Les Smith (Elton John) and Leo Frantz (Billy Joel) perform Piano Man at the conclusion of Friday night’s Face to Face concert at the cultural centre. – Stephen Dafoe Photos
After a catered dinner by the Green Bean Coffee House and Bistro filled their bellies, about 220 Billy Joel and Elton John fans had their musical souls filled with the songs of the two piano men. Tribute performers Les Smith (Elton John) and Leo Frantz (Billy Joel) brought their Face2Face show to the Morinville Community Cultural Centre Friday night.
The two-hour show started with Frantz’ take on classic Billy Joel songs, including You May Be Right, Honesty, Big Shot, as well as some of the artist’s lesser known B sides. Not only did Frantz replicate Joel’s sound; he had the performer’s mannerism and shtick down pat as well, a task made easier by the fact Frantz bears more than a passing resemblance to Joel.
Smith entered the stage just prior to the intermission to join Frantz on a Billy Joel number, and then performed a number of Elton John songs to start the second half, numbers including Benny and the Jets and Leon.
The duo closed the show by trading lyrics on songs from the two performers’ respective catalogues. Don’t Let the Sun Go Down On Me, Piano Man and Goodbye Yellow Brick Road were all enthusiastically received by those in attendance.
