Piano-Guys-2

The Piano Guys are all kinds of fun (and talented inspiration)

It is rare to go into an arts event with such excitement but only limited knowledge on what to expect. That was exactly the scenario I found myself in this past weekend, when my delightful…

It is rare to go into an arts event with such excitement but only limited knowledge on what to expect. That was exactly the scenario I found myself in this past weekend, when my delightful 11-year-old daughter (a pianist since age 5 and composer since 9) accompanied me to see The Piano Guys at the Taft Theater. We have been fans of the American musical group — consisting of pianist Jon Schmidt, cellist Steven Sharp Nelson, videographer Paul Anderson, and music producer Al van der Beek — since they burst onto the musical scene via YouTube in 2010. Their unique piano and cello compositions combine classical, contemporary and rock music into beautifully textured mash-ups brought to life via professional-quality videos shot in inspiring locales throughout the world. While we have enjoyed their music videos, we could not quite conceptualize how they would perform live on stage. Well, no need to wonder, because the self-professed “four dorky guys” brought the house down with their unbelievable talent, creative showmanship and non-stop humor…truly an evening of inspirational fun.

From improvisation to well-practiced solos and duets to full ensemble numbers with guest performers (including local artists), The Piano Guys showcased their genuine love of music and each other. Embracing the audience as another performance element, they create an environment that draws on the energy of the crowd and encourages them to play specific roles throughout (clapping, singing and more). Their affection for one another is evident through both subtle and overt interplay, but always with a healthy respect for an audience of all ages and a focus on delivering a humor-filled evening (you will never listen to Pachelbel’s Canon the same way again).

They take musical innovation to a new level — sometimes to the point of the absurd — through their creative use of every part of their instruments and the integration of instruments long-forgotten, like the harpsichord and talk-box. It lends them an air of the “Greatest Showman.” They also take the time to explain the science behind the instruments and what makes them special and/or unique. While their play on Christina Perri and Coldplay are fan favorites, their performance of “Gabriel’s Oboe” (from the 1986 film “The Mission”), integrated with the hymn “How Great Thou Art,” is the best representation of their personal mission — to remind us all that spirituality and music are close cousins, willing us to open our minds to emotions and possibilities.

Perhaps the most delightful and inspirational part of the evening was their sincere support of younger, aspiring artists. They clearly remember and appreciate their roots, taking the time to reach out to the budding musicians in the crowd and empathize about the long journey of learning to play an instrument and reaching for that pivotal moment when you truly “learn to fly” through perseverance and hard work. With a rallying cry of “Don’t Give Up” and a gentle push to appreciate the parents and teachers who make it possible, The Piano Guys went beyond a great show to pure inspiration when my daughter leaned over during their mash-up of “Fight Song” & “Amazing Grace” to say, “You’re my hero, Mommy.” So thank you, Piano Guys, for being my superhero and making a difference to everyone who was listening.

For those who missed the show in Cincinnati, there are still many shows remaining on their 2018 Tour. It is well worth the journey. Our family will certainly be looking to future opportunities — next time with both of my musicians in attendance.

Christi Geary is the proud mom of two girls (8 and 11), best friend and wife of her husband Brian, and an Associate Director at the Procter & Gamble Company focused on shopper innovation insights and analytics. She enjoys and participates in art of every kind, feeds an insatiable curiosity for learning, pursues different forms of exercise when she can find the time to balance out her foodie predilection (highly recommend DanceFix and Pilates Reformer), and delights in spending time with family and friends.