From Piano Bars to Park City: Sean O’Reilly Takes Center Stage on Sept 17.

When Sean O’Reilly takes the stage, it’s not just a performance—it’s a conversation; a cinematic moment between artist and audience. With a harp on one side, a piano on the other, and a voice that channels both classical romance and indie edge, Sean is quickly becoming one of the most compelling and unconventional acts in the local music scene. 

Ahead of his headlining show at Park City Music Hall, we sat down with Sean to talk about his creative journey, inspirations, and what fans can expect from this unforgettable performance. 

From Tori Amos to "Harp Guy"

Sean’s earliest spark came from an iconic moment in his childhood. “I was quite young, struggling to learn guitar, but I had been playing around on the piano since I was about four. Then I saw Tori Amos perform live on TV with her band—and everything changed,” he recalls. “From that moment, I was all in on piano.” 

His musical influences span decades and genres—from Jeff Buckley and Joni Mitchell to Radiohead and Fiona Apple. But ask him to narrow it down, and he'll name two: Tori Amos and Jeff Buckley. “They’ve shaped the way I think about songwriting, performance, and emotional storytelling.” 

A Sound That’s Hard to Define (and That’s the Point) 

How would Sean describe his own sound? “If I had to do the genre thing, maybe Chamber Pop or Indie Folk Pop. But I like to say it's what Elton John might sound like if he also played harp and studied Romantic Era poets in college.” 

That unique blend—lush melodies, poetic lyrics, and classical instrumentation—makes every Sean O’Reilly performance feel like a world unto itself. 

A New Era: Debuting a Five-Piece Band at Park City 

Sean's upcoming headlining performance at Park City Music Hall marks a major milestone. “This is the first time I’m playing with this specific five-piece band: drums, guitar, electric violin, backup vocals—and of course, my harp and piano.” 

Expect a set that leans heavily on original songs, with fresh arrangements and a few surprises sprinkled in. “Even the familiar songs will feel new. The band brings such a different energy and texture to the music—it’s like classical meets rock, or maybe ‘Classical Rock’?,” he laughs. 

An Artist Rooted in the Local Scene 

Sean isn’t new to Black Rock—he’s performed at Park City Music Hall many times as an instrumentalist with The Moonrise Cartel, including an unforgettable sold-out show in May. But this marks his first time headlining in the neighborhood. “It’s a full-circle moment,” he says. 

Since first participating in Make Music Day in Fairfield in 2022, Sean has immersed himself in the thriving Fairfield/Bridgeport scene. “There’s so much great music happening here. I’ve played everywhere from FTC’s StageOne to Black Rock PorchFest. It’s a vibrant, supportive community.” 

The Art of the Intimate Set 

For Sean, playing at smaller venues isn’t just a steppingstone—it’s part of the magic. “A good performance is like a conversation with the audience. You can feel the room and respond to it in real time. That’s what I love about local venues—you’re not just playing at people; you’re playing with them.” 

*******Inside His Creative World 

Sean’s songwriting process begins at the piano, but the harp has started to play a bigger role. “Sometimes the harp makes me do something unexpected—my hands find shapes my brain wouldn’t have thought of, and that can lead to beautiful surprises.” 

As for the lyrics? “They usually come later. I keep a running document on my phone full of cryptic lines and feelings. When a melody shows up, I dig through and try to find words that match the mood.” One example? A perfect example is the fan-favorite “Silver Silverado”, a self-proclaimed “country song written for harp and piano” that emerged from a fleeting moment of inspiration while looking at a pickup truck. What started as a joke turned into a poignant and poetic track— 

“I just sang to myself, ‘How fast can you go in a silver Silverado,’ and then I got obsessed with what that story might mean,” Sean shares. That sort of lyrical curiosity is a signature of his songwriting style—one that blends observation, imagination, and emotional truth into unforgettable compositions. 

For First-Time Listeners 

If you’re new to Sean’s music, he recommends starting with the harp-forward “Nothing Like You” or the upbeat, shimmering “Hear My Heart.” But for those who prefer a slow burn with emotional depth? “Check out Sand and Sea—it’s one for the sad-song lovers like me.” 

Beyond the Stage 

Sean’s fans can catch him live not only at local venues, but also online. He livestreams three times a week (Mon/Wed/Fri at 8PM) on YouTube and Facebook, sharing live performances and sneak peeks of his new work. 

His songs are all self-recorded and mixed in his home studio. “I’m always working on something. I’ll probably have a new track—‘One Thread’—out by the time of the show.” 

What’s Next? 

More music. More exploration. More connection. “After this show, I’ll just keep releasing new material. I never know exactly which song will ‘say hi’ next, but I’ve got a few waiting in the wings.” 

And if he could open for anyone, living or gone? No hesitation: “Tori Amos, of course.” 

Don’t Miss Sean O’Reilly at Park City Music Hall 

📍 Park City Music Hall, Black Rock 

 🎶 Date & Time: September 17, 2025, | 8:00 PM 

 🎟️ Tickets: https://bit.ly/4lgQDJD 

Follow Sean on  Facebook, Twitter, or YouTube, and tune into his livestreams to experience his ever-evolving sound.