Better Than Ever: Jim Washburn's 20th Anniversary

Jim Washburn just celebrated his 20th anniversary playing the piano at Daniel's Broiler Bellevue. He started entertaining Daniel's patrons with his rhythmic playing and soulful voice Halloween night, 1989. And he sounds better than ever. With his charisma and showmanship, he has built a devoted following and constantly gains new fans.

Over the years, many famous people have sung with him at Daniel's. Phil Condit used to sing "Unchained Melody," Tommy Davidson from "In Living Color" sang one night, Antowaine Richards (The Main Attraction) sang, Ex-Kicker for the Seahawks Josh Brown sings and plays occasionally.

Jim has many famous fans — Cortez Kennedy has been a regular, Edgar Martinez and wife often come by and enjoy Jim's music — but this is a long way from where he started.

Jim is originally from Yakima, Washington and began playing piano at eight years old. In sixth grade, he got his first job, playing the piano at a church. In college, Jim played with rock bands and jazz combos, eventually realizing he liked solo piano best because it gave him more opportunties to sing.

When he was 21, Jim played five nights a week in the Atrium Lounge at Yakima’s finest hotel, The Towne Plaza. In 1985, Jim wanted more, so packed his bags and moved to Seattle, and got a job playing piano at C.I. Shenanigan’s.

In October, 1989, Jim auditioned for John Schwartz of Schwartz Brothers Restaurants. John immediately recognized Jim’s talent and hired him to play at Schwartz Brothers’ newest restaurant, Daniel’s Broiler in Bellevue.

What makes Jim so special? What sets him apart from other piano players? His 16 year-old daughter said it best: "I’m sure anyone would agree that two of the traits unique to Jim are his approachability and affability. Jim knows the people who come in to see him, most of them by name and all of them by their favorite song."

Jim's other passion is riding his bike — about 120 miles a week.

Although he sits in at many places around the Seattle/Bellevue (on piano and jazz harmonica), he only plays at Daniel's Bellevue. He has, however, recorded three albums: "Cool Keys," "On Another Note," and "A Christmas Collection." You can see Jim Washburn at Daniel's Broiler Bellevue Tuesday through Saturday nights, starting at 7:00 pm.