HISTORY

Where It All Began

Did you know that the concept of "dueling pianos" was pioneered by women at Pat O'Brien's in New Orleans back in 1937? Yes, the founders were remarkable women who laid the groundwork for all piano bars that followed. These trailblazing ladies have inspired generations, and we proudly stand on their shoulders.

The Evolution of Piano Entertainment

Since the era of the original divas at Pat O'Brien's—which remains a vibrant venue to this day—piano bars have evolved and spread across the globe. Our sisterhood has expanded internationally, making us a unique minority in a predominantly male industry. In 1986, a group of talented men and women launched Dallas Alley Cats in Dallas, Texas. This innovative take on piano entertainment became a viral sensation that's still thriving and growing today.

The Unique Edge of Female Performers

Over the years, women have joined piano entertainment teams worldwide, bringing an unparalleled edge to the stage. Many of us are not only performers but also songwriters who create and showcase original music. Some of us excel in solo shows, utilizing the sing-along concept adapted from the dueling piano model. It works, and women make it exceptional.

A Global Sisterhood

In this age of information and social media, we have united like never before. We've shared stories, encouraged one another, and learned from each other, forging a unique sisterhood that spans continents.

Annual Conferences

Our journey of unity led us to begin annual conferences starting in Las Vegas in 2019. After a brief pause during the pandemic, we resumed in 2022 with a wonderful gathering in Chicago. We unleashed unforgettable performances in New Orleans in 2023, rocked Las Vegas in 2024, and we're headed to Nashville in 2025!

Join Our Community

We invite you to explore our stories, biographies, and contact information. Our roster is a continuous work in progress as we constantly discover new talented ladies in the industry. We aim to include everyone, so please visit our ROSTER FORM to get connected!

History is Being Written

We are actively shaping history with the help of the incredible women and men who pioneered piano bars and those who continue to innovate in the industry.

Piano Entertainment: A Rich History

What is a Piano Bar?

A piano bar, also known as a piano lounge, features a professional pianist playing a piano or electronic keyboard in venues like cocktail lounges, hotel lobbies, restaurants, or cruise ships. Patrons often tip the pianist for song requests, traditionally written on a beverage napkin. Some piano bars have a grand piano surrounded by stools, creating an intimate and interactive atmosphere, while others have a bar encircling the piano.

Notable Figures in Piano Bar History

Many renowned musicians began their careers in piano bars. Jimmy Durante started as a piano bar player. Billy Joel's classic hit "Piano Man" is based on his experiences playing in a piano bar. Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli also performed in piano bars to fund his singing lessons.

The Essence of Piano Bars

Theatre historian John Kenrick describes piano bars as a unique blend of performance space, social hub, and saloon. The pianist sets the tone for the evening, creating an unpredictable yet enchanting experience that depends on the crowd's chemistry and participation. The pianist's role is crucial—they determine the music style, performance approach, and overall ambiance of the evening. An experienced piano bar player knows how to engage the audience and keep the energy flowing.

Types of Piano Bars

Instrumental Only: The pianist plays instrumental music—classical, jazz, or easy listening—without vocals. This type is often found in hotel lobbies or fine dining establishments.

Musician Sings: The pianist sings along to their playing, usually without audience participation. Examples include venues like Carousel Piano Bar & Lounge.

Musician and Waiters Sing: Both the pianist and the wait staff perform, adding layers of entertainment.

Sing-Along: Patrons join in singing popular songs, creating a communal experience. It's a social venue for singing standards, show tunes, pop, and rock.

Dueling Pianos: Two pianists engage in a musical "duel," filled with humor and audience interaction. This format often includes a wide range of music genres played by request. The concept is based on the dueling piano shows at Pat O'Brien's Bar in New Orleans.

Open Mic: Audience members are invited to sing solo performances accompanied by the pianist, similar to karaoke but with live music.

Combination: Some venues offer a mix of the above formats, catering to diverse audiences.

One-Man Band: The musician uses electronic keyboards with built-in accompaniments to emulate a full band, popular in Europe and Asia.

Dueling Pianos: The Modern Phenomenon

Origins and Evolution

Dueling Pianos, also known as "sing-along," is a form of entertainment featuring two grand pianos played by professional musicians who sing and entertain. The format originated in 1986 at Alley Cats in Dallas, Texas, inspired by the dueling piano shows at Pat O'Brien's Bar in New Orleans. While literal dueling pianos date back to the late 1890s with ragtime players competing, the modern incarnation focuses on audience participation and humor rather than competition.

The Show Experience

A typical dueling pianos show features two to four pianists who take song requests from the audience, often accompanied by tips. The pianists perform a wide array of music genres, including rock and roll, classic rock, Top 40 hits, R&B, and country. Patrons can request songs, college fight songs, or even have someone brought on stage for special occasions like birthdays or bachelorette parties. The pianists engage the crowd with comedic routines and interactive bits, making each show a unique experience.

Audience Interaction

Audience participation is a cornerstone of dueling piano shows. The pianists encourage singing, clapping, and even playful bidding wars between patrons requesting songs. They may perform "calldowns," where an audience member is brought on stage and gently teased in a light-hearted manner. Comedic bits often involve teaching the crowd actions or responses to certain songs, enhancing the communal atmosphere.

Commonly Requested Songs

Songs requested at dueling piano bars span various genres. Some popular choices include:

  • "Don't Stop Believin'"
  • "Piano Man"
  • "Tiny Dancer"
  • "Great Balls of Fire"
  • "Bennie and the Jets"
  • "Sweet Caroline"
  • "Friends in Low Places"
  • "Baby Got Back"
  • "Paradise by the Dashboard Light"
  • "Hotel California"
  • "Brown Eyed Girl"
  • "Joy to the World"
  • "Bohemian Rhapsody"
  • "The Devil Went Down to Georgia"

Many pianists pride themselves on their ability to perform unexpected songs from genres like hard rock and rap, adding to the show's excitement.

The Players

Dueling piano players come from diverse backgrounds, including solo piano bar performers and keyboardists from various bands. Currently, there are between 300 to 400 dedicated dueling piano players in the U.S., with the number growing as the popularity of this entertainment form increases. Our community includes over 191 members in the Facebook Female Duelers Group and nearly 1,000 in the Dueling Piano Players group.

An Ever-Growing Community

Piano bars, in all their forms, are not fading away anytime soon. Adaptability and versatility, coupled with talented performers and stellar support staff, make this concept a lucrative business and a fun place to work. We are constantly learning about new ladies in the industry and aim to include everyone. Our roster is a continuous work in progress, and we encourage all female piano entertainers to join us by filling out the ROSTER FORM.

Be Part of Our Story

We are actively shaping history with the help of the incredible women and men who pioneered piano bars and those who continue to innovate in the industry. We encourage you to become part of our narrative by connecting with us and sharing your own stories.