Joel Henry, founder of The 88 Dueling Pianos Show, is a vibrant and exceptionally talented musician and vocalist, bringing his own distinctive style of dueling pianos to your event. With a delightful blend of passionate musical performances and unabashed antics, Joel never fails to satisfy the cravings of his audiences for both great music and endless fun.
Joel’s musical journey began at the tender age of five when he was introduced to his mentor, Fanny DiDomenico, who played a pivotal role in his classical music development over the next thirteen years. Reflecting on those formative years, Joel fondly remembers an important lesson from Mrs. D: to always stay focused and deliver your best performance, no matter the distractions. This valuable insight not only shaped his musical prowess but also became a guiding principle in all aspects of his life.
As the years rolled on, Joel’s musical prowess continued to evolve. He expanded his education by delving into the world of jazz, exploring popular music, and crafting original compositions. It was during his college years that he truly blossomed into the versatile musician he is today. Joel jests, “If there was a degree program for enjoying Jack Daniels and mastering the art of socializing, you’d find my face on the syllabus,” before adding, “but in all seriousness, the pursuit of a college degree was a close second to the journey of self-discovery that many of us embark upon in those years. For me, the answer to the age-old question of ‘What will I do when I grow up?’ was crystal clear: music.”
After college, Joel embarked on a brief but enlightening journey performing with Carnival Cruise Lines. Upon his return home, he reconnected with old high school friends who had become accomplished musicians. It was through these friends that Joel met Todd Cutshaw, a figure who would profoundly influence his professional career. In Joel’s own words, “Todd is not just my mentor; he’s a lifelong friend. He played a pivotal role in helping me secure my first dueling piano gig at JD’s Key Club in Pontiac, Michigan, and continued to champion my career by making phone calls and going to great lengths to keep me working. Todd is not only a musician’s musician but also one of the most captivating entertainers you’ll ever have the pleasure of watching.”
Pete’s Dueling Piano Bar
Five years after landing his first gig, Joel joined Pete’s Dueling Piano Bar in November 2004, and since then, there’s been no looking back. “Pete’s is the ultimate,” Joel proudly declares. “I was grateful every day to be surrounded by the best in the business. I often woke up and pinched myself to make sure I wasn’t dreaming. Being a part of Pete’s Dueling Piano Bar was a tremendous privilege. And when my mom watched me perform with pride, I knew I’d already achieved success.”
Find The 88 Show on Gigmasters and GigSalad
Located in the vibrant heart of the Fort Worth/Dallas Metroplex, The Eighty Eights Show offers an authentic Texas dueling pianos entertainment experience that is second to none.
You can find The 88 Show on Gigsalad. Our show is more than just a live musical performance; it’s an engaging, interactive experience that can enhance any event, regardless of its size. From timeless classics of the ’50s to today’s chart-topping hits, our request-driven dueling piano show is tailored to your audience’s musical preferences, encouraging sing-alongs and dancing.
As the owner and lead entertainer of The Eighty Eights Show, I’m excited to work closely with you to provide unforgettable entertainment for your event.
At The Eighty Eights Show, audience participation is our trademark. This isn’t just another event; it’s YOUR party! Our live musical performances span generations and genres, but the real magic happens when we interact with you, creating a one-of-a-kind celebration that’s uniquely yours. Witnessing the smiles on everyone’s faces during and after the event is why we do what we do, and we can’t wait to make your event just as memorable.
