When we first moved here three years ago, an old restaurant called Sorry Charlie’s was still open on lower Queen Anne opposite one of our favorite bars, Mecca. Our friend Joe McGinty, who runs the Loser’s Lounge in New York City, had tipped us off that at night, Sorry Charlie’s transformed into a piano bar, and we absolutely had to see Howard Bulson, who played piano there. (Howard, who is now 71, has been playing piano in Seattle for 44 years. He’s not only an institution here, but he is legend even back in New York.)

The night we first visited, Sorry Charlie’s was filled with cigarette smoke and a motley crew of sailors, housewives, new hipsters, aging regulars, and tourists. All were eager to get up and sing, accompanied by Howard’s elegant, smooth playing. The waitress was brusque and she barked at us when we headed down the wrong hallway to find a bathroom. It was a little uncomfortable but strangely fun—it was one backwards-talking midget away from a real slice of David Lynch right here in Seattle.

When Sorry Charlie’s closed a couple years ago, we were afraid that we’d never get to see Howard play again. Fortunately, when Dave Meinert and Jeff Steichen converted the space into the Mirabeau Room they decided to keep two original things: the back lounge area and Howard, who plays there Monday-Wednesday, 5pm-8pm. Seattlest wishes they’d give Howard some weekends and a few late nights, but for now we’ll take the Happy Hour drink specials with Howard commanding the keyboard and the regulars warbling their way through standards, pop tunes, and the occasional opera. (Note: Howard also plays at Julia’s on Sundays, 6-11.)

Because August marks 18 years since Howard’s debut at the Mirabeau Room/Sorry Charlie’s, we caught up with him at the piano bar to see how Seattle’s treating him.

You’ve been here playing piano here in Seattle for about 44 years. How has the city changed?
Seattle has more music and theater than ever—with Civic Light Opera, the Village Theatre in Issaquah, and venues like the Paramount Theatre and the 5th Avenue Theatre. This is a great thing. Personally, I probably had the most fun here in the 60s and 70s when I was out carousing. But when I first got here I didn’t like it. The weather was terrible. I got here in October and it seemed like I didn’t see the sun and it wasn’t really warm until July the following summer. I thought, as soon as I get enough money, I’m going to get out of here. But by then I was settled in and it turned out to be a good move. Things have turned out well for me here.

How so?
I started working here in 1961 for a music publisher called Hanson Publications, but I was getting so many piano jobs I was able to quit my day job by 1969.
(Howard has worked in Seattle at the Firelight Room in the Moore Hotel, The Gimling, the Silver Dragon, and Simonetti’s, to name a few.).

How is your audience nowadays?
I have fans, young and old, who come in. I think people appreciate the piano bar singing today because of the popularity of karaoke. They can express themselves more with me though. Singers have to keep up with that karaoke machine—I can usually play along with anyone’s interpretation if they speed up, slow down, or whatever. I especially love it when the cast of a touring Broadway show comes in.

Do you ever sing?
No. Some can, some can’t. A person should recognize their limitations.

What music do you like?
I like almost all of the standard Broadway shows and I like any opera by Puccini and Verdi.

Who are your favorite singers?
People have panned Mario Lanza, but he was the finest tenor I have ever heard. Joan Sutherland is one of the best sopranos, especially if you hear her and don’t see her. I really like Gina Funes and Lucinda Strankman as well.

When did you start playing piano?
I started in the first grade in Mexico, Missouri [playing hymns on his grandfather’s pipe organ]. When I eventually left home, I traveled to Chicago, then St. Louis, San Antonio, Miami Beach, Manhattan, and then here.

Where do you like to go on your nights off?
I have two favorite places to eat—Azteca and Tony Roma’s. And I always enjoy Tula’s.