There were three musical events last weekend, all of them superior and worthy of attention and attending. But of the three, I think I chose the best, the recital at St. John: Opus 3 Piano Trio, the faculty in residence at our own Gasse School of Music. Pianist Hulya Alpakin-Luethi, violist/violinist Sarah Gasse, and cellist Daniel Gasse. Mr. & Mrs. Gasse founded the school in 1999 when the three were faculty members at Olivet Nazarene University in Bourbonnais.
The concert was spellbinding, and the audience was in rapt attention throughout. There were even some youngsters who didn’t wiggle or talk. At all. We heard music of Gustavino, an Argentine composer; Gaito, an Argentine pianist; Alberto Ginastera, (you’ve heard of him and also the following); Granados, deFalla, and Joaquin Turina. One number, “Triste” moved me to tears. It was a wonderful, memorable concert. Thanks to St. John Church, we regularly get excellent musical programs.
The big, handsome new cook at Doc Ryan’s is Jonathan Veremis, known here as Johnny Verm. He comes to us after working with the Chicago Cubs for many years. Being Greek, you know he’s great with food. Johnny comes from a great family, all great cooks and all comedians. His father had his own radio show, “Johnny V,” until he died at an early age with his faithful dog, Truman at his side. Welcome to Forest Park and Doc’s, Johnny Verm.
There’s a new hot dog stand across from the park, Joel’s. They’ll even cater your affair with an authentic hot dog cart. Location: 810 Beloit. Phone number missing, next week for sure.
Did you hear they have discovered an unpublished Beatrix Potter book, which will be on the market soon? Another companion for Peter Rabbit, Benjamin Bunny, Jemima Puddle Duck and the others. I felt so sorry for poor, nervous Jemima Puddle Duck; remember her sad plight? No? Well, look it up.
On to the birthdays: Steve Grams, Angela Fink, Logan Kantzlero, Melissa Dodge, Peyn Warwick, Coralee Johnson, Ethan Flanigan, Matt Stefl, Julie Doloszycki, Kelli Haukedahl, Loretta Jantz, Seth Stern, Margie Neff, Ava Lin Scollaro, Connor Grimes, Davion Barr, Terry Meffley, Henry Thom, and Geri Leninger.
Anniversary greetings to Jodi and Peter Giannakopolis, Rosemary and Rich Krieger, Fritz and Suzanne Kloess, and Isabel and Bob Fox.
Jackie is a former Chicago and Elmwood Park schoolteacher with an undying love for music, friendly pets and a host of life’s other treasures too numerous to list. She was born on the far southwest side of Chicago in a great neighborhood when it was a great time to be young.
