Interview with Jeff Key - Mayoral Candidate - Palos Heights, Illinois

 

Jeff Key currently serves on the Palos Heights City Council and has been an Alderman for 14 years. Jeff has resided in Palos Heights for nearly 25 years. A retired teacher and a long-time Officer of an HOA. He and his wife Dianne enjoy strong relationships in the city. Some of his accomplishments include: 

*As Chair of Public Safety the City Council began using a private crime lab.

*As Chair of Parks and Recreation he advocated for $6.3 million referendum for the expansion and renovation of the Palos Heights Recreation Center. With that major decision two new parks were created (Dream Big Park and Orchard Park) for a growing demographic of young families.

As Represemtative to BEAC, worked to create, develop and implement all elements of the Kris Kringle Market in Palos Heights.

Jeff has pledged to keep the “small town charm” of Palos Heights while maintaining a balanced budget and a safe community.

He will be a goal setter working closely with the corridor business district forming partnerships to solve parking issues and making Palos Heights a destination location for those in the south suburban areas of Chicago.

He is a strong advocate of getting residents involved and will increase use of the city’s website; and he has a desire to focus on and strengthen the social media presence for the city.

He is committed to having one Alderman from each ward on every committee.

We are pleased to present this interview with Jeff Key.

Q: Jeff, you’ve been on the Palos Heights City Council for 14 years.  Why, after all this time, have you decided to run for Mayor?

Jeff Key: I absolutely love being an Alderman in Palos Heights.  It has been especially rewarding for me to represent the residents of Palos Heights.  The vast majority of the time, all eight Aldermen vote the same way.  Occasionally, an issue will escalate, and arguments ensue.  Over the last four years, the number of consequential issues has increased, debate and emotions have increased, and nothing is getting accomplished.  The issues involved are serious ones, and would benefit our residential and business communities.  It is my observation that ultimately, three things are impeding much needed progress: leadership, in the form of collective goal setting, communication in regard to those goals, and finally, managing the issues through the committee/council process. 

Q: Jeff, sounds like a somewhat problematic situation is taking place. Can you elaborate with an example?

Jeff Key: Our main business district runs along Harlem Avenue.  Parking on the east side of Harlem has been problematic, enough so that the City’s comprehensive plan contains an objective specifically aimed at helping with parking issues.  “Explore opportunities for additional parking, and encourage the assemblage and use of adjacent property for additional parking.”  “Work with residential property owners near Harlem Avenue to convert to retail/service/office uses and/or parking where appropriate.”  Four years ago, a local resident approached the City and asked if we would be interested in purchasing his recently deceased mother’s house, located adjacent to the heart of the business district. The Mayor brought this to the attention of the City Council.  After robust discussion, the Mayor was directed to get a valuation of the property and then enter into negotiations in an effort to attain the property.  After the information was gathered, the City agreed to purchase the property and have our engineers draw up plans to raze the house and construct a fully landscaped and lighted parking lot.  Total cost thus far was $250,000.00 of tax payer’s money. As part of the process of moving this forward, the plan was presented to the Zoning Board of Appeals.  At this meeting, seven-eight residents spoke in opposition to plan.  There was no participation by City representatives at the meeting.  As a result, the committee voted against the issue.  This means that after the issue comes through the Zoning Committee and eventually to the Council for final approval, there would need to be a super majority of affirmative votes to pass.  In the time between voting there was no further communication regarding the goal of providing much needed parking.  Behind the scenes, several Aldermen were wavering with their vote.  Due to this, the issue failed after three Aldermen had changed their minds. I posit that if there would have been regular communication and leadership in reminding the Zoning Board of Appeals that we need to solve the problem of parking, and reminding the Council members of our collective goal along the way, there would have been a different result.

Q: Thank you for clarifying with some detail the Palos Heights parking issues. At the October 15, 2025 City Council meeting, you spoke regarding the Building Department’s failure to adequately provide help to our residents after a May 7^th hail storm damaged over 1100 roofs.  What happened that made you respond the way you did?

