Sara Mohr was born in North Dakota and has lived in Tucson since she was 4. She started playing piano at 5 and is a piano and music instructor for the School House of Rock. She is also the keyboardist and singer for the new project Sorry About the Garden. A bartender at Plush since the bar opened, Mohr is the creator of the bar’s signature Sexy Blue Jesus cocktail.
What was the first concert you saw?
Huey Lewis and the News at the UA’s McKale Center. Holy saxophone! I accidentally sat on a piece of gum, and got it all over my Esprit pants. So ’80s.
What are you listening to these days?
Switched-On Bach by Wendy Carlos. It was actually my mom’s, but I stole it from her and spun it over and over until it was full of static. I was fascinated with the Moog synthesizer.
What was the first album you owned?
Fever Ray, PJ Harvey, Rachmaninoff.
What artist, genre or musical trend does everyone seem to love, but you just don’t get?
Rockabilly. It’s fun at first, but after a while, I find it tiresome.
What musical act, current or defunct, would you most like to see perform live?
Genesis, with Peter Gabriel as the frontman, in one of his crazy getups. I have a serious soft spot in my heart for ’70s prog-rock.
Musically speaking, what is your favorite guilty pleasure?
Disco while wearing roller skates. No joke.
What song would you like to have played at your funeral?
“Learning to Fly” by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers.
What band or artist changed your life, and how?
Tori Amos. I know, I know. I’m such a girl! She is an amazing pianist and orchestrator. There is a perfect balance of dark and light in her songs. Her music makes me feel very mortal and creative. Every time I listen to her music, I find myself going over to my piano. … Also, my once-upon-a-time piano teacher David Barela. He taught me to believe in my art.
Figurative gun to your head, what is your favorite album of all time?
Blue by Joni Mitchell.
What song should everyone listen to right now?
The Knife, “Heartbeats,” live.