Events and Programming
1114 Howell St is now home to Keys on Main, a 21-and-over dueling-piano nightclub in downtown Seattle. Its core program is a recurring, all-request show built around two grand pianos, singing performers and audience participation. The repertoire stretches across rock, pop, country, rap and other familiar radio music, with requests shaping the set in real time. The venue describes the experience as closer to an interactive rock concert than a conventional lounge act.
The regular show traditionally runs Thursday through Saturday, with doors at 8 p.m. and performances generally continuing from about 9 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. The venue’s current contact block lists Friday and Saturday hours of 8 p.m. to 2 a.m., so Thursday availability can vary by the event calendar. Friday and Saturday are the most dependable nights for the full late-night program.
The performance style is participatory rather than passive. Pianists take song requests, invite celebrants onto the stage and play to birthdays, anniversaries, bachelorette groups and other milestones. Recent visitor accounts consistently mention sing-alongs, quick improvisation, comedy between songs and performers who actively acknowledge individual tables. Requests are normally accompanied by a tip, although the amount and order of requests can change during the night.
The current performer roster includes Seattle-area musicians such as Aaron Buckner, Ben Mish, Zechariah Valette, Chris Crow, Luke Stromberg, Kitt Bender, Bri Ashlee Little and Tod Kimbro. Their backgrounds range from musical theater and songwriting to touring, choral work, rock bands and large local events. This helps explain why the programming can move quickly between classic rock, contemporary pop, country, hip-hop and theatrical crowd work.
Documented special programming at the address since the transition from Re-bar includes a Gabriel Rutledge comedy night in February 2024, Felix Redka’s Seattle appearance in April 2025, Rudy Francisco’s spoken-word performance in September 2025 and another Rudy Francisco engagement listed for March 2026. These events show that the room can accommodate comedy and spoken word as well as its standing dueling-piano program, though they are exceptions rather than the venue’s main identity.
For late 2026 and beyond, the durable confirmed offering is the recurring dueling-piano schedule and private-event program. I found no authoritative public announcement establishing a separate 2027 concert series or a permanent new format. Because the show is request-driven and the calendar changes by night, the live event listing is more useful for individual dates than a static archive of every performance from 2021 through 2026.
Tickets and Booking
Regular admission is structured as a cover rather than a conventional concert ticket. The venue’s Seattle information states that Fridays and Saturdays carry a $10 cover, while Thursdays are generally free; special events may use a higher cover, and those exceptions are identified on the calendar. Documented special-event prices have included approximately $39 for a 2025 spoken-word performance and $50 for a 2025 comedy appearance, so ticketed one-off events can cost substantially more than a normal club night.
Walk-ins are accepted, but reservations are the safer choice for weekend groups or anyone who wants a table close to the pianos. The venue promotes both reservations and walk-in attendance, while visitor information says weekend seating can fill quickly. A reservation is particularly useful for birthdays, bachelor or bachelorette parties and groups that want to sit together rather than assemble around the room after arrival.
General seating and VIP seating are both referenced in the venue’s FAQ, although the public page does not display a complete price chart or a detailed list of VIP inclusions. Do not assume that VIP automatically means bottle service: the venue treats bottle service as a separate question in its FAQ. Check the terms attached to the particular reservation before paying a premium.
Private buyouts are a major part of the business. A full-venue event is advertised for up to 230 guests and includes two hours of the all-request show, bar and door staff, sound, lighting, microphones and a video wall. Private events start at $5,500 according to the venue’s published package information, although final pricing depends on the date, guest count and event requirements.
About 1114 Howell St
The address is best understood as a long-running Seattle nightlife room rather than a purpose-built theater. The building is a one-story commercial property associated with roughly 3,600 square feet in public property records, while plans for the Keys on Main renovation described an approximately 3,000-square-foot club interior. Those figures refer to different scopes of space and should not be treated as a single official capacity specification.
