What is a piano bar?

A piano bar is a hybrid creature: part performance space, part living room, part cruise-a-thon, and part saloon. The bar is there to sell drinks, the pianist is there to perform, and the crowd is there to sing, listen, drink and socialize. Guests are always welcome to participate in singing along to songs while sitting and drinking, or can take their hand at a solo provided the pianist knows the music or music is provided by the guest. Tipping the pianist is an unwritten courtesy rule of thumb. Piano bars provide a relaxed, yet energetic means of hanging out and socializing in a more intimate setting that is neither too subdued nor obtrusive. If you haven't been to a piano bar, it is highly recommended.

If I want to sing, will the pianist know my music?

Most piano bar players know a huge selection of many of the old American popular jazz standards; some can even play rock standards from several decades. If you have a specific song you'd like to sing, the best thing to do is either find the sheet music for it and bring it along, or download sheet music from Musicnotes or SheetMusicDirect. Sheet music can be purchased in piano score format or leadsheet format. Leadsheet format tends to be less costly.

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