Great Time At Bonefish!

Last Monday night's gig at the Bonefish in Mishawaka, IN was an absolute blast! The room was alive and exhilarating, too, for lots of reasons. First, as I've said before, the great staff responsible for placing this particular Bonefish Restaurant on the map are consistently professional and accommodating. The moment I arrived, two young ladies, Stacey and Emily, greeted me with characteristic Bonefish enthusiasm. (I had not met them before Monday). Of course, the night manager, Chris, and Stephanie the bartender, can't do enough for us and are always so helpful.

A second reason the evening was so much fun was that we were surprised by some special friends who took time from their busy schedules to come support us. (It's the people we get to play for that often adds so much energy to the music). Many underestimate the contribution they make by simply BEING there in the audience! Several friends came out to whom we are so grateful: Pam and Roark, Mark, Jan, David and Matthew. Their enthusiastic applause not only helped light the room up, but fueled the band, too! Thank-you so much guys!

One final element that contributed to the uniqueness of the evening was the inclusion of two very talented musicians who joined Jim (piano) and me (bass)---- David Hilliker (drums) and Laura Darnell (vocals). They were gracious enough to lend us their talent the entire evening. Though it was David's second time with us at the Bonefish (read his bio at tomhilliker.blogspot.com), for Laura, it was her very first time singing with us. I've known Laura for a long time. Over the years we have talked about the possibility of including her on some of our jazz gigs, but nothing ever came of it. Finally, however, it happened, and there were certainly some special musical moments.

I don't mean to end this on a less than happy note, but we just received word from the corporate headquarters of the Bonefish restaurant chain that live music will be discontinued until the economy picks up. Dinner sales are down and I understand the need to minimize expenses. So, here's my challenge to you: please support Tim Zentz and his outstanding staff at the Bonefish in Mishawaka. Tim very much wishes to see live music return to his establishment. (And that makes me happy). Additionally, he is committed to the music of Tom Hilliker Jazz and assures me that once midweek sales pick up, he wants us back right away. (Now that makes me VERY happy)! So, please support Tim. How? By making midweek dinner reservations ASAP. Who to bring along with you? Your sweetie, your mother-in-law, your boss, your next door neighbor, friends, enemies, your dog - ANYBODY!!

OK---so, there will no longer be live music when you arrive on a Monday night. But the food is still out of this world. (If you haven't had it yet, you MUST try the Bang-Bang Shrimp. You'll be talking about it for weeks!) Tim and his staff will take outstanding care of you and your party. And by supporting Tim, you help Tom, too, by inching us closer to playing there again.

Thanks in advance for doing you part to bring live jazz back to the Bonefish in Mishawaka. We look forward to seeing you there again soon!

Maxine's

Are you looking for a fun way to spend a day (now that summer seems to REALLY be here...I think)? Well...why not consider a day trip to Michigan City, IN? What? You've never been to Michigan City? DUDE! Well, are you in for a treat! There, you can stroll the sandy shoreline of Lake Michigan, bike ride the miles of bike trails and paved roads, visit the outlet mall and the many quaint shops, most of which are within walking distance from each other. After a day of walking the beach, bike riding or just moseying through the charming boutiques, I'm sure your feet will be gasping for a time out. so....how would you like to cap off a long, yet exhilarating day, with a wonderfully elegant dining experience? How would you like to be pampered and waited on in real style in an atmosphere of live jazz and friendly faces? Sound Good? Then let me take you to Maxines' Restaurant on Franklin Street in Michigan City.

At Maxine's, it's always safest to make reservations, but even if you decide to drop in on the fly, you won't be disappointed. When you arrive, you'll be warmly greeted by either Stephanie (hostess) or Karl (owner), both of whom are exceptionally hospitable people. (You'll know when it's Karl---first, since he's not nearly as pretty as Stephanie; but second, his sense of humor is surprising and disarming. He'll have you laughing before he's even introduced himself!) I intentionally watch Karl do his magic every time I'm there setting up to play---he can make perfect strangers feel immediately right at home and glad they came.

