself! The last stop of his SideXSide Tour at Joe’s Pub in NYC was electrifying and amazing! Levi is astonishing. Listen, you can sit there and say, ‘great show,’ but that’s simply not enough. I am here to testify that this talent comes along once in a lifetime! If you are ever lucky enough to see him live, you’ll know what I mean. Some of us had tears streaming down our faces almost the entire show. I kept asking myself why I was crying. I’m still trying to process what was happening to me. I was embarrassed, but when I looked around it seemed I wasn’t alone.
  
  Let me state his obvious talents. He is marquee idol beautiful, his voice is one of the most freely expressive voices I’ve ever heard; his singing appears effortless. He is sincere, warm, gracious, connected and grateful to his audience. His life story and journey are inspiring and honest. He has transformed the shame, pain and confusion of being a gay man into becoming a soul that is bright, illuminated and proud. We can only thank this universe for giving him the gifts, talents and strength that transformed him and that he shares with us. He preaches and lives self-love from a deep and knowing place. He will inspire you, lift you up!
  
  Levi has won a Tony Award for Best Featured Actor for his current role as Jerry Lee Lewis in Million Dollar Quartet on Broadway. He’s leaving the show within two weeks and heading to California to record his next album. The show at Joe’s Pub also featured Eric Himan, a romping, cool guitar player/singer. Jason Anton opened the whole show with his big, soulful voice. He seemed a little nervous but I would love to see him sing when he’s chilled. I can’t thank Levi enough for that show! From the bottom of my heart...

• Levi Kreis: Live @ Joe's Pub CD Review [+ Show ]
  

  I am always intrigued by live CD’s / albums. The ambiance between the performer and audience bring a...I am always intrigued by live CD’s / albums. The ambiance between the performer and audience bring a whole new artist awareness to the listener. We have all heard that performers “turn on” when they walk upon a stage. This is hugely apparent on “Live @ Joe’s Pub”. From the first piano key stroke to the CD’s end there is a real and vivid love affair between this audience and Tony Award winning Levi Kreis. Having had the pleasure of seeing Levi perform I can say this is the norm for this charismatic entertainer. And that love affair is a two way street. The excitement and sincere reaction is evident in Levi’s opening remark, simply, “Seriously?” You know you are in for something very special.
  
  The CD is “Live @ Joe’s Pub” but could easily also be a best of, (although it would need to be much longer), or even a favorite songs. But then many would say of Levi that all songs are favorites. Once you hear and experience the energy that is Levi Kreis you will understand. No half hearted efforts here. All award winning caliber performances. The golden tones of Levi’s vocal talent are equally matched with his intuitive self accompaniment. A true piano man himself, it seems the piano and Levi become one. Merging into a creative brilliance which fills the listener with an experience which can only be described as Levi Kreis.
  
  An amazing fact about “Live @ Joe’s Pub” is that Levi did not know this was even being recorded. This masterpiece is what you get when Levi is before an audience. No recording prep, no technical bargaining, just pure simple Levi Kreis. And that is indeed an awesome thing. When you combine the musical experience with the personal sharing Levi includes you have a stand alone empowering show. One you will be glad to attend whether via the CD or are one of the lucky ones to see Levi live. Fancy costumes and extravagant light shows not required. Levi’s talent stands on its own with a power if tapped could heal a saddened heart.
  
  Not a light weight performance in any way. Levi shares himself through enlightening banter and a full and filling ten songs. Well filling in that the experience is breath taking and commands an immediate reaction, hit the replay button! If you are already a Levi Kreis fan or just experiencing the amazing talent for the first time, “Live @ Joe’s Pub” is a must include in any music collection. A smorgasbord of talent, fun, heart touching song and performance. Just to mention a few gems Levi includes in this show are; “We’re Okay”, “Nothing At All”, “I Can’t Make You Love Me”, and that is just the beginning. I do not want to ruin or spoil any surprise. Do yourself a huge music loving favor and own this CD!
  
  For all information about Levi Kreis, and to get your own copy of “Live @ Joe’s Pub”, check out Levi’s website. www.levikreis.com

• Rock 'n' Roll's Killer Meets Broadway's [+ Show ]
  

  Published: September 9, 2010 FRESH off a matinee performance of “Million Dollar Quartet,” Levi Kr...Published: September 9, 2010
  
  FRESH off a matinee performance of “Million Dollar Quartet,” Levi Kreis ran a nervous hand through his pompadour as he stood in the living room of a hotel suite high above Times Square on Wednesday. Mr. Kreis, the actor and musician who plays Jerry Lee Lewis in that Broadway musical, seemed unsure of how to comport himself when the suite’s primary occupant arrived. First he propped himself between two chairs, like a sprinter waiting for a starting pistol. Then, half-reverently and half-jokingly, he got down on one knee, which was the position he was found in when the real-life Mr. Lewis entered the room.
  