Before Keys on Main, the address was internationally associated with Re-bar, the alternative nightclub and performance venue opened there in January 1990 by Steve Wells and Patrick “Pit” Kwiecinski. Museum records describe earlier nightlife uses including Night Hawk or Nite Hawk in the 1930s, Thirsty’s in the 1970s, Axel Rock in the 1980s and Sparks Tavern before Re-bar moved in. The address therefore has a documented nightlife lineage extending across most of the modern era.
Re-bar became one of Seattle’s most important independent spaces for LGBTQ performers, alternative theater, drag, burlesque, live bands, visual art and dance music. Its recurring Sunday party Flammable was described as one of the longest-running house-music nights west of Chicago, while Seattle Poetry Slam and other performance series helped make the address a cross-disciplinary gathering place.
The site’s most famous cultural moment came on September 13, 1991, when Nirvana held the release party for Nevermind at Re-bar. Kurt Cobain, Krist Novoselic and Dave Grohl were reportedly ejected after sneaking in liquor and starting a food fight, an episode that became part of Seattle’s grunge mythology.
Re-bar closed its Howell Street location in 2020 during the COVID-19 shutdown and the building’s ownership uncertainty. The operators discussed reopening elsewhere in South Seattle, but the old Re-bar did not return to this address. In 2021, construction permits and a new liquor permit indicated that Keys on Main was preparing the former club for a dueling-piano conversion.
Seating and Layout
The current room is arranged around a front stage with two pianos, a bar toward the rear and curved arcs of tables between them. The renovation concept published during the conversion described a roughly 3,000-square-foot club with tables organized to face the stage. The layout is therefore more table-based than a conventional standing concert club, although people are expected to stand, sing and move around during the show.
There is no single “best seat” for every visitor. Tables near the front offer the strongest performer interaction and the clearest view of both pianists. Side or rear tables provide a broader view of the room and can be more comfortable for guests who prefer conversation. The center-front area is the most energetic choice, especially when performers bring birthday or celebration groups onto the stage.
Capacity figures vary by configuration. The operator’s private-event page advertises space for up to 230 guests, while Visit Seattle’s 2026 venue grid lists a maximum seated capacity of 175 and a maximum reception capacity of 175. The lower figure is the more useful guide for an ordinary arranged event; the 230-person number appears to describe a full buyout with a different layout.
The venue does not publish a detailed seating chart, row plan, sightline diagram or acoustic map. Expect a nightclub arrangement rather than theater-style rows. The two pianos are the visual and acoustic focus, and the room is designed for participation, singing and table interaction rather than quiet listening.
Architecture, Design and Technical Capabilities
The address’s significance is more cultural than architectural. Public records identify a one-story commercial building dating to around 1930 and list it as a medium-risk unreinforced-masonry structure with a permitted retrofit. The building’s long, compact footprint helped it function first as a tavern, then as a nightclub and now as an intimate piano venue.
The Keys on Main conversion was designed by Ankrom Moisan Architects. Public descriptions identify a front stage, rear bar and curved table layout, while the venue’s private-event specification names sound, stage lighting, microphones and a video wall as included production capabilities. The operator also identifies two grand pianos as the centerpiece of the show.
No authoritative source publishes speaker brands, console models, amplifier power, stage dimensions, lighting fixture inventory, ceiling height or decibel limits. Those details should not be inferred from the presence of a professional sound system. The confirmed technical profile is a compact live-performance room with two grand pianos, microphones, event sound, stage lighting and video capability.
Getting There and Parking
1114 Howell St is at the intersection of Howell Street and Minor Avenue in Seattle’s Denny Triangle, just north of the Seattle Convention Center. The address is close enough to the convention center to work well as an after-conference nightlife stop. Visit Seattle’s 2026 venue grid places Keys on Main approximately seven blocks from the convention center’s Arch building and five blocks from Summit.
