Elton John, Billy Joel tribute artists perform Nov. 20 at Largo Cultural Center

When Elton John and Billy Joel take the stage together, as they often do these days for their Face 2 Face tours, it's usually in front of a sold-out arena of at least 20,000 devoted fans who soak up every nuance between two of the greatest musicians of the 20th century.

On Friday, when Rus Anderson and Mark Anthony walk onstage at the Largo Cultural Center for their joint John-and-Joel tribute show . . . well, it still seems like something we'd really like to see anyway.

Anderson has been winning raves for his "Rocket Man" tribute shows around the bay area. Anthony, meanwhile, is channeling Joel for his "Piano Man" shows. You just knew they were going to play together eventually.

Their "Back 2 Back" show kicks off at 8 p.m. Friday.

Each musician will get his own set and then join forces for an encore. (What could it be? Joel's My Life? John's Candle in the Wind? Anything but Crocodile Rock, please!)

Tickets are $32 in advance, $36 for VIP and day and show. (Seniors are $30). More information at www.largoarts.com.

Steve Spears, Times staff writer