When people think of West Grove, many things may come to mind: mushroom farms, Avon Grove High School football games and local businesses, but music may not usually be top of mind. 

For local musician and recording artist Dan Orlando, however, it always is. Although he began playing piano at the age of six, he credits his time and connections in West Grove for nurturing his early passion for music.

“I met my most important piano teacher and mentor, Stuart Armstrong, while I was living here, so that’s number one,” said Orlando, 36, who lived in West Grove from the age of 11 to his graduation from Avon Grove High School in 2007. “Number two, I had a great music program while I was in the Avon Grove School District, filled with great music teachers and a lot of talented students who were my friends.”

After high school, Orlando attended the prestigious University of Cincinnati’s College-Conservatory of Music, where he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in jazz piano. It was at the Conservatory where he drew inspiration from artists like Keane and Coldplay, admiring their ability to feature piano prominently in a way that resonated with everyday listeners. Additionally, he idolized Freddie Mercury of Queen for his dynamic stage presence and vocal prowess, while the soulful sounds of Stevie Wonder and Marvin Gaye shaped his musical style.

In 2016, Dan stepped into the national spotlight, performing at the “Power of Love” 20th Anniversary Gala that celebrated Tony Bennett’s 90th birthday at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, where he performed with “American Idol” Season 6 winner Jordin Sparks. In the past several years, he has also supported headliners like Andrea Bocelli, Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds, Robin Thicke, and the Blues Brothers.

Orlando currently has one studio album, Heritage Trail, which he recorded in Nashville and released in February of this year. He describes the album as a “pop record for the heartland,” a combination of his east coast identity with Nashville influence and production. He is also currently working on his new album, Tunnel Vision, for a 2025 release, and has performed across the country both independently and with the Lords of 52nd Street, Billy Joel’s original band. 

Orlando recognizes the importance of home in his career and wants to nurture musical artistry in his community as others previously did for him. 

“West Grove is due for a renaissance in the arts,” said Orlando, who now lives in Delaware County. “There’s a great culture in West Grove that supports the arts and supports music and there’s a lot of talent in our area that’s hiding in the woods.”

Orlando is “tapping in” to the musical potential he sees in the area by hosting monthly open mic nights at Blondes and Brewnettes in West Grove. He has also established his band which features local musicians Rob Swanson of West Grove on bass and Larry Scotton Jr. of Wilmington on drums and plays frequently at Gallucio’s in Wilmington and Wayvine Vineyards in Nottingham. Orlando shared that he feels especially grateful to the local crowds these venues foster.

“I feel a very special energy, because it’s like a high school reunion or family reunion, and it’s very personal and I appreciate that a lot,” he said. “Every time I play in West Grove or Nottingham, or anywhere in Chester County, but particularly our neighborhood, it just gives me a boost.”

This “boost” can be momentous for anyone’s motivation in pursuing their dreams, especially a young creative in a small-town. Orlando shared advice for the next generation of local musicians.

“Go explore major markets if you want like New York, Los Angeles, or Nashville but don’t be afraid to come home either,” he said. “You can build an audience in your hometown, and you can utilize that audience and make big steps in major markets. That’s what I’m doing.

“Because I’m a performer I think of an album like a set list and I imagine that I’m playing that album for people and that helps me get into the right space creatively.”

Orlando shared that his performances have taken him all over the East Coast, Los Angeles, and the southwest. He looks forward to continuing tours nationwide and expanding internationally in the future as well. Though working in the music industry and having such large ambitions for oneself is not always easy, he offered advice on how he keeps the dream alive.

“Draw strength from every victory large and small and keep stock of those victories so you recognize your progress,” he said. “That’s what keeps me motivated the most.”

Orlando shared credit for those victories with his support system including his managerial and artistic teams both here and in Nashville, as well as his wife, Sara, for their contributions to his career.

While Orlando’s musical career has taken him all over the country, West Grove will always remain home for him.

“I am proud to come from where I come from and how much I appreciate the people of West Grove and southern Chester County for how supportive they’ve been,” he said. “I’ve seen it in our results but more importantly, I’ve felt it in person, and it just makes me feel unstoppable.”

Dan Orlando will perform with Five For Fighting at the Ardmore Musical Hall in Ardmore, Pa. on Aug. 6, and will give a solo performance at Blondes & Brewnettes in West Grove on Aug. 17. To learn more about Orlando, visit www.danorlandojr.com.