Artist Vibe

Jesse Rifkin brings music historian meets party starter energy to our Georgetown dueling piano stage—blending storytelling chops from his acclaimed book "This Must Be the Place" with crowd-pleasing singalongs that span decades. Expect infectious enthusiasm, deep-cut knowledge of the New York City music scene, and the kind of interactive show where your voice matters as much as the pianos.

Artist Bio

Jesse Rifkin is an author, music journalist, and performer who brings rare depth to every dueling piano show at Georgetown Piano Bar. Best known for his book "This Must Be the Place: Rock and Roll in Middle America," he's spent years documenting the stories behind iconic venues and underground scenes—from New York folk beginnings to Brooklyn warehouse punk and modern DIY spaces. That perspective translates directly to the stage, where he reads the room like a seasoned music historian and delivers sets that balance beloved classics with unexpected gems.

His repertoire runs the gamut—Beatles and Billy Joel for the singalong crowd, Springsteen and Tom Petty for the heartland rock fans, plus curveballs from indie and alternative eras that keep things fresh. He's equally comfortable leading a full-room chorus of "Don't Stop Believin'" or diving into the obscure B-side you scribbled on a request slip.

What sets Jesse apart at our venue is his natural chemistry with both the crowd and his fellow pianists. He thrives in the call-and-response atmosphere that defines Georgetown Piano Bar, treating every request as a conversation and every performance as a shared experience. Whether you're celebrating a birthday, entertaining out-of-town guests, or just craving something beyond the typical Georgetown nightlife, Jesse's shows deliver connection, nostalgia, and plenty of surprises. His background as a music writer means he can contextualize songs on the fly—offering quick anecdotes about the artists or eras that make each request feel more meaningful.

Tips and Contact Info

• Song requests: Submit your picks anytime during the show—write the song and artist on a request slip with a tip (cash recommended) and hand it to Jesse or his fellow performer between sets

• Reservations: Book your table in advance through our website to guarantee seating—walk-ins welcome but subject to availability on busy nights

• Show schedule: Jesse performs select Friday and Saturday evenings; check our online calendar for confirmed dates or call (202) 696-2920 for the current performance lineup

• Group bookings: Planning a party of 8+? Contact our events team at events@georgetownpianobar.com to discuss reserved seating and VIP packages

• Arrive early: Doors open 30 minutes before showtime—early arrival gets you the best tables near the pianos

• Age requirement: 21+ only after 8pm; valid photo ID required at the door

Song Request List

The songs below represent popular requests from Jesse's recent Georgetown Piano Bar performances. His full repertoire spans multiple decades and genres—if you don't see your favorite, write it down and request it during the show.

A

• All of Me — John Legend

• American Girl — Tom Petty

• At Last — Etta James

B

• Bennie and the Jets — Elton John

• Bohemian Rhapsody — Queen

• Born to Run — Bruce Springsteen

• Brown Eyed Girl — Van Morrison

C

• Cecilia — Simon & Garfunkel

• Closing Time — Semisonic

• Come On Eileen — Dexys Midnight Runners

• Crazy Little Thing Called Love — Queen

D

• Dancing Queen — ABBA

• Don't Stop Believin' — Journey

• Dream On — Aerosmith

E

• Every Rose Has Its Thorn — Poison

• Eye of the Tiger — Survivor

F

• Faithfully — Journey

• Free Fallin' — Tom Petty

G

• Good Riddance (Time of Your Life) — Green Day

H

• Hey Jude — The Beatles

• Hotel California — Eagles

I

• I Want It That Way — Backstreet Boys

• I Will Survive — Gloria Gaynor

J

• Jesse's Girl — Rick Springfield

• Just the Way You Are — Billy Joel

L

• Livin' on a Prayer — Bon Jovi

• Lose Yourself — Eminem

M

• Mr. Brightside — The Killers

• My Girl — The Temptations

N

• New York State of Mind — Billy Joel

P

• Piano Man — Billy Joel

• Pour Some Sugar on Me — Def Leppard

S

• September — Earth, Wind & Fire

• Shallow — Lady Gaga & Bradley Cooper

• Sweet Caroline — Neil Diamond

T

• Take Me Home, Country Roads — John Denver

• Tiny Dancer — Elton John

U

• Uptown Funk — Mark Ronson ft. Bruno Mars

W

• Wagon Wheel — Darius Rucker

• We Are the Champions — Queen

• Wonderwall — Oasis

Y

• You Shook Me All Night Long — AC/DC

• Your Song — Elton John