Lucchese's

Friday, May 23, 2008

Tonight we get to perform again at Lucchese's Italian restaurant. The place was packed again, as usual, through most of the evening. I just love that place because of the Lucchese family and their great staff (not to mention all the wonderful guests who express how much they enjoy our music). It's evident that many in the community also feel the same way as I do about Lucchese's! I simply cannot say enough good things about them.

I must admit, however, to an oversight from my last blog write up. I failed to mention one very helpful staff member who deserves special recognition, for sure. Her name is Tammy (with a "Y"). When we first played there back in May, she was kind enough to help orient me to where the power outlets are and showed me which room to store our instrument cases. She was so conscientious, too, of our need for an extension cord tucked away in the corner of the dining room. The only problem is, guests seated right where the cord was plugged in. We have to wait until they finish their meal and vacate the table before we can power up for our first set. The unique thing about all this is, I didn't have to worry about any of this one bit. Tammy takes care of all of it. Never mind that she already has her hands full serving guests and waiting on tables! She's going to handle this for us. And handle it she did! Thank-you Tammy (with a "Y")!

By the way... the next time you make reservations at Lucchese's, be sure to request Tammy as your server - she's a real professional at what she does and will make your dining experience a very special one, indeed!

The second staff member I want to mention is Stacy (also with a "Y"). I met Stacy during a break as I was visiting with a couple of dear friends. Stacy busses tables and is just a sweetheart. She thanked us for our music because, as she puts it, the music helps her to relax while she works! I'll take that as a compliment! Thank-you, Stacy!

All in all, the night was very special. Several groups of friends came specifically to hear us and a couple of them stayed right through the final set at 11pm. We are so grateful for your support!

The Luccheses are so kind and hospitable to us, too. (Did I mention this already?) Consistent with their tradition of great Italian hospitality, they make sure we've had something to eat. Now, I said this the last time I wrote about Luccheses that, typically, club and restaurant owners generally do not accommodate the band members. But like my Italian grandmother, they simply will not let us leave on empty stomachs! They are incredible people this way. In fact, it was big Zach (bartender, security enforcement and part-time lion tamer) who asks if we're hungry. Now, one never wants to offend an Italian by refusing an offer of hospitality. I'm not sure if Zach is even Italian. It really matters little, however, when one is dealing with a guy the size of Zach. Even if you've just had a four course meal complete with cheesecake and coffee for dessert. Perhaps you're barely breathing you've eaten so much. If Zach happens to ask if you're hungry, my advice is to reply with an enthusiastic, "Why yes - very!" (Fewer words make Italians happier). Again, Zach may not even be Italian - the issue at this point is about personal
security - you never want to offend a guy that big.

Finally, I'm often asked when we'll be performing next at Lucchese's. Since I now have someone who manages the performance schedule, my general response is usually to offer a smile and a impressively blank stare. I simply cannot remember from one day to the next where we're scheduled to be. There was a day, I suppose, when I was expected to apologize for such incompetence. However, the beauty in all this is that I no longer NEED to remember this stuff! It's now in very capable hands - handled by someone possessing an administrative skill set which I could only dream of.

So whenever I'm asked where we're scheduled play next, the only thing I need to remember anymore is that I have business cards in my pocket. I reach in, grab a card and hand it to the inquiring individual. Our business card directs you to our blogspot (which lists the trio's performance schedule). It's that easy.

Perhaps you're asking, "So, where are you guys playing next?" If so, then visit us at tomhilliker.blogspot.com. There you'll find our performance schedule. In case you're not asking the question, let me then simply tell you that we'll be at Lucchese's on the following dates:

June 14
July 11, 25
August 9, 23
September 6 and 20.

Don't forget to mark your calendar for a weekend of great jazz when the Elkhart Jazz Festival comes to downtown Elkhart, June 20-22. We'll also be performing for Lucchese's at their new
CR 17 location on the opening night of the festival, Friday, June 20th. It promises to be a wonderful time of great music, the best Italian food in town and fun-loving jazz lovers from all over the country.

Pick one of the dates above and come join us at Lucchese's. We look forward to seeing you!

Tom
(A word to the wise....with the exception of the Jazz Festival, don't forget to make dinner reservations or... you may wind up eating at Arby's or Dairy Queen :)

Trio's - - May 17

(Kimberly Gordon)
When was the last time you received a gift from someone "just because"? What do I mean? Well, what I'm referring to is this: It's not your birthday. It's not Christmas. No one owes you a favor. It's none of that. Yet, a gracious, open hand simply stretches toward you and says, "Here. This is for you". When was the last time you experienced this?

