Renowned pianists Chris James Gootherts, Spencer Brewer, Elena Casanova and Wendy DeWitt will bring a one-of-a-kind performance to the KROC Center Theater on Friday, Sept. 18.

The four musicians are close friends who have performed together for 33 years, bringing four unique styles to sold-out theaters across the country. In "One Piano, Four Pianists," the seasoned performers exchange banter and stories between musical selections.

“It’s well received everywhere we’ve done it,” Gootherts said. “It’s like watching a combination of a concert and an improv show because when we walk on stage, we’re not exactly sure what we’re going to say to each other, but it always gets laughs.”

Gootherts, Brewer, Casanova and DeWitt began performing together in Ukiah, Calif., and later brought the show to the Seattle area when Gootherts lived there. Four years ago, Gootherts relocated to Coeur d'Alene and decided to produce the show locally. His friends and fellow musicians are flying in to join him next week.

Leading up to the performance, the group will practice very little, if at all. The show is always improvised.

“I always have the structure, but I don’t stick to it,” Gootherts said. “As a jazz musician, it is said there are no wrong notes.”

Gootherts has been a musician since age 7 and has performed alongside artists such as Dave Brubeck and Stan Getz. Although he eventually left a full-time music career for the corporate world, he continued playing at Masses in local churches, a practice he maintains in Coeur d'Alene. Gootherts brings a mix of jazz and pop classics, along with contemporary jazz, to the upcoming show.

Brewer, an acclaimed soundtrack composer, was the brains behind the show's beginnings in Ukiah. His compositions have been featured in films and television programs, including "Home Alone 2," "L.A. Law" and "Sex and the City." He also composed the score for the award-winning documentary on racism, "The Color of Fear."

“His style is the hardest to describe,” Gootherts said. “The best way to describe it is storytelling through music.”

Casanova is a Cuban-born, classically trained pianist who specializes in Cuban classical music. Gootherts said he, DeWitt and Brewer are all awed by Casanova's technical mastery.

DeWitt specializes in boogie-woogie piano and is the only one of the four pianists who also sings.

“I don’t know how she does what she does with her left hand,” Gootherts said. “It’s amazing.”

Throughout the show, each pianist will showcase distinct talents, with a few possible duets mixed in. Gootherts promises an exciting encore, with all four pianists playing the piano at the same time.

Gootherts is excited to bring the unique performance to Coeur d'Alene and is confident local audiences will embrace it. He hopes to make the show an annual event and incorporate local pianists in the future.

"One Piano, Four Pianists" will be held at the Midge & Pepper Smock Family Theater at the KROC Center on Sept. 18 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Tickets are $29.50 and are available at showpass.com/four-dueling-pianists/

    Spencer Brewer
  

    Elena Casanova
  

    Wendy DeWitt