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| Uptown's Playlist Theater | |
Cebar Show Report and Other Playlist Theater Updates
by Ray
 Well, It's nights like this that make me think twice about hanging it up. Last time Paul was here it was a sparsely attended event. The people that came fell in love with Paul's eclectic mix of original material and his truly rocking style. This time we were not completely full which is a shame, but the 100 plus that attendedappeared to have a great time. So much so it prompted Tom to say it was our best show ever! Coming from Tom, that is a lot! In his introduction Tom exclaimed that if your head is not bopping you better go see the doctor. It was so bopping that for a good part of the second set more than half of the theater was up in the aisles dancing. My personal highlights were "I'm Qualified" and a Beatle's cover they performed. Below you will find a link to short one minute clip from Paul's sound check.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C16ua0KgLFM
When I set up the playlist for the house music each show night, I try to do a blend of what artists are scheduled to play in the future and music that is associated with the artist that is playing that night. Sometimes the two converge. Shortly after sound check the house music came on and two notes into a song Paul asks with a huge smile on his face. "Is this Joey and Johnny?". He had not seen them for a while and was very intrigued that they were playing here in March. The whole band said they would like to come down and see them.
Our next show, Samantha Crain is exactly the type of artist we started to do shows for. Whenever her songs play in our dining room I get the question from customers "Who is this?". I had always envisioned our theater patrons becoming familiar with new artists either by downloading their music or purchasing their cd's. For me, a show is always much more enjoyable if you know the music before you see them. It just allows you to appreciate the performance that much more. I am not here to sell records for Samantha, but just to make things as easy as possible here are links to Samantha's website and to her cd's on Amazon that I really recommend. Throw some on your ipod or in your car. It really helps your show enjoyment. Let's "Get Up onthe Table"!
http://www.samanthacrain.com/#/videos/
http://www.amazon.com/You-Understood-Samantha-Crain/dp/B003G1BWNE/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1294935434&sr=1-1
http://www.amazon.com/Songs-Night-Dig-Samantha-Crain/dp/B001WCN1Z6/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1294935434&sr=1-3
http://www.amazon.com/Confiscation-EP-Samantha-Crain/dp/B001AZI21I/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1294935434&sr=1-4
This week I also found out a little more about Fred Eaglesmith's show on Thursday February 10th. He will be joined by the fabulous Ginn Sisters. The arrangement looks as if it will be exactly the same as Fred's appearance on David Letterman last June. The only difference might be a different bass player. The Ginn Sisters will open with Fred's band and then all 6 of them will grace our stage. Should be a lot of fun!
So with 4 shows left Bill Kirchen and Fred Eaglesmith are almost sold out. If you want them you better get them in the next few days. While you are at it I would love to sell out the others. I promise you Samantha Crain and the Spampinato Brothers will be great shows also!
