A number of years ago I worked for the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and worked on occasion with the Lyric Opera. When I helped out with some box office issues, I became friends with the wonderful lady who had started the Lyric, Carol Fox. The only time I remember disagreeing with her was when the set for one of the operas was delayed in transit and would not arrive in time for performances. I thought it a good idea to have it built by local students at the Art Institute. She opted for the set to be flown in from South America at great cost. I was perhaps a bit frugal. 

She did, however, help me with a difficult Pavarotti issue. Thanks to her again. I’d been out of the music business for approximately thirty-plus years when I got a call that she'd like to do a dinner party in our upstairs dining room.  Great.

So soon later, she had this beautiful party of probably forty people. It was a nice function but nothing special except for her. She waltzed about the room chatting up friends... a bright warm light on a cold day. There were folks from Europe, New York and the West Coast scattered in with the locals.

At the end of it, with the last guest warmly sent off, she came and said, “Well Bill, it's been really nice to know you.” I asked if she was moving to a warm climate. She said no, but that it would probably be the last time we would meet. 

A few more words and she was gone with a hug and a smile. 

The next day I found that she had gone back to her room at hospital to quietly pass after a grand night with friends at the Del. 

A great life well finished.

Bill

Just a few things . . .

One. Rumors have it that the Del Rio will close at year's end. Not true. In fact I have brought in my cousin (one terrific chef) who is bringing new and most importantly terrific dishes to enhance our menu.

Second. You are seeing some more of my relatives around and about Del Rio. Love their input. Good stuff. I really do have some amazing nes.

Third. I am not going anywhere for the long future. A hundred years of serving you as a client and friend is just not enough.

So, come on in tonight and enjoy the food, music and hospitality at the Del.

Bill

When I came over to our family business from my job at Orchestra Hall, I decided to give young singers a venue performing to a live audience.  As a music minor (take that all you Phi Mu Alpha wannabies) performing, for the most part, was only to other students, teachers, family and friends... not an impartial group.  

So, on the first Friday of each month, I'd pull my small Wurlitzer piano into the middle of a very busy dining room. Then, young college students would swallow their fear and have at it.  Some were very, very good and some not so much. But they gave their all to diners who had no idea that a performance was part of their Del Rio meal. I specifically recall the serious request for the song "Elvira" on one such evening.

But, on another evening, one beautiful lady stood to give a standing ovation to the kids. The rest of the house stood to join in with hearty applause. Our young singers beamed.  She then quietly sat down and unselfishly enjoyed the rest of the singing. That person was mezzo-soprano Marilyn Horne, one of the great voices of the 20th century. Why she was there that evening, I'll never know, but what she did for these performers was amazing.   I'll never forget that night.  Unfortunately, those Friday evenings came to a close when folks started coming into the Del Rio a few hours early to wait for the show. We had to turn away our regular customers.  After a few months of no music, I missed the young kids and called them to perform on Christmas Eve.  

Those first Friday performances have turned into this fifty year old celebration of the Holidays with great voices and great cheer. We look forward to sharing them once again with you.

 Bill