San Angelo pianist Terry Mikeska has accepted the invitation to play for an event happening during the 2025 presidential inauguration.
The native of San Angelo was selected to perform at a cocktail party on Jan. 18 during the many events circling the Jan. 20 Inauguration Day that will see former President Donald J. Trump’s return to the White House.
Road to the inauguration cocktail party
U.S. Rep. August Pfluger, the San Angeloan representing the 11th Congressional District of Texas, sent his friend, Mikeska a message in June saying he would be hearing from someone in Washington, D.C., soon.
Terry Mikeska, San Angelo pianist, has performed at many events and soirees. He is bound for the nation’s capital for an Inauguration Day event this month.
“Sure enough, I got a phone call from someone in D.C.,” Mikeska said. “I thought it was a scam, but you never know, so I answered it.”
One of the presidential departments interviewed Mikeska for a possible spot as a musician in the inauguration events. The department said they would be in contact after the November election.
“They said once they know which way the election goes, then they will pick out the musicians they’re interested in,” he said.
Terry Mikeska with U.S. Rep. August Pfluger of the 11th District of Texas.
In December as he was getting ready to play for a Christmas party, he got an email.
“The email is from D.C. congratulating me as being selected as one of the musicians for the inauguration,” Mikeska said. “It also says ‘Congratulations, we have selected you for one of the largest cocktail parties of 800 people.’ The party will consist of 800 big sponsors, as far as you know everyone trying to get their foot in the door from Silicon Valley, Mark Zuckerberg with Facebook, all of those big donors.
“I don’t know exactly who is going to be there, but of course, they ask me if I’m nervous. I don’t really get nervous, I’ve played for governors and presidents before. I get somewhat excited because this has always been a bucket list item of mine.”
Mikeska was asked to remain in the nation’s capital the entirety of the presidential inauguration weekend in case he is needed to fill in at any other events needing music.
Doors opening
Mikeska played his first public reception when he was just 16 years old. He said many doors have opened for him throughout his career, including meeting Pfluger.
Mikeska met Pfluger at an event when he was just starting to announce running for Congress, and his mother, Sheryl, introduced them.
“She told August that once he won and got into congress, he had to get me into D.C. to play,” Mikeska said. “August said it may take a few years, but he promised. I told him I appreciate it, no matter how many years it takes.”
Terry Mikeska with former President George W. Bush.
Mikeska has preformed at events for former President George W. Bush, Emmitt Smith, former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee, former first lady Laura Bush and recently Gov. Greg Abbott’s black tie gala.
Mikeska began his career in New York where his talents were showcased at the Atrium Club, Penta Hotel, Tavern on the Green and CNN’s Fashion Trends Network.
“It’s been a lot of big things in my life and just so many people right here in our hometown that have such strong influence,” he said. “I am so thankful for these people.”
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This article originally appeared on San Angelo Standard-Times: San Angelo pianist to play at presidential inauguration this month