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In addition to his concert appearances and providing music in strict tempo for ballroom dancing, Kevin decided to continue his musical education and studied at a performing arts college before furthering his skills at Leeds University where, in 1994, he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts (Hons) Degree in music.
One of the highlights in Kevin’s career came in 1997, when he was chosen to be the new resident organist at the North Pier, Blackpool. In this prestigious position, he has entertained hundreds of thousands of holidaymakers in a town that has a long tradition in presenting the very best in organ music. His duties in Blackpool also see him at the console of the famous Wurlitzer organ in the Tower Ballroom, in addition to his performances at the North Pier.
With a constantly increasing number of concert dates throughout the width and breadth of the country, plus frequent appearances on national radio and television programmes, this likeable and easy-going Yorkshireman is winning an ever-increasing number of admirers, which is reflected in the constantly rising demand for his recordings. One of Kevin’s main interests is the history and construction of the theatre organ. In 1994, Kevin realised one of his greatest ambitions, when he purchased the 4/10 Compton that once graced Birmingham’s Paramount/Odeon Cinema. This instrument is currently installed in the Penistone Paramount in South Yorkshire, where it is used on a regular basis for film and concert events. Kevin is often to be found at the console of this magnificent instrument during the winter months. Such is the popularity of this instrument and the shows that Kevin presents, that, in March 2001, Pennine Yorkshire Tourism awarded the Compton shows, which feature Kevin, with the prestigious ‘Visitor Attraction of the Year’ award.
Not only is Kevin a highly acclaimed concert and dance artiste, who is in great demand at venues all over the country but also this young organist was awarded the ‘Special Personality of the Year’ award, which was presented to him by Pennine Yorkshire Tourism in March 2001. This coveted award was given to Kevin not only in recognition of his success at the North Pier and Tower Ballroom, Blackpool but also for the thousands of tourists that he has attracted to the Yorkshire area through his regular concert appearances. |
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Kevin Grunill has rapidly built a
fine reputation as one of the UK’s finest keyboard exponents. Such is the extent
of his musicianship that he is equally at home on the modern electronic
instruments as well as the more traditional pipe organ and piano. Kevin was born
in Barnsley, South Yorkshire in 1972 and had shown an interest in all matters of
a musical nature at an early age. However, it was not until the age of twelve
that he began to learn the electronic organ as his chosen instrument. At the age
of sixteen, Kevin began to take an interest in the sound of the mighty theatre
organ and it was a natural musical progression that he should begin to study
this type of instrument, for which he developed a different playing style to
that of his electronic organ performances. It was not long after this that Kevin
began performing concerts throughout the country, featuring both electronic and
theatre organs.