Everything abut Maxine's simply exudes "class" and warmth. I look forward to playing there every chance I get. Why? Because of the people who work there. They are the ones who shape the beautiful ambiance of the place and give Maxine's her personality. Why else do guests visit time and time again? Oh, sure...their famous prime rib dinner is just off the charts fantastic, not to mention everything else on the menu----from appetizers to desserts and everything in between. It's all exquisitely gourmet level! But, again, I insist, it's the great staff of Maxine's whom guest enjoy visiting too.

Maryann, the tall (I mean tall) blond who tends the bar, delights her guests with her warmth and friendly personality. There's Kathy and Sabrina, both great servers. (They're both wonderfully accommodating ladies who just can't seem to do enough for you.) Then there's Phil--oh, Phil...the life of Maxine's! He's just one of those rare individuals who is an absolute delight to be around---always cheerful, loves to laugh, enjoys people and is a consummate professional at what he does.

Jim and I were privileged to perform last night to a full house (Jim on piano and I on bass). How good it is to see both the dining area and bar finally teaming with guests eager to say farewell to the long, dark months of winter and hello to the warm sunshine of summer. The walls were alive with laughter and life. I like to think our music contributes to that energy too.

If you're a musician, I think you'll understand what I'm about to say...Do you ever feel this overwhelming anticipation...this excitement...this enthusiasm that comes over you as you anticipate counting off the first tune of the evening? I do. Every time. Without fail. It doesn't matter where I get to play, or how late or early it is. The fact is, I GET to play music again! I think that sense of anticipation is why I love to play so much. Or, perhaps it's because I love to play so much that explains why I feel like a little boy anticipating his first party at Chuckee Cheese's or something! (Now, THAT is a really dumb analogy, but I think you get my drift.)

What only exhilarates that sense of expectancy relates undoubtedly to who it is one gets to play music with. And, for me, I get to play with Jim Steele---one of the best pianists in all of north central Indiana. His creative musical energy is a real gift (along with the many other gifts God has blessed me with). There exists a deep musical compatibility between us that lends itself to certain magical moments within the music. Talk about fun! And, the truly incredible part is that I don't HAVE to do this, I GET to! It should be against the law to have this much fun in life---but I'll take it!

So, many of our guest last night expressed sincere appreciation for our music (the tip jar reflected it too!). Not only were there generous tippers, but others verbally thanked us as they walked by the band on their way out the door. At the end of the night, one gentleman, Dave, introduced himself to us. He couldn't say enough about how much he enjoyed our music. He really seemed to enjoy the fact that I switched toward the end of the night from the double bass to playing my six string electric bass. That shift offers an entirely different sound, too---an element that wasn't lost on him, and he made it known! Most people who come to listen us us certainly appreciate the music, But when someone in the audience actually UNDERSTANDS the music, or some artistic nuance within it---well, that always causes our hearts to skip a beat. Thanks, Dave!

I do hope you make a point to visit us soon at Maxine's (check our schedule to the right). Karl and his staff are good at what they do---and that 's to provide you one of the most memorable dining experiences you'll find anywhere. You'll enjoy it immensely. In fact, I guarantee it will be a fun evening for you and whomever you come with. It always is. You will have so much fun meeting Maxine's warm caring staff, and enjoying their succulent entrees against the background of some of the best jazz in the area. As much fun as that will be for you,---and I guarantee it will be---it probably won't be nearly the fun we have playing for you!
Hope to see you soon!

Tom Hilliker

Last Night's Gig at Bone Fish

Last night we were privileged to perform our second consecutive Monday night at the Bone Fish Bar and Grill in Mishawaka, IN. The Bone Fish represents real class and exists for people with discriminatingly good taste in both food and atmosphere. The sophisticated ambiance of the Bone Fish isn't the result of merely paint and wallpaper, either. I was immediately impressed by the caliber of the Bone Fish staff. They consistently demonstrate their commitment to excellence and refinement in all they do. From a musician's standpoint, I've found that they can't do enough for us. If you happen to be a musician yourself, you probably understand why such treatment comes as a pleasant shock to us in the band!

