Forest Park’s Counter coffee morphed into a piano lounge April 25, when acclaimed Chicago cabaret pianist Mark Burnell took to the ivories accompanying singers at a jazzy open mic. About 10 singers took turns performing songs ranging from showtunes to originals.
“Mark is amazing and can play just anything,” said Counter owner Heidi Vance, who crooned a few standards to warm up the crowd. Other singers included Oak Park’s Tracy Brade, Noelle Lesniak of River Grove and Scott Urban of Wheaton. Former Forest Park entrpreneurs and Madison Street business mavens Tony Hart and Cecelia Haracker stopped in to sing a few numbers as well.
