Tulsa’s Lounge 88 scales back piano shows, citing downtown violence

A well-known downtown Tulsa piano bar is dialing back operations, saying rising crime is threatening the safety of staff, performers and patrons.

Lounge 88, formerly known as Shady Keyes, announced it will now only host its popular dueling piano show one weekend a month until what it calls 'downtown safety issues' are addressed.

In a move to further protect guests, the bar also said the back half of its venue will now be accessible by invitation only.

'We love our city and want to keep the energy alive downtown, but we have to prioritize safety,' the bar said in a social media post earlier this week.

While the piano performances are being scaled back, Lounge 88 will remain open daily for karaoke.

Bar ownership says they hope city leaders and local law enforcement will step in to help improve conditions downtown so the full experience at Lounge 88 can return.

For now, the music plays on—just with new limits in place.