Dueling Pianos with Bonnie Mason and Aaron Buckner
BONNIE MASON is a classically trained pianist and singer from Ozark, Alabama. After earning her degree in music from FSU in 2001, she traveled the country performing until she landed in Portland, Oregon in 2004, where she was trained to play DUELING pianos, a fun, all request, sing-along show. It was at this club where she met and performed with Joel Mason, her recently deceased husband who has been one of Star Vista’s well loved performers for many years! You may recall seeing Joel Mason perform ZZ Twist, a tribute to ZZ Top, with Billy Kraus, my piano partner you may have seen last cruise on Malt Shop!
Bonnie has performed all over the world, recorded many solo albums and has had the honor of playing alongside with famous acts such as Lionel Richie. She has been a popular Las Vegas entertainer in dueling piano bars since 2005, representing the Las Vegas Entertainment Industry in Washington DC alongside Mayor Oscar Goodman in 2007. She has performed at NYNY, The Paris, Encore, Green Valley Ranch, Red Rock Casino, Caesar’s Palace, MGM Grand, Hard Rock Casino, just to name a few. She is currently at Las Vegas’ number 1 piano bar, Harrah’s Piano Bar, 4-5 nights a week, where she plays often with Aaron Buckner, her partner on this cruise! If you make a visit to Las Vegas, be sure to check out her schedule at www.bonniemason.net!
Based in Seattle, Washington, Aaron Buckner is a powerhouse entertainer that has been captivating audiences since the age of four, when he first sat down at a piano. A decorated pianist with numerous competition wins and scholarships under his belt, he went on to study music at the University of Washington. During college, he quickly became a sought-after rehearsal pianist, musical director, and pit musician for Seattle’s vibrant musical theater scene, all while playing piano at Nordstrom and mastering drums, guitar, and bass.
In 2009, Aaron dove into the world of dueling pianos, launching his career at Chopstix before joining Keys On Main in Seattle, Tacoma, and Salt Lake City in 2011. Since then, he’s earned a reputation as one of the Northwest’s most in-demand performers. Known for his charm, comedic timing, and magnetic stage presence, he has entertained crowds everywhere from small clubs to massive festivals and stadiums. With a repertoire of over 2,000 songs across countless genres and a natural flair for emceeing, Aaron brings the perfect mix of musicianship and showmanship to every event, keeping the party alive and the audience engaged from the first note to the last.