The String Showdown
Interactive Dueling Music Show
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Introducing The String Showdown, a thrilling dueling string act led by Greg Byers and Mike Lauer. Join them on a melodic journey spanning multiple decades and genres. From the groovy tunes of the '60s to today's chart-toppers, The String Showdown's versatile repertoire guarantees an unforgettable experience for every audience. Greg's mastery of the cello and Mike's enchanting guitar work create a solid foundation for their effortless vocal harmonies.But the String Showdown is more than just a performance; it's an interactive, humor-infused spectacle that ensures audiences of all ages remain thoroughly engaged and amused.
From taking requests to live karaoke, they tailor each performance to their crowd's desires. Professional yet wildly entertaining, The String Showdown is the go-to act for those seeking a unique musical adventure.
More interactive than a band, more exciting than a DJ, more unique than dueling pianos… The String Showdown is about to be your new favorite act for corporate events, fundraisers, festivals, and more!
>> Career Highlights
• Minnesota State Fair
• Wisconsin State Fair
• South Carolina State Fair
• Mall of America
• WE Fest
• Treasure Island Casino
• Grand Casino Hinckley
• Amery Fall Festival
• Paradise Center for the Arts
• Polk State College
Corporate Clients include:
• 3M
• Josten's
• Ardent Mills
• Royal Bank of Canada
• Affinity Plus FCU
• Avera McKennan Hospital & University Health Center
• Essentia Health
Individual Bios:
Mike Lauer grew up in Hutchinson, Minnesota studying classical violin. In high school he began writing music and improvising with his friend Eric Radloff which led him to attend Minnesota State University Moorhead to pursue a degree in Jazz and Studio Studies with an emphasis in Guitar. During those years he developed a strong love for jazz and was honored to win several regional awards and scholarships as well as share the stage with many great musicians. After college, Mike moved back to Hutchinson and served as the director of Music and Worship at Faith Lutheran Church. Soon, Mike found himself on stage with George Maurer as well as Justin Ploof and the Throwbacks. In 2015, Mike and his wife Wendy moved to North Minneapolis and Mike began working in a similar role at Central Lutheran Church in Elk River, Minnesota. In recent years Mike has served as a music director for Rhythmically Speaking, a dance studio in the Twin Cities. When not performing music, Mike works as the Assistant Brewer at Bobbing Bobber Brewing Company.
Greg Byers, M.M. uses his talents as a performer, composer, educator and producer to share the joy of music with a diverse range of audiences. His relationship with music began at 2 1/2, when he first studied cello in the Suzuki method. In 2008 Greg became the first person in the history of University of Miami to graduate Summa Cum Laude with a double major in Instrumental Performance/Studio Music & Jazz on cello and bass. Since then he has performed on BBC Two (Later... with Jools Holland) and Univision (Latin GRAMMYs). The winner of the International Journalists Award at the 2020 Seifert International Jazz Violin Competition, Greg was named a Global Music Initiative Artist-in-Residence at MacPhail Center for Music in 2021 & 2022. He is also the recipient of numerous grants, including the 2017 Artist Initiative Grant, the 2020 Next Step Fund and 2022 Creative Support for Individuals. He currently teaches cello at Carleton College and directs a Video Game Music Orchestra at MacPhail Center for Music. In his spare time, Greg practices Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and plays with his rescue cats.
>> Testimonials
"The String Showdown put on a great show, comical and very musically talented!"
- Washington Pavilion
"We heard great feedback from our attendees on how fun and interactive The String Showdown was, they loved it! They can expect to hear from us again soon!"
- South Dakota Municipal League
"These two talented musicians rocked the house... string style!" - Pipestone Performing Arts Center
"Wow! I was blown away last night by The String Showdown's performance in Rock Springs, Wyoming! Their talents are amazing and the variety of music and styles was a treat!"
- Broadway Theater
"They were amazing, I wish we booked them for a longer time!
- BankIn Minnesota
"Everyone had such wonderfully amazing things to say about the performances! TOP NOTCH! We would definitely like to see you again here at Grand Casino Hinckley!"
-Grand Casino Hinckley (MN)
"It was a fun night! The String showdown was great and they adjusted to whatever our crowd wanted!"
-Ranco Fertiservice, Inc.
"Greg & Mike were amazing. Everyone had a blast!! Thanks for all your help getting us set up."
-Northwest Bank
"(String Showdown) layering of their instruments was wonderful... In the space of an hour, they urged so much versatility from the strings.”
-City Newspaper
"Easily one of the top improvising string duos on the planet today."
-Christian Howes
>> Basic Set-Up Needs
The following set-up information is suggested to provide your audience with the best performance possible:
•A stage the size of 16 ft. X 20 ft. is ideal for the performance (although, larger is always better!). The String Showdown offers an interactive show and audience members are invited on stage to participate during the performance. The absolute minimum space required is 12 ft. X 12 ft.
•The stage should be set as close to the audience as possible with care taken to keep seating in front of the stage as much as possible.
•Having a secure and private room (dressing room) near the performance area is extremely helpful to store personal belongings, etc.
•Artist provides their own sound and lights for most settings. Please ensure electrical outlets are located near the performing area.
>> Sample Introduction
The following is a sample introduction you might use when introducing The String Showdown to your audience:
“Introducing The String Showdown, a thrilling dueling string act led by Greg Byers and Mike Lauer. Join them on a melodic journey spanning multiple decades and genres. From taking requests to live karaoke, they tailor each performance to their crowd's desires. Professional yet wildly entertaining, The String Showdown is an interactive, humor-infused spectacle that ensures audiences of all ages remain engaged and entertained."
>> Pricing Information
Pricing for each act varies depending on a number of factors including: location of the event; popularity of the date; routing for each act; type of event; single or multiple day performances; length of show, etc. To get a specific and accurate quote for your event please contact our office by completing the form below or calling (612) 361-6002. We respond very quickly to answer all our clients' questions.