Acclaimed jazz pianist Eric Mintel started as a skeptic of paranormal phenomena, but then he saw what he describes as “the evidence.”
In a recent case, the proof came in the form of the Beast of Bray, the fur-covered creature with a wolf-like head and a human-style body that is the subject of Wisconsin folklore, documentaries and books.
“We encountered the Beast of Bray in Elkhorn in South Wisconsin,” said Mintel, of Perkasie. “We captured the Beast of Bray on camera…. When you get the actual evidence on video, you can't help but believe there really are such things.”
Mintel’s passion for the paranormal has led to a second career as a TV host and investigator of myriad mysterious activities that have no scientific explanation.
On Thurs., Oct. 17, Mintel and his team from the hit YouTube and cable TV show “Eric Mintel Investigates,” will discuss paranormal phenomena, from ghosts and Bigfoot to UFOs and Dogman, in a discussion at Wissahickon Valley Public Library in Blue Bell. The group will hold a second session on the subject on Fri., Oct. 18, at the Fallser Club in East Falls.
“People are not afraid to tell their stories. Years ago they did not because there was a stigma. But everyone has had a paranormal experience they cannot explain,” Mintel said. “On Oct. 3, 2021, in Wisconsin, over 140 people showed up when we made it known that we would be there. We saw the head of a wolf walking upright, similar to the Bryn Athyn Beast (a mysterious creature reported in Lower Bucks County). And I feel blessed that we got it all on video. The whole town lost power that night, and there was a UFO sighting.”
At the Oct. 17 and 18 events, Mintel and co-investigator Dominic Sattele will show never-before-seen clips from their TV show in what they call the “Paranormal Projection Room,” offering a behind-the-scenes look at their latest investigations into the world of the unexplained, along with clips from the “Beast of Bray” show.
In addition to the screening, Mintel will be signing copies of his new book, “Eric Mintel Casebook Investigations,” which recounts the paranormal phenomena he and his team have uncovered. Sattele will also be offering “live spirit readings, giving attendees a rare chance to connect with the spiritual world.” Mintel insists that the events are “for fans of the show, paranormal enthusiasts and anyone with a curiosity for the mysterious.”
Mintel, originally from Upper Black Eddy, Bucks County, grew up as an only child whose father, a piano tuner and jewelry salesman, could play just about anything on the piano. His mother, a first grade teacher, had 10 years of piano lessons. His mom's brother, Don Ciccone, was a member of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons from 1972 to 1982 when the pop music quartet had all of their hits.
Mintel has been a jazz musician for 31 years with no manager or booking agent in addition to his work as a paranormal investigator. “Many years ago Don Ciccone introduced me to me to jazz legend Dave Brubeck, who told me, 'You play my music better than I do.'” Brubeck, who died in 2012 at 92, later wrote about Mintel: “As long as the music attracts dedicated young musicians like Eric Mintel and the Eric Mintel Quartet, jazz will continue to thrive and progress as a voice of freedom.”
Mintel took piano lessons in 1982. “The teacher had me playing 'Twinkle Twinkle Little Star' when I wanted to play Dave Brubeck's 'Take 5,'” he said, “so I am really self-taught.”
Mintel's jazz quartet, including saxophonist Nelson Hill, drummer Dave Mohn, and bass player Jack Hegyi, has been together for 20 years. In 1998, Mintel was invited to play the piano at a Christmas event at the White House, where he met then-President Bill Clinton, who played the saxophone. “It was surreal,” Mintel said
In 2011, Mintel was invited to play the piano at another Christmas event at the White House, where he met then-President Barack Obama and the First Lady Michelle Obama. Mintel has also played at the United Nations and 10 times at the Kennedy Center.
“I shook hands with President Obama,” Mintel said. “He said Dave Brubeck played at the first jazz concert he ever went to with his dad. It was great to play at the White House, but you could walk on the moon and still not get the next job you want. Jazz is not the most popular art form nowadays. I love jazz, but you have to pay the bills. So we keep it melodic and rhythmic, even when we do improvisational avant-garde music. I want to bring jazz to the masses.”
The discussion at Wissahickon Valley Public Library, 650 Skippack Pike, is at 6 p.m. and the session at The Fallser Club, 3721 Midvale Ave., is at 7 p.m. Mintel also wrote a book, released in July of this year, entitled, “A Jazz Man's Guide to Getting the Gig,” available on Amazon.com. For more information, visit ericmintelquartet.com. Len Lear can be reached at lenlear@chestnuthilllocal.com
