88 Keys on the Road - Blog

by Sharon Planer, Pianist for Parties

Pianist for Parties puts aside her piano music and glides out into the great outdoors!

Planer says, "With fresh snow on the ground and the temps above zero degrees, I strap on my cross country skis and take off. The brisk winter air and rhythm of motion clears my mind. My senses are awakened to the occasional sound of woodland creatures stirring, the sight of glistening snow crystals, the feeling of cool air entering my lungs. When my toes start turning cold, I know it is time to head back. I return home with renewed energy and fresh ideas to put to use in my life and in my music."

What do you think? Is cross country skiing better on groomed trails? Or is it better to blaze your own trail?

by Sharon Planer, Pianist for Parties

February in the Twin Cities started off with a blast of a party with live piano music, food, games!

Frigid Minnesota temps created a cold blast outdoors, but the celebration indoors at the Marriott was hot!

The goal of this annual corporate kick off was to keep the guests on the move with a variety of entertainment. My job was to create an upbeat atmosphere with energetic piano music throughout the evening. Knowing that the client favored 80's music, it was easy to accomplish a fun atmosphere with plenty of Elton John, Billy Joel, Prince songs.  I was informed that the boss was especially fond of 'Cherry Bomb', so I made sure to play that song! The guests were delighted with an array of buffet stations and game stations. Shouts of elation could be heard throughout the evening as guests competed at pool or worked on trying to create the Giant Jenga Tower without destroying it. The Wii sports games, the Connect game, and the Electronic Basketball kept the guests coming back for more fun. 

For you event planners out there that want to know where to rent these fun games, just go to Fun Jumps Entertainment. This company did a fantastic job getting everything set up and ready to go in a short amount of time. I give them high accolades! As you can well imagine, it took a lot of organization on the part of the hotel to ensure this event was a success. The Marriott Minneapolis West provided exceptional service!

I could tell by the engagement of the guests that the person in charge of planning this event definitely aced it!  She combined the elements of live music, fun games and great food for a rollicking good time for the guests!

by Sharon Planer, Pianist for Parties

Minnesota Wedding Pianist available for hire at Breezy Point Resort.

Weddings are a 'breeze' at Breezy Point Resort! As the couples stopped by my booth at the Breezy Bridal Fair this weekend to inquire about music for their summer weddings, I had to use my imagination to conjure the vision of summertime at Breezy Point! Indeed, I know it well...weddings are stunning here in the summer! Ceremonies take place on the beach or beside the flowing brook at Antlers. Receptions are held in either of the lovely ballrooms. Destination weddings don't need to involve air flight. Many of the couples I met with were from the Twin Cities and wanted a Minnesota destination wedding 'up north'. I love playing for weddings at Breezy Point!