The Adventures Of Kaptain Keyboard

That's me in 1978 at the Florida State Fair in Tampa. I was known as Kaptain Keyboard and it was one of my first real jobs aside from mowing lawns in the neighborhood on and around South Tampa's Lawn Avenue. I worked for a man named Jack Hayes who owned a music store called Jack Hayes Family Music Center. I had been taking piano lessons for four years and was actually pretty good, but this was different. I was hired to perform and demonstrate how easy it was to play Kimball organs and it was a real circus-type act. I even remember a sign displayed, "Next Kaptain Keyboard Performance At" with the time placed on it. Kaptain Keyboard could not only play as mere mortals do, he could play blindfolded! He could even stand behind the organ, reach over the top, and play it backwards, and yes, still blindfolded. It was a real crowd pleaser and if a little kid could do all this, then it must be easy to learn and play it normally yourself.

Jack Hayes taught me early on about sales, showmanship and also giving back and being part of a community. He asked me to be a Greater Tampa United Way Ambassador representing his company and I was one of eight finalists. I had to speak and do a presentation to more than three-hundred attendees about my experiences with the program. At the age of twelve it was terrifying but helpful in so many ways that allow me to do and accomplish what I do today.

I've tried to search on Jack Hayes and his old store, but I can not find any historical information. I remember that he also played the calliope on a float in the Gasparilla parades. I will always be thankful for Jack Hayes and the role he played in my life. If any of my Tampa connections remember or have any information, I'd appreciate you letting me know!