Dueling performance

No two shows are the same.

That’s the variety that comes with Dueling Pianos International, an entertainment group performing Saturday at Jay County Fairgrounds.

Coordinated by Jay County Cancer Society, the show begins at 7:30 p.m. at the Bubp building.

Jay County Cancer Society board member Elasha Leonnartz noted this is the third year Dueling Pianos International has performed for the organization in Jay County.

“It’s a lot of fun, very interactive,” she said. “They get the whole crowd involved while they’re performing.”

Jason Scarcelli, founding member and CEO at Dueling Pianos International, explained the dueling pianos concept started in the 1980s in Dallas, Texas. It first gained recognition in restaurants and nightclubs in resort towns, vacation destinations and college towns.

According to the company’s website, the idea is simple: put two musicians with two grand pianos on a stage, and add a room full of people.

“Dueling pianos can kind of be summed up like this: it’s an all-request, rock and roll, sing-a-long, drink-along, laugh-along, clap-along, comedy piano show that makes the audience the stars of the show,” Scarcelli said.

The form of entertainment’s popularity exploded in 2006, recalled Scarcelli, who has worked in the business since 1999. Dueling Pianos International ventured into the private market at that time, performing for nonprofit organizations, universities and corporate entities at fundraisers, galas, wedding receptions and other events. The company also books about 500 to 600 shows a year. (Most shows are in the United States, with about 40 to 50 performed in other countries, such as Mexico, Switzerland or Europe.) About 40 to 50 shows are also performed for the United States Army and Navy.

The Association of Campus Activities named Dueling Pianos International as Performer of the Year in 2011.

“Our events are really, really great for fundraising events because the dueling pianos concept incorporates tip jars into our performance,” Scarcelli explained, later clarifying they don’t use tip jars at corporate events. 

“The guests … put money down with their song request, they bring it up to the pianos, and we play the songs based on how much money was presented.”

All tips from Saturday’s event will go to Jay County Cancer Society, which will use the proceeds for cancer patient care. Jay County Cancer Society reimburses patients for out-of-pocket costs related to their treatment. When the nonprofit organization first started in 1965, it reimbursed up to $200 for patients’ medical needs. Today, that amount has increased to $2,500 annually.

“It’s just amazing, and it’s all due to our community’s support,” Leonnartz said.

Although fundraising is incorporated into the show, Scarcelli noted the performance isn’t centered on tipping. There are windows built into the performance meant to encourage folks to donate toward the cause, but the overall show focuses on entertaining the audience.

“We developed an amazing roster of veterans of the dueling pianos concept,” said Scarcelli. “First and foremost, these guys are entertainers. Above everything else, they know how to entertain people. That’s what dueling pianos is all about.”

“They’re good piano players, they’re good singers,” he continued. “But again, above everything else, the guys are there to entertain and show everybody one heck of a great time.”

Advance tickets are available at Strohl Appliance and Electronics for $25 or at the door for $30. The doors open at 5:30 p.m. Saturday. In addition to the show, there will also be a cash bar provided by Greazy Pickle and concessions from Ryzone’s Food Truck, Wendel’s BBQ Products and The Scoop Station. 

To learn more or book a show with Dueling Pianos International, visit duelingpianoshows.com or call (800) 700-7464.

More information about Saturday’s event is available on Jay County Cancer Society’s Facebook page.

“In order to know what a dueling pianos performance is all about, the best way to figure that out is to just go to a show and be ready for a great time,” said Scarcelli.

“No two shows are the same,” he added.