The dueling pianos of KC Keys prove the best live music doesn’t require a setlist

July 6, 2026

Allison Scavo,

Dueling Pianos at Jazzoo. // photo by Allison Scavo

Most musicians spend hours crafting the perfect setlist before taking the stage. Kevin Coon’s bands, KC Keys and Dueling Pianos, show up without one. Dueling Pianos has built its reputation on unpredictability, turning audience requests into the foundation of every performance. No two shows are the same because no two crowds are the same.

One night might feature Elton John, The Beatles, and Ray Charles. The next could include country classics, modern pop hits, and a completely unexpected request for Juvenile’s “Back That A$$ Up.” Spontaneity is what makes both KC Keys and Dueling Pianos stand out.

Rather than performing a rehearsed sequence of songs, Dueling Pianos’ Nick Carswell and Kevin Coon react in real time, allowing the audience to shape the evening’s direction. The result is a performance that feels less like a traditional concert and more like a shared experience between the performers and the crowd.

At a Kansas City appearance during the Kansas City Zoo’s Jazzoo fundraiser, the duo opened with Elton John’s “Bennie and the Jets” before diving headfirst into a night of audience requests. Song suggestions came from every corner of the room, creating a musical journey that bounced across genres and decades.

Throughout their set, Dueling Pianos seamlessly mixed musicianship, comedy, and crowd interaction. Their quick wit is as much a part of the show as the music itself. Between songs, playful banter keeps the energy high and often becomes just as memorable as the performances. When one audience member requested “Free Bird,” the response was immediate: “We’re at the zoo. There are no free birds here!”

The hilarity segued into the next song, allowing the audience to do more than simply watch the show; they actively participated.

Requests become sing-alongs, celebrations become group events, and unexpected moments are embraced rather than avoided. During that same performance, the crowd joined in singing “Happy Birthday” to a guest, transforming a simple acknowledgment into a room-wide celebration.

That flexibility also creates opportunities for creativity. Songs with similar rhythms or themes can suddenly become mashups. Unexpected transitions can connect artists who have little business sharing the same stage. The format rewards quick thinking and a deep musical knowledge that extends far beyond any predetermined playlist. Kansas City has long embraced live music in all its forms, and Kevin Coon reflects that tradition while adding a uniquely interactive twist. Whether performing at weddings, corporate events, fundraisers, or private parties, his groups succeed because they understand that great entertainment isn’t about executing a perfect plan. It’s about reading the room, connecting with people, and creating moments that couldn’t have happened any other way.

In an era when so many performances are carefully programmed down to the second, KC Keys and Dueling Pianos thrive in the unknown. Every request is an opportunity, every audience is a collaborator, and every show is a reminder that sometimes the best live music happens when nobody knows what’s coming next.

We spoke with Kevin Coon about Dueling Pianos and what makes those shows special.

Dueling Pianos at Jazzoo. // photo by Allison Scavo

The Pitch: For those who have never seen Dueling Pianos in Kansas City, how would you describe the experience?

Kevin Coon: It’s an interactive show featuring two live pianists/singers. We don’t have a setlist; audience requests dictate the progression of the show

What first drew each of you to dueling pianos, and how did you and Nick Carswell become performing partners?

We began working together through a few different dueling piano companies. There’s a whole network of musicians who do this, so sometimes I get to perform with someone like Nick, with whom I have a lot of experience, and other times I may perform with someone I have little or no experience with.

Dueling Pianos at Jazzoo. // photo by Allison Scavo

Your shows are built around audience requests. What do you enjoy most about that format?

We never know what we’re going to play next!

How many songs do you think you have in your collective repertoire?

That’s a hard number to calculate. There might be thousands of songs I could fake, and sometimes I might get a request for a song I’ve never played before and have to learn it on the spot!

Is there a song that you’re surprised people still request at almost every show?

“Baby Got Back” and “WAP” are commonly requested songs. That said, they may or may not get played, depending on how professional I need to be for the gig [laughs]

What’s the most unexpected or unusual song request you’ve ever received?

We get a lot of weird requests, so it’s hard to pick one … someone once requested the Meow Mix song.

The comedy and audience interaction are just as important as the music. How did you develop that side of the show?

It’s very much something that I’ve developed over the years by performing at several piano bars across the US.

How would you describe the chemistry between the two of you on stage?

I’ve played with Nick for so long that we can just pick up on each other’s jokes and cues pretty quickly. This zoo show was fun because we were able to incorporate a lot of animal puns. They were groaners for sure, but as a new dad, some of those are my favorites [laughs]

Every audience is different. How do you read a room and decide where to take a show?

That’s the big difference between dueling piano shows and other acts. What we do on stage is dictated by how the audience feels, their demographics, and what they’re reacting to. Part of it is knowing when to lean into the sing-along songs and when to lean into the dancing songs.

What is the most memorable audience interaction you’ve experienced?

Personally, I played a solo show at a bar downtown while a global women’s a cappella competition was happening nearby. They came to the bar and sang along to every song I played. It felt like I had a choir of angels with me. It was beautiful, surreal, and like nothing I’ve ever experienced.

Dueling Pianos at Jazzoo. // photo by Allison Scavo

Are there any songs you secretly hope someone requests?

For me, I really like some classic Ray Charles tunes like “Hallelujah, I Love Her So” and “Hit the Road, Jack”. I am also a lifelong Beatles fan, so anything from them, especially their deeper cuts, is always a blast for me to perform.

How do you keep performances fresh when some songs are requested night after night?

Sometimes I’ll receive two requests with a similar rhythm or feel and realize, “Oh, these could go together!” And then I’ll end up mashing them up. Spontaneous moments like that are always a blast.

What inspired you to launch KC Keys?

I’ve been performing Dueling Pianos shows since 2016, and I felt like now is a good time as ever to start leaning into my own brand.

How has KC Keys evolved since its founding?

Lately, I’ve been trying to promote it more; make sure to check out kckeysmusic.com!

How has Kansas City’s music scene influenced your career? Kansas City and the surrounding areas have always been receptive to live music.

I began my music career writing and performing my own music around town. I then studied music composition and piano performance at the UMKC conservatory. Eventually, I realized my knack for dueling pianos while auditioning at a piano bar in downtown KC.

After all these years, what still makes you excited to walk on stage and sit down at the piano?

Bringing people together through music is something I will always cherish, and I’m grateful to make my living doing it!

All photos by Allison Scavo

Dueling Pianos at Jazzoo