LONGHORN BARBECUE, AUBURN, WA :: We joined a bunch of friends at the Longhorn Barbecue last night to celebrate Shannon’s birthday. This Longhorn features a large, well-stocked bar and a pair of baby grand pianos facing each other on a central stage. This was a first for Kristie and me. I’ve seen several dueling piano bars in Seattle and other cities, but I was never tempted to check them out. I guess I always imagined it being a somewhat uppish experience, reserved for musical intellectuals who arrive in tuxedos and top hats. I thought dueling pianos only appealed to people who have “Gone Chopin. Bach in a minuet.” on their coffee mug or bumper sticker.
I have no idea why I had that impression. At Longhorn’s Dueling Ivoryz Saloon, it couldn’t be further from the truth!
We had a lot of fun singing along with a trio of very talented improv comedian/pianists. They basically take requests throughout the night. The more money you attach to your request, the greater your chances of hearing your song – often a much naughtier version of the song. At any time, you can pay more money to stop the song. Unfortunately, this happened to Shannon twice. Despite the prevalent honky tonk ambience of the place, the crowd did not receive her two country song requests too well, much preferring to sing along to the likes of Journey, Def Leppard, James Brown, or “She’ll Be Coming Around the Mountain When She Comes.” Shannon’s first request initiated an escalating bidding war, that finally reached a counterbid of $131 to successfully shut down the song. Fortunately, she was able to outbid the protest of her second request, although I think the audience was being merciful – it was her birthday after all!
Happy Birthday, Shannon!
I have no idea why I had that impression. At Longhorn’s Dueling Ivoryz Saloon, it couldn’t be further from the truth!
We had a lot of fun singing along with a trio of very talented improv comedian/pianists. They basically take requests throughout the night. The more money you attach to your request, the greater your chances of hearing your song – often a much naughtier version of the song. At any time, you can pay more money to stop the song. Unfortunately, this happened to Shannon twice. Despite the prevalent honky tonk ambience of the place, the crowd did not receive her two country song requests too well, much preferring to sing along to the likes of Journey, Def Leppard, James Brown, or “She’ll Be Coming Around the Mountain When She Comes.” Shannon’s first request initiated an escalating bidding war, that finally reached a counterbid of $131 to successfully shut down the song. Fortunately, she was able to outbid the protest of her second request, although I think the audience was being merciful – it was her birthday after all!
Happy Birthday, Shannon!
Looks like a very fun time. Wonderful pictures too, and I think musician shots can be some of the toughest around.
These are really great photos! You should send copies to the pianists. I’ve loved dueling pianos since I learned about them back in college. That takes so many types of talent!