Karey Nickel, Musical Entertainer
Scheduling
Budget
Music genres
Responds within a day
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About
As a classically trained pianist with two degrees, and with a lifetime of performance and stage experience, Karey is comfortable delighting and connecting with audiences across the world. Whether with his 4 piece band, Uptown, in a dueling piano format or alone at the keyboard, Karey will have your audience singing along, requesting songs, reminiscing, dancing, and thrilling to the sound of new and old songs alike.
Services offered
Music types
Event type
Wedding reception
Wedding ceremony
Birthday party
Cocktail hour
Music genres
Pop / top 40
Rock / classic rock
Jazz / Blues
Covers
Projects and media
Projects and media
Reviews
Customers rated this pro highly for professionalism, responsiveness, and work quality.
Exceptional 5.0
10 reviews
5
100%
4
0%
3
0%
2
0%
1
0%
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Read reviews that mention:
Shakira H.
Jan 26, 2026
Hired on Thumbtack
Karey truly came through for my family during one of the hardest moments of our lives. I hired him just days before my father’s funeral, and from start to finish he was nothing but professional, calm, and exceptional.
He agreed to play a very old gold pipe organ, an instrument he mentioned he hadn’t played in years and somehow delivered a flawless, beautiful performance. His music selections were perfect, seamless, and deeply moving. So many people commented on how wonderful the music was.
What meant the most to me was that I didn’t have to micromanage anything. Karey was already set up and playing before I even arrived. In a moment where there’s already so much to manage emotionally, having a true professional you can completely trust is priceless.
I’m incredibly grateful for Karey’s talent, reliability, and care. I couldn’t have asked for a better musician, and I would recommend him without hesitation.
He agreed to play a very old gold pipe organ, an instrument he mentioned he hadn’t played in years and somehow delivered a flawless, beautiful performance. His music selections were perfect, seamless, and deeply moving. So many people commented on how wonderful the music was.
What meant the most to me was that I didn’t have to micromanage anything. Karey was already set up and playing before I even arrived. In a moment where there’s already so much to manage emotionally, having a true professional you can completely trust is priceless.
I’m incredibly grateful for Karey’s talent, reliability, and care. I couldn’t have asked for a better musician, and I would recommend him without hesitation.
Details: General event / party • 51 - 75 guests • 31 - 50 years old • Piano • Other strings • Other • Other
Karey Nickel, Musical Entertainer's reply
Thank you so much Shakira! It was such an honor to play for your father’s funeral and I so enjoyed meeting you and your family!
Music Entertainment
Thien L.
Oct 5, 2024
Hired on Thumbtack
Karey performed at my wedding this past weekend and did an amazing job. His piano skills caught everyone's attention but his voice stole the show. We had compliments from guests during and after the wedding. My cousin already wants to hire him for their upcoming event. He showed up on time and was very responsive throughout the whole process. Gave us tips and was happy to do our personal songs during the ceremony. Highly recommended!
Details: Wedding reception • 51 - 75 guests • 31 - 50 years old • 51 or older • Vocals • Guitar • Band • Piano • No preference • Variety • Outdoors
Karey Nickel, Musical Entertainer's reply
Thank you so much Thien! It was an honor to be a small part of you and your bride’s special day!
Music Entertainment
Taylor W.
Jun 20, 2024
Hired on Thumbtack
Karey was perfect for our wedding! We chose a few songs for him to play during our processional and walk up the aisle, and his rendition of each was spot on. He was communicative in the weeks leading up to the wedding and we felt we were in good hands the whole time!
Details: Wedding ceremony • 26 - 50 guests • 31 - 50 years old • 51 or older • 12 years old or younger • Piano • Oldies • Covers • Outdoors
Karey Nickel, Musical Entertainer's reply
Thank you Taylor! Your wedding was so beautiful!
Music Entertainment
Michelle R.
May 24, 2023
So many great things to say about Karey Nickel! I manage two different locations where we both do live music! Papa’s Place and On the Edge Coffee in Old Town Clovis. Karey is one of our absolute favorites. His music is always amazing, he engages with the crowd and they love singing along to his songs, love that he takes requests and our guests are always getting up to dance! Karey always gets up and talks with the guests during breaks. He is also just a wonderful person and we are lucky to have the pleasure to work with him! We definitely recommend Karey! 😊
Karey Nickel, Musical Entertainer's reply
Thanks Michelle! You're so easy to work with and I'm grateful!
Thomas H.
May 25, 2023
What can I say, Karey was fantastic for my wife and I’s wedding! Playing during our cocktail hour after the ceremony, Karey expertly gauged the audience he was presented with and in real time put together a performance with selections that not only grabbed the attention of the older guests but the attention of our younger 20 something’s as well. On top of that Karey also was very accommodating and agreed to play early for me and my wife’s “first look” and in turn added so much to the moment. As a fantastic pianist with strong vocals, many friends of ours came by to sing their praises about him. Would definitely hire him again!
Credentials
Background Check
Karey Nickel