Imagine how great it'd be to have two incredible pianists playing almost any song you could imagine while providing entertainment and an unforgettable atmosphere. This is the joy of dueling pianos, and in addition to all the great venues you can go to enjoy this, you can also hire dueling pianos for events. Here's everything you need to know. If you're planning an event in Charlotte, you can also search for piano classes near me to find local teachers and performers.
Why Choose Dueling Pianos for Your Event?
Few types of entertainment match the energy, interaction, and downright fun of dueling pianos.
This is a unique type of performance where two pianists (and maybe additional musicians) take requests from the audience and then battle one another to perform the requests, tell jokes, and get the audience involved.
Why should you choose it for your next event?
High-Energy Entertainment
Dueling pianos are interactive and lively. The pianists engage with the audience through performance, banter, battles, singalongs, and requests. The energy is always high, with the audience clapping to the beat, singing along, and sometimes even getting up on stage and having a dance.
Music for Any Occasion
Since a dueling piano performance takes requests, the music is always to the audience's taste.
Whether it's classic rock, pop, country, jazz, or even hip-hop, the songs are chosen and requested by the audience, with the pianists tailoring the evening to the crowd.
There's something for everyone and while every night is different, there are still a few popular dueling piano songs that make regular appearances.
Perfect for All Types of Events
Dueling pianos are great for plenty of different event types.
They can make corporate events more fun, especially after a long day of meetings and talks. For weddings, they can keep everybody happy with different musical tastes and encourage everyone to get up and dance. For private parties, dueling pianos are a fun and fairly unique alternative to hiring a DJ.
Break the Ice with Audience Interaction
The pianists running a dueling piano performance are expert entertainers and performers and know how to get guests involved.
With dueling pianos, strangers will end up being friends by the end of the night, as everybody gets involved in the entertainment.
Unique Experiences
Since dueling piano performances are driven by audience participation and requests, every show will be unique. Even if you've seen dueling pianos before or attended multiple nights at a given venue, hiring dueling pianos still guarantees a unique performance and experience.
Perfect for weddings, corporate events, private parties, and fundraisers.
High-energy performances that get guests singing and dancing.
Completely customizable setlists based on live audience requests.
Engaging performers who add comedy, banter, and interactive fun.
A unique alternative to DJs or traditional live bands.
Types of Events Perfect for Dueling Pianos
You probably already have some good ideas for events for which you could hire dueling pianos, but here are our recommendations for events that work great with this kind of bespoke musical performance and entertainment.
Weddings
Weddings are a once-in-a-lifetime event, and the right music will make it a memorable evening.
Sure, there's the ceremony, the speeches, and everything else that goes into it, but your guests will have the most fun once the music starts.
With dueling pianos, a wedding reception can include classic love songs, upbeat dance tracks, and impromptu singalongs where the guests feel like they are part of the big day.
Why It Works
- Customized song requests from guests and the couple.
- Smooth transitions from romantic ballads to dance hits.
- Engaging entertainment that gets guests singing and dancing.
Corporate Events
Break the monotony of corporate events with a bold entertainment choice. Not only are dueling pianos a lot of fun, but they also bring people together by creating a sense of camaraderie in the room.
Whether it's a company holiday, a team-building event, or a corporate gala, dueling piano performers will always play the right music.
Who knew Steve from accounting was that into hip-hop?
Why It Works
- Boosts team spirit and encourages interaction.
- Can be tailored to fit corporate themes and branding.
- Professional and polished, yet fun and engaging.
Private Parties
Birthdays, anniversaries, or retirement parties can all be improved with dueling pianos.
DJs and live bands will struggle to match the interactivity offered by dueling pianos, especially when these expert musicians switch up genres, matching the music to the audience and their energy.
They can take live requests, which means the party will keep going.
Why It Works
- Perfect for intimate gatherings and large parties alike.
- Live music that’s interactive and tailored to the crowd.
- Fun singalongs and musical battles that get everyone involved.
Bar Nights and Nightlife Events
There are nationwide dueling piano bars with reputations built on incredible dueling piano nights.
A dueling piano performance can make any night out an interactive spectacle of music and fun.
Why It Works
- High-energy shows that pack the house.
- Interactive format encourages audience engagement.
- Great for boosting nightlife and bar traffic.
Fundraisers and Charity Events
For fundraisers and charity events, dueling pianos can make people feel more involved in the evening. By loosening up the crowd, you can encourage participation and donations.
Dueling pianos can even turn song requests into donation opportunities, with the guests paying more to prioritize their requests.
Why It Works
- Engages the crowd and encourages donations.
- Creates a lively atmosphere that drives participation.
