[5] Patterned after the larger Copacabana, the Riobamba was a "glitzy jewel box of a joint" with a small dance floor on which stood a baby grand piano.

[6] Shows typically featured a stand-up comedian, a dance troupe, and an orchestra[7] in addition to the main act.

[2][16] The singer did not receive top billing; he was advertised as an "extra added attraction" under monologist Walter O'Keefe, singer-comedian Sheila Barrett, a dance troupe, and a choir.

[17][18] Though Sinatra was unnerved by the small size of the performance area and was gripped with stage fright, he leaned against the piano and began singing.

[2] According to columnist Earl Wilson, who was present, "Frank was in a dinner jacket and he was wearing a wedding band.

[2] When O'Keefe announced that he was quitting, too, he told his last audience, "When I came to this place, I was the star and a kid named Sinatra, one of the acts.

[14] The gig served to prove Sinatra's appeal to more mature audiences than his "bobby soxer" fan base,[21] while autograph seekers thronged outside on the sidewalk.

[6] In March 1945, theatrical producer George H. Kondolf and a group of other interested parties purchased the Riobamba, but the club was not immediately opened due to a curfew issue.