Concert For Will’s Place

As most of you know, Around The Town is a friend to Will’s Place, the nonprofit restaurant in Skokie built on the belief that “everyone deserves meaningful work and a place to belong”.

It is a diner, open primarily for morning meals during the week (breakfast, brunch , or lunch). Will’s Place is also a structured job training program that allows those seeking a career to work towards their goals. Frank and I have spent time with Will and his crew, and both of us were impressed by the staff and the happiness that each customer expressed. Many of you, our listeners and readers, came to Will’s Place, located at 7927 Lincoln Avenue, for a meal or beverage and to claim your coveted Around The Town WCPT coffee mug.

Tonight, I went to the NorthShore Center for Performing Arts for their annual “Concert For Will’s Place” for a knockout concert that was absolutely an evening to remember. The doors opened at 6:30 and there was a silent auction with many cool prizes to bid on. People also mingled and greeted one another, and of course, Will found all the politicians ( perhaps expansion?) and , luckily, I was able to say a few words before we all moved in for the concert.

The evening was hosted by Steve Cochran ( local radio host) and the music was performed by The Empty Pockets, a terrific quartet.

Over the two plus hours of merriment, we had the pleasure of hearing Joanna Connor and Lynne Jordan.

In the second half, after meeting Chad the Bird for a lot of laughs with some truths tossed in, we also met Mark Stone and were able to sing along with him. He plays a special guitar that I don’t recall hearing before, called the “slide guitar”. Great sound, and he truly is a master at this instrument.

Between the numbers, we met the local politicians who were instrumental in getting Will’s Place started, along with Will’s mother and aunt, who made it all happen. The audience met some of the employees and heard about their love for their work and the customers they serve. In addition, special awards were presented to honor the school district that participated in the program. A very impressive concert, but it wasn’t over yet. The amazing Deanna Hallagan took the stage, gave us a little “Aretha,” and rocked the theater for about 14 minutes. I don’t know how much was raised tonight, but I can tell you that the spirits of 100% of the audience were as high as they could be.

If you want to help, feel free to make a donation

www.willsplaceskokie.com/donate

Or visit the restaurant and enjoy a great meal. The hours are: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, 8 a.m.- 3 p.m.

CLOSED SUNDAY & MONDAY

phone 224-251-7363