- Customizable song choices to match the theme of the event.
Top Dueling Piano Performers in the US
There are plenty of great dueling piano performers across the country. Here are just a few that you should look out for.
Howl2GO by Howl at the Moon
Howl at the Moon is a chain of dueling piano locations, and its traveling division, Howl2Go, can be hired for events.
- Nationwide availability for private events.
- Professional-grade sound and lighting setup included.
- Interactive performances with audience song requests.
- Perfect for weddings, corporate events, and large parties.
Typical Cost: $2,600 to $3,600, depending on event size and location.
Pete's Pianos to Go
Pete's Pianos to Go is the mobile version of Pete's Dueling Piano Bar in Texas. They specialize in weddings, private parties, and corporate events. If you're organizing something in Dallas, try looking for piano classes near me to connect with local pianists.
- Available throughout Texas and surrounding states.
- High-energy performers with a massive song catalog.
- Great for interactive entertainment and audience participation.
- Perfect for lively weddings and private celebrations.
Typical Cost: Starts at $2,000, varies by event size and travel.
The Killer Dueling Pianos
The Killer Dueling Pianos offer a full-blown interactive experience. Their shows are filled with humor, musical battles, and audience-driven playlists.
- Available in all 50 states.
- Fully customizable setlists and interactive games.
- Great for fundraisers, weddings, and corporate parties.
- Skilled entertainers with a focus on audience engagement.
Typical Cost: Ranges from $2,500 to $5,000 based on location and event size.
Keys on Main Roadshow
Keys on Main's traveling act, Keys on Main Roadshow, brings the same energy and experience to private events. A popular name on the West Coast, it's worth looking into for your next event.
- Available for travel up to 200 miles from their home locations.
- Equipped with digital grand pianos and professional sound systems.
- Specializes in weddings, corporate events, and private parties.
- Audience-driven setlists and interactive engagement.
Typical Cost: Between $2,500 and $5,000, depending on travel and event duration.
Windy City Dueling Pianos
As the name suggests, these dueling pianos are based in Chicago. If you're nearby you might also look for piano classes near me to find instructors or performers.
However, they also perform throughout the Midwest.
Their talented pianists and crowd-driven setlists are filled with everything from classic rock to modern pop.
- Midwest-based with travel options available.
- Perfect for weddings, corporate events, and fundraisers.
- Interactive shows that encourage singing, dancing, and requests.
- Well-established reputation with excellent client reviews.
Typical Cost: $1,800 to $4,500 depending on event type and location.
Hiring Dueling Pianos
Hiring dueling pianos involves logistical and financial considerations, especially if you want to go smoothly. Here's what you need to consider before choosing it for your next event.
Book Early: Popular performers can book out months in advance.
Confirm Equipment Needs: Ask if the performers bring their own pianos and sound system.
Clarify Travel Requirements: If your event is outside their base city, travel fees may apply.
Request Custom Playlists: Let the performers know your event theme and favorite songs.
Prepare for Interaction: Encourage guests to bring song requests to make the night even more special.
The Cost
No two dueling piano performances are the same; many things will affect the cost. These factors include:
- Event Type: Weddings, corporate events, and fundraisers often have different pricing structures.
- Duration: A typical dueling piano show lasts between 2 to 4 hours. Longer events may increase the cost.
- Travel and Accommodation: Additional travel and accommodation costs may apply if you're booking performers outside of their home city.
- Equipment and Setup: Some performers bring their own equipment, while others may require the venue to provide sound systems and pianos.
Typical Price Range:
- Small Private Parties: $1,500 – $3,000
- Weddings and Corporate Events: $2,500 – $5,000
- Large Events and Fundraisers: $4,000 – $7,000
Location and Travel
It isn't easy lugging pianos across the country. The further your performers will have to travel, the more you'll likely pay for them. Across the country, there are a few major hubs where many dueling piano performers are based.
- New York City, New York
- Chicago, Illinois
- Los Angeles, California
- Austin, Texas
- Nashville, Tennessee
Equipment Required
Some dueling piano performers bring all their own equipment. Others may require that you or your venue provide certain equipment. Here are some of the things you need to make sure your performers or venue will have:
- Pianos: Most dueling piano groups travel with their own digital pianos that replicate the sound and feel of grand pianos.
- Sound System: A high-quality sound system with speakers and microphones is crucial for audience engagement.
- Lighting: Proper stage lighting enhances the experience and creates a concert-like atmosphere.
- Stage Setup: For larger venues, a stage is recommended for better visibility and sound projection.
However you go about it, you and your guests won't be disappointed with a dueling piano performance.
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