Michael Cavanaugh Brings the Music of Billy Joel and Elton John to Purdue
WEST LAFAYETTE, IN (April 14, 2026) – Get ready for an evening of unforgettable rock classics as Michael Cavanaugh brings The Music of Billy Joel and Elton John to Purdue this fall.
The Tony and Grammy Award-nominated performer delivers a high-energy tribute to two of rock’s greatest piano legends, performing iconic hits including Piano Man, Rocket Man, Bennie and the Jets, Movin’ Out, I’m Still Standing, My Life and many more.
Praised by Billboard as “The New Piano Man,” Cavanaugh masterfully captures the signature vocals, musicianship and stage presence of both legendary artists, creating an electrifying concert experience for fans of every generation.
“Okay but seriously… did you die?” Nurse Blake jokes. “If you know me at all, you know I go there! To all the places that make us cringe, laugh, and go ‘why is this our life?’ And this tour is no different. So grab your coworkers, your friends, your spouse, your mom, your wild grandma, all of them, and come join me for the ultimate nurse night out! Can’t wait to see you all!”
“Cavanaugh’s sound is reminiscent of Joel’s early recordings, and his interpretations of Joel’s tunes, both vocally and at the piano, are part homage and part his own take. He brings tremendous energy to very moment he spends on stage.” – Elaine Schmidt, Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel
About Micheal Cavanaugh
Michael Cavanaugh is a charismatic performer and musician made famous for his piano and lead vocals in the Broadway musical Movin’ Out. Handpicked by Billy Joel, Cavanaugh evokes a style rivaling the Piano Man himself. His interpretation of modern pop and rock classics led Billboard to call him “The New Voice of the American Rock and Roll Songbook” and Reuters to recognize him as Entertainer of the Year for the private events market.
Michael began playing at age seven when his parents bought their first piano. Encouraged by family and friends, he formed his first band at age 10 and began playing local functions, fine-tuning the craft that would become his chosen career. His first full-time gig as a musician was an extended engagement at the renowned dueling piano bar Blazing Pianos in Orlando, Florida.
In January 1999, Michael received an offer that would unknowingly change his life, moving to Las Vegas to perform at the famed New York-New York Hotel and Casino. It was there that Billy Joel spotted Michael and joined him on stage during a career-defining performance in February 2001. That night marked the beginning of Michael’s ascent to Broadway. Michael closed up shop at New York-New York and moved to New York City to work alongside Billy Joel and Twyla Tharp to shape what became the hit musical Movin’ Out. He gave over 1,000 performances in the lead role and received both Grammy and Tony Award nominations.
