There’s really only one thing that the duo Pianopalooza agrees on: They’re not afraid to make fools of themselves for the sake of the show. Tony Bohnenkamp, 37, and Jared Hall, 32, both of Des Moines, have been wheeling pianos across town performing request-driven sing-a-longs for imbibers in various venues in and around Des Moines.
Though the popularity of these rock ’n’ roll piano shows has grown exponentially in the past few years with the opening of two piano bars in town (Grand Piano Bistro and Blue Moon Dueling Piano Bar & Restaurant), Bohnenkamp and Hall are the originals, having been ground-layers for the trend six years ago when the management of Fratello’s introduced them and suggested they team up. The two – then complete strangers to each other – met at Zanzibar’s to discuss an action plan over coffee.
The two have been dueling ever since. So in that spirit, we have asked the two to go head-to-head in an interview. Here’s what transpired:
What was your first impression of Hall?
Bohnenkamp: Jared looked a little bit like a scientist, kind of, except with cool clothes. He had round glasses. My first impression was, 'This is the guy she’s setting me up with?' I found out we had similar ideas about bands and music, so it ended up working OK. I don’t know if I’ve ever even told him that.
Hall’s rebuttal: I do not have round glasses any more, but I am still going for the crazy scientist look. We did find out we had similar tastes in music, although he still hasn't played me any recordings from when he was in a band called 'Lunchbox.'
What animated character is Bohnenkamp most like and why?
Hall: Mr. Clean, because he always cleans up our gig situations and deals with any mess that may happen. Oh yeah, and also the hairstyle.
Bohnenkamp’s rebuttal: I have nothing to add. That seems very appropriate, because I am bald.
As performers onstage, what is the most outrageous thing you guys have seen?
Hall: An entire room of college students in an over-crowded piano bar, and a fight breaks out right in front of the pianos. Tony tried to help break it up, and I tried to speak about Ghandi over the microphone.
Bohnenkamp’s rebuttal: That is absolutely a true story. I have nothing to add to that, except that I got hit by a beer bottle while I was trying to break up the fight. That happened in Iowa City and it was hilarious – after the fact.
If you could sum Bohnenkamp up in a song, what song would it be and why?
Hall: “Tequila Sunrise.” Enough said.
Bohnenkamp’s rebuttal: I also have nothing to add to that.
What animated character is Hall most like and why?
Bohnenkamp: I would say he’s probably the most like Underdog, and it’s not because of his appearance at all, though they’re both short, height-wise. If you saw him in a bar you wouldn’t know he’s the guy who would be up on stage and who would melt your face with his musical abilities. You don’t really see him coming.
Hall’s rebuttal: Yes, we do have an obvious height difference, almost like Penn and Teller. We did do a photo shoot once, and the photographer asked me to stand on a stool. Why didn't they ask him to sit down?
What’s the most embarrassing moment you’ve seen Hall endure while on stage?
Bohnenkamp: I think he fell sleep at the piano once in Iowa City. When we first started playing, we drank Jaeger bombs like they were about to stop making Jaegermeister. We had just started doing the dueling pianos and hadn’t figured out our limit. I think one night he passed out at the piano in Iowa City. I was inebriated myself, so I may be mis-remembering that. I’m almost positive that happened.
Hall’s rebuttal: I don't seem recall any of that.
What sets Pianopalooza apart from the rest of the duos around town?
Hall: I think we bring a lot of experience to the table, both with our duo and from playing in several other musical groups. We also have strong personalities that are very different from each other, which I feel come out on the stage. We aren't afraid to make fools of ourselves for the sake of the show; we lost our egos a long time ago.
Bohnenkamp: I’m definitely not afraid to make an ass out of myself when necessary. Self deprecation is a good tool I have in my bag. I don’t care what anyone says about me, and I use that to my advantage.
What other people are saying...
nanjean from Atlantic - July 01, 2009 at 9:11 PM
You guys are great....glasses, bald or whatever.....keep up the terrific work...Nancy
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