Fortissimo
Fortissimo is a dueling piano bar at 14th and Champa in the heart of downtown Denver's Theater and Convention district. It is a high energy live music room where the audience helps build the setlist in real time and every night turns into a big singalong. With craft cocktails and shareable bites and a stage that local bands can rent for their own shows Fortissimo has become one of the most music focused rooms in downtown Denver.
The Story Behind Fortissimo
Fortissimo is a women owned business founded by Sharon Scheminske. She opened the bar with a post pandemic vision of bringing people back together. In her words she wanted to provide a place for people to remember the good times and connect with each other and belong. That idea shapes everything from the all request piano shows to the community nights and themed parties on the calendar. Support from the Colorado Enterprise Fund helped the business upgrade its kitchen to take on catering and private events.
The Vibe
Walk in on a show night and you will find two pianists going head to head while the crowd shouts along to rock anthems and pop hits and country favorites and Broadway show tunes. The room is lively and social and perfect for birthdays and date nights and group outings. The bar's own motto sums it up well. Come early and grab a drink and make a request and stay for the show. Its location near the Denver Center for the Performing Arts and the Colorado Convention Center makes it an easy stop before or after a show or a conference.
Dueling Pianos
Dueling piano shows run Thursday through Saturday nights and usually start around 8:00 PM to 8:30 PM. Guests fill out request slips and can add a tip to move a favorite song up the list. The shows are all request musical comedy so no two nights are ever the same. A rotating roster of about ten pianists keeps things fresh including Jon Sherman and John Tuck and Jami McNeill and Riley O'Toole and Anderson Daniel and Dave Grimsland and Carey Lewis and Pamela Machala and Ashley Owen and Amy Tuck and Gordon Von. A cover charge applies on show nights to support the performers and prices can vary by lineup or special event so check the reservation page before you go. Evening shows are 21 and up while daytime and early evening events can be family friendly.
Neighborhood Night
Tuesday evenings from 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM Fortissimo hosts Neighborhood Night. It is a laid back community hang with board games and bingo and karaoke along with happy hour pricing all night. It is a fun way for singers to grab the mic in a more relaxed setting.
Broadway and Jazz
Show tunes have always been a big part of the Fortissimo identity. Broadway singalong nights and Broadway jukebox events have filled the calendar with piano led show tune requests and audience participation. The bar has also hosted jazz jam events featuring seasoned local players alongside young musicians from the Colorado Jazz Ambassadors. Check the calendar for current special events.
Perform at Fortissimo
Fortissimo also opens its stage to outside ensembles. Bands can book two hour sets with time for setup and teardown and keep all of their ticket sales. The venue holds up to 150 guests and the stage measures 15 by 10 feet with a 12 foot ceiling. A dedicated loading zone with ramp access makes load-in easy. The house provides a professional AV system and a sound manager along with full food and beverage service. Performers get a 30 percent discount on food and drinks. There is a stage fee per ensemble and groups must provide proof of liability insurance. Musicians can apply through the online form on the Fortissimo website with a band bio and music samples and social links and preferred dates.
Food and Drink
The bar is known for well crafted cocktails and crowd pleasing small plates made for sharing. A full bar keeps the drinks flowing through the show and happy hour specials run on select nights.
Private Events and Theme Parties
Fortissimo hosts corporate events and birthdays and other celebrations with a full bar and live dueling pianos. The venue also throws monthly theme parties where costumes are encouraged. Past themes have included a Rodeo Weekend and a Mardi Gras celebration.
Good to Know
Fortissimo is located at 891 14th St Denver CO 80202 at the corner of 14th and Champa. Hours are Tuesday and Wednesday from 6:00 PM to 12:00 AM and Thursday from 6:00 PM to 1:00 AM and Friday and Saturday from 6:00 PM to 2:00 AM. The bar is closed Sunday and Monday except for special events. Reservations are recommended on show nights. Call (720) 789-5280 or email info@fortissimodenver.com or visit fortissimoduelingpianos.com for the latest calendar. Schedules can change so confirm with the venue before heading out.