And in my opinion, nothing compares to a gift like that. Why? What makes this kind of gift so uniquely special? Well, since you asked...my humble opinion is simply this: It's the beauty of the motivation behind it. There's no agenda driving it like the square space on a calendar, or an obligation of some kind or a "balancing of the scales" - it's just love. That's why unexpected (and, I might add, undeserved) gifts are so special to all of us.

I received this kind of gift at Trio's. It wasn't my birthday or Kwanzaa Day or anything like that. In fact, it was a rather Saturday-as-usual kind of day. The band is scheduled to play in South Bend at my friend Herb's upscale jazz club called "Trio's". Now, I'm really excited about this particular gig. Why? Because I have a hunch it's going to be a very special evening of great music.

And I wasn't disappointed.

The night proved to be one of those unexpected gifts I was describing. It falls under the "intangible gift" category. Music is one such intangible. Though it's something we enjoy. Though it affects us emotionally. Though it gives us tremendous joy and can even move us to tears with its beauty, we can't stuff it in our pocket, seat belt it in the back seat of our car or carry it home in our wallet.

Now, I'm looking around the club on Saturday night. I see no decorated Christmas trees anywhere, no tinsel or Christmas colors or lights. It's clearly not Christmas at Trio's, but it sure could have been. Like a pile of gift-wrapped packages under the tree, the evening was piled high with gifts - each of which had my name on it! They were everywhere.

One gift was the wonderful opportunity to do music with three very talented musicians: my brother David on drums, who is a tremendously gifted and sensitive player - someone with whom I share a real musical chemistry. Then there's Demos Petropoulos and Kimberly Gordon, a husband/wife team from Chicago. Demos plays piano with such power and energy that people are leaving their seats just to get a glimpse of those big, powerful hands literally bouncing the Yamaha grand! Yet, Demos is a gentle,soft-spoken and down-to-earth individual who carries a wonderful warmth about him and possesses a fun, subtle sense of humor, too.

His wife Kimberly is the perfect compliment for him. She's colorful, sassy and deeply personable, all of which come through in her vocals. The liner notes on Kimberly's 2004 CD release really says it: "Kimberly Gordon's music reflects her personality; both are sophisticated with a streetwise flair. Her voice is as sassy, sultry and sensuous as the brassy tones of any tenor sax."

Kimberly just throws herself out there for anyone and everyone to enjoy. Her fearless love for people is evident. I witnessed (as did the others with us) how a perfect stranger, a retired vocalist herself and quite elegant lady, meets Kimberly on a break. They hit it off and the next thing we know, she offers Kimberly and Demos a place to stay for the night in a hotel so they can get a good night's sleep before making the long drive back to Chicago! Wow! Talk about gifts!

Even though we just met that evening and never played a note of music together, the energy and synergy on the bandstand was really quite powerful! The crowd's response to Kimberly's commanding stage presence and the sheer power of the music is enthusiastic. It's obvious the club owners are enjoying this night,too. It's high caliber Chicago jazz and they are perceptive and sophisticated enough to know this! What a great gift of music!

Another gift I get to open this night is to have some very special friends drive from Elkhart to South Bend to spend the evening with us. Since they know who they are I don't need to spell their names. They just happen to be our strongest, most dedicated supporters. Their friendship is truly one of the richest gifts I get to lay claim to. Each time they arrive I get such a shot in the musical arm. Thank-you guys! I love you!

Well, all I can say, is if you open your eyes to the beauty of the people in your life, and the wonderful gifts this life offers (like music - HA!), I think what you'll discover is that you don't have to wait around for December 25th or your birthday or any of that to enjoy the magic of Christmas. The gifts are everywhere and your name is written on each one of them! Find one today and open it! I sure plan to.

And, just so you know....there's another gift waiting for you, too. Unfortunately, you'll have to wait until Saturday, June 28th before opening it. I guarantee, however, it'll be worth the wait. Kimberly and Demos will be joining my brother and I again at Trio's Restaurant and Jazz Club in South Bend for another night of high energy and very entertaining Chicago jazz. Mark your calendar. Just mark the #28 white block, "Christmas".

You won't be disappointed, either.

There are few gifts to compare to warm, close friendships, delicious food and great music. Come join us for an evening of gift-giving and receiving. I look forward to it with you on the 28th!

Lucchese's Italian Restaurant

Saturday, May 3, 2008

This was our first time performing at Lucchese's Italian Restaurant in Elkhart, IN. Lucchese's is a high quality, highly respected establishment that's occupied a significant place among Elkhart dining establishments for many, many years now. However, in 2007 the family moved to a brand new location in a rapidly developing area on the east side of town. Needless-to-say, their new restaurant is absolutely gorgeous and 2 to 3 times larger than their previous location.

