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The Anatomy of a Call-Down

Some of the most fun and memorable parts of our Dueling Piano Shows and Solo Piano Shows are the spontaneous call-downs we do.  "What's a call-down?" you ask.  Well I'll break it down for you.

 

  1. You (The audience) decide who you want to put into the spotlight.  For corporate events and parties, we ask ahead who the key players are and who we might enjoy being the center of attention for a few minutes.  For weddings, we love to bring up the wedding party (with the permission of the bride and groom first, of course).  And for our public bar or club gigs, we let the audience know they can write down someone's name and we'll bring them up.
  2. We find out if they're celebrating anything special - a birthday, anniversary, job promotion, bachelorette party, etc.
  3. We together a little ditty to serenade them.  Potentially as a couple, if it's an anniversary or something.  We may ask them to participate by playing along, or doing an interpretive dance or singing along.  All in good fun, of course, but it's always a fun part of what we do.

So be forewarned, that if you have some mischievous friends when you go to the piano bar, they may have you called up on stage for a little special attention :)

 

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Jon Li Jon Li

Inappropriate Mothers Day Songs

Sure, we could steer you in the direction of great songs to sing to your mother today, but we thought you might be better off if we provide a little PSA about what NOT to sing to your mothers today. 

  1. "Bohemian Rhapsody" by Queen
    As far as classics go, Bohemian Rhapsody is one of the best.  Such a great song to belt out after *clears throat* number of drinks.  Although, for one day of the year, you may want to hold off on singing to your dear mother
    "MAMA - Just killed a man!  Put a gun against his head.  Pulled the trigger, now he's dead."
    Just maybe.  She might not have to deal with harboring a fugitive today - lol ;)
  2. "Mama Said Knock You Out"  by LL Cool J
    Again, violence is probably not the most uplifting topic for Mother's Day and blaming it on the dear woman who birthed you / raised you / wiped your butt (or all of the above) might not be so endearing.
    "I'm gonna knock you out
    Mama said knock you out"
  3. "Mother" by Pink Floyd
    The whole song is thought provoking but dark, particularly the lines
    "Mama's gonna make all of your nightmares come true.
    Mama's gonna put all her fears into you."
    Yeah, maybe hold off on this one and sing it to her another day

Hope we've steered you in a better direction.  Happy Mother's Day to all Mothers today!

 

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