Street Performer Brings Christmas Cheer To Downtown Norwich
Published: December 24th, 2021
By: Sarah Genter

Street performer brings Christmas cheer to downtown Norwich Philip "The Dutchman" Hoke will be playing his mobile piano on the streets of Norwich until early January. Music fans can also see Hoke live at Rita's Tavern on Christmas Day. (Photo by Sarah Genter)

NORWICH — Norwich native and current Massachusetts resident, Philip "The Dutchman" Hoke, brought his musical stylings to the streets of Norwich this week.

Hoke, a Berklee College of Music alumni, said he began playing the piano as a child after his mother, a pianist herself, enrolled him in lessons. Now, he lives in the Boston area where he's run a music school for 20 years, and returns to Norwich to visit family and friends.

"I do live performance, solo [and] with bands. We've got a Lynyrd Skynyrd tribute band down in Rhode Island. So I kind of get around a bit," he said. "I've been making the drive for years. From beloved Boston to Chenango County for a long time," he added.

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Norwich residents can catch a glimpse of Hoke's mobile piano rig, and his delightful tunes, into early January. Or, they can check out his performance at Rita's Tavern on Christmas Day.

"I've got the wheels," said Hoke. "I'll be mobile enough, and I've got the battery on there and everything. So, we're live!"




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