About Dueling PianosDueling piano shows are request oriented, interactive sing-a-long shows wherein two piano players sit across from each other and trade songs. Everyone is drawn together by the camaraderie and nostalgia to form one large, synergistic party - swaying to the music and bellowing out familiar lyrics. This concept bases itself on the simple fact that everyone wants to participate and have a good time. Guests aren't just entertained by the piano players - they become part of the experience!
The dueling piano audience is used for the dueling aspect of the show. Audience members are pitted one-side-against-the-other. Examples of rivalries include country vs. rock, men against women, etc. Dueling piano shows are typically 90 to 120 minutes in duration - maximizing the players' energy and audience interaction. The show's focal point is a pair of pianos on stage. The piano players act as "ring masters". They're responsible for maintaining enthusiasm, keeping audience members involved in the show and maximizing laughs. Dueling piano shows often take unexpected turns. Tangents may include involving wait staff members, changing song lyrics or helping to celebrate a birthday. Our dueling piano entertainers sometimes also use props, costumes and other tools to get your crowd involved. Some play other instruments including horns, harmonicas, guitars, and drums. They get individuals and groups up to perform songs and dance around. There's no end to the crazy, zany things you may witness! And who typically enjoys dueling pianos? There are no boundaries. Dueling pianos appeal to all ages, creeds and colors. Dueling piano shows are the perfect entertainment for events ranging from birthdays to wedding receptions, anniversaries, conventions and bachelor or bachelorette parties. About Michael McCaslinThe founder, Michael McCaslin was born and raised in Boyne City, Michigan. Mike grew up active in the church choir and high school band and drama. After studying music at MSU, he worked a number of jobs including as a cable TV line technician and in a woodshop. Mike's first company, Halfstack Entertainment, and later Halfstack Solutions, was a DJ service focused on wedding receptions and school dances. Mike first started entertaining as a musician after watching Chris Martin, a Willie Nelson look a like and solo keyboardist and singer. Mike formed his own show and style following Chris' format. Through Mike's teens and early 20s, he performed solo all over Michigan. In 2001 while working as a cable guy and moonlighting at a pub in Traverse City, MI, Mike drove up the road and caught the end of his first dueling piano show as Billy McAllister and Smoking George Winters brought down a full house. That was the beginning of Mike's current career as a dueling piano player.
Mike now spends time with his two children and during the week sells custom-made mobile pianos out of a custom woodwork and metalwork shop located on his property. Mike enjoys the freedom of being self employed and the ability to be a stay at home dad. |