YouTube sensations The Piano Guys make their City National Civic debut on Friday, June 27, 2014. (Tickets are on sale as of Dec. 14, 2013.)
Hailing from Utah, The Piano Guys became an Internet sensation by way of their immensely successful series of strikingly original self-made music videos. They’ve made over 35 since joining forces in early 2011, including their hit video, an innovative 10-handed version of One Direction’s “What Makes You Beautiful.”
But it’s the Guys’ highly original blend of classical music with pop that has really been the cause of an Internet phenomenon that brought them to their major label self-titled debut album released on Sony Masterworks in 2012. This release was followed by two more in 2013: their sophomore album, The Piano Guys 2 and a newly released holiday album, A Family Christmas, both available now on Portrait, an imprint of Sony Masterworks.
Over the last year, The Piano Guys have performed everywhere from The Tonight Show with Jay Leno to The Today Show and Katie. Their third album, A Family Christmas (in stores now), is also available as a deluxe set that includes a bonus DVD of their hit holiday music videos, plus a classic Yule Log video featuring all of the songs on the album.
Already a YouTube phenomenon from their focus on self-made innovative videos in stunning locations, the Piano Guys have amassed over 1.9 million YouTube subscribers—and more than a quarter-billion views.
Ironically, The Piano Guys, who got their name from a piano store in St. George, Utah, are a quintet featuring only two musicians – only one being a pianist. Store owner Paul Anderson devised a Facebook promotional page and a YouTube channel featuring well-established, self-described “New Age Classical” pianist Jon Schmidt, who teamed up musically with Steven Sharp Nelson, an innovative cellist.
Together, Schmidt and Nelson form the musical core of The Piano Guys, with Anderson – who has since closed the store – joining forces with genius co-videographer Tel Stewart in creating The Piano Guys’ videos. Al van der Beek, the fifth “Guy,” heads up the group’s studio operations, and also assists in co-writing and arranging, as well as percussion and vocal texturing.