Read the full article by Casey Rafter at Sacramento News & Review
Pink light splashes across 16th Street in Midtown Sacramento, reflecting off the windows of shuttered Simon’s Chinese Cuisine. A neon “The Silver Lining,” sign projects the glow from a neighboring window in a vibrant, retro font reminiscent of the goofy 1987 classic “Mannequin.”
The people in line are nervous and excited for a speed friending event at The Silver Lining, which boasts a streak of sold-out nights for their ticketed dueling piano performances in the space formerly occupied by Luna’s Cafe. It’s a special event put on by the venue who’s calendar also offers open-mic poetry nights, dueling piano performances and piano-accompanied karaoke.
On nights without a planned performance, The Silver Lining’s owner, William Houser, says the pianos remain in place. He says one of the benefits of owning his own piano bar is not only being able to play whenever the mood strikes him, but being able to offer that opportunity to any bar patron keen on impressing crowds or embarrassing friends.