Music With a Mission: Dueling Pianos Fundraising in Gastonia, NC

Tim and Kyle bring all-request dueling pianos to First Presbyterian Church in Gastonia for an afternoon of music and fundraising.

We know we provide the soundtrack to unforgettable nights and incredible events. We know we make people laugh, sing, and forget about their troubles for a few hours. But there's nothing that makes us happier than giving back to our community through music.

Since 2019, Uptown Dueling Pianos has participated in more than 100 fundraising events across the Southeast, helping raise tens of thousands of dollars through our tip jars for some truly incredible organizations. And sometimes, those opportunities take us somewhere a little unexpected.

Dueling Pianos at First Presbyterian Church

Over the summer, David reached out to us with an idea. As a member of the Giving Committee at First Presbyterian Church in Gastonia, North Carolina, he wanted to bring something different to the church's fellowship hall: a Sunday afternoon of music, laughter, and singalongs to help raise money for the committee's work.

We loved the idea! So Kyle and Tim packed up the pianos, the request slips, and headed to Gastonia for an afternoon of music with a mission.

Now, given the barroom history of dueling pianos, a church fellowship hall might not be the first place you'd expect to find two piano players taking requests. But one of the things we pride ourselves on at Uptown is tailoring every show to the audience.

A clean, upbeat, family-friendly performance? Absolutely. And that's exactly what we delivered.

Guests got in on the fun, taking the microphones for special musical moments throughout the afternoon.

From Johnny B. Goode to Hey Jude

From the opening notes of Chuck Berry's "Johnny B. Goode" to the final singalong of The Beatles' "Hey Jude," the two-hour performance was filled with music, laughter, and moments that felt good for the soul.

And the congregation wasn't content to just sit back and watch!

John treated everyone to an a cappella rendition of "Without a Song," while four members of the church choir stepped into the spotlight for special moments of their own.

David and Lynn joined us for Don McLean's "American Pie," Micah sang Jo Dee Messina's "Heads Carolina, Tails California," and Elise delivered "I Can't Make You Love Me."

Of course, it wouldn't be an Uptown Dueling Pianos show without a few unexpected requests.

"Pink Pony Club" made an appearance, marking the first time we'd ever played the Chappell Roan hit at a church event. There was plenty of Chicago, too, before someone decided to try to stump us with "Onward Christian Soldiers."

That's the beauty of an all-request show. You never quite know where the music will take you!

An afternoon of familiar songs, unexpected requests, and plenty of audience participation brought the First Presbyterian community together.

Turning Song Requests Into Something Bigger

Throughout the afternoon, Kyle and Tim collected requests and donations, ultimately raising $600 in their tip jars, with every dollar going right back to First Presbyterian Church.

For us, that's what makes these events so rewarding. The same songs that bring people together for an afternoon of fun can also help support organizations doing important work in their communities.

A huge thank you to David, the Giving Committee, and everyone at First Presbyterian Church for welcoming Uptown Dueling Pianos into your fellowship hall. We had a wonderful time, and we're grateful to have been part of your afternoon.

Every request helped make a difference! The afternoon's tip jars raised $600 for First Presbyterian Church's Giving Committee.

Bringing Music and Fundraising Together

From churches and schools to nonprofit organizations and community foundations, Uptown Dueling Pianos has been helping organizations across North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, and the Southeast turn fundraising events into memorable experiences.

Whether it's an elegant gala, a casual afternoon gathering, or a community celebration, we believe great entertainment and a great cause make a pretty powerful combination.

Planning a fundraiser of your own? Learn more about our dueling pianos fundraising shows and how we can help your organization bring people together through music.