Jazz

Piano Hollywood's Laich and Basti Share Favorite Piano-Driven Tunes

With their grand opening already under their belts and enthusiastic word of mouth bringing in patrons looking for a change of pace in Broward's nightlife scene, Piano Hollywood is astutely on a path of class that won't break your bank. The open-mic format is not an easy sell, but by...

By Abel Folgar

July 31, 2013

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With their grand opening already under their belts and enthusiastic word of mouth bringing in patrons looking for a change of pace in Broward's nightlife scene, Piano Hollywood is astutely on a path of class that won't break your bank. The open-mic format is not an easy sell, but by partnering with B Side Entertainment, the setting is open to amateurs and pros alike in an intimate environment conducive to soulful jamming and general bevvies-induced bonhomie.

See also:

- Grand Central Miami's Brian Basti and Megan Laich Launch New Bar, Piano Hollywood at Hard Rock Casino

- Piano Hollywood Offers a Calm Oasis of Music and Libations at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino

Spearheaded by tried-and-true scene veterans Megan Laich and Brian Basti, Piano is easily a Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood destination for folks who aren't particularly looking to gamble. While that may or may not be the case for partnering, personally, I have no head for poker but sure have a gut for expertly crafted cocktails. It certainly shows foresight on establishing symbiosis between the club/restaurant thoroughfare and the casino proper.

Having enjoyed their opening recently, I had a chance to ask Laich and Basti for their top three piano ditties, and these were the ones that, well, get them in the mood.

Leonard Cohen - "Hallelujah"

This past March, poet, musician, activist, and pop auteur Leonard Cohen delighted the masses at the James L. Knight Center in Miami. With eight decades of work as his living CV, there's nothing in the sky showing that this great Canuck is slowing down anytime soon.

Donny Hathaway - "A Song for You"

The piano is one of the most versatile instruments as far as gripping human emotions is concerned. Donny Hathaway's tragic suicide at age 33 is one of jazz and Chicago soul's greatest tragedies. But like the song says, "remember when we were together."

John Lennon - "Imagine"

There's a lot going on in this song. There always has been. What's most interesting is that, over 40 years after its release, the message is still timely. But well, for now we can enjoy an acoustic cocktail and leave politics at the door.

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