Minnesota natives Dave Eichholz and Ted Manderfeld are looking forward to a return trip to Rochester this weekend. The duo — best known throughout the country as the Deuces Wild Dueling Pianos— first took to the stage in Rochester nearly 10 years ago. Now they're back, celebrating their 1,000th show together at Rookie's Sports Grill in Bar, 1517 16th St. S.W., on Saturday.
For those who've never been to a Dueling Pianos performance, it's a "clap-along, sing-along, laugh-along, drink-along, high-octane party show," Manderfeld says.
Eichholz describes their act as a marriage between Dane Cook and Billy Joel — "a mixture of stand-up comedy and musical performances that are surprisingly good," he says.
The key to each show's success, both Eichholz and Manderfeld say, is a lively audience. The Vegas-style show is set to begin at 9:30 p.m. Saturday, and depending on crowd enthusiasm and participation, it could go on until the bar closes.
"If you've seen us before, come out for all the new stuff," Manderfeld says. "If you haven't, come out and give us a chance. It'll be like no show you've ever seen."
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Tickets are $8 at the door.
Take a pull from the fishbowl
Before the spotlight shines on the dueling duo, friends, family, co-workers and all who wish to show their support will gather to benefit Dean Scrabeck.
Scrabeck, 43, is an employee at D&R Star in Rochester. He was diagnosed with terminal cancer in April. To help pay for Scrabeck's medical bills, his co-workers at D&R will host a benefit for him from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday at Rookie's.
In addition to a dunk tank, karaoke DJ and other events, there will be a fishbowl raffle drawing every hour featuring family-friendly gift baskets. There will also be a silent auction featuring a CD jukebox, sporting event tickets and more.
Something to sip on
Attention craft-beer lovers and Leinie loyalists: Celebrate one of America's oldest breweries — the Jacob Leinenkugel Brewing Company — Saturday at the seventh annual Leinie Lodge Family Reunion in Chippewa Falls, Wis.
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Mingle with members of the Leinenkugel family, tour the brewery, enjoy food and beer samples, live music and more from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Leinie Lodge, 124 E. Elm St. — the site where it all started for the company in 1867.
Just before the event wraps up, members of the Leinenkugel family will lead a toast to celebrate the 15th anniversary of Leinenkugel’s Honey Weiss — the brewery's No. 1 selling beer.
The event is free and open to the public. The first 100 guests will receive a complimentary Leinie's gift.
