Posted: 6/23/08 Section: News

Media Credit: Wesley Fane Construction workers put the final touches on 88 Broadway, a new piano bar opening inside Lincoln Square Mall in Urbana. The bar will, along with the piano music, offer drinks and a wide array of menu items.

Canopy Club's "Piano Man" may have some competition with the opening of a new venue in Champaign-Urbana.

The owners of Joe's Brewery are nearing completion of a piano bar dubbed 88 Broadway at Urbana's Lincoln Square Mall. The opening has been set for July 10th, with a grand opening the next day.

"We are very excited to bring this concept to Champaign-Urbana," said manager Luke Henry.

There are a few different varieties of piano bars, but 88 Broadway has been constructed as a "dueling" piano bar. It features two pianists playing together, one pianist plays and sings while the other helps keep the beat and keeps the crowd involved, creating a high energy atmosphere. The pianists tell jokes, take song requests, and encourage the guests to sing along.

Ideally, three or four pianists will rotate to prevent any pauses in the entertainment.

88 Broadway's business hours are planned to begin at 11 a.m. and the location will also offer a full menu.

"We geared it a little nicer in an attempt to draw in a diverse crowd from all over the area," said Henry.

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