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| We The People of Illinois | Restore Lake Depue
By Ryan
Over the  course of the last few years, the residents in the Village of Depue have taken action and made attempts to restore their Lake. They have been met with resistance at several government levels. Their complaint is that toxic chemicals and other forms of pollution from the New Jersey Zinc Mobil Chemical site have crept into their lake water and negatively affected not only the habitat, but the village as well. The 1200-acre lake and surrounding area is the 14th worst toxic site on the U.S. Superfund's National Priority List. According to the EPA superfund site "Several sources for the contaminants have been identified: a residue pile, a waste pile, lithopone waste material ridges, a cinder fill area, contaminated soils, lagoons/cooling ponds, and the gypsum stack. All sources were found to contain elevated levels of metals including zinc, lead, arsenic, cadmium, chromium, and copper. Contamination of a fishery, state wildlife refuge, and wetlands has been documented in Lake DePue."  Growing up as a child, I spent every Thanksgiving in Depue with family and friends at my Great Aunt's house. My Grandmother grew up in Depue, and I have vivid memories of the stories her and my Grandpa have shared with me over the years, recalling their days from growing up in the Village. Each year Lake Depue hosts the APBA Depue Boat Races in late July. It is one of the main events put on by the Village. It's kind of like a reunion, and always tons of fun. My former High School basketball coach, Eric Bryant, is now Mayor of the Village of Depue so it's safe to say I have an interest in what happens at the Village. I have included below a short documentary that takes you through the current proceedings in this matter as seen through the eyes of the Village of Depue residents. You may have seen this short documentary on our local station, channel 27.  DocumentaryEPA Superfund Site
In a statement issued by the Village, Mayor Eric Bryant states, "DePue will celebrate its 150th year as a village in 2011. It will be a sad situation unless our national, state and local elected officials step forward and spearhead restoration of the lake," Bryant says. "We will be asking other municipalities in Bureau County and throughout Illinois to pass resolutions of support to restore the lake, and the community will be forming a citizen action team to aggressively pursue this effort.""In addition, we will be asking Illinois residents - adults, teens and school children - and organization's representatives to sign a petition, available at www.villageofdepue.com, to demonstrate support for initiating immediate clean-up of Lake DePue, the village, and surrounding area. Our campaign is called We the People of Illinois. Our battle-cry is Restore the Lake Before It's Too Late."  Click here to sign the petitionWhile this matter may be a bit more personal for myself, as a resident of our state please do your fellow citizens a courtesy and take the time to sign the petition or forward this story to help save, not only a community, but one of our areas hidden gems. Village of Depue Release Challenging the Illinois EPA
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What Is New At Uptown
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Celtic Crossing
By Jimmy
 Recently, I have had a few customers interested in this different liqueur, so we brought it in. Celtic Crossing is a blend of the finest Irish whiskey, French cognac and a touch of honey. Sounds like an interesting mix doesn't it?
Produced and bottled in Ireland, this spirit can be enjoyed several different ways. Served on the rocks, as a cosmopolitan or even with coffee. The unique flavor creates the perfect drink. Celtic Crossing was named after the millions of Irish that have crossed over to settle around the world. Next time you are in, toast to the Irish.
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Things to Try This Week
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Here are three things our staff (the people who know our menus the best) has picked that they think stands out from the more than 500 items you will find on our food and drink menu.
From Nikki - Cappuccino - What better way to warm up in this weather than with a cappuccino? All cappuccinos may be regular or decaffeinated, whichever you prefer. Each drink is garnished with fresh ground nutmeg. We have our "Cafe Mocha", which is an excellent chocolate cappuccino, or you may choose from the different flavors of Irish Cream, Hazelnut, and French Vanilla. Cappuccinos are great for after lunch drinks to wake you up before you return to work, or can be wonderful after dinner drinks. Try ours out!
From Jimmy - Grilled Salmon - I love it when I smell cedar in the kitchen. Yo u are probably thinking, "what is he talking about?", but you can always tell when an order of our Norwegian salmon is cooking because of the smell throughout the kitchen. This caught my attention this week and I had to give it a try. The salmon, which I ordered medium and highly suggest, was so moist and flavorful. We rub the filet with olive oil and fresh herbs and oven roast it on top of a western red cedar wood plank to the desired temperature. The flavor really comes through and compliments the full flavor of the salmon. Along side the salmon this week is steamed broccoli topped with melted tillamook cheddar cheese. I must say, not only will you enjoy the flavor of this dish, both your taste buds and your nose will enjoy it too.
 From Aly - Tuna Tower - One of the things I miss most about being in school (clearly is not homework), but the diversity in cuisine that the city has to offer. I really miss the endless amounts of sushi bars and restaurants that were open until all hours of the night. I was really excited when I saw the yellow fin tuna tower on our menu because there isn't anywhere around here where you can get a sushi-like dish. The yellow fin tuna tower is made with fresh ground sashimi grade tuna tartar with sushi rice, cucumbers, avocados, capers, caviar, lime and olive oil served with fried wontons. The quality of the tuna in this dish was really impressive. I was equally impressed with the delicate yet bold flavor combinations of the capers, caviar, lime and olive oil. The sushi rice added the right amount of density along side the crunchy cucumbers and fresh avocados. This dish is accompanied wasabi, pickled ginger, freshly fried wontons, and sesame seeds. With this said, I recommend you to try our yellow fin tuna tower which is a special that we are offering this week. So for all you sushi lovers out there, travel no further and come in and try this spectacular dish while supply lasts.
