Playing a new tune at Gangsters Dueling Piano Bar

It has been ten years since legendary dueling piano bar Howl at the Moon closed its doors in the city where it got its start, leaving the Greater Cincinnati area without one of these popular entertainment concepts.  On November 13 this all changed when Gangsters Dueling Piano Bar opened in Newport next to The Newport Syndicate.

"We decided to name the place after the popular Newport Gangster Tours that take people on historic walks through the city," said owner Sharon Forton.

Gangsters offers something no other dueling piano bar does - pianos located in the center of the room with guests surrounding them.

"This is very different from most piano bars where the pianos are located on the side, and we think this will make Gangsters one of the most fun piano bars around," said Forton.

Gangsters has already been a big hit with bridal and bachelorette parties where guests get a special bucket drink and can take in the atmosphere.  Birthday parties have also been a big draw according to Forton.

The new establishment has already been a hit.  With a 200 person capacity, drink specials, food served late into the night, no cover charge, and top-notch pianists who make the commute to Newport.

"In order to be a piano bar player you have to be a little crazy and know a lot of songs," said Forton.  "Our pianists change weekly and fly in from all over the country as part of the piano bar circuit."

The bar (map) is currently open Thusday through Saturday from 5pm to 2am and serves food until 11pm.  Guests can take advantage of half-price drinks during happy hour (5-8pm) and all night on Thursdays.

Forton also says that they are gearing up for their first New Year's Eve which will have a gangsters theme and a $10 cover charge that will be waved if dinner reservations are made prior to 8pm.  To make reservations call (859) 491-8000.

"With it being our first New Year's Eve celebration we have no idea what to expect other than lots of fun," said Forton.  "What happens here, stays here."

Writer: Randy A. Simes
Photography by Scott Beseler
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