Jeff: The hail storm caused a crisis situation when so many residents requested roof permits at the same time.  The delay immediately went to three weeks and then jumped to six weeks and then to 12 weeks.  I personally talked to the Building Commissioner about the problem. I was receiving complaints about getting someone to answer the phone, lack of ability to locate the individual requests and long delays in obtaining the permits.  With no solutions being offered, I brought the issue up at the Finance Committee, specifically to the City Administrator.  The committee members told him he should hire additional help. While some help was provided, it fell significantly short of addressing the overall problems.  Instead of collecting a list of excuses for the lack of response, we should have been problem solving. There should have been a meeting of the administration and all department heads, providing a team approach, which could correct the existing problem. That did not take place. The lack of leadership at the administrative level and department level failed to provide a solution that our residents desire and deserve.

Q: In the fall of 2024, the City Council established a $.01 retail tax increase to the Harlem Avenue Corridor Business District.  What’s the status of that new tax?

Jeff Key: In years past, there have been several plans to make needed changes to the Palos Heights Business District.  These plans cost a lot of money.  The problem was that none of the plans contained a funding apparatus.  As a result, nothing was ever accomplished.  After these many years, the City finally addressed the issue by adding the new $.01 retail tax.  In 2024, the City collected more than $400,000.00.  These funds will eventually be invested into the district where they were collected.  There is a tremendous amount of work that needs to be done in terms of data collection, communication and partnerships formed with the business community members and our residents.  You would think that this past year would be used for setting collective goals, developing plans for moving forward, and communicating with residents and business owners of progress made.  It is shameful that there has not been one meeting of the Council to discuss this extremely important issue.  Nor has there been any communication by the administration on moving forward. We have wasted valuable time. How can you manage goals that were never set?

Q: Interesting question. How does one manage goals that have never been set? Moving on to another significant issue. McNaughton Builders presented plans to the City Council for a new townhome subdivision on an unincorporated parcel of property.  Whatever happened to that plan?

Jeff Key: The parcel of undeveloped property lays between a Palos Heights subdivision and a golf course which is part of a large subdivision. The plan called for approximately 60 townhomes starting at just under $600,000.00.  The property would be incorporated into the City of Palos Heights.  A narrow piece of the property coming off the proposed entrance did not align perfectly with 80^th Avenue, directly across 135^th Street.  Part of the plan would involve attaining a small, additional portion of property from the golf course.  This would allow exiting vehicles to turn both east and west out of the subdivision. This fact would later become a sticking point with several of the committee members. The plan came to the Zoning Committee and was discussed over several months. Residents from the adjacent subdivisions attended and argued in opposition to the plan. McNaughton Builders addressed some of these issues that were presented. Many of the issues were fear-based concerns and not actual problems. People fear change. One example would be that even though the engineering study stated that all drainage issues were addressed, residents of the golf course subdivision were convinced that the water shedding off the new homes would affect the golf course.  Both Aldermen from that section of the City are on the Zoning Committee. During these meetings, arguments arose between the Aldermen. Instead of solving problems, fear-based concerns were embraced by the majority members. Meanwhile, there was no intervention on behalf of the administration. Due to the negativity, and bullying (calling the builder a liar) by committee members, the builder pulled out. If the administration would have intervened, pointing out the benefits of the property’s development and then communicating how the City can help solve concerns, the project would have advanced through the Council.

Q: I saw in the newspaper that there was a proposal coming from the Building and Grounds committee to renovate City Hall. Where is that proposal now?

Jeff Key: The Palos Heights City Hall is over 70 tears old. In past years, the building contained administrative offices, the building department and the police department. When the Palos Heights Police Department built their own building 24 years ago, City Hall was redesigned to accommodate the current needs.  Approximately eight years ago, work began to renovate portions of the City Hall building, specifically to the accounting office suite, the entrance area where residents come to pay bills, and the City Council Chambers where Council meetings are held. The plan that was presented by the Building and Grounds committee would complete the long-needed renovation at a cost of $1.8 million.  Within the overall plan, three significant problems needed to be addressed.  The HVAC system needs to be replaced at a cost of $400,000.00. The electrical wiring needs to be replaced as it has deteriorated to a dangerous level.  The wiring would cost $400,000.00. The bathrooms are falling apart. They look to be of 1959 vintage with tile breaking up off the floor. The new bathrooms along with moving some of them to a new location and bringing them up to code regarding handicap accessibility is an additional $400,000.00. These three concerns eat up $1.2 million of the overall price of renovation. Building projects are expensive and there is only one sure fact, --- the project will cost more next year if we do not start it now.  As per usual, the usual subjects filled the chambers with disgruntled residents who thought the project was too expensive. The City has the total amount of the project in our capital funds, coming from federal sources.  This will not cost our residents anything.  Arguments ensued and the project went down in flames.  Once again, no leadership from the administration, no discussion at a Committee of the whole meeting, no goals set, no communication, no management.  We’re still waiting on what we intend to do regarding the dangerous wiring etc…

