Jimmy and Jon brought their friendship and love of music to a bigger stage when they opened Barrel Room in 2023. They started planning a dive bar in 2019, then 2020 changed everything. While every music venue faced hard times, Jimmy and Jon saw an opportunity to preserve something special. Jimmy had over a decade of experience playing music professionally in LA, which is where he fell in love with Dueling Pianos. They took the namesake and searched for years before finding the right home in 2023. What happened next felt natural. The friends who supported the venue became part of the team–until all of the employees were talented performers themselves. Before long, Barrel Room became more than a bar or a music venue. It became a gathering place built by and for the local creative community. Today, Barrel Room is powered by a tight-knit team of musicians, artists, and friends who work hard to create unforgettable experiences night after night. Together, they're carrying forward the spirit that inspired the dream in the first place: deep friendship, great music, genuine community, and a place where everyone feels welcome. We're proud to call Portland home, and we're honored to help keep live music beating in the heart of the city.