Brendan Kavanagh’s late father was a plasterer from County Cork, but Brendan didn’t take after him, instead preferring music at an early age, finding himself drawn to the piano.
He was just seven when his father came home with an old upright piano from an abandoned building site. From then on, he kept playing.
That’s when he discovered boogie woogie and fell in love.
Even now in his fifties.
Many miles away in Switzerland, a girl named Vanessa Sabrina Gnaegi was born. Today, she is Ladyva, a popular pianist also known for her love for jazz and boogie woogie.
Both Kavanagh and Ladyva are known for hitting up public places that have pianos, playing amazing tunes on those keys much to the delight of surprised onlookers.
And now here they are together in London, playing at another public place.
Boogie woogie is a genre of blues that became known in the 1920’s, but the style can be traced back to the 1870’s thanks to African-American communites.
It is fast paced, melodic, and super catchy that anyone who listens immediately begins bopping their heads and doing a little dance.
So Dr. K and Ladyva walk over to the piano, and like a real gentleman, he lets her sit and play first, clapping and encouraging her as she quicly draws a small crowd.
“This young lady has it all. She’s beautiful, has an abundance of musical talent, and an amazing personality. God bless her and Brendon. Love watching you work together.” commented a viewer.
Ladyva began playing at 14, and only two years later began performing.
She hit up festivals in Europe, soon traveling and finding herself winning awards thanks to her playing. She is the Boogie Woogie Queen!
Kavanagh hits a few keys here and there before Ladyva scoots over so he can sit and play with her and what a sight this was to witness.
Those strangers were super lucky to be walking by at that moment!
And you can see these two just having fun and enjoying their time together. That piano is going to need maintenance and a tune up after though.
Kavanagh actually graduated from Middlesex University with first class single honours BA in English.
He also has an MA in Anglo-Irish Literature and Drama at University College Dublin, followed by a PhD in English language and literature from University College Cork.
He could have gone down the corporate route but no, Dr. K’s first love is the piano.
Just look at the joy on the man’s face as he and this amazing Swiss queen light up the piano. They pause every now and then for a chat but continue playing.
The crowd wanted more!
Another viewer had this to say,
“They are both masters of boogie woogie and it shows how deeply on the same music page they are on. The best of the best playing in unison is a sight to behold.”
Yes they are. And consider yourself lucky to be existing at the same time as Dr. K and Ladyva. Get dancing!
Check out this boogie woogie duo in the video below!
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