My first contact with the Lucchese's was in talking with Zach Lucchese by phone. Zach is the owner's son and serves as the Executive Chef. I would also include that he is a real gentleman and tremendously accommodating. I met with Zach Lucchese in person at the restaurant about a week before our gig to determine where the band would set up and talk through some logistic details. We decided the most optimal location would be in the restaurant area (vs. the bar) since start time for the band is at 6:30pm and the reservation list confirmed that the room would be already quite full by then.

Well, finally Saturday, May 3rd arrives and, sure enough, the place is filling up fast! As soon as I enter the front door, I am greeted by two young hostesses, Alex and Tracy. They're very gracious and helpful in orienting me to where things are and what I need to know to get things set up before the rest of the trio arrives. Before I even get to see Zach, however, another Zach (a much larger one, indeed!) greets me. He's a towering figure (of course, to an Italian like me, it seems most everyone around you qualifies as a towering figure). Zach sports a light brown goatee, a silver chain around his neck (bearing a cross) and a huge, warm smile. Everything about this Zach is enormous: his warmth, his smile, and when he shakes hands, for a moment you lose all sight of your own as his enormous hand envelops yours! (I found myself praying one of those nano-second prayers: "Lord, please don't let him squeeze too hard - I this hand tonight!". The beautiful thing about Zach is his gentleness and thoughtfulness. He personifies the "gentle giant" image!

Moments later, I'm greeted by the other Zach (Lucchese), who welcomes me and introduces me to his father Greg. Later I meet Kathy, Greg's wife. What impresses me most about Lucchese's is their genuine hospitality and love for people. In addition, every one of their staff members - and I mean every one - is so kind and eager to assist with anything you might need. They couldn't seem to do enough for us throughout the night. Why, we were even asked, "You guys are probably hungry! What would you like to eat?!!" I'm thinking, "Are you kidding? Do you realize who we are?" (If you are a musician yourself, you are well aware that musicians typically do not receive any special treatment, particularly by the owners!) The wonderful thing about working for the Luccheses is that they shatter those stereotypes and treat every one as honored
guests - musicians or not. They truly are beautiful people.

Since I grew up in an Italian family, I do know something about European hospitality. Particularly among Italians, a guest in one's home receives royal treatment - enough food to stop you from breathing and the very best wine in the house. My guess is the Lucchese family is no different. One gets the impression, however, that the Italian hospitality displayed at the restaurant is simply a reflection of how they treat guests in their own home - only in their "larger" home. It was impressive, too, to watch Greg and Kathy enjoy time sitting with their guests and enjoying the evening with them. They didn't appear rushed or stressed that it was a "work" day for them. In fact, if you didn't know them, you would assume they were guests, too!

A real treat for me was having my son Josh visiting from Nashville, TN where he works as a musician himself. Not only was he visiting, he was scheduled to perform with the band. He's a very talented musician who plays, among other instruments, awesome drums. He sounded great the whole night (as usual) - one of my favorite drummers, indeed!

After playing three sets in the restaurant, big Zach asked if we would consider carrying our gear into the bar area to play for the guests gathered in there. Of course, we would! (For that guy, I'll do anything!) Besides, he's too big to say "no" to. Actually, he made us feel like kings - helping us with the set up in the bar and making sure we had plenty to drink the whole night. Again, they just can't do enough for you at Lucchese's. We were scheduled to play until 10:30pm but ended up playing until 11:00pm. Frankly, for these people, I'd play all night long if they asked - they are just beautiful people who make an already fun evening even more fun.

Well, I could go on and on about the Lucchese family and their wonderful staff. But let me just say that the night was such a hit, they asked us to return and consider performing for them twice a month (check the blog for our performance dates at Lucchese's). In addition, we'll be providing the music for Lucchese's during the Elkhart Jazz Festival. They are planning to set up a huge tent in the parking lot of their old location on Jackson Street during Jazz Fest weekend (June 20-22).

In case you didn't catch us last Saturday, our next scheduled appearance at Lucchese's is Friday, May 23rd at 7:00pm. If you are looking for great Italian food and dynamic acoustic jazz, come join us then.(They serve one of best Caesar Salads I've ever had - no kidding!) I must warn you, however. The word is out about Lucchese's. It's an absolutely fabulous place to take your family. It's not unusual for people without reservations to be turned away (or at least wait a very long time) due to the sheer popularity of the place. SO...... be sure to make reservations if you plan to eat at Lucchese's on either a Friday or Saturday night. If not, you simply won't get in.

Do you think it's too early to reserve a table for the 23rd? I don't. Especially if lots of other families are thinking the same thing! So, make that phone call!! look forward to seeing you then!

Arrivederci!
Tom

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