A thought-provoking, multi-media event that will inspire you to
take the reins of your destiny and live your life to the fullest.
From Emmy Award-winning musician, philanthropist and author Peter Buffett comes an inspirational book and live concert series that asks, Which will you choose: the path of least resistance or the path of potentially greatest satisfaction? You may think that with a last name like his, Buffett has enjoyed a life of endless privilege. But the son of billionaire investor Warren Buffett says that the only real inheritance handed down from his parents was a philosophy: forge your own path in life. It is a creed that has allowed him to follow his own passions, establish his own identity, and reap his own successes. |
To bring the message of his book to life, the "Concert & Conversation" event combines a cello-accompanied live piano/vocal performance with video clips from his film, TV, and philanthropic work (which focuses on the empowerment of girls and women around the world)—all of which trace his career's journey. Punctuated by Peter's candid stories about the lessons learned growing up in the Buffett household, his experience composing the "fire dance" scene in Dances With Wolves, mistakes he's made along the way and more, he ultimately conveys that it's one's values—and what we are able to give back to society—that shape and define us as individuals. The end result is an uplifting and rewarding event that resonates with every audience member looking to lead a more fulfilling life and leave a meaningful legacy. Find out more about Peter's book, Life Is What You Make It: Find Your Own Path to Fulfillment here. Some of the topics Peter explores in Life Is What You Make It and in his "Concert & Conversation" include: NOTE: While visually it was obvious to include moderator Pat Mitchell and give an accurate representation of this particular show, a moderator is by no means necessary at any particular concert hall or campus. The evening lends itself to a natural storytelling experience, which Peter leads independently. —> |
"Peter Buffett's 'Concert & Conversation' was a thoroughly moving experience. Through multimedia, his own special music and interaction with the audience, Peter kept us engaged and absorbed in his philosophy, his can-do spirit and his attitude toward life and living. The audience arrived intrigued with Peter's famous last name. At the conclusion, the audience left convinced that there is nothing that they couldn't accomplish as individuals. Truly, a rewarding evening." - Dr. R. Mark Sullivan "Peter Buffett's 'Concert and Conversation' was a thought provoking interactive discussion that was rated as truly one of the best from our WPO and YPO Chapter members. The 'don't hold back on any of your questions—there's no Q&A later' style led us through an entertaining and candid discussion of what we want to make of our lives…and more importantly, what we want for our children. While the evening's life lesson could be summed up simply as 'find what you love to do in life and pursue it with a passion', I don't believe it would have left such an indelible impression upon the participants if it hadn't been delivered in such a unique and entertaining approach." - Aaron Hollander "Peter's music mesmerized the audience, and the sharing of his philanthropic journey was inspirational. A memorable and enchanting evening was woven beautifully by these two fabrics!" - Laura Chen "Peter Buffett's 'Concert and Conversation' program made a wonderful evening event for our financial advisors. The music and the message were absolutely moving. I have received feedback from our folks that this was the best event we have ever coordinated over our 36 years of doing business. Peter's down to earth conversation and willingness to engage our audience, sign books and take pictures with our advisors truly was appreciated. Thank you Peter for a wonderful evening." - Randy Aranowitz, CLU, TGPC, CLTC "Not only did our students love the entire experience, but afterwards mobbed Mr. Buffett for copies of his book and to personally thank him for visiting the College…I have never seen that kind of positive reaction from staff, students and faculty (of all ages and life experiences) previously to an artist. "If you ever have the opportunity to experience Peter Buffett's amazing performance, please grab it...it is unforgettable!" - Julie M. Sills "Spending an evening with Peter Buffet is an eye-opening and thought-provoking experience. With his music, the audience is engaged. With his stories, the audience is entertained. With his message, the audience is inspired. 'Life is What You Make It: A Concert and Conversation with Peter Buffett' is truly an event worthy of its praise." - Michele Roberts "With humility and candor Peter took us on an intimate journey of his life and his impressive philanthropic work with women and girls. His profound storytelling and meaningful music left us deeply moved and inspired. A truly spiritual man who uses 'his gift of music to be the voice of those who don't have a voice.' Peter gave us an evening of uncommon depth. It was magical!" - Shirley Moulton "We were thrilled to have Peter perform for our clients at our Annual Meeting! Peter transcended the typical 'performer-audience' relationship and connected with our group through an elegant live musical performance infused with an unpretentious storytelling style. His unique, multi-media performance invited listeners to understand how Peter has defined his life's journey by his inspired passion for music composition and philanthropy." - Coventry Edwards-Pitt "Peter Buffett's 'Concert and Conversation' was a great success in Milwaukee. Four hundred people experienced a performance that was engaging, thought-provoking, moving and inspiring. The show's music alone is enchanting. Adding to that is the powerful multi-media presentation and Peter's witty and heartfelt commentary. The combination is enthralling and our audience was totally wrapped in an unforgettable performance." - Mary Louise Mussoline "'Life is What You Make It: A Concert & Conversation with Peter Buffett' is beyond doubt a must-see! We had the pleasure of hosting Peter's special performance in Portland and all I can say is that Peter is one of the most talented and intriguing people I know. As a musician, he is a moving artist who's magic comes from his ability to combine humor with an open portrayal of his family, his life, his personal beliefs and his powerful music. I'm a huge fan. " - Maria Eitel "Your music, message, and images combined to make our Chamber's 