Amid a sea of black cocktail tables lie two grand pianos facing one another. At the front of the dimly lit stage, two pianists duel in an enchanting rendition of The Beatles’ “Across the Universe.”
Sgt. Pepper’s Dueling Piano Café, which is adjacent to the popular Auld Dubliner pub at The Pike, is the newest addition to the Long Beach bar scene. Boasting nightly live music and entertainment, Sgt. Pepper’s is unlike many pubs and dive bars that swarm the downtown streets.
Named after the famous Beatles album “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band,” the bar provides a rock ‘n’ roll sing-along experience where music and entertainment collide.
On any given night, four pianists grace the stage; three are resident and one guest pianist rotates every week. Ron Shelton, Patty Lund and Ryan Bueter are the bar’s resident pianists. All three have been in the business for years, traveling across the world, playing in countless dueling piano bars. Each knows more than 2,000 songs, making it hard for patrons to stump them when making song requests. They play an assortment of music – from Frank Sinatra to 50 Cent and Tony Bennett to Eminem.
Bargoers can request songs by jotting down names on the request forms placed on each table. Because the show is fueled by audience requests, no two shows are the same, keeping an aura of excitement.
Aside from the unparalleled musical performances, Sgt. Pepper’s also has tasty food and delectable drinks. The menu consists of American classic cuisine, including hamburgers, sandwiches, salads and wraps.
Like the food, the drinks incorporate the rock ‘n’ roll theme with names like John Lennon Drop, the Chuck Pomeberry and the Ex-Boyfriend Martini. The most popular drink, the Chuck Pomeberry is a pomegranate martini made with blueberry vodka. This drink is sure to make mouths water.
Sgt. Pepper’s Dueling Piano Bar is open nightly from 4 p.m. to 2 a.m. Happy hour lasts from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., when drinks and appetizers are half off. College night is every Tuesday, promoting several drink specials. Coronas and Bud Lights are a mere $2, well drinks are $3, and shots are $4. Appetizers are also half off on college night. Specials last all night, from 4 p.m. to close, and admission is free with student ID.
Owners Lisa Christiansen and Ron Shelton met years ago at a popular dueling piano bar in Irvine. At the time, Lisa was the general manager and Ron was the lead pianist. Because of their business relations their love affair had to be kept secret. Nevertheless, the two eventually got married. After the piano bar closed in the summer of 2004, the couple decided they would build a piano bar of their own in their hometown of Long Beach. After years of planning, Sgt. Pepper’s is finally opening its doors.
In the few short days it has been open, Sgt. Pepper’s has proven that it is a force to be reckoned with. Upon entrance, one immediately connects with the lively ambiance.
Sgt. Pepper’s is a place where everyone is included in the excitement, patrons and bartenders alike. Songs like “The Time Warp” and “Walk the Dinosaur” demand the entire staff to jump on stage and perform a choreographed dance. On birthdays and special occasions, celebrants are even pulled onstage for roasts.
Going beyond the typical karaoke bar or music venue, Sgt. Pepper’s possesses something unique. Combining live music, comedy and choreographed dancing with good food, tasty drinks, and friendly service, Sgt. Peppers is a one of kind. Just one visit will undoubtedly have you begging for more.
