Arizona’s first and only group singalong bar — where the crowd is the entertainment — officially opens for nightly entertainment in Downtown Phoenix on Thursday, May 14. Off The Record, located at 829 N. First Ave., brings the joy of shared music to the heart of Phoenix, creating the kind of nights people want to replay again and again.
“Off The Record is an immersive, inclusive experience for music lovers who crave connection,” said Ryan Oberholtzer, co-owner and co-founder of sister Phoenix hot spots Barcoa Agaveria and Provecho. “It’s a place where people can sing their hearts out and truly embrace the joy that comes from letting loose with their favorite tunes, along with a room full of people sharing the same vibe.”
Inspiration for Off The Record comes from experiencing music throughout the world. Oberholtzer and his wife, Julie, came to recognize that not only is music an integral facet of culture, but it’s also a powerful connector that can bridge cultures and bring people together.
“Music evokes memories and emotions in a way few other experiences can,” said Julie Oberholtzer, co-owner of Off The Record. “We saw the power of music bringing people together again and again, and we realized there’s nothing really like that in Phoenix. This city has one of the most diverse mixtures of cultures and ideals, but few options to bring everyone together the way music does.”
What makes Off The Record unique is its singalong format. There are no mics and there is no stage; rather, the entire venue is the stage and everyone becomes a performer for each and every song. It’s about the cathartic, collective joy of singing together, not performing.
Each night at Off The Record brings a distinct music experience. The calendar will be filled with nightly sonic journeys that explore a lively mix of genres including 80s/90s/00s, Contemporary Pop, Country, Latin, R&B, Yacht Rock and more, all guided by professional DJs who have perfected the art of engaging and entertaining.
In addition to interactive musical energy, patrons can expect a playlist of extras that give this venue a character all its own. A high-tech soundproof singing booth near the entrance lets participants sing-scream their way through their favorite tunes before entering the venue. Then, once inside, 10 jumbo video screens bring each song to life with on-screen lyrics so everyone can sing along — even if they don’t know all the words.
Meanwhile, LED lights throughout the venue change hues to reflect each nightly theme, pulsing and keeping pace with the music. Guests can also look forward to props that lend whimsy and fun to each evening’s session, from light wands and mics to sombreros and sashes with funny titles.
For those who wish to loosen up their vocal cords with some liquid inspiration, nightly drink specials will be served in custom-crafted glassware, and a shot cart will make its way throughout the bar each night, delivering on-the-spot pours for more spontaneous fun. When all that singing works up an appetite, take a set break and nosh on your favorite bar snacks, including sliders and wings, compliments of Provecho, a popular Downtown Phoenix food truck.
A bar for grown-up fun by night, Off The Record will also host monthly Tunes and Tots days to open the experience up to the entire family with kid-friendly tunes and experiences that build a love for music.
Although not required, reservations are strongly recommended. Off The Record is open from 6 p.m. to 1 a.m. Wednesday through Saturday, with singalong sets from 7 p.m. to midnight. A Sunday Brunch singalong set is also offered from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. each Sunday.
