Ruth Brown

A flamboyant mixture of comedy and music will come together through the River Rats Dueling Pianos to entertain and amuse the Brookings community for the first time on Oct. 16.

“We really are just a seat of the pants act,” said Jim Steinworth, of the Dueling Pianos. “We just go on stage and have a party.”

Steinworth and Steve Alm, who also plays the harmonica, will bring their outrageous musical comedy act from Mississippi to the stage of the Brookings Days Inn Convention Center at 8 p.m.

The Dueling Pianos bring two grand pianos on stage and play the crowds favorite requested songs. They play by ear and throw in some outrageous comedy throughout the show.

“We like to bring people up on stage and just have a good time,” Steinworth said.

According to his Web site, Steinworth started playing the piano at the age of four and took lessons at Hamline University under concert pianist James Bonn at age five. He was classically trained until age 12 and plays by ear.

“I was classically trained, but I really learned just through playing and listening to the music,” Steinworth said. “I like playing my way better, I just pick it up by ear.”

Steinworth said he really learned from listening to the radio and doesn’t even read music anymore. Although he has been classically trained, he prefers to play his favorites and make the crowd have fun.

“Everyone should just come out and have a fun time,” Steinworth said.

Steinworth said he encourages everyone to sing and clap along with the requests and sometimes brings people up on stage.

As his Web site reads, “It’s not karaoke, it’s not a band, it’s just live interactive musical comedy.”

Steinworth explained that he plays for a lot of corporate parties of about 300 to 400 people and is busiest around the holidays but he really enjoys playing the smaller comedy clubs like the show they will do on Oct. 16. They will also play for weddings, birthday parties, private parties, anniversaries and any other occasion that wants to have a good time.

Tickets for the show can be purchased from a manager at the Pavillion Bar and Grill. Single tickets are $10 and or an eight-seat VIP table is $140. VIP tables are closest to the stage and include benefits such as appetizers. Tickets may be purchased when the door opens at 7:15 p.m. until they sell out.

The show is only for people ages 18 and up, explained Angela Aspon, of the Brookings Days Inn.