There was an ashtray on the piano, and often a wisp of smoke would rise from the pianist's lit cigarette throughout his set. The desk-lamps at the tables and bar kept the atmosphere slightly dim, and they made the table games pop. There were even headset plugins at every seat along the counter, to discretely and privately listen to the small TV in the corner of the bar. The kitchen stayed open late, the prices were low, and everybody was welcome for the hang. With live jazz every night of the week, or one of any of a number of incredible solo pianists, chess and backgammon games always available, and rarely a cover charge, Upstairs on Bishop Street was a bohemian paradise. Upstairs was founded by Chris Gore in March of 1985, on lower Bishop Street in downtown Montreal, on the second floor of Darwin's. After a short time there, the owners of Darwin's would not renew the rental agreement, and Gore moved Upstairs just up the street a block, to 1429 Bishop, in the basement a few feet below street level, but not so low that you couldn't see from outside that the place was open. Many a local pianist, bassist, or other musician, cut their teeth at Upstairs on Bishop. They got their first gig. Or their first steady gig. Or two-nighter. Or first time playing in duo or trio. Upstairs had incredble impromptu performances, too, and on any given night you would find several of the best horn players in town trading solos into the wee hours. ... (Please check back on this page, as the stories, photos, and content are updated regularly.)