Short answer: our private shows rarely go beyond PG-13, and if you need them fully family friendly, we will keep them there without you having to ask twice. Content is one of the first things event planners and fundraiser organizers want to know about, and it deserves a straight answer rather than a shrug.
Here is how we think about it, and why a private show is a different thing from a bar show.
A Bar Show and a Private Show Are Not the Same Thing
If you have ever been to a dueling piano show at a bar, you may be aware of some of the language and content that gets thrown around. Having been a full time player at a local bar for nearly five years, I am very aware of that type of show. If that is the kind of performance you are looking for, a bar is probably the right place for it.
The distinction I keep coming back to is this: when somebody steps into a bar, they are making a conscious decision to enter that world, aware of the kind of content that can happen between 9pm and 1:30am. In our mobile show, we are stepping into your world. That flips the responsibility, and it should.
Where We Land at Private Events
When we perform for a fundraiser, birthday party, corporate event, or whatever it may be, I can tell you that we rarely go beyond PG-13. Honestly, I do not even like to go beyond PG-13 at these events, even if you want us to.
It is really about reading the crowd. Most of our private shows start between 7pm and 8pm and are usually done by 10pm. The people attending are there to be entertained and to support whatever cause or office party they were invited to. That is a different room than a bar at midnight, and it should get a different show.
How We Handle the Requests Designed to Test Us
Sometimes people request songs with overly foul language. I call these the “let us see if they will play this” requests.
Depending on where we are and what is going on, we might play it but edit out a lot of the harsh content. Sometimes it is actually more entertaining that way.
Here is the thing though. It is not the reputation of the person who requested the song that is on the line, because for the most part they are anonymous. It is ours. I want to be known as a company that provides an excellent time, can get a bit edgy, but does not go too far by being vulgar for the sake of being vulgar.
Tell Us What You Need and We Will Match It
Are we playing in a family environment? We can easily keep everything PG, and we will.
Are we playing an evening event with alcohol, for adults only? We might explore the fullest extent of going PG-13.
Side note: did you know you can use the F word once in a PG-13 movie? It is true. So be on the lookout for that one F bomb. Or not.
The Bottom Line
Generally speaking our shows are pretty clean, and we are not interested in taking them to an R rating. Trust me when I say we can put on a great show without using much profanity, or any. If content is a concern at all, I am always open to having that conversation before we book. You can also read more about how our dueling pianos shows work or check the frequently asked questions.
Planning an Event?
If you are considering dueling pianos for a fundraiser, corporate event, or private party, check availability and I will get back to you personally. Content, timing, and room setup are all things we can talk through in advance.