The most predictable parking option is a Seattle Convention Center garage. The Arch and Summit garages charge an evening rate of $9 when a vehicle enters after 5 p.m. and exits by midnight; standard rates apply for later departures. The published 2026 schedule lists Arch and Summit at $20 for two to four hours, $24 for four to eight hours and $37 for 12 to 24 hours. The garages have height restrictions, accessible stalls and limited late-night access, so check the closing time before leaving a vehicle overnight.
Street parking and commercial lots exist in the surrounding downtown blocks, but availability is less dependable on Friday and Saturday nights. A garage is generally the less stressful choice, especially for a group arriving near a convention, theater performance or major downtown event. Do not assume the venue has a dedicated parking lot; published venue information does not identify one.
Public transportation is practical. Westlake Link Station is the nearest major light-rail connection, with a walk through the downtown core to Howell and Minor. King County Metro serves the downtown corridor, and the city’s downtown transit maps show routes operating on nearby Howell, Olive Way, Stewart, 3rd, 5th, 6th and 7th Avenue corridors. The Seattle Center Monorail terminates at Westlake Center and operates daily, with later Friday and Saturday service than on most weekdays.
Rideshare passengers should use the legal curb space nearest the Howell Street and Minor Avenue corner, subject to traffic restrictions and active loading rules. Because the venue does not publish a dedicated rideshare zone, avoid stopping in a bus lane or blocking the intersection.
Inside the Venue
Expect a loud, social nightclub atmosphere rather than a formal concert hall. The emphasis is on singing along, cheering, dancing, ordering drinks and getting involved with the performers. Recent visitors describe the musicians as talented and highly interactive, with particularly strong feedback from birthday groups, wedding parties and people experiencing a dueling-piano show for the first time.
The venue operates a full bar and serves cocktails, beer and other alcoholic drinks. Recent visitor reports say the room does not operate as a conventional restaurant, while outside food or delivered food is permitted for some private bookings. If dinner matters to your plans, eat before arriving or confirm the current food arrangement with the event listing rather than assuming a meal service is available inside.
Age control is clear: Keys on Main states that all guests must be 21 or older. Bring valid government-issued photo identification even if you do not plan to drink, because the venue is a nightclub rather than an all-ages theater. The venue does not publish a formal dress code, and visitor descriptions characterize the atmosphere as casual nightlife attire.
Public information confirms the bar, stage, pianos, tables and video-wall capability but does not confirm a coat check, merchandise counter, Wi-Fi policy, restroom layout, camera policy or detailed bag rules. Those features should be treated as event-specific rather than assumed. Compact bags and minimal belongings are sensible for a crowded, late-night room.
Nearby Amenities
The address sits among downtown restaurants, hotel bars and convention-center dining. The Raven Kitchen and Bar on Minor Avenue is a nearby sit-down option with a full food and cocktail program. Other surrounding choices include teriyaki, pizza, noodles, Indian food, coffee and fast-casual restaurants along Howell, Minor, Olive Way, Pine and Pike.
Nearby lodging includes convention-center and downtown hotels within a short walk, making the venue convenient for visitors staying near Pike Street, Pine Street or the Summit building. The area is busiest around convention, theater and sports events, so dinner reservations and parking should be arranged earlier on those nights.
Shows can run until 1:30 a.m., with the venue’s published hours extending to 2 a.m. on Friday and Saturday. Late-night transit choices are more limited than daytime service, so visitors relying on buses or rail should check the final departure before the show ends. A rideshare pickup or prearranged taxi is the most predictable option after midnight.
What Makes This Venue Special
1114 Howell St is unusual because the current experience is intentionally more celebratory and mainstream than the address’s historic reputation, yet it occupies the same compact nightlife room that once hosted one of Seattle’s most influential queer and alternative arts communities. The transition from Re-bar to Keys on Main is a clear example of how downtown Seattle’s legacy clubs have adapted to changing rents, redevelopment and post-pandemic economics.
