What is dueling pianos?

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Dueling pianos is an interactive, all-request live music show built around two piano players and the audience. Guests request the songs, sing along, get involved and help determine where the show goes.There’s no set playlist and no canned performance. Every show is different because every audience is different.

 

What kind of music do you play?

 

A little bit of everything. Rock, pop, country, oldies, ’80s, ’90s, 2000s and current music.Because the show is request-driven, the music changes depending on the audience. Our job is to read the room and play what works for the people in front of us

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What types of events do you perform?

 

We perform weddings, corporate events, fundraisers, private parties, country clubs, conferences, community events, breweries, wineries, distilleries, restaurants and public ticketed shows.

 

Do you provide the pianos?

 

Yes. We bring two portable baby grand piano shells with professional electronic pianos.Even if your venue already has a piano, we generally use our own. Our instruments are designed to work together with our sound system, stay in tune with each other and give the show its signature face-to-face setup.

 

How do you get two pianos into a venue?

 

Pretty easily.Our baby grand shells are specifically designed for mobile events. Everything breaks down and can fit through standard doors, hallways and elevators.If your venue has stairs, a difficult load-in or limited access, let us know ahead of time so we can plan accordingly.

 

How much space do you need?

 

For our standard two-piano show, we typically need a performance area of at least **10' x 10'**.Adding drums or guitar requires a little more room, but we’ve designed our setup to be flexible and can fit the show into just about any venue. If space is limited, let us know what you’re working with and we’ll figure out the best setup.

 

Do you provide your own sound system?

 

Yes. Our standard sound system includes two 12" front-of-house speakers, stage monitors and a digital mixing system.Because everything runs through our sound board, we can control the entire mix and keep the volume comfortable when it needs to be or rockin’ when it’s time to turn things up.For larger crowds and venues, upgraded 15" front-of-house speakers are available for an additional fee.

 

Do we need to provide a stage?

 

Not necessarily.We perform on stages when they're available, but a stage isn't required. A flat, level performance area works just fine for many events

 

How long does it take you to set up?

 

We typically plan on approximately 90 minutes for load-in, setup and soundcheck.Events with more complicated access, larger production requirements or additional musicians may require more time.

 

How long is the show?

 

Our shows can run up to three hours, but we’ve found the sweet spot to be about **two and a half hours**.That gives us plenty of time to build the room, take requests and turn the show into a party without overstaying our welcome.We can work with you to determine the best show length based on your event and schedule.

 

Do you take breaks?

 

Generally, no.We prefer to keep the show moving once we get started. Depending on the length and structure of the event, there may be times when a break makes sense, but most of our shows run straight through.

 

Can you perform during dinner?

 

We can, but dueling pianos works best when the audience is able to participate.For events that include dinner, speeches, awards or presentations, we'll work with you to determine where the live show fits best in the schedule.

 

Can you provide background music when you're not performing?

 

Yes. Background music can be added to your event for an additional fee.This is a great option for cocktail hour, dinner or other portions of the event before the live show begins.

 

Can you make announcements or emcee our event?

 

Yes. With advance notice, we can handle introductions, announcements and other emcee duties related to your event. For weddings, this can include wedding-party introductions, special dances and other traditional reception moments. For corporate events, fundraisers and private events, we can incorporate scheduled announcements, introductions and other important moments into the evening.

 

Do you play weddings?

 

Yes. Weddings are a major part of what we do. We can provide music for cocktail hour and dinner, handle introductions and special dances, emcee the reception and then transition into the live dueling pianos show.

 

Do we need to hire a DJ too?

 

No. With advance notice, we can provide emcee services for announcements, introductions and other important moments during your event.If you also need DJ services for portions of the event when the dueling pianos show isn't performing, those can be added for an additional fee.

 

Can we give you a list of songs we want played?

 

Absolutely. If there are specific songs that are important to your event, we ask that you provide them **at least 30 days in advance** so we have time to make sure we're prepared. For weddings, we ask couples for up to five must-play songs and five do-not-play songs. Beyond that, we recommend allowing the all-request format to do what it does best and letting your guests help shape the show.

 

How do song requests work?

 

Guests submit requests throughout the show and our entertainers use those requests to build the performance in real time. We don't simply play requests in the order they're received. Part of what makes a great dueling pianos show work is knowing which song to play, when to play it and where to take the room next.

 

Do you put out tip jars?

 

It depends on the event. For nonprofit fundraisers, song requests can be tied directly to donations, and 100% of the money collected in our tip jars goes back to the organization. We do not solicit tips at weddings, corporate events or other events where doing so would be inappropriate.

 

How does dueling pianos work for a fundraiser?

 

Very well. Guests can make donations with their song requests, which creates an easy way to keep people involved and giving throughout the event. Requests can also turn into friendly competitions between guests, tables or groups.For nonprofit fundraising events, 100% of the money collected through our tip jars is donated back to the organization

 

Is the show appropriate for corporate events?

 

Yes. We tailor the show to the audience and the type of event. A corporate dinner, awards banquet or conference doesn't require the same show as a Saturday night at a bar. We can also incorporate company information, recognize employees or sponsors and work around presentations, awards and other parts of your program.

 

Is the show family-friendly?

 

Yes. We regularly perform weddings, corporate events, fundraisers, community events, country clubs and other events with guests of all ages. We read the room and tailor the interaction and material to the audience in front of us. If your event has specific content requirements, just let us know in advance.

 

Can you add a drummer?

 

Yes. Our **Gimme the Beat Boys** package adds live drums to the two-piano show for a bigger, more band-like sound. We also offer expanded configurations with additional musicians for events that want an even larger production.

 

Do you travel?

 

Yes. We're based in the Charlotte area and regularly perform throughout **North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, Tennessee, Georgia and Florida**. We travel throughout the Southeast and can go anywhere else for weddings, corporate events, fundraisers, private parties and other special events.

 

Can you perform outside?

 

Yes, provided the performance area is completely protected from rain and other weather. Our pianos, sound system and other equipment are electronic, so adequate weather protection and safe electrical power are required.

 

What electrical power do you need?

 

Our standard setup generally requires **two standard 120V outlets on separate circuits** near the performance area. That provides power for our pianos, sound system, stage monitors, lighting and other production equipment while distributing the electrical load between two circuits. For larger productions with additional musicians, sound or lighting, we’ll let you know in advance if additional power is required.

 

Are you insured?

 

Yes. Uptown Dueling Pianos carries liability insurance and can provide a Certificate of Insurance when required by your venue.

 

When do you arrive?

 

Arrival time depends on the event and venue, but we arrive with enough time to load in, set up and soundcheck before guests arrive or before our portion of the event begins.We'll coordinate the schedule with you or your venue in advance.

 

Can you work with our event planner or venue coordinator?

 

Absolutely.We're happy to communicate directly with your planner, venue or production team about load-in, setup, power, scheduling and other logistical details.

 

How do we book Uptown Dueling Pianos?

 

Contact tim@uptownduelingpianos.com with your date, location and event details.We'll confirm availability, answer any questions you have and send you a quote with the options that make sense for your event.