The moment I walked through the front door with musical gear in hand, Andy greets me warmly with a big smile and shakes my hand. He's the perfect maitre de--so charming and professional. He makes me WANT to be there and thankful I came! Not only that, I needed a screwdriver (not the drink) to replace a battery in a foot pedal I had just purchased. I asked Andy if the restaurant had one. He checked the office toolbox for me and discovered they did not. Instead of simply shrugging his shoulders and returning to his post (and leaving me in a major lurch) , he walked across the parking lot to retrieve a couple of screwdrivers from his car! How sweet is THAT? But it's not only Andy who's such a high-quality person. I could tell similar stories about Chris the night manager, Samantha the bartender and Walker (evidently a member of the management staff). Each one is genuinely warm, professional and deeply accommodating. In short, they are wonderful team who, by their demeanor, reinforce Bone Fish's upscale standards. As great as the food is (and it is). As stylish and exclusive as the environment is (and it is), I really believe people love coming to the Bone Fish because of the great staff who makes every visit the most wonderful experience they possibly can.

You cannot, however, develop a great staff without a great leader. I would be remiss if I fail to mention Tim, the restaurant owner/manager. He wins awards every year at the annual BoneFfish Restaurant convention. Why? Because he's a consummate professional who knows people and how to run his business. What I love about Tim is his enthusiasm for bringing live music to his establishment. And not just any live music, but he knows great jazz when he hears it - like ours! (Hmmm..can I say that? Well, I'm going to anyway...it's MY blog!) He also knows intuitively what his clientele enjoys musically and feels he's hit the bulls eye with our band, something about which I am deeply grateful. As a result, we'll be performing shows at the Bone Fish every Monday evening starting at 8pm. Tim's hope is to expand the performance schedule soon to include Thursdays as well - can't wait for that day!

So, check your Monday night schedule. It's usually a quiet night for most, so why not make it special and come out to the Bone Fish Bar and Grill. Meet this great staff, enjoy their excellent entrees and come hear some of the finest jazz in all of north central Indiana (ooops....I did it again).

Tom Hilliker

Bone Fish Grill

Don't forget to join us Monday, April 14, 8:30pm at the Bone Fish Grill in Mishawaka. We're looking for a great turnout so we can have an ongoing gig----which would be every Monday and Thursday evenings! Bring a friend and come and have some great food, great jazz, and an all around great evening.

Duneland Beach Inn

Last night the trio performed at the lovely Duneland Beach Inn nestled along the shores of Lake Michigan, in Michigan City, IN. This was our third appearance there in roughly the last 4 months. The Inn is nestled deep within the woods far from the road noise of the main highway. It is very much a romantic getaway just steps away from a private beach. Everything about the Inn oozes with warmth and personality.

One of the things I love most about Duneland Beach is how they treat us like royalty! The owner reserves an upstairs room of the inn for us to relax in during a break and to store our gear and cases, etc. - like our own private green room). And the room itself.....oh, the room.....so inviting and elegantly decorated - complete with jacuzzi, queen bed - the whole package (oh, how I wish I could have spent the night there)!

The management even insists on serving the members of the band meals from their fabulous gourmet menu! And as one can imagine, the food is simply to die for - each plate so carefully and artistically prepared and presented. They are absolutely wonderful people.

Not only, does the Duneland Beach staff, of course, deserve high marks, but last night's dinner guests were wonderful to perform for.

The trio Jim Steele (piano), David Hilliker (drums) and me (on bass) backed Ms. Bunny Fisher, a well known and much loved vocalist from the Michigan City area. Her devoted fans follow her wherever she and the band play. Last night was no exception. Though attendance levels weren't as strong as usual (evidently, we were competing with a major event occurring at a large country club nearby) the crowd was enthusiastic and engaging. The most rousing applause came at the conclusion of a gorgeous rendition of "My Funny Valentine". I thought the ceiling would cave in from the rompous cheers and shouts of praise!

If you've never visited the Duneland Beach Inn, you owe it to yourself to experience its simple elegance and romantic charm. Why not make dinner plans at Duneland Beach with your special someone? Better yet, why not join us for a magical evening of exquisite food, warm, friendly people and great jazz? Check our performance schedule (right hand column) and find out when we are scheduled to play there again. We'd love to see you there!.

Tom Hilliker