Q: Recently, the City approved a request from the owners of Tiffany Square for a $500,000.00 payment from the City’s TIF (Tax Increment Financing) District to help with the renovation of their buildings.  How does that work?

Jeff Key: TIF financing is the most used state sanctioned apparatus to encourage development and redevelopment efforts in municipalities.  Palos Heights has two TIF districts. The TIF District at 127^th and Harlem was established when the Jewel grocery store was razed and rebuilt at that location. That TIF is 15 years old. TIF Districts are limited to 23 years.  The Gateway TIF District is located on a stretch of property on both the east and west sides of Harlem Avenue north of Route 83.  This district is about 20 years old.  Money collected into a TIF fund must be spent in the district. The clock is literally ticking, especially with the Gateway TIF.  I have personally asked the administration what the goals are for this TIF.  I have asked the Mayor, the City Administrator and the former Community Development staff.  I have never received an answer.  In my 14 years on the City Council, we have never discussed goals for either TIF District, or what the benefits might possibly be to request an extension.  We might choose to let it expire, or re-TIF.  Nobody knows, because we never set goals or communicate administrative intentions.  Developers watch which cities have TIF Districts and what the City response is to requests.  Meanwhile Palos Heights is seeming asleep while the clock ticks away.

Q: Jeff, thank you very much for your time. We wish you well as you pursue an enhanced leadership role in this lovely community!

For the record: The current Mayor - Bob Straz has been asked to participate in the interview process. Questions were sent to him and he acknowledged receipt of those questions. Straz and Key are running against one another in the Palos Heights, Illinois mayoral race. It was a must to offer both candidates a Q&A. If and when I receive answers to the questions I will post the interview.  The election will be held on Tuesday, April 1, 2025. Early voting begins two weeks prior.    

COPYRIGHT CHICAGO AND THEN SOME 2025

SPOTLIGHT ON CHICAGO THEATER: INTERVIEW WITH KRISTEL FLYNN

                                                             Kristel Flynn

This interview is shining a spotlight on Chicago's theater world as we enter a new phase of life in the city. It is an exciting time to be back sitting not only in motion picture theater seats, but also witnessing a live theater performance. Life is not about sitting on a couch in your pajamas watching some streaming service. Get out. Live life. Take in a live presentation. Go out to eat. No matter how long one lives - life is still brief and fragile. Enjoy the arts and entertainment - live and with other people!

This newfound freedom of going back into theaters allows us to shine a light on Chicago's very own Kristel Flynn. Kristel Flynn is an actress who was born and raised in Chicago. She has chosen to exercise her art and craft right in the city that molded and shaped her talent. She studied theatre and improv at various studios, and holds a Master of Arts degree in Communication, Media, and Theatre from Northeastern Illinois University. Kristel has worked with Stray Dog Theatre, the Beverly Art Guild, the Gaelic Park Players, and Galaxy Theater. She was last seen onstage in the Galaxy Theater’s production of Stories of Love. 

Kristel is also the director of Saint Xavier University's TRIO program as well as an instructor in the Department of Communication.  

We are delighted to feature her in this spotlight Chicago interview. 

              Kristel Flynn and her fellow cast members from "A Fairy's Tale"

JT: Kristel, what attracted you to acting? How did you become an actor?

