The Spampinato Brothers

By Jim

Click on the picture to view a video of the Spampinato Brothers

Well folks, we are drawing down to the last few shows at the Playlist Theater. Although the end is near, we still have a few amazing shows left. The Spampinato Brothers of the famous NRBQ are performing next week, Friday, March 4th at 7:30PM. I previously had never heard of them and when asking a few of the older music buffs, this band seemed to be a really happening show a few years back. Joey Spampinato is a founding member of NRBQ or "New Rhythm and Blues Quartet". This American rock band was formed in 1967 and was known for its live performances containing a high degree of spontaneity and levity. They combined rock, pop, blues, and jazz styles of music. The band has attracted quite a diverse group of fans from the late 60's up through the early 2000's. I hear the live shows were amazing to watch. Although, the band is no longer together, Joey invited his brother Johnny to take the stage and continue to perform. Touring together as the Spampinato Brothers, they will grace the Playlist Theater stage with fellow musicians Aaron Spade on guitar and Jay Cournoyer on drums. Come see what this band can do. While not really knowing a ton of their music, I looked to Uptown Playlist theater Emcee for a few words on the upcoming show.

By Tom - "They must trust the VENUE!!!" 

Joey Spampinato is a founding member of the legendarily diverse, critically acclaimed and much-loved NRBQ, with his brother joining the band 15 years after. NRBQ formed in 1967 and disbanded in 2004. It would be fair to say that Joey probably has one of the best Rock N' Roll voices ever. They have been referred to as the Italian Beatles. It will be a fun show with a few NRBQ songs thrown in. Rock N' Roll with a sense of humor.

Spampinato Brothers' Interview  

Robbie Fulks and Nora O'Connor 

Click on the Video to see the Robbie Fulks and Nora O'Connor

We just found out today we will be adding ONE more performance to the Uptown Playlist Theater. Robbie Fulks wiith Nora O'Connor will be performing here the day before Bill Kirchen, Thursday April 14th. Robbie Fulks was one of the best shows we have had here by far. Next week, we will tell you more information and let you know when tickets will be going on sale. Save the date and get your taxes done! 

Robbie Fulks 

Nora O'Connor 

Antique Explorer
By Aly 

A couple of weekends ago on a Sunday, I was looking for something to do and really just wanted to get out of the house. I didn't want to do anything that would cost me money, so I ended up deciding to go to the Peru Antique Mall. When I was little, I remember going there with my grandma and really enjoyed the time we spent there together. I loved hearing the stories my grandma would tell about how old and how much some of the items were worth. My grandma would reminisce about the past and tell me stories about when she was young. To me, the Peru Antique Mall is more like a museum then a mall. I probably could have stayed there for hours and hours but I knew I had to get home at some point, plus they were closing. As I was about to leave I saw an entire rack of brochures and guides about antiques/collectibles stores, upcoming events, flea markets, shows and attractions.

One magazine in particular that stood out to me was the Antique and Auction Explorer because it was pretty much all the brochures in one. I personally do not like having to grab a bunch of brochures or papers. Instead, I would rather have a newspaper or a magazine. Another added bonus about this guide is the fact that they inform you about stores, events, flea markets, shows and attractions throughout the Midwest. I think its great that they cover beyond Illinois because this would allow for a perfect weekend getaway for you and your family or friends. The Antique and Auction Explorer not only has a lot of great advertisements and announcements, but it also has a lot of great articles in it too...and the best part it's free! The Antique and Auction Explorer is available to you via the Internet or you can pick one up at your local antique mall. On a local note, it is published in Princeton, Il. 

I would really like to encourage all of you to check out some of our local antique malls (as well as the Antique Auction and Explorer) for yourself it would be perfect for a rainy day or a bonding experience like it was for me with my grandma.  

Antique and Auction Explorer 

Eat Dinner Late
By Ryan

Recently, my wife and I were both working late and wanted to go somewhere to grab a late dinner. Very quickly the conversation turned into, where can we go? The time was about 10pm on a Friday night and the only places we could think of were Monari's and here. Well, I don't like to eat here too often because I am here so much the way it is, and we had just had Monari's earlier in the week. You can eat late at any fast food or pizza place, but where do you go for a late night dining experience? Your choices are very limited. We went home and made salami sandwiches.

Not only are your choices very limited, but how often is it that you go to a restaurant shortly before closing and you are the only people there with no atmosphere and the staff is able to hear every single word of your conversation. Or they start vacuuming or putting up the chairs for the night. Or anything else they might do to say, "leave and go home," without saying "leave and go home."

We noticed ourselves, that the entire idea of dining late has become an afterthought. Maybe it is because customers feel they are in the way or it's uncomfortable to be the only people in a restaurant. Maybe there are health concerns that go along with dining late. Whatever the reasons, something has changed in the last 15 years. I know and have heard from my Grandfather, Father, and even other restaurant owners that at one point in time people didn't make dinner reservations until 9pm or 9:30pm. While at the antique mall, we came across an old Red Door Inn menu. It said they served until 2AM. Think about that!

Whatever the concerns, we are here every Friday and Saturday night serving until 11pm and Sunday thru Thursday serving until 10pm. And trust us, if you're still here after hours we won't make you feel like you need to go home....NOW. Our menu is full of healthy options so it certainly beats a late night pizza or fast food burger. And even if it is after the game, that's okay, we like kids too.

It was in Beverly Hills where I once dined late at a restaurant because I kept seeing their slogan, "Eat Dinner Late." One night it was just that, late. So we stopped in for a bite to eat and while the place was only half full, it was a very festive atmosphere and turned into a very enjoyable night. When you go somewhere "late" and you are the only person there, it may be uncomfortable. When there are many other tables in there with you, it can be a lot of fun. So, with that said, I'm going to steal their slogan and tell you to "Eat Dinner Late" at the Uptown. We will always be glad you're here. It's the reason you won't ever see us close our doors early or vacuum around your table.

Click the picture to watch a Spampinato Brothers video

Click the picture to watch a Bill Kirchen video

Tickets SOLD OUT!

If anyone has any extra Bill Kirchen tickets, we would like to buy them back!