By Ben Rodgers
Staff Writer
ASHWAUBENON – Two guys, two pianos, and a whole lot of music to enjoy.
That’s what the N.E.W. Piano Guys promise to bring to their show on March 16 at the Ashwaubenon Performing Arts Center.
As the venue doesn’t lend itself to audience requests, Peter Hernet and Dan Rafferty combed through piles of previous requests from all their other shows to come up with a special set list.
“It’s everything from Jim Croce to Elton John to Billy Joel to Bob Seger, and each one of those artists have 20 songs of their own that are great,” said Hernet.
The duo didn’t want to ruin the surprise of what they’ll play, but one thing is certain, they are going to need some help from the audience.
“In essence we don’t have a drummer up there, so the audience clapping, they’re our percussion,” Hernet said. “The audience are our drummers and our backup singers. We need them as much and they need us.”
With dueling pianos more fun can be had when more people interact with the music. That will be the case for the March 16 show.
“We want them engaged, having fun, and the way we designed the show is going to afford them ability to jump out their seats and do that,” Rafferty said.
But the most exciting thing for the duo for this show isn’t the music they will play, but the people they will help.
“With a portion of all ticket sales going to CP, that’s what we’re most excited about,” Rafferty said. “The giving with CP didn’t have to end with their telethon this last weekend.”
The two called CP the gold-standard for a community-based organization in the area and are excited to be able to help.
“The biggest thing that we found is CP touches the community in such a large way in the fact that they’re able to help so many different types of people with so many tried-and-true services they have for everybody,” Rafferty said.
This year the 65th annual CP Telethon raised more than $1.4 million, a new record for the group.
Rafferty and Hernet are happy they get a chance to help raise funds after the big showing of support.
“We’re part of their family, how they think of us and how we think of them,” Hernet said.
The N.E.W. Piano Guys will take the stage at 7:30 p.m. March 16 at the Ashwaubenon Performing Arts Center.
Tickets are $25 for reserved seats.
Tickets available in advance locally through Ticket Star at 920-494-3401 or in person at their offices inside the Resch Center at 1901 S. Oneida St.
Tickets also available online 24/7 at AshwaubenonPAC.org.