 

Kristel: I always dreamed about performing, but didn’t get up the nerve to take an acting class until after I graduated from college. I loved the idea of stepping into the life and experiences of a character and seeing the world through someone else’s eyes. I have an insatiable curiosity about people and why we do the things we do, so acting is the perfect medium to explore that. I took my first acting classes with Milissa Pacelli on the south side of Chicago. She gave us amazing material with which to work and do character studies. She challenged us to “live truthfully under imaginary circumstances.” I loved all the scene work we did in class, as so many of the complexities of human nature were put under the microscope in our analysis. I then had to face the next challenge of overcoming the fear of auditioning. Once I got the first few down, I finally started to gain momentum. I still get fearful when I audition for a new group, but the excitement overrides it now. 

 

JT: I admire the fact that you decided to do this as an adult. Most people get comfortable, even complacent with life and rarely, if ever follow a dream past a certain age. Growing up, did you have an aspiration to act?

 

Kristel: Not really. I liked to play in my imagination a lot, and often got lost in reading stacks of books. I was always imagining other worlds in my head from all the books, but I was quite shy earlier on. I do think there was always a performer inside waiting to be found, which slowly emerged in various settings once I felt comfortable with people.

                                 Kristel Flynn in "Jewel Thieves"
 

JT: I loved media from the time I was ten and knew in some way that I wanted to work in media, but I didn't have a desire to act, but I love filmed entertainment and music. What are some of your favorite roles that you have had the opportunity to portray? 

 

Kristel: think I love every character for one reason or another. Some of my favorites include: Van Helsing in Dracula, Brooke in Other Desert Cities, Mary Lou in Macbeth Did It, Catherine in Proof, Annelle in Steel Magnolias, and Helen in The Seven Year Itch.

 

JT: Great characters, one and all. Let's dream! If you had the power to reboot any production what production and role would that be for you?

 

Kristel: I would pick Other Desert Cities (Brooke)  and Proof (Catherine). These were two of my most challenging roles that I would love to play again. These roles had a lot of depth and nuance that I would love to explore again with the perspective of a few more years under my belt. 

 

JT: What is your all-time favorite character in a play or filmed entertainment?

 

Kristel: From the time I was a little girl, I have always loved the character of Jo March from Little Women. It’s always interesting to see a character's transition from how you imagine them while reading to how they are portrayed on stage or in film. I have long admired the energy and independence of Jo. 

 

                                        Kristel Flynn in "Other Desert Cities"

JT: Little Women was a huge favorite of my beloved mom, so I love that answer! You have worked in four different theaters in the Chicago metro area? How did those relationships happen for you?

 

Kristel: It started off with being in one show, making friends with the cast and crew, and then hearing about other groups that people are involved in. I have had people shoulder-tap me after a performance to encourage me to check out auditions for a show they are doing, and I will usually do so if there is an interesting part. Many of my actor friends also work with several different groups. I have found the theater community to be very supportive as we all have the same shared goal to create.  

 

JT: I admit I'm more of a movie person than a live theater person, but I enjoy the experience of watching actors work live. It's not quite like any other art form. Since I love films - what are some of your favorite films?

 

Kristel: The Dark Knight, Before Sunrise, Little Women, Frida, and almost every movie that Cary Grant is in.

 

JT: We have no actor today who could literally play the roles Cary Grant played. He had a tremendous range and rarely got credit for it. He was an outstanding dramatic actor (North by Northwest), a wildly believable comic actor (Arsenic and Old Lace, Monkey Business), a stunning romantic lead (An Affair to Remember) and a great action lead as well. I too loved The Dark Knight. Christian Bale was Bruce Wayne/Batman. He defined the characters on both fronts. As an actor, which actors are your favorites? Film, theater, television?

 

Kristel: I have so much admiration for many actors, but two of my favorites in film are Kate Winslet and Leonardo DiCaprio. I promise this is not just because of Titanic! Their passion for the craft is palpable. I thought they were extraordinary in Revolutionary Road, and am likely to go see any film they are in, whether individually or together. Another favorite in film is Michelle Williams - her performances are so strong and memorable. My favorite local theater actor is Tony Carsella. He is an amazingly gifted performer and is always 100% committed to his character. In television, Elizabeth Moss is a standout. 

 

JT: Any production (s) coming up in the near future in Chicago that you are not part of that you are most looking forward to? 

