What Are Dueling Pianos?

Asheville has no shortage of fun. From more outdoor activities than you could do in a lifetime to more restaurants and bars than you could visit in a thousand years or several lifetimes, Asheville absolutely has it all. When we say, "Asheville has it all," we really mean all, everything, even dueling pianos.

You may or may not have heard that Asheville has dueling pianos. We have them here at Off The Wagon Dueling Piano Bar. Now that you know our city has a dueling piano bar, we are going to answer your next question, What Are Dueling Pianos, and tell you why you need to put visiting our dueling piano bar at the top of your list of fun things to do in Asheville.

A Brief History of Dueling Pianos

As a form of art and entertainment, dueling pianos date back as far as the late Nineteenth Century. Clubs and bars would feature at least two baby grand pianos, and ragtime musicians would literally duel to see who could play the tunes and melodies the fastest and most accurate. The acts would draw in and enthrall the patrons with whimsical, continuous entertainment.

In the 1930s, a New Orleans establishment called Pat O’Brien’s Bar opened, prominently featuring dueling pianos as the centerpiece of entertainment. In a city synonymous with music and fun, fantastic musicians would relish the honor of showcasing their skills in the fast-paced musical artform.

The crowds pressing in among them would issue requests on cocktail napkins and the players would let it rip. The patrons would sing along at the top of their lungs and all depression-era worries would be forgotten, albeit for a while. Dueling pianos became less about the battle between musicians, and more a conquering of boredom and sadness by music and fun.

For some reason, the prevalence of dueling pianos waned in the middle part of the Twentieth Century, but fortunately, it was resurrected in Dallas with the opening of a local establishment. Word spread again about how entertaining such an establishment could be and soon over 200 similar venues opening throughout the country.

Why Open a Dueling Piano Bar?

Why open a dueling piano bar in Asheville? Because Asheville deserves to experience entertainment enjoyed by so many over the last century and a half. There is no better place for a dueling piano bar than Asheville. We have the perfect eclectic mix of music and drinks to enjoy dueling pianos and experience the time-honored tradition.

We have been around Asheville long enough to see a once sleepy community become a vibrant city full of culture and art. We wanted to add to that legacy by bringing something new to the area but tested by time as being thoroughly entertaining.

Why You Need to Visit ASAP

Do you like to have fun? Do you like music? Do you like quality drinks and excellent customer service? Again, do you like to have fun? Then you should visit Off The Wagon Dueling Piano Bar. Our musicians have a massive repertoire of songs to rock your socks off. Our drinks are second-to-none. Our staff is part of the fun! As if you need any more reason to visit, we are perfect for all kinds of gatherings, including:

Bachelor and Bachelorette Parties
Reunions of Family and Friends
Special Occasions and Anniversaries
Business Outings
Birthdays and Holiday Parties
Honoring Returning Military Families
Anytime you want to have the time of your life

You do not have to wait for a special occasion to have the time of your life. Whether you are visiting Asheville, or you have been a resident all your life, you cannot go wrong by visiting Off The Wagon Dueling Piano Bar. For more information about how to get here and start the fun, visit our website.

More in this category: « 12 Things that Are the Epitome of Nostalgia in Asheville The Best Places for Your Bachelorette Party in Asheville, North Carolina »

22 N Market St, Asheville

Effective 7 July 2022 with NC Senate Bill 470 and NC House Bill 768, we are no longer a private bar. We are a bar and open to the public! No more membership required to come party with us!