THE IVORY POWERS

Begin the night at La Botica Mexican Cafe, where you can drink a killer margarita, snack on great chips and warmed cheesy salsa, and be entertained by a one-of-a-kind piano player-Carol Brandon. Brandon never ceases to amaze her audiences. She moves easily from a patriotic and punchy rendition of “Dixie” into “Delta Dawn, ” “Gypsies, Tramps and Thieves, ” or “La Cucaracha. ” This woman knows and loves every bad song ever written. You can’t stump her, but it’s fun to try.

Move on, quickly, to Leg Saisons for a more traditional hour of piano. Robert Clayton Sanders will entertain you almost subliminally while you enjoy a cocktail and the Dallas skyline. Don’t worry, no show tunes here.

Up north, Farfallo’s, on the second floor of the North Dallas Bank building, features Skip Orlando during happy hour. More, sophistication here, but livelier playing with an oilman motif.

For the ultimate in sophistication, head south to the bar at The Mansion on Turtle Creek, where you can forget the rest of the world and be soothed by Hal Turner (Tuesday through Saturday), Herb Larson (Sunday and Monday), or Bill Green (during happy hour weekdays).

For something a little different, drive downtown to the Adolphus Hotel for tranquilizing “New Age” piano by Ken Boom’s Trios, guaranteed to rejuvenate your aura.

Saving the best for last, go to The Library Bar at The Omni Melrose Hotel and go no farther. W. T. Greer says he plays “everything from Nat King Cole to Billy Joel, ” and he does it all with perfection. Greer’s rich, full voice is reminiscent of Cole’s, but his own distinct sound comes through, especially in his original works. Greer happily mixes requests with his own promising compositions.