Felix and Fingers Dueling Pianos
- Chicago, IL
- Dueling Pianos
Marina G. said “The entire experience with Felix and Fingers was terrific. We couldn't have asked for a better performer than Calvin, who is so talented and was…”
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Dennis Elmer is a one-man band, playing familiar music with an infectious beat. It's all live--keyboard, vocals and drum. With a partner, Elmer's Tunes becomes Elmer's Dueling Pianos. Ask about this option for double the entertainment!
Caution: Your guests may spontaneously tap toes, sing along, or get up and dance. Or all three!
I really enjoyed the dueling pianos and engaged back and forth between Dennis and Austen. I look forward to future events. Definitely recommend to anyone.
Very fun entertaining time with a couple of talented singers/musicians.
How nice to just sit back and listen to all the songs you love with an entertainer who is witty, professional and just fun!! Love experiencing Elmer’s Tunes always!!
A great time! Songs were the best that all age groups enjoyed!
Response from Elmer's Tunes:
Thank you, Scott! I enjoyed my visit to Beef O'Brady's as well!
Elmer’s Tunes provided a great evening of music and fun! Dennis is very entertaining and talented. This was a Mardi Gras party, his music choices were perfect!! Can’t wait to share an event with him in the future.
I always enjoy attending and listening to Elmers Tunes. Great fun and interactive with the audience! A must listen to!!
Response from Elmer's Tunes:
Thank you, Lynn - see you again soon, I hope!
We were lucky enough to have attended a great event at which we got to enjoy this fun, energetic musical talent. Everyone got up to dance. Many joined in to sing along. It was truly a fun event. I’d book this talented musician anytime!
Response from Elmer's Tunes:
Thank you, Jennifer. I hope you'll come again.
What I enjoy about Elmer’s Tunes is the choice of fun songs and the easy going atmosphere he presents. Just sit back, have a glass of wine and relax to entertaining music!
Response from Elmer's Tunes:
Lori, I thank YOU for your the wonderful compliment.
We have listened to Dennis on several occasions. It has always been great entertainment and lots of fun for us. He is very entertaining, accommodating and congenial. Whatever your event is, I highly recommend him. I promise you won't be disappointed.
Response from Elmer's Tunes:
Gary, I'm always happy to see your smiling face! Thank you.
You can always count on a good time with Elmer and his tunes! He is very versatile and covers a variety of genres and musical themes. Highly recommend!
Response from Elmer's Tunes:
Thank you, Lisa!
Elmer's Tunes is a versatile, musical act with a large base of music styles and interest. Had a really fun time at the Halloween party.
Response from Elmer's Tunes:
I'm glad you enjoyed yourself, Helen. Thanks for your kind words!
Elmer’s Tunes is all about having a great time and connecting with the audience! He plays and sings all the favorites and even tells you some history behind the songs. Having live music is so wonderful at any event and Elmer’s Tunes is a hit with any age group!
Response from Elmer's Tunes:
Claudia, thank you for the kind words!
Elmer plays a variety of genres that are fun to listen. He likes participation and singing along. Music is easy to dance to. I always have fun at his events.
Response from Elmer's Tunes:
Thank you, Gary...and I have fun watching you dance!
I have attended many of Elmer Tunes events and look forward to many more. Elmer can make any event special and memorable. Highly recommend you have Elmer at your next event. You won’t be disappointed.
Response from Elmer's Tunes:
It's always great to see you here, Deb!
The music is really good. He plays to the crowd all genres for great music for everyone. His playlist is not fixed. He reads the crowd very well and plays what they want to hear.
Response from Elmer's Tunes:
Such a nice compliment, Roberta! Thank you so much.
Loved having live music as an alternative to a DJ at our party. Dennis got the party started with his costume and great set list. Entertaining and interactive. Highly recommend!
Response from Elmer's Tunes:
Thank you, Danielle!
Price Range: Typical $350+ for solo; $900+ for dueling pianos
Gig Length: 30 - 240 minutes
Typically, musician Dennis Elmer delivers 40-50 tunes chosen specifically for your event and your audience.
Dennis Elmer pre-selects songs that will complement your unique event. After consultation with the event planner, his program may include:
--Sing-along, because it's all about your guests
--High energy dance, because it's all about the dancers
--Technical dance. Let's cha-cha, rhumba, waltz, swing, ballroom, nightclub.