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Uptown Playlist Theater
| Upcoming Shows
April 15th Bill Kirchen will be our last show at the Uptown Playlist theater, don't miss out on the final acts. Tickets are on sale now for all shows. Concert tickets make great gifts for those music lover's in your life. But don't wait until it is too late, buy your tickets today to make sure you will be able to attend.
 | | Click the picture to watch a Samantha Crain vide |
Samantha Crain
Friday
January 28th, 2011
Tickets Available Now! $15 advanced/$18 door
Samantha Crain is from Shawnee, Oklahoma and is of Choctaw heritage. Shawnee is a town whose remote location influenced her quirky, earthy interpretation of folk music. She often played as part of the Ramseur Records band, Samantha Crain and the Midnight Shivers. Although inspired by the sounds of her father's music collection, including Bob Dylan and the Grateful Dead, an adolescent Crain took even greater solace in the music of her home state, from the rootsy Americana of Woody Guthrie to the sonic experiments of the Flaming Lips.
 | | Click the picture above to watch Fred Eaglesmith on David Letterman |
Fred Eaglesmith
Thursday
February 10, 2011
Tickets Available Now! $20
Fred Eaglesmith and the Ginn Sisters is a show you want to be here for. Country-folk singer/songwriter Fred J. Eaglesmith was one of nine children born to a farming family in rural southern Ontario. Eaglesmith gradually became an underground favorite in his native Canada during a relentless touring schedule with bassist Ralph Schipper and mandolinist Willie P. Bennett. Eaglesmith won a Juno Award for Best Roots and Traditional Album - Solo, is a winner of the Canadian Independent Music Award, and was a finalist in the 2006 International Songwriting Competition for his song, "Alcohol and Pills."
| | Click the picture to watch a Spampinato Brothers video |
The Spampinato Brothers
Friday
March 4th, 2011
Tickets Available Now! $15 advanced/$18 door
Joey Spampinato is a founding member of NRBQ, the only band to appear at the Berlin Jazz festival, the New York Folk Festival, and the Grand Ole Opry in the same year! About 25 years after NRBQ's formation, Joey had welcomed his brother Johnny into the band. Joey and Johnny now are doing what they knew they should always have been doing, recording and performing music together as the Spampinato Brothers. Joining them, Aaron Spade plays the guitar and Jay Cournoyer is on the drums.
 | | Click the picture to watch a Bill Kirchen video |
Bill Kirchen
Friday
April 15th, 2011
Tickets Available Now! $18 advanced/$20 door
Some of you may already know, but Bill Kirchen will be the last show at the Playlist Theater! Famous for his indelible Telecaster sound on "Hot Rod Lincoln," his 1972 Top 10 hit with Commander Cody, Kirchen has been everywhere since he first became known during the mid-'60s. He was a founding member of the legendary Commander Cody and His Lost Planet Airmen, he's released eight critically acclaimed solo albums, he's toured internationally with Nick Lowe and has performed with the likes of Doug Sahm, Gene Vincent, Elvis Costello, Dan Hicks, Emmylou Harris and Link Wray. Be sure not to miss the last show here at the Uptown Grill.
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| Not Your "Everyday" Specials |
 Monday Nights, Steak DianeEvery Monday after 4 pm, we will be serving Steak Diane for $13.75. This will be just like the Red Door Inn. With Victor's stamp of approval.