10th anniversary of celebrating the POWER of Diversity truly memorable. To be able to enjoy your creativity and thoughtfulness in person was a great experience for not only for me, but also for our Celebration attendees. Our metropolitan area is still abuzz. Thank you for a moving, thoughtful, provocative, and thoroughly enjoyable evening." - James A. Heeter "The 'Life is What You Make It: A Concert and Conversation with Peter Buffett' at World Cafe Live was a terrific event. It was the perfect combination of artist, venue and spirit. Peter was warm and engaging, and his music, stories and images all spoke to the power of art in action. The evening benefitted the music education non-profit LiveConnections.org, and Peter proved himself to be a first-class connector!" - Hal Real "It was such a treat for our members to attend Peter's 'Concert and Conversation' performance. Peter's talent as a composer and performer was evident to all. His music really touched the audience and his message of love and compassion knows no boundaries. Our members were really interested to know more about Peter's upbringing and appreciated his candidness." - Jean Ho "We work with so many successful philanthropists, and many of them really struggle with this question of how much should they give to their children and grandchildren. Peter's candid and personal story helped them understand that the best gift of all might be letting their kids forge their own lives and their own achievements. We also used the 'Concert and Conversation' to launch a new community giving website that is built on the idea that anyone can be a philanthropist, and Peter's message couldn't have been more suited and inspiring." - Teri A Hansen "What an inspiring experience it was to have the opportunity to attend the 'Concert & Conversation with Peter Buffett' in the new Musical Instrument Museum in Phoenix, AZ as part of Thunderbird Global Wealth Management Summit in October, 2010. Participants of Thunderbird Artemis project, 20 women entrepreneurs from Afghanistan, along with other Wealth Summit guests, were overwhelmed by the powerful message sent by the performance that kept them talking about their experience long after the show. Thank you!" - Dr. F. John Mathis "We were pleased to bring Peter back to Milwaukee Youth Arts Center as a keynote speaker/performer for the Thr!ve National Symposium on Collaboration in Youth Arts Education. It was a privilege to have him share his professional and life story during the concert with attendees from across the nation. His music, stories and multimedia experience were interwoven seamlessly!" - Dan Austin "We had the pleasure of presenting composer, performer, lecturer Peter Buffett to our students and the greater community. Mr. Buffett told his compelling story from the piano in a dazzling mix of multi-media, spoken word and music. He connected with our students with insights on work, life, philanthropy, arts, and human suffering. Fascination with his famous father brought many in the door, but Peter's own integrity and unique talent left a lasting impression." - David Rezak "Peter's performance was truly unique in its format and delivery; multimedia presentations merged with live and recorded performances, question and answer periods united with free story-telling intermezzos and gave the listener a truly exclusive and unforgettable opportunity to see the raw and undistorted views of Peter's development periods spanning more that three decades. Dozens of our students were stunned by the authenticity of Peter's performance. Clearly, a performance gem." - Mirek Vana "The Karuna Center for Peacebuilding was honored to have Peter perform as part of his 'Concert and Conversation' series at our 15th anniversary celebration. Our supporters represent a variety of individuals with diverse backgrounds and tastes and Peter captured the hearts of all of them. Peter helped to make this local event the most successful in the history of the organization!" - Mollye Wolahan "Peter's performance was far and away the high point of the conference... Peter combines music with message in a way that is light and uplifting — and powerful... All he needed was a piano and his colleague, a cellist. The simplicity of having only two on stage was also somehow just right." - Jane Wales "Recently I had the pleasure of working with Peter Buffett and his staff when they did a 'Concert and Conversation' as a fundraiser for my agency. The event was wonderful and Peter, Michael, Mat, Shannon and Amy were delightful. Everyone was so very professional and yet extremely personable. The comments are still coming in as to the impact the concert had on attendees. Everyone was so impressed with the talent of both Peter and Michael but the surprising treat for so many was the incredible message of the conversation part of the event. I hope to work with this talented group on several future events and look forward to that with great anticipation!" - Pat Sylvester "Peter Buffett's 'Concert and Conversation' Series is touching and real. His music portrays his passion not only for composing but also his philanthropic work. Columbians were incredibly moved by the personal insight into Peter's life and views." - Ilene Markay-Hallack "Peter Buffett performed his musical concert at the Midwest Education Technology Conference at the Saint Charles Convention Center for 1600 educators. He and Michael got a warm and enthusiastic response from the audience. Peter's conversational manner about his life and principles he lives by were an innovative way to bring home the values that all teachers and administrators hope to instill in their students. He is a mid-westerner at heart and his performance emphasized the importance of telling your story through visuals, music and narrative, a process called digital storytelling that many of our teachers use in their classroom practice. He and Michael brought the audience to an awareness of the potential of the creative process of storytelling. We all loved the performance and it brought tears of epiphany as we embraced the potential of growth for our students using this process." - Ruth Litman-Block "The Freedom Awards celebrate heroes of the anti-slavery movement from around the world. On one night, in one place, authentic voices from around the planet are raised in celebration. Peter's performance of 'Blood into Gold' was such an extraordinary gift to the evening. His talent as a songwriter and a performer were on full display as was his clear intention to be a part of the solution in ending slavery. Forever." - Peggy Callahan |