We've reached the point in ticket sales for Willie Nile where we like to warn our loyal readers that we are close to being sold out.

Just the idea of being able to see someone of this stature here at a local, intimate venue is truly exciting. 

Willie has played and recorded with the likes of  Ringo Starr, Tori Amos, Elvis Costello, Lucinda Williams, Ian Hunter, and Barenaked Ladies.  He was invited to share the stage at three concerts with Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band, including the two final Shea Stadium shows.  A live Central Park concert album, Willie Nile-Archive Alive, was released on Archive Recordings, and Nile was one of the vocalists on the ensemble album Largo, along with Joan Osborne, Cyndi Lauper, Levon Helm, The Chieftains, Taj Mahal and Carole King.

Don't wait, the last few tickets will go fast.  

Willie Video
House Of A Thousand Guitars was released on April 14, 2009

With the Midwest  in the depths of an icy grip and blizzard season being upon us, I thought it would be a good time to remind our customers that we almost never close for snow storms. Over the last 25 years I am extremely proud to say I can only remember 3 times we closed for weather. I think this attitude must have come from all of my father's Swiss mountain survival stories. It might not be a sound business practice to open for the few people that will risk the travel and brave the deep snow, however, I have always felt a commitment to our customers to be open when ever possible.

It seems today that businesses, schools, and public facilities close at the mere threat of bad weather. Since we opened the weather man and the Weather Channel have become public enemy #1 to restaurant owners. It might be smart to stay in sometimes but it really seems to me that nowadays we use any excuse to close down and take a snow day. For many businesses it makes no difference to their bottom line or their customers if they show up. We have to compete everyday and we do not get paid if we do not show up.

When a storm is approaching we do have several plans of action set up ahead of time. The employees that live the furthest away get called off first except Kris who calls herself off at the threat of a threat of a storm. (Who, by the way, will not be in tomorrow due to the threat of the threat of the storm. Kris)  Staff will be reduced proportionally to the storm. Sometime that means one employee filling 3 positions. Most of my local employee's know better than call and say they are stuck because they know I will offer to come and get them. I think dealing with storms like this is actually one of the fun parts of living in Illinois. What a great way to break up the monotony of winter.

The next storm, perhaps tonight, stop and see us. We will more than likely be open, our sidewalks will be shoveled and we will have something warm waiting for you including a greeting.