Aria Madrid Contributed photo

NOTE: This event has been canceled.

The area’s first Dueling Pianos show featuring Julia Chisholm and Aria Madrid is scheduled to be presented at 8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 10, in the front room, first level at 49 Franklin, at 49 Franklin St., in Rumford. Doors will open at 6 p.m. for social, pub menu and first come seating.

Owners Scot and Cindy Grassette mentioned, “49 Franklin in Rumford has been idled to public events since March 2020.” They have been hanging on and will feature this special performance as their first in 18 months, according to a news release from the Grassettes.

Julia Chisholm

Since the late ’80s, the dueling piano format has been wildly successful. It succeeds because it is a unique form of live entertainment that directly engages the crowd with music and comedy, unlike any other band or comedian. Two grand pianos are center with a team of outrageously talented pianists that seem to know every song ever written. Each show is unique because it’s all requests. You or your friends might possibly get called up for a bit of good-humored fun and unforgettable moments. Common requests include “Sweet Caroline,” I Want to Dance With Somebody,” “Wagon Wheel,” “Brown Eyed Girl” and “Bohemian Rhapsody.”

Chisholm, a Boston native, is a singer, songwriter, and self-taught musician. Performing from a young age, she developed her unique artistry through listening to strong female vocalists such as Aretha Franklin, Mariah Carey, and Adele. Chisholm picked up her first instrument, the violin, at age 8, and later taught herself piano, drums, bass, and guitar, but her voice soon became her favorite instrument.

Madrid started playing piano when she was only three years old. She is a talented piano instructor, and teaches in her home in New Hampshire.

Chisholm and Madrid will be playing indoors in accordance with current CDC recommendations.

Tickets cost $20 and may be available at the door, the venue only accepts cash payments. Tickets are available online at 49franklin.com and also at the venue and at All That Jazz on Congress Street.

For more information, visit them online, email info@49franklin.com or call 207-369-0129.