--Line dance, because there's a leader in every audience
--Pop, because bubble gum is good for the psyche
--Contemporary country, because the lyrics are meaningful
--Classic rock, because everybody remembers the hits
--Classic country, ditto classic rock
--Novelty (Let's have fun with the lyrics)
--Blues, because all of us have roots
--R&B. Elmer's roots are white skin and blue eyes, but he makes it work.
Rap. ABSOLUTELY NOT.
In the New Orleans of the 1960s, two “rights” stood high on the list of every New Orleanian – the right to party and the right to drink. I wasn’t a hearty party person, so I focused on the party music. It was everywhere. Al Hirt on trumpet; Pete Fountain on clarinet; Louis Armstrong, handkerchief in one hand and trumpet in the other. Traditional New Orleans jazz bands like Preservation Hall, the soul of Irma Thomas, funk with marching bands and the Neville Brothers, grit by Dr. John, and legitimate jazz by the Marsellis family. As a piano player myself, I became enamored by Ronnie Kole.
Circle back to the right to drink. At the age of 14 (maybe 13?) I remember on numerous occasions riding a public bus to Canal Street, walking a couple of blocks to the Court of Two Sisters lounge, and taking a seat as close to Ronnie’s keyboard as possible. (If anyone stopped me at the door, I flashed my fake 18-year old ID. No one questioned it because the bar had exercised “due” diligence before serving my drinks.)
My family moved to the suburb of Slidell, and that’s where I attended high school. During the summer prior to my senior high school year, I landed my first regular piano gig, weekends in the lounge of the Slidell Country Club. With a smile and my best piano style, I played my best 35 tunes repeatedly to the gracious audience, who rewarded me with frequent tips. (Slidell was a bit more serious about the drinking age, 18 at the time. They allowed me to play but not to drink.)
I played gigs on piano and on sax throughout high school and college. These included dinner-dance events, weddings, heavier and louder ‘60s Rock and Roll, and school events.
For many of us, the first job out of college doesn’t pay all the bills, so I supplemented by playing music on weekends. This period was the heyday of motel lounges in the suburbs. I took the bait and quit my day job to perform full time for Holiday Inn. It was fun, but eventually I decided to establish a traditional career track. I found myself working in radio, and in the early ‘80s I was one of a small team who introduced “Urban Cowboy” country music to New Orleans. WSHO was the first station in New Orleans to succeed with a country music format.
A career track in business led me to Nashville, the Music City. I got involved in playing at the Nashville Jazz Workshop, and with several bands for the revival of big band swing. Both experiences expanded my understanding of music theory and how it applies to the keyboard.
I never forgot the lesson I learned as a teenager, playing for adults at a sophisticated country club. Satisfying my audience is my most important job. At the end of the night, it doesn’t matter how well I think I’ve performed. I beam when I hear the compliment, “Thank you, because I’VE HAD A GREAT TIME!”
Requires 32 sq. ft. of flat, level floor space and access to standard AC power for our sound equipment.
With a repertoire of more than 500 songs, we have something for YOUR PARTY!
As either a solo act or with a partner as dueling pianos, we cover these hitmakers and more:
Bob Seger
Elton John
Jimmy Buffett
Journey
Kenny Chesney
Michael Buble'
Prince
Queen
Stevie Wonder
Van Morrison
...and more!
wow...where to start?
Alabama
Kenny Chesney
Harry Connick Jr.
Chicago
Eagles
Elton
Clapton
Buffett
Sinatra
Garth
Huey Lewis & the News
Jimmy Buffett
...other pop-rock, modern country, and nostalgia artists too numerous to name
Requires 32 sq. ft. of flat, level floor space and access to standard AC power for our sound equipment.
Marina G. said “The entire experience with Felix and Fingers was terrific. We couldn't have asked for a better performer than Calvin, who is so talented and was…”
Carl S. said “I used Riggs Entertainment to book two great bands, the Beale Street Flippers, and several other performers for a company event. Since I had never hired…”
DuBois Entertainment presents the "Dueling Doobies" a high energy, rock and roll dueling piano show! Part improv comedy, part show stopping music act…
I’m a comedian who tells jokes and writes funny hit songs! I’m currently out on tour opening for Vanilla Ice