The Pizarro Brothers stop foot traffic at the Lafayette

By Cynthia Robertson | SDUN Reporter

On a recent Sunday afternoon at the Lafayette Hotel in North Park, two brothers – Dominic and Angelo Pizarro, ages 16 and 13 respectfully – livened up an otherwise quiet day. They played two keyboards and one baby grand piano in the hotel’s lobby, stopping everyone in their tracks.

Initially, a small gathering of close friends had planned to come listen to the dynamic duo. That group mushroomed to more than 60 people, and the brothers dazzled everyone with their charm and wit.

For the Pizarro Brothers, with their impeccable manners and snappy attire, attracting a crowd is nothing new. They’ve been doing so since Dominic was 7 years old. Infused with a love of music from their mother and grandfather, the Pizarro Brothers have mastered the art of classical, jazz and Broadway tunes.

Dominic thanked everyone for coming. “You’ll have fun today. My brother and I kid around with each other. We both take our own lead in the improvisation, kind of like what we do when we talk to each other,” he said.

“It’s a give-and-take, not one taking over the other,” Angelo said.

Then the two took their places, Angelo standing at a keyboard and Dominic seated at the baby grand. They started out with a Gershwin tune good enough to beat the band.

Each brother played, moving about in swift improvisation off the other. Sibling rivalry played out in fine comedy as the two boys used the instruments as a tool for conversation.

Laughter rippled through the audience when the brothers played a comical round of “Cats” in a mock one-upmanship. Other highlights included a waltz they composed themselves, called “The Brothers’ Waltz.”

A very special moment came for local musician Larry Zeiger when the brothers performed Zeiger’s newly composed Latin tune “Meetzhu in Machu Picchu.” Zeiger was there and called the boys a “real gift” to San Diego.

When the mini-concert was done, the audience erupted into applause. The brothers bowed graciously, grinning big, and the crowd stayed afterward to talk with them.

“It’s like a piece of magic to watch the boys play,” said Linda Sheridan, who helped get the word out about the show.

Sydney Herrera, a Lafayette employee, was just as transfixed as the audience.

When the brothers came to ask Herrera about playing the lobby piano, he said he wasn’t sure what they intended to do. “I never knew that the kids would play. All the people passing by in the hotel just stopped and watched,” Herrera said. “They can come play our piano anytime.”

“Their talent is limitless,” said Nadine Elwers, who was at the show. “And yet the boys are not show-offs.”

The boys’ mother Aileen Pizarro smiled when people remarked on their talent, saying they’ve always had music in them and commenting on how they enjoy interacting with the crowd.

The Pizarro Brothers are on a mission now to record their first jazz album, tentatively called “Piano Jazz Café.” Their grandfather, Miguel Pizarro, organized an Indiegogo fundraising campaign to help the boys raise the necessary funds. The recording is set to take place in June at Capital Records in Los Angeles.

“They are very excited about this project. This is going to be a great opportunity for them,” Miguel Pizarro said.

For more information visit thepizarrobrothers.com or indiegogo.com, keyword search: Pizarro Brothers.