Rising Stars: Meet Cactus Keys of Buckeye

Today we’d like to introduce you to Cactus Keys.

Hi Cactus, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
We began working together at a local piano bar in 2019, and quickly established the sort of chemistry that allowed us both to lean into our strengths while being supported by the other on stage. When COVID hit in 2020, our employer opted to not reopen the club, so we decided to partner up to create our own brand of dueling pianos entertainment. We’ve taken pride in our ability to showcase each others strengths and produce organically fun, engaging, and musical shows!

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
When it comes to making music and entertaining a crowd, working together comes as naturally as somebody shouting “freebird” during a bit of silence. The challenges we’ve wrestled with occur on the more administrative side of the music business. Neither of us are marketing experts, booking agents, or accountants. And there is a fundamental challenge of being both the talent and the salesman. Anybody who has experienced a Cactus Keys show recognizes the organic energy and joy we strive to create with our music and entertainment. We’re still growing when it comes to seeking new clientele and promoting our services effectively.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Dueling pianos has become a genre of entertainment for many people. Akin to karaoke. Or Axe throwing. Just like you might want to make sure that axe throwing spot has a decent insurance policy, or that the karaoke list is in the language you speak, the entertainers for a dueling piano performance have a massive impact in the type of experience you’ll have.

Joe can learn any song (within reason lol) in the time it takes Jef to get the crowd so engaged in singing Friend’s in Low Places that they don’t realize he’s holding a phone to his ear. Similarly, Jef can turn the worst song written (Man of Constant Sorrows, not up for debate) into a Taylor Swift fan’s new favorite song with his borderline-magical ability to make every audience member embrace the fun he creates.

What are your plans for the future?
We are launching The Cactus Keys Entertainment website soon where we will offer us as solo performances, duos with a drummer, our Dueling Piano Show, as well as themed interactive piano shows, currently we offer “Parrothead Pianos” which is a tribute to the music Jimmy Buffet and Yacht Rock, also we have Gen X Piano Party which is a 90 minute trip back to all things 80’s!

Pricing:

• $750 starting for bar gigs
• $1800 for a community event
• $2500for a private or corporate function.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.cactuskeyspianoshow.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecactuskeysduelingpianoshow
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/14JXMKQAqmX/
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@cactuskeysduelingpianoshow
• Yelp: https://yelp.to/z5ASEIe_yB