 Wienerschnitzel WednesdayEvery Wednesday after 4pm, we will be serving authentic German Wienerschnitzel. Served with roasted asparagus, spaetzel and veal demi glaze it is only $11.75. Throwback Thursday - January 13th
Mexican Pizza - Served on a fried 8 inch tortilla. Melted cheddar cheese with lettuce, tomato, black olive, scallion, guacamole, sour cream and our house made salsa.
Each Thursday, we will bring back one of your old favorite menu items and serve it ALL DAY. We would love to hear your past favorites so we can bring them back for you!
Click here to vote what you want us to bring back!
 Friday Nights, Seafood Mixed Grill
4 oz broiled lobster tail with drawn butter, 4 oz salmon filet
with basil cream, and 4 ozwhitefish parmesan with lemon caper butter. All for only $19.75
Prime Rib, Friday and Saturday EveningAvailable after 4pm every Friday and Saturday night is our herb crusted prime rib of beef. Our prime rib is slow roasted for several hours in our 1980 alto shaam. It is served with au jus, mushrooms and your choice of side dish. Available in 12oz $19.75 or 16oz $22.75 A Lamb Lovers Delight, Saturday NightsEvery Saturday night after 4pm we will be serving slow roasted leg of lamb with mint demi glaze. It will be served with our mashed potato of the day and roasted cauliflower topped with parmesan cheese. $19.50
Sunday, All Day, Sizzling Fajita and MargaritasYou get a chicken fajita with a 64 ounce pitcher of margaritas, serving 2 for $20!
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| On Special This Week | |
Blackberry Point Oysters on the Half Shell from Prince Edward Island, Canada
Yellow Fin Tuna Tower
Antipasto Chop Salad
Panini Sandwich Combo- Four Cheese- Tillamook Cheddar, Manchego, Fontina and Emmentaler Cheese. Served with Walnut, Mesculyn and Gorgonzola Salad
Orange Roughy Etouffee
Pork Filet
Curry Infused Chicken Breasts
Roasted Vegetable and Smoked Sausage Penne
Steamed Broccoli with Tillamook Cheddar
Spaghetti Squash
Housemade Pecan Pie |
| Win a Free Lunch | |
Foodie Fight Free Lunch Contest
Each week in the newsletter we will ask three questions from the foodie fight cards. The first person to email us (see link below) the correct answers to all three questions will receive a complimentary lunch. The winner has to have the exact answer for all three questions, no exceptions! The following week we will publish the correct answers and the winner of the previous week. So come in and have a drink, study the cards, test each other and have fun. Good Luck!
1. What is the marketing name for a mushroomlike meat-substitute made of a fungus?
2. What fruit are Amish Paste, Aunt Ruby's German Green, and Brandywine?
3. What determines the distinctive flavors of pure honey?
Email your answers to foodiefight@uptowngrill.com
Fine Print...
You must be the first person to respond with all three correct answers.
The response must go to the email address in the above link.
You must reply within 24 hours from the time the newsletter is published.
Participants are eligible to win a limit of 3 times a year.
Last week's questions and answers...
1. What is the term for plunging just-cooked foods, such as vegetables, into ice-cold water to halt the cooking? SHOCK
2. What kind of fresh bean can fight malaria but may also trigger a potentially fatal reaction in people with a certain genetic blood-enzyme deficiency? FAVA BEAN (The favism disease causes a deficiency of the blood enzyme glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, or G6PD.)
3. What kinds of foods are serrated knives designed to cut? SOFT FOODS (such as tomatoes, cakes, or breads)
Last weeks winner of the free lunch ....... Dan Eiten |
Email Policy
| | Uptown respects your privacy and will not sell or distribute your personal information. |
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Uptown Grill
601 First St.
La Salle, Il 61301
815-224-4545
Mon - Thur 11 am to 10pm - Fri & Sat 11 am to 11 pm
Sun Noon to 10 pm
Uptowngrill.com
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You can read all of our past UPtown UPdates by clicking the link below.
UPtown UPdate Archives |
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