Crocodile Rocks: Rollicking Fun
By Christina Knauss
Take two pianos, two musicians and two club levels full of people having a great time, and what do you get?
A night of entertainment unlike any other on the Grand Strand, and it's available only at Crocodile Rocks.
Since 1995, this club with its "dueling pianos" format has been one of the biggest draws in the Celebrity Square entertainment area at Broadway at the Beach. There's not a time of year when the place isn't packed - workers say the crowds are often as good during the winter as they are during the peak season of summer. What's the draw? Live music, a chance to sing along, and an interactive, friendly party atmosphere that everyone can enjoy.
The format is simple. Two pianists perform at a time, offering up a mix of time-honored classics, audience requests and newer selections. They throw in a little comedy, add an hourly performance with a full band, and spend plenty of time encouraging the audience to sing along.
General Manager Michael Lanske said the show begins each night at 8 p.m. and continues until closing around 2 a.m. He said there is a rotating staff of seven pianists, with two performing every hour.
The pianists must have command of an extensive repertoire in order to perform at Crocodile Rocks. There are the standards, called "bullet songs," which are requested over and over again - titles like "Piano Man" by Billy Joel, Elton John's "Crocodile Rock," "Great Balls of Fire" by Jerry Lee Lewis and Van Morrison's "Brown Eyed Girl."
The musicians also have to be prepared to take requests that can include everything from the latest Britney Spears Top 40 single to vintage country and western tunes. And usually, if they don't know the song, they're so skilled they can figure out at least a few notes to keep people happy.
The job involves a lot more than just knowing how to sing and play piano.
"The hardest thing is keeping everything straight - you have tons of requests, 'call down' where you announce birthdays and anniversaries, club promotions, a song with the band at the top of every hour, club promotions - it's controlled chaos," said Mark Kaufman, a Grand Strand native who has played at the club since it opened. "It's hard. You can be the best musician and singer and still not be good at this job. You have to learn how to do it, how to entertain in this format."
Crocodile Rocks is a favorite for bachelorette parties, as well as college graduations, birthdays, anniversaries and parties for troops returning from deployment overseas, Lanske said.
"We get people 21 to 91 in here, and they play something for everybody - rock to jazz and R&B," he said. "It's sick how talented these musicians are."
Performers from other parts of the Grand Strand occasionally show up to join the pianists. Lanske said recent appearances have included cast members from the "Rat Pack" show at the Palace Theatre, cast members of the musical "Stomp" and the Rod Stewart tribute performer from "Legends in Concert" in Surfside Beach.
If you want seats at one of the long tables on the main floor in front of the stage, show up early - they're often filled shortly after the doors open. Those who can't get table seats can stand at one of the large bars or on the second level. Very large groups should make reservations 24 hours in advance.
Crocodile Rocks offers a menu of appetizers and sandwiches, and a full bar.
Admission to Crocodile Rocks also gets you into Revolutions and the Blarney Stone Pub and Cigar Bar.
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