The Shell Game

What makes a really GREAT Dueling Pianos show?

There are certainly many opinions on this topic. Some would argue that the first ingredient is the visual OOMPH of a pair of Baby Grand pianos, glistening in the stage light. So, what happens when you have a Dueling Pianos show without them?

While it may be said that having a pair of imposing, black pianos on a stage creates a certain grandeur, the most important ingredient in your evening of entertainment is the performer, not the shell of his instrument. First, let me shatter a myth. There are NO dueling piano shows, anywhere in America, that use actual baby grand pianos. I know. Shocking. It's a bit of an illusion, I'm afraid. They are traditionally keyboards, housed in a piano shell, to provide the IDEA of a piano. Take away the shell, and all the industry-standard keyboards still sound the same. Why is it done that way? Simple. Keyboards never go out of tune, never break a string, are easier to transport, are lighter weight, and fit in many more places than a bulky piano ever will.

Here in the New York City area, where real-estate is at a premium, most bars and venues that host Dueling Pianos nights simply don't have the space to have two baby grand pianos in their establishment. They would take up too much room, and cost valuable seating. In fact, nearly ALL of the Shake Rattle & Roll shows in the tri-state area use only keyboards on stands, as you can see in the videos on our site.

So, does this make the show any less enjoyable? The evidence is clear. With over two years of sold out shows in Manhattan, performed for THOUSANDS of audience members, and never once with piano shells, maybe the emphasis is a little unnecessary.

For private events, shells can always be provided, though they do add to the cost of an event, with added cartage, storage and additional set up & breakdown. But don't feel that they are necessary to ensure the success of your party.

If you make sure that the performers are talented, funny, engaging and personable, then the audience will be entertained every time. The shells don't sell drinks in a bar. The shells don't make a crowd of bachelorettes want to sing any louder. The shells won't make you laugh after a long day, or inspire you to choo-choo to Proud Mary, or show you that AC/DC is, in fact, a piano-friendly band. No one has ever gone home and tweeted about the one-of-a-kind night they had with a piano shell. If a show is fun, it's fun. No amount of wood or lacquer can cover up a bad performance.

For samples of a Shake Rattle & Roll show, click here --- http://www.shakerattlerollpianos.com/#!video-of-the-week/c49j

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