The String Showdown
Interactive Dueling Music Show
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Musical luminaries Greg Byers and Ginny Luke collide in The String Showdown, a sensational dueling strings performance. Join them on a melodic journey spanning your favorite decades and musical 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 Ginny's enchanting violin work create a stunning foundation for their effortless vocal harmonies.
The String Showdown is more than just a performance; it's an interactive, humor-infused spectacle that's captured the attention of audiences across the country. They incorporate the crowd's desires into each performance using live karaoke, their Applause-O-Meter and other musical shenanigans. Professional yet wildly entertaining, The String Showdown is the go-to act for those seeking a unique musical adventure.
>> Career Highlights
• Love Is Blind (Season 8)
• 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
About Greg Byers:
Greg Byers uses his talents as an instrumentalist, vocalist, music producer, and entertainer 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. His performing and recording credits include Terence Blanchard, Geoffrey Keezer, Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Dr. John, Fred Wesley, Steve Miller, Kat Perkins, Turtle Island Quartet, Los Claxons and more.
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.
About Ginny Luke:
Ginny Luke is a dynamic and versatile performer, with gripping vocals and world-class musicianship. Equally as comfortable in concert halls and massive arenas, Ginny has performed alongside some of the biggest names in the music industry.
Born into a musical family, Ginny began her musical career at age 3, beginning training in classical violin, piano and dance in Germany and moving to Iowa at age 5. Her virtuosity was quickly established when she debuted at Carnegie Hall at the age of 16, recorded for Snoop Dogg at 17, and established her touring career alongside GRAMMY-award winning artist Meat Loaf at 20.
Ginny's impressive list of credits includes artists such as Britney Spears, The Foo Fighters, Stevie Wonder, Snoop Dog, Black Eyed Peas, Finneas, J.Cole, Miguel, Daniel Caesar, Hozier, Dave Matthews Band, Kenny Loggins, Avril Lavigne, Miguel, Iggy Azalea, Nicki Minaj, Shawn Mendes, and others. Ginny has performed on the Tonight Show, the American Music Awards, the TODAY Show, the Seth Meyers Show, and the Latin GRAMMYs.
>> Testimonials
"Loved it; the audience was very engaged throughout. They are really nice and incredibly personable. They listened to each audience member who wanted to chat with them after the show. Best concert we’ve had in a while!"
-Great Falls Concert Association
"We loved the concert! Their energy was off the charts. Their technique was incredible when they jumped off the stage to perform out among the audience patrons. Their jokes were very entertaining and engaging throughout as well! I would highly recommend The String Showdown to any community!!"
-Grand Island Concert Association
"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
"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
Below is a sample introduction you may use to introduce The String Showdown to your audience:
"Musical luminaries Greg Byers and Ginny Luke collide in The String Showdown, a sensational dueling strings performance. spanning your favorite decades and musical genres. Professional yet wildly entertaining, The String Showdown is the go-to act for those seeking a unique musical adventure. Please welcome to the stage The String Showdown!"
>> 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.