Dino Kartsonakis. Grand pianist. Stellar entertainer. International television host. Visionary businessman. Caring husband to his wife Cheryl. Active father to his daughters Christina and Cherie. Examine any of these phrases individually and they speak volumes of passion and promise. Put them together and they describe the life of a man driven to succeed - in work, in life, and in the commission of God.

Dino is one of the premiere performers of our time. He is indeed "America's Piano Showman" - a title aptly given to him by over 80 million people who are witnesses to his majestic piano styling each year. Dino is constantly using numerous creative vehicles to deliver his unique hybrid of piano music to the masses through television, live performances, videos, albums, and electronically. "God gave me the talent and I endeavor to give it back to Him with each new idea." It is his skill at combining artistry, entertainment, and keen business skills in each of these outlets that make Dino such a success.

For the last 12 years, Dino has entertained Branson, Missouri, audiences with his exceptional showmanship and talent making his Christmas production one of the most critically acclaimed shows in the entertainment city. His quest to present the audience with not only top-quality music, but an elaborate eye show as well, led Dino to hire a Broadway set designer, Hollywood costume designer, and professional dancers, complete with a dynamic light show and Austrian crystal covered piano. But the show is not all talent and flash; at the end of each show Dino presents the audience with something very near to his heart - the Gospel. "Over 100,000 people attend my shows each season and no one can say they haven't heard the Gospel."

Taking time out from their seasonal show in Branson, Dino and his co-host and wife Cheryl make the trip to Nashville, Tennessee, to tape "The Dino Show" - a weekly music and interview formatted show on TBN (Trinity Broadcast Network), the top rated Christian television network. Recently, "The Dino Show" claimed the No. 2 Neilson rating for the entire network. It's no surprise considering the time and effort that Dino and Cheryl put into each show. Dino's own award winning music is featured as well as other national and international artists such as Glen Campbell, Mel Tillis, BB Winans, Bob Carlisle, along with newer artists such as Nicole Mullins, The Katinas, and Jill Paquette. Each carefully chosen to present the viewing audience with a glowing picture of today's best Christian, Gospel and Inspirational style music. TBN takes The Dino Show into 200 countries where Dino's message is well received. "Being a pianist allows me to play in any language."

In 2000, Dino joined forces with QVC, the 4th largest network in the U.S. and the most profitable of the entire home shopping type shows, a venture which proved very lucrative to both parties. Dino brought many new people to QVC and sold thousands of pieces of merchandise. In return, QVC placed Dino and his music in over 70 million homes. As a result of his mass appeal, QVC requested his presence in an auction benefiting MusicCares, an organization which helps musicians and singers experiencing difficult times. One of Dino's personal pianos brought in $25,000 for the organization.

Though it's Dino's wisdom and servanthood to God that has led him down each carefully chosen path, it was his strong family ties and spiritual commitment that shaped his life early on. From Greek heritage, his mother and grandmother, before Dino's birth, were strong prayer warriors and dedicated his life to God. That prayer had a profound effect on his life that was discovered at a very early age. His grandmother owned an old upright piano that had been in their family for two generations, yet no one in his family knew how to play. So it was a gift from God when three-year-old Dino sat down at that piano and began picking out - one finger at a time - "At the Cross," a song he had heard earlier in church.

After discovering her son's prodigy-like talent on the piano, Mrs. Helen Kartsonakis enrolled Dino in piano lessons at age five. When Dino was seven years old, he accepted Christ - a decision he says was 'simple, yet profound and changed everything.' His talent began to flourish through his years performing at Glad Tidings Tabernacle, in New York City, his home church. Years later, he trained at Juilliard and in conservatories in France and Germany. His numerous recordings (over 40) have received many well-deserved accolades including a Grammy Award for his involvement on The Apostle soundtrack, a Grammy nomination for "Chariots of Fire," and eight Gospel Music Association Dove Awards.

An interactive website has made it possible to take advantage of technology and increase the communication between Dino and fans. The web page also offers current concert information, and the ability to purchase merchandise or tickets online.

With emotional and spontaneous piano styling and his ability to astound audiences with his showmanship, Dino moves "outside the bounds to keep things interesting" and fans wholeheartedly applaud. Dino strives to communicate the love of Christ through his music reflecting on the scripture, "In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your path." (Proverbs 3:5-6) It's following this advice that Dino credits for delivering him to the point he is today: a servant of God who impacts people's live through beautiful music with a beautiful message.
 

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