courtesy of Two of Hearts

Carol B. Lyon, left, and Audrey Kaiser, right, make up the musical duo Two of Hearts.

Music from the Heart

by SARA D. PENNINGTON
reporter

They always say two is better than one, and that is especially true when talking about the musical duo Two of Hearts.

Carol B. Lyon and Audrey Kaiser make up the cabaret act known as Two of Hearts.

The duet will play a benefit for the Autism Society at 8 p.m. April 30 in the Joan C. Edwards Playhouse.

The benefit is hosted by the Autism Training Center. They are raising funds for a lending library in West Virginia. The library will contain books and educational videos for families with an autistic member.

"I believe we got connected with [the] cause by a couple we used to give private shows for in Charleston. They had an autistic child," Kaiser said.

The duo formed and began touring in 1980. However, Kaiser and Lyon were not always a duo.

"Carol was performing with a five-piece group in Boston and New York, and their piano player was leaving. I had just finished my undergraduate degree and thought the group sounded like a great opportunity," Kaiser said.

"Musical acts sometimes go their separate ways and people drift apart, so we reformed the group," she added.

The group then became Carol and Sandy, a comedy act with a backup band.

The group toured for a while and were then offered a chance to open for Phyllis Diller in Las Vegas.

Once again, members drifted apart and the Three of Hearts was formed.

"Sandy simply didn't want to leave Rhode Island, so we formed Three of Hearts," Kaiser said.

The new group played for the SS Norway and in Atlantic City, N.J. But once again the third member did not want to stray from home.

Lyon and Kaiser then began touring together as Two of Hearts.

They came to Huntington to perform in various supper clubs located on the west end of town. The duo was commissioned to play by Rebels and Redcoats.

It was at about this time the duo decided to invest in property in Huntington.

"We needed a more central location to work from than Rhode Island. At this time we were traveling in Canada, Minnesota, Vermont, Colorado Springs, South Florida and Huntington," Kaiser said.

Kaiser joked that another reason was that part of Huntington reminded them of Providence.

In 1994 Kaiser began her master's degree at Marshall.

Kaiser then became a teaching assistant at the University of Kentucky, where she also completed her doctorate of musical arts.

After that, the two made their home in Huntington. Lyon es-tablished her own practice as a licensed massage therapist in Huntington.

Kaiser began teaching classical piano, jazz piano and music theory at Marshall three years ago.

"We still tour, just during school breaks," Kaiser said.

The duo performed in West Palm Beach during spring break. They are scheduled to perform in Providence in July.

Kaiser said she feels joining Two of Hearts was a wise decision.

"When I was an undergrad, I could have continued my education, but I really wanted to spend more time performing," Kaiser said.

"And I'm glad I did it while I was young."

Kaiser said her touring experience has helped her become a better musician.

"My degree was in classical piano, and with Two of Hearts, I've performed show music, jazz standards, pop and original pieces," she said.

"It also helps in learning skills in improv, flexibility and to learn music more quickly."

Kaiser said a friend of hers once told her, "you have to do it all -- perform, write and teach."

Kaiser said she definitely thinks a person can bring a lot to teaching if he or she has the performing experience.

The duo has also had success with their production company, CBR Productions.

"We produce our own act. We're our own booking agents and management. You can't be lazy. There are no paid sick days or benefits," Kaiser said.

Their concerts usually consist of "An Evening of Cabaret Songs," the group's signature repertoire. It features songs from Broadway shows such as, "Chicago," "Cabaret," "The Sound of Music," "Cats," "Phantom of the Opera" and "Les Miserables."

Also included in their shows are original songs by Lyon and Kaiser, as well as a tribute to George Gershwin.

Kaiser said the audience is in for more than a few show tunes.

"Carol is really a great entertainer. She really communicates with the audience," Kaiser said.

"She can sing a torch song that is to die for, act a piece so it's just like you're watching a play, plus, she has [an] uncanny knack to ad-lib with any audience," she said.

Sandra Stone, administrator at the Huntington Museum of Art, said, "They are a wonderful cabaret act and they perform the great and memorable songs from Broadway shows that everyone loves to hear, with a special touch of comedy added at just the right moment.

"They have a truly amazing way of relaxing the audience and making everyone feel comfortable," Stone said.

Kaiser said she feels that is what makes a cabaret act over the top.

"The ability to be approachable and to be of the moment with the audience, that's the key," Kaiser said.

The autism show will have a little extra something to it, Kaiser said.

"A special part of the show will be dedicated to the autistic families."

The training center will present a slide show which will be accompanied by a performance from the duo.

Tickets for the benefit are $25 per individual and $40 per couple. Those wanting more ticket information call 1-800-344-5115.