Randy Beecher Celebrates 25 Years At Mille Fleurs: Piano Man Provides Lively Entertainment At San Diego’s Premier "Best Piano Bar"

Rancho Santa Fe, CA:  The streets are quaint and quiet in this tucked away, affluent community in San Diego County, however the evening hours in the elegant Mille Fleurs lounge are filled with lively energetic music.  Billed as the premier piano bar in the area for years, the man behind the piano, local favorite crooner, Randy Beecher skillfully performs a huge variety of music for his dynamic clientele. Randy warmly greets every guest entering the lounge, often standing for a hug from a "regular."  

Each night is different depending on who walks through the door.  During the Eight O’clock hour selections can include piano instrumentals from "Phantom of the Opera," followed by a swinging Sinatra number, to a lively rendition of "Margaritaville."  His vast music selection reaches each decade and genre. As the hour progresses to 10:00, the crowd grows to sometimes standing room only with patrons dancing in the entryway or even on the sidewalk just outside the door.

During the last two weekends of May, Mille Fleurs is acknowledging Randy’s 25th year anniversary as piano entertainer at the restaurant – 25 years of great entertainment, memories and fun stories.  Randy gives much credit to owner Bertrand Hug who provided him with the initial opportunity at the popular establishment.  The entertainer is also supported by manager/maitre’d Marko Dedic, Sister Bartenders: Lara and Catherine, popular bar-back Ramon, all create a warm and appealing atmosphere.  Randy openly admits "I love this gig, the clientele, and the team I work with – after all these years."

A native San Diegan, Randy has logged over 40-years as a career musician, specializing in piano entertainment.   As a performer, he is renowned for his relaxed stage presence and ability to encourage audience participation. A distinguished gentleman, who seemed to be a regular patron says: " I enjoy both his music and watching his skill with the people. "  A master at "the art of entertaining," he presents a polished, yet relaxed musical presentation with great improvisational skills. First timers come in for a drink and end up staying for the evening. Randy says: "In the past 10 years I have mixed in recorded music for the dancing crowd further adding variety and energy.  Sometimes I play and sing along with the hits of today. It seems to work!"

On Thursday nights he says it’s more "old-school" piano bar style.  Adding to the fun are locals that share the microphone - some bring their own instruments to play along.   "Thursday nights are the favorite for many who appreciate the low key relaxed atmosphere. It’s more like a cocktail party in my home with lots of regulars" says Randy.

His musical prowess and diversity span the early classics of the '30s and '40s -- George Gershwin, Cole Porter, Irving Berlin -- to popular 60s and 70s selections by the Beatles, James Taylor, and the Eagles – and on to more current tunes by Jason Mraz, Jack Johnson, John Mayer.  A crowd favorite, Toby Keith’s "I Love This Bar" is joked by Randy as his memories at Mille Fleurs. Priding himself on versatility, he performs most genres of popular music including Classic Rock, R & B, and Country. You may be surprised at the rousing group sing-alongs to familiar tunes like Under the Boardwalk, Piano Man, and American Pie followed by his flashy rendition of Jerry Lee Lewis’ Great Balls of Fire.

His many public performances include the nicest hotels and restaurants in the greater San Diego area.  He also has performed privately for numerous businesses at venues throughout the country. He has performed for dozens of celebrities.  The likes of Burt Bacharach have shared his piano bench, and well-known people like late President Gerald Ford, Vice President Al Gore, Bill Gates, Tim Conway, Dick Van Patton, Mel Brooks, Chad Everett, and Jenny Craig.  Other celebrities include The late Charger Junior Seau and announcer Dick Enberg, Padre sensation Trevor Hoffman, Barry Bonds, Golfer Greg Norman, Tennis star Steffi Graf, members of many bands including Patrick Simmons of the The Doobie Brothers, Mike Love from the Beach Boys, Constantine from American Idol with Blood Sweat and Tears, as well as various members of local news media .  

During the summer, the Del Mar horse racing season draws nationally recognized thoroughbred owners, trainers, jockeys, and various celebrities to Rancho Santa Fe to enjoy an evening at Randy’s grand piano.   He says "I get people from all over the world during race season."

In addition to his piano performance career, Randy has enjoyed nearly 20 years as music professor at Grossmont and San Diego Mesa Community Colleges.  With a master’s degree from SDSU, he further enjoys his passion teaching classes like History of Rock Music, Music Appreciation, and Class Piano.

Mille Fleurs Restaurant invites the public to acknowledge Randy’s 25th year anniversary during the last two weeks of May.  There is a party planned on Saturday evening, May 19th to mark the event.  He performs every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings from 8:00 p.m. until Midnight.  Please contact Randy Beecher for details and additional information and bookings.