|
 Contact: Vail's Local Piano Man Celebrates 30th Anniversary of Entertaining at The Lodge at Vail, A RockResortMickey Poage of Mickey’s Bar Remains a Constant in an Ever-Changing Destination Vail, CO – November 21, 2006 – One of Colorado’s local legends is celebrating his 30th year of being a part of the culture of Vail. For the past three decades, accomplished pianist and songwriter Mickey Poage has entertained both guests and residents alike at Mickey’s Bar at The Lodge at Vail, A RockResort, one of the premier and most historic hotels in Vail. During Mickey’s tenure, Vail has become one of the country’s top year-round destinations. The Lodge at Vail itself has undergone many transformations, and will continue to elevate its luxury experience with the addition of a new Avanyu Spa set to open in late 2007. “The Lodge at Vail is now one of the most luxurious places to stay in Colorado,” said Poage. “The clientele is more affluent and craves a more high-end experience than when I began playing here thirty years ago. I used to play crowd sing-alongs, and now I entertain with more formal listening sessions on a grand piano.” Originally from Colorado Springs, Mickey began his piano-playing career at The Lodge at Vail when he was 19. He previously played at The Broadmoor, which was under the same management as The Lodge at the time. Mickey plays for three to four hours at The Lodge at Vail most nights in-season. His regular audience ranges in age and includes many visitors who come to Vail at the same time each year. He also has played for celebrities visiting Mickey’s Bar throughout the years, including John Denver, Sugar Ray Leonard, and Elle Macpherson, to name a few. Mickey’s most memorable times at The Lodge were when other artists sat in. Renowned musician Ray Conniff would come to town and hang out at Mickey’s all night playing his trombone. When hotel guests heard his music, it wasn’t uncommon to see them dressed in their robes entering the bar to join in the festivities. Mickey is always open to requests from the audience to involve the crowd. “One of the funniest moments in my years at Mickey’s came when a man was in the audience who was on his fifth divorce,” said Poage. “I asked him if he and his wives had special songs sung at their weddings. Fortunately I knew them all so I played a medley of them in chronological order with The Bridal March in between each. The audience loved it!” Mickey has made eight recordings that feature original songs. Some of his original works such as “First Tracks” and “The Last Run of the Day,” which was used to open the 1989 World Alpine Skiing Championship, were inspired by his intense passion for skiing that was cultivated in Colorado. Mickey’s exposure at The Lodge has opened up some impressive off-season bookings for the musician, such as playing on The Orient Express and at historical venues including The Hearst Castle in California. To learn more about Mickey’s Piano Bar, you can visit The Lodge at Vail’s website at www.rockresorts.com. |
