Tommy Wareham grew up in an environment that was surrounded by music. His father was a professor of music at Penn State, teaching music appreciation.
Tommy Wareham is the performer at the American Ale House since it opened 15 years ago in State College, Pa. Wareham plays piano, guitar, and sings every Friday and Saturday nights. During his years performing at the piano bar, he attracts many regular clients to come to the bar every weekends and builds friendships with them. Photo by Mingyue ChengWarhead didn’t want to play piano in the beginning because his father was a great pianist. Therefore he got into guitar when he was ten years old. As Wareham started taking jobs as performer in piano bars, he found playing piano was actually fun.
Wareham started playing piano in the American Ale House since it was opened 15 years ago. Because the piano bar has a built in counter, seating around the piano is available to guests. Wareham performs every Friday and Saturday night at the American Ale House.
Most of people sitting around him are regulars, and come to see him every weekend. From working in the piano bar for such a long time, Wareham’s music has built him friendships.
Under Wareham’s piano, there are other different instruments like bongos, tambourines, and maracas, not for himself but for anyone who wants to play. The regulars would play these instruments with him, sing with him, and even dance with him.
The clients become a part of the show that create cozy and intimate environment for both Wareham and his guests to enjoy.
Photo Gallery: Details and atmosphere
In a usual piano bar, people are arranged to sit far from the performer. However, in Tommy’s Piano Bar, people can sit around him, talk to him. Therefore, Wareham is able to build such an intimate relationship with his clients.
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