Saving the Silver King: Dueling pianos show brings music and mission to Park City

The Silver King Mine headframe. Photo: Park City Historical Society.

The Silver King collection includes some of the most significant mining buildings left in the district, and the head frame is its crowning jewel. But, the head frame is in dire shape, and desperate need of repair. 

PARK CITY, Utah — The Music For the Mines Dueling Pianos show is coming and promising an unforgettable night of music with Park City’s one and only Richard Wyman—all supporting a worthy cause. Richard Wyman is a highly accomplished musician, singer, piano player, and recording artist whose songs include work with Eddie Van Halen.

The event will take place on May 29 at 6 p.m. at the Pendry Hotel, where Wyman will perform fan-favorite songs. The evening will include an open bar and heavy appetizers.

“Richard Wyman has a popular concept called ‘killer keys,’ where he and another piano pair basically play songs based on audience requests, and they bid for the songs,” said Donald Roll, the Friends of Ski Mountain Mining History co-chair.

The Music For the Mines Dueling Pianos show is designed to raise funds for the Park City Museum’s Silver King Mine restoration project. The show is a critical part of the fundraising efforts to secure the remaining $400,000 required to reach the project’s $650,000 goal. Recently, the Park City Museum received a $200,000 grant from Summit County Restaurant Tax and a generous $50,000 donation from a long time Park City Museum supporter.

The Silver King Mine is a central feature of Park City’s mining heritage, and the restoration project aims to preserve this historical landmark for future generations. The Silver King collection includes some of the most significant mining buildings left in the district, and the head frame is its crowning jewel. However, the head frame is in dire shape and desperately needs repair.

“We’re working with the City, trails, and the Chamber to develop a mining history hike that will go past many of our remaining mining structures,” said Don Roll. “The centerpiece of this hike will be the Silver King head frame. It’s the biggest collection of mining buildings that we have left, and it would be a crying shame if it came tumbling down.”

Thanks to The Pendry and Rich Wyman’s generosity, 100% of the amount raised from the evening will go towards the Friends’ Silver King Headframe stabilization project.

Please RSVP by May 18 to secure a spot at this special event. Tickets are on sale now, and with the buzz surrounding the Music For the Mines Dueling Pianos show, they’re expected to sell out quickly.