Vegas birthday becomes gift for lounge performer

Usually when a guy's parents bring him to Las Vegas for his 21st birthday, the visit is memorable for all the wrong reasons.

But not for Patrick Sieben. He'll never forget his 21st birthday celebration with his parents at Planet Hollywood Resort. It kick-started his local performing career.

Last year, the Siebens were in the hotel's lounge listening to pianist/singer Matt Newbold. He pulled Sieben onstage to sing "Happy Birthday" to him and invited him to sing a song.

Turns out, Sieben was a pretty good singer. One song led to a few more and by the end of the night, Newbold had given him his card.

"A few months later, I was just looking for an opportunity to come out and play a few shows. I called Matt, and he told me to call his agent," says Sieben, 22. He's been performing his solo act around town since June. "Yep, that was a good weekend."

Sieben, who also plays piano and guitar, describes his style as "alternative pop rock." It's kind of a cross between Jason Mraz and Matchbox Twenty with a little Foo Fighters and Bruno Mars thrown in.

Sieben graduated from the University of Denver with a music degree earlier this year and has set his sights on a full-time performing and recording career. He recently released his first album, "Awakenings," and has landed several recurring gigs around town.

Originally from Minnesota, Sieben grew up playing piano and took up the guitar at 15. He played gigs around St. Paul and was so successful, he got to quit his job at Dairy Queen in junior high school.

When it came time to go to college, music seemed like the right choice, he says, even though he was the lone working musician in his family.

In March, he will be going to Kuwait to play music for American troops. Until then, you can catch him from 7 to 11 p.m. Saturdays at Martini Ranch in Texas Station. For more information or future performing dates, visit his website at patricksieben.com.

-- By SONYA PADGETT