North Central College Presents 'Ethan Bortnick and His Musical Time Machine' Jan. 14

Pianist Ethan Bortnick, a child prodigy who is taking the entertainment world by storm, performs Jan. 14 at North Central College.

Ethan, who turns 10 on Dec. 24, seamlessly brings to life some of music's most well-known classics from every era and genre, entertaining crowds with a repertoire that spans from Bach and Mozart to disco, jazz, pop and rock songs.

"Ethan Bortnick and His Musical Time Machine" is presented at 8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 14, in North Central's Wentz Concert Hall at the Fine Arts Center, 171 E. Chicago Ave., Naperville. Tickets are $35 and $30/adults, $10/students; call the North Central College Box Office at 630-637-SHOW (7469) or visit northcentralcollege.edu/showtix. (The performance originally was scheduled for Oct. 3.)

Ethan is the youngest musician to be the subject of an hourlong PBS concert special. "Ethan Bortnick and His Musical Time Machine" will air locally at 11 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 26, on WTTW, Chicago's premier public television station. (View his promo video.)

 
Ethan began playing keyboard at age 3 and instantly discovered his unique ability to play any song by ear. Two years later, he began composing original pieces. Since his 2007 television debut on "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno," Ethan has made countless national appearances, including on "The Oprah Winfrey Show," "Good Morning America," "The Martha Stewart Show" and "Yo Gabba Gabba."

He has met or performed with celebrities including Justin Bieber, Elton John, Beyonce, Katy Perry, Patti LaBelle and many more. He already has surpassed many records, including being the youngest performer to headline his own tour at age 9 and the youngest performer on the rerecording of "We Are the World" released in February 2010.
 
Ethan has used his fame for good causes and has often been referred to as "The Youngest Philanthropist in the World." With a passion for inspiring and helping others, children especially, he has helped raise millions of dollars for charities, including the American Heart Association, Miami Children's Hospital and the Boys & Girls Club. Visit ethanbortnick.com to learn more.

North Central College's 2010-2011 Sesquicentennial Fine & Performing Arts Season is supported by a generous grant from the Illinois Arts Council. USG Corporation and Navistar, Inc. are underwriting sponsors.

This performance is one of many ongoing programs at North Central College to enrich and broaden the cultural and academic outlook for the College and community. North Central offers a variety of venues accommodating a rich range of local and world-class events, performances and space needs for the public. For a comprehensive schedule of musical performances, theatrical and dance productions, art exhibits and lectures, visit northcentralcollege.edu/show or call the box office at 630-637-SHOW (7469).