  This is how the two performers were introduced, and Mr. Kreis had to laugh at the circumstances. “I’m bowing before you, sir,” he said.
  
  Mr. Lewis replied in a voice that rumbled like dry gravel. “How you doing?” he said. “It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
  
  Sure, it was public relations that brought them together on this afternoon. Mr. Lewis, who turns 75 on Sept. 29, has just released a new album of duets called “Mean Old Man” and is busily working the television talk-show circuit before he takes the stage of the Nederlander Theater on Friday night to play with the cast of “Million Dollar Quartet.”
  
  Mr. Kreis, meanwhile, won a Tony Award in June for his spirited, piano-pounding performance in that show and sings a cover of “Money (That’s What I Want)” with Mr. Lewis on a special version of “Mean Old Man” to be sold at the theater, though their contributions were recorded separately.
  
  While their first face-to-face encounter may have been a promotional stunt, it was one made poignant by Mr. Lewis’s unmistakable frailty. Dressed in a rockabilly shirt, black slacks and slippers, Mr. Lewis made his way around the room gingerly while a team of managers and handlers watched him. He had difficulty hearing, and his arms and hands shook as he sat and spoke with Mr. Kreis.
  
  But beneath his delicate exterior and the swooping white hair he tames with a hot pink comb, Mr. Lewis remains a rare living link to the birth of rock ’n’ roll, as well as a talent who continues to inspire devotion and fascination from younger admirers like Mr. Kreis.
  
  Mr. Lewis’s work was “the fabric of my upbringing,” Mr. Kreis said before their introduction, “and to have him here in person, it’s like I’m meeting my most fantastical childhood figure.”
  
  Their conversation began with Mr. Lewis giving his blessing to Mr. Kreis’s portrayal of him, which he had not yet seen live but had watched on the Tony Awards telecast. “You do a splendid job, I tell you,” Mr. Lewis said.
  
  (For the record, this is not a distinction that Mr. Lewis hands out arbitrarily. Describing the 1989 film “Great Balls of Fire!,” in which he was played by Dennis Quaid, Mr. Lewis said: “I was kind of leery of that movie. I didn’t really think it was up to par.”)
  
  Mr. Kreis remained eager to prove his bona fides. He noted that he, like Mr. Lewis, who came from Ferriday, La., and now lives in Nesbit, Miss., was a Southerner, from Oliver Springs, Tenn.; that he had also shown a childhood aptitude for the piano; that he shared an appreciation for the gospel music of Mr. Lewis’s cousin Jimmy Swaggart; and that he was presently enrolled in a ministerial school, as Mr. Lewis once was.
  
  Mr. Kreis also wanted Mr. Lewis to know he’d had reconstructive surgery on both knees as a result of “Million Dollar Quartet,” which he has been performing in since the show’s first workshops in Los Angeles. (“I’ve given my limbs to play you,” Mr. Kreis said. “Well, I appreciate it,” Mr. Lewis replied.) And Mr. Kreis emphasized that he and his Broadway cast mates were good friends and that there was “no jealousy” among them.
  
  Asked if he shared a similar rapport with his musical peers, Mr. Lewis chuckled.
  
  “No, we didn’t get along so well,” he said.
  
  In “Million Dollar Quartet,” the Jerry Lee Lewis character is depicted as an immensely talented, unapologetically coc

Setlist

Levi's acoustic show does not comply with a pre-determined set list. However, the following are a few songs most likely to be performed:

From 2005 Release: One of the Ones:

-Just This Good (NBC's The Apprentice)
-I Should Go (Days of Our LIves & The Vampire Diaries)
-Left Over

From 2007 Release: The Gospel According To Levi:

-The Reckoning
-We're Okay (#1 Video for 19 weeks on Logo TV)

From 2009 Release: Where I Belong:

-Gonna Be Alright (#5 on AC charts: iheartradio)
-Nothing At All (Sons of Anarchy, #1 on MTVmusic.com)

Expect new material from Levi's upcoming 2013 release: Imagine Paradise!

Basic Requirements

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