 

Kristel: I don’t have anything specific on my radar right now, but I enjoy going to support plays that my friends are in. In the fall, the Gaelic Park Players (GPP) will be presenting Outside Mullingar, a fantastic play by John Patrick Shanley. I saw a production at the Acting Irish International Theatre Festival (AIITF) a few years back which was excellent, so I cannot wait to see the GPP version! Also, the Steppenwolf is my favorite theater in Chicago so I am on the lookout for their next offerings. 

 

JT: Like many working actors you also have another job. You are the director of the TRIO program at Saint Xavier University? What is TRIO?

 

Kristel: TRIO programs are Federally funded programs that provide support to students from first-generation and/or limited-income backgrounds, as well as students with documented disabilities. We help students persist in college with the ultimate goal of graduation. We take a holistic approach and offer a variety of services from academic advising and financial literacy counseling to offering service projects and leadership development. 

 

JT: You also teach on the college level? What courses do you teach?

 

Kristel: I teach Communication 101, which is a course on speech fundamentals. It is a required course, and can come with a sense of anxiety since public speaking is a major fear for a lot of people. It is something I have had to work through myself, so I am very understanding for those who have communication apprehension. I aim to create a warm, interpersonal environment in the classroom, which helps to ease nervousness. I then have students start small with fun, short impromptu speeches presented in front of very small groups before they have to present more formal speeches to a larger audience.

 

JT: Thank you Kristel for sharing some of your personal insights into the Chicago live theater world.   

Copyright Chicago and Then Some 2022

 

A GREAT AMERICAN ROAD TRIP - LEXINGTON KENTUCKY - AMERICA'S BEST ROAD TRIPS

If you are looking for an outstanding, infotaining and entertaining few days away, look no further than the Lexington, Kentucky area of the United States. If you are in the Midwest, Upper Southeast, Mid-Atlantic or Southern Northeast part of the nation this is a trip you can easily do in four days/three nights. 

Departing out of the Chicago metro area was a breeze of a journey. The trip is only 5 1/2 hours outside of the greater Chicago area. Clearly, with a stop or two you will want to add on an hour or two, but that is all on how and when you travel. Driving to Kentucky from the northwest passage of Illinois is quite lovely. Open roads await once you are past the Indiana/Illinois border corridor; and once you hit the bluegrass state of Kentucky it is an even more aesthecically beautiful ride. 

Once you arrive in the Lexington area, there are plenty of hotel options. We stayed at the Holiday Inn Lexington (1976 Justice Drive) and as a frequent traveler I was quite impressed with this location.  It's relatively new, but the cleanliness was a joy to behold. The bedding is remarkable. I've stayed at some of NYC's finest hotels and this Holiday Inn (yes, I'm serious) is just as good as the Parker Meridien in the Big Apple. Again, I'm serious. The staff is cordial, professional and helpful. The fitness center is worth a visit. The cross trainer was a far more difficult workout than the ones at my local gym. It's an ideal location surrounded by a whole host of restaurants (mostly chains). The Bonefish Grill and Chuy's are both located near the hotel and the consistency of their menus are well represented at these locations. Chains are not always a bad thing. Sometimes, they are a good thing.  

The Kentucky Horse Park is a must-see marvel for any horse lover or non-committed equine person. You don't have to be a horse person to love this glorious park packed with some of God's most stunning creations. There is an entire barn dedicated to a whole host of breeds. When I was there the first time they bragged about 58 different breeds. KHP offers a parade of breeds and the entire family will love this palate of one gorgeous horse/pony after another. 

The Big Barn stall offers an up-close look at the working horses, including the heroic Clydesdales. You can join a trolley ride provided by those gigantic working horses. 

The Hall of Champions is my favorite part of the Park. Currently, five champions reside in the Hall. From the Trotter world, you can view three winning champions and they are Mr. Muscleman, Won the West and Western Dreamer.  Western Dreamer is getting old, so if you want to visit with him, book the trip soon. 