Re-bar’s cultural impact cannot be reduced to its most famous Nirvana story. It offered a durable home for drag, experimental theater, dance music, poetry, burlesque and LGBTQ performers at a time when Seattle nightlife was more fragmented. The Seattle Music Commission later identified Keys on Main among the city’s intimate venues receiving pandemic-era Shuttered Venue Operators Grant support, reflecting the broader economic importance of small performance businesses to Seattle’s music ecosystem.
Keys on Main contributes a different kind of cultural value: it gives local singers and pianists a recurring stage, creates a dependable destination for celebrations and private events, and provides convention visitors with an interactive downtown night out. The room’s defining tradition is not a fixed set list but the audience’s ability to steer the performance.
Visitor Tips and Information
Arrive around 30 minutes before showtime if you have a reservation, want a preferred table or are attending with a large group. Arriving earlier is especially useful on Friday and Saturday, when the room can fill with birthday parties, wedding groups and convention visitors. Walk-ins may be possible, but they offer less control over seating.
Bring valid photo ID, a payment method for drinks and small cash if you want to make song requests or tip performers. Wear clothing suitable for a warm, crowded nightclub and expect substantial sound levels. Free earplugs have been mentioned in recent visitor reports, but hearing protection should not be assumed as a guaranteed service.
Accessibility information is limited. The venue’s public pages confirm the address and event functions but do not publish a step-free entrance description, accessible seating map, restroom specification, hearing-assistance system or companion-seat policy. Because the room occupies an older commercial building and has undergone a nightclub conversion, visitors who require mobility or sensory accommodations should confirm the exact arrangement for their event before purchasing or reserving.
There is no published rule requiring formal dress, and no authoritative public source confirms a universal bag, photography or recording policy. Follow the instructions given at the door and on the event listing. The non-negotiable rule is the 21-and-over age requirement.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is located at 1114 Howell St now?
1114 Howell St is home to Keys on Main, a 21-and-over dueling-piano nightclub. The venue presents all-request shows built around two grand pianos, singing performers, audience participation and a full bar. It also hosts private events and occasional special bookings such as comedy or spoken word. The address was formerly the long-running Seattle nightclub and theater Re-bar.
Is Re-bar still operating at 1114 Howell St?
No. Re-bar closed its Howell Street location in 2020 during the pandemic and did not return to that address. The space was later converted for Keys on Main. Re-bar’s cultural legacy remains associated with the building, especially its LGBTQ nightlife, alternative theater, dance parties and Nirvana’s 1991 Nevermind release party, but the current venue operates under a different name and concept.
What type of music is played at Keys on Main?
The show covers recognizable music from rock, pop, country, rap and other radio styles. Audience members choose requests rather than listening to a fixed concert set. The performer roster includes pianists and singers with backgrounds in musical theater, touring, songwriting, rock bands and choral music, allowing the repertoire to move quickly between genres. Expect sing-alongs and comedy as well as piano playing.
How much is the normal cover charge?
The venue publishes a $10 cover for Fridays and Saturdays, with Thursdays generally free. Special events can charge more, and their individual listings control the final price. Recent ticketed examples at the address were priced around $39 to $50. Drinks, tips and any VIP or reservation fees are separate. Because prices can change by event, use the live listing for the night you plan to attend.
Do I need a reservation?
No reservation is required for every visit, because walk-ins are accepted. A reservation is strongly advisable for Friday and Saturday nights, large groups and celebrations. It gives you a better chance of sitting together and being near the performers. Weekend visitor guidance says tables can fill quickly, so arrive early even with a reservation, particularly during conventions or major downtown events.
When do the shows usually begin?
The venue’s published Seattle information says doors open at 8 p.m. and the main show generally runs from 9 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. The current contact block lists Friday and Saturday hours through 2 a.m. Thursday programming appears in the venue’s broader description, but Thursday hours are not displayed consistently across its pages. Treat the individual event listing as the final schedule.
Are there assigned seats or mostly standing areas?
