Every so often various friends will say things that we want to share with you because they're interesting or fun. We've listed some of them below.

"One never knows what one will encounter when you play at a new location, especially out in the boonies compared to Chicago, my home town. Last night my piano trio (The Pressenda Trio) played in Waukegan, Illinois at a small but charming cafe/performing venue called Joplin's Java in the downtown area. The room has hardwood floors and high ceilings and is large enough to host a comfortable crowd of enthusiastic music lovers. It was furnished with a fine grand piano. . . . there's a fine piano store right next door. . . .and it was a wonderful place to play. I haven't had that much fun in a long time. The coffee and snacks were first class too. And, most importantly, the hosting crew were wonderful friendly people. It made me want to come back soon, even as a non-participant. Highly recommended!"   David Taylor, Assist. Concertmaster, The Chicago Symphony Orchestra.

November 10th, 2008

From The Waukegan News Sun (12/16/2008)

'All things music for Waukegan'   December 16, 2008 (By BETH KRAMER ekramer@scn1.com)   "Come in tired and leave inspired" is Joplin's Java and Ragtime Cafe's motto, said owner Alice Alviani. The cafe adjoins Family Piano Co., which Alviani also owns in tandem with Mark MacLeod.   The cafe opened about a year ago as an extension to the piano business, which sells new and refurbished pianos as well as offering such services as tuning and lessons. Alviani said she really wanted a recital area. The cafe provides a venue for piano students and professional musicians. Live jazz shows are performed almost every week. Upcoming performances are listed on the Web site.   "It blows me away, the talent from the Chicago and Milwaukee area that want to play at our humble cafe," Alviani said.   "We've got a great thing going here in Waukegan. You don't have to go downtown to Chicago to see live jazz. It's right here on Genesee Street," MacLeod said.   The cafe offers "all things music for Waukegan," MacLeod said. Over half a dozen pianos are in the coffee shop, and racks of sheet music line one of the walls. Coffee, tea and pastries are also for sale.   "We've tried advertising in different ways. We're just trying to get people hip to the fact that we're here," MacLeod said.   The majority of the business is piano sales, he said. Joplin's Java is one of the multiple streams of revenue he and Alviani enjoy.   "We wanted to make the world a happier place one quarter note at a time," Alviani said.