Tempe's the Big Bang: Nighttime, Sing-a-long Fun

If you're looking for an opportunity to extend your singing performance circuit beyond the shower or car, check out The Big Bang in Tempe, Arizona. With two baby grand pianos squaring off on stage, and a sound system cranked to its maximum, there's no risk of exposing an off-key voice here.

You'll find a sign directing you to head down the steps at the corner of Mill and 5^th street, an easy traipse from dinner or campus for Arizona State students or locals. The club is a 21-and-over venue, so be prepared with identification at the door.

Highly visible security - in the form of stone-faced, brawny young men - ensures that only legitimate IDs gain access, and more importantly, that the crowd stays in check. (The recently-implemented "no smoking" policy in Arizona businesses also made the experience that much more enjoyable for this non-smoker.)

Prime seats fill up quickly; tables are situated intimately in front of the main stage, with a guard rail sanctioning off another section further back. The interior is appropriately dark, spotlights projected on the two baby grands on stage. By about ten o'clock on a Friday night, it was standing room only.

Drinks are reasonably priced, starting at two dollars or so, and served in those always-fashionable plastic cups. Within a few hours, it seemed as if every customer had a cup fused into his or her right hand. Happy Hour specials vary by day. Waitresses were friendly and overly attentive; every ten minutes someone would stop by to see if refills were needed.

Mastering the art of lip-reading must be a job requirement at The Big Bang, as the noise levels are so high, especially near the stage, that hearing anything other than the sound of piano keys becomes nearly impossible. Don't even bother attempting to talk; just smile, sing, sway, and enjoy the talented pianists.

The dueling pianos are, in fact, an ensemble of two grand pianos, drums, and bass guitar. Musicians rotate throughout the night at The Big Bang, each taking a turn on a different instrument and bringing a slightly different sound to the stage. This rotation process guarantees that the lively atmosphere never fades. For a small fee, audience members also may submit song requests or inflict public embarrassment on their friends by way of birthday announcements.

Tempe's The Big Bang has existed for over two years now; the original Big Bang formed in St. Louis in the early 90's, the result of two musicians with a shared passion for the "sing-a-long" concept. Their Tempe location, situated in prime Mill Avenue real estate, seems to be successfully continuing the tradition of upbeat, enjoyable live music...audience-participation style.