The room uses tables arranged around a stage, but it is not a traditional theater with numbered rows. Guests can stand, sing and move during the performance. Front tables provide the closest view and the most performer interaction, while side or rear tables offer more breathing room. General and VIP seating are both referenced, but a detailed public seating chart is not available.
How large is the venue?
Public information gives several configuration-dependent figures. Renovation plans described an approximately 3,000-square-foot club, while property records associate the one-story commercial building with about 3,600 square feet. The operator advertises private buyouts for up to 230 guests, while Visit Seattle’s 2026 venue grid lists 175 as both maximum seated and maximum reception capacity. The correct number depends on the event layout.
Does the venue serve food?
Keys on Main is primarily a bar and performance venue rather than a restaurant. Recent visitor reports say food is not a standard part of the normal experience, and outside or delivered food has been allowed for some bookings. Private-event guidance confirms that drinks are purchased at the bar. For a full meal, plan to eat at a nearby restaurant before the show rather than relying on food service inside.
Is Keys on Main all ages?
No. The venue’s official Seattle information states that all guests must be 21 or older. Bring valid photo identification for entry, even if you do not intend to drink. A separately promoted special event may display different wording, but the venue’s standing policy is 21-plus, so age eligibility should be confirmed before purchasing any unusual or externally produced event at the address.
How do song requests work?
Requests are a central part of the show. Guests submit songs to the performers, usually with a tip, and the pianists choose what to play as the night develops. The order can change according to the room, the performers and competing requests. Bring cash if you want to participate directly, although the venue’s public pages do not guarantee a specific request amount or payment method.
Can I host a private party there?
Yes. The venue advertises full buyouts for up to 230 guests, including two hours of the all-request dueling-piano show, bar and door staff, sound, lighting, microphones and a video wall. Published package pricing starts at $5,500. Private events can also be taken off-site, with the performers bringing two pianos, sound and stage lighting to another location.
Is the venue wheelchair accessible?
Publicly available venue information does not provide enough detail to confirm a step-free entrance, accessible seating, restroom access, companion seating or hearing assistance. The building is an older one-story commercial space that was renovated for the current club, so visitors should not assume that standard accessibility features are present simply because the venue is operating. Confirm the specific event setup before booking if accessibility is essential.
Where can I park near 1114 Howell St?
The closest predictable parking is in the Seattle Convention Center’s Arch or Summit garages. Entering after 5 p.m. and leaving by midnight qualifies for the published $9 evening rate at those garages; later departures use standard rates. Street parking and commercial lots are also available in nearby blocks but can fill quickly on weekend nights. The venue does not publish a dedicated private lot.
What is the best public transit option?
Westlake Link Station is the nearest major light-rail connection, followed by a downtown walk to Howell Street and Minor Avenue. Metro buses use several nearby downtown corridors, including Howell, Olive Way, Stewart, 3rd, 5th, 6th and 7th avenues. The Seattle Center Monorail also connects Westlake Center with Seattle Center, although late-night service varies by day and special event.
How early should I arrive?
Arrive about 30 minutes before the advertised show time for a normal visit, and earlier if you have a large group or want a particular table. Weekend nights can include several celebration parties, and late arrivals may have fewer seating choices. Allow extra time for parking, convention-center traffic and entry procedures. If you are attending a special ticketed event, follow its stated door time.
What is the history of the building?
The address has hosted nightlife for decades. Museum records identify Night Hawk or Nite Hawk in the 1930s, followed by Thirsty’s, Axel Rock and Sparks Tavern before Re-bar opened in January 1990. Re-bar became a major LGBTQ and alternative arts venue before closing in 2020. Keys on Main later converted the room into an interactive piano nightclub.
What was the famous Nirvana event at this address?
Nirvana held the release party for Nevermind at Re-bar on September 13, 1991. Museum records state that Kurt Cobain, Krist Novoselic and Dave Grohl were eventually ejected after sneaking in liquor and starting a food fight. The incident became one of the best-known stories connected with Seattle’s grunge era and remains the address’s most famous music moment.