On the champion Thoroughbred front the Park offers two iconic names of horse racing. Funny Cide is housed here. Of course, Funny Cide won the 2003 Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes. Point Given is now 24 years old. I was there on his birthday and he looks so magnificent you would swear he could still pull off a mighty victory in a Graded Stakes race. He remains one of the most stunning specimens in the equine world.  I took more photos of Point Given than of me in the rest of the park. Point Given won the Preakness Stakes and the Belmont Stakes and he would have won the Triple Crown (and should have won the Triple Crown) had he had a better ride! No blame on the jockey who will go nameless here.  Editor's Note: Funny Cide passed away in July, 2023. 

The mighty Man o' War statue greets you upon arrival and you could still almost hear his hooves matching the track. He had the longest stride of any of the horse giants and his still relevant history is a heartbeat away for any lover of horses.

Some mighty giants of horse racing history are buried here or have memorials here after having spent their retirements in this lush, lovely home. Alysheba, Bold Forbes, Cigar, Da Hoss, John Henry, Forego and Go For Gin are a few of the champions who are memorialized on property. 

Trail and pony rides are also available. There are several museums on property, including the International Museum of the Horse. A superb gift shop is at your disposal. 

This is one of the best road trips you will ever find. It isn't an expensive trip. Entry into the park is $12.00 per adult.  

Forty-five minutes away from the Kentucky Horse Park is the absolutely amazing Ark Encounter. The Ark Encounter is a big wow! When you finally witness this astonishing replica of Noah's Ark you will be inspired emotionally, intellectually and spiritually. The crafters behind this idea built this Ark to the exact specifications of the Ark noted in the Torah/Bible in the first book of Genesis. 

Inside the Ark you will find three levels. The interior serves as a learning tool as to what it may have been like for the inhabitants - the humans and the animals. Some unique gift shops (of course, there are gift shops) are on board as well. 

Outside you will find a ziplining run and a zoo (it's a small zoo, but it does serve as a nice thread of continuity for the experience -- knowing animals would have played a major role in this endeavor). God took His creations seriously and that meant every living, breathing form of it. 

The Creation Museum is about an hour away. You can do both the Ark Encounter and the Creation Museum in one day, but it's a push to do it this way. Ultimately, you may be more inclined to add on another day. 

The Kentucky State Capitol building is quite close to the heart of Lexington. It is in nearby Frankfort. As I mentioned, I have travelled extensively and the Kentucky State Capitol is one of the most beautiful capitol buildings in the nation. The area is beautiful and you can walk the grounds comfortably. The Executive Mansion or Governor's House is directly across from the Capitol building itself, so you can do both in a short period of time. 

If you are shopping for men's clothing you will want to visit Logan's of Lexington. This store is full of classic and top flight brands. Under normal circumstances I wouldn't recommend retail outlets, but this small boutique store is quite exceptional and the personnel are superb and skilled at their business.

Enjoy the road! Prepare to pay more for petrol and if you are renting a car it will cost more to do that as well.

Copyright Chicago and Then Some 2022

                      

          

    

Playing Bass In and Out of Chicago: Interview with Musician Bob Lizik

                                                      Bob Lizik in the studio

Bob Lizik's career continues to be marked by stellar accomplishments and performances. He has performed on thousands of television and radio commercials; and those ads have sold the food and beverages you consumed, the cars you drove and the places you shopped. 

He has recorded with Barbra Streisand, Billy Joel, Joe Sample, Eric Clapton, Mavis Staples, Madonna, Mariah Carey, Dennis DeYoung and Kylie Minogue. His longest association has been with the iconic songwriter, musician and founding member of the Beach Boys, Brian Wilson. Wilson will be touring this summer and it is a show any lover of music should not miss. Mr. Wilson's music is as the saying goes, timeless. Hearing songs from the catalog of the Beach Boys still resonates some 50 years after they were recorded. God Only Knows, Wouldn't It Be Nice, Good Vibrations are a few of the classic songs recorded by the Beach Boys. Wilson's music compositions are among the most consequential of the rock era; and he is highly regarded in the pantheon of giants of the second half of 20th century music.

He will be touring this spring and summer and you can find those tour dates at Brian's website, brianwilson.com. I love music. I have always loved music. My parents graced me with the presence of music in our home from the beginning of my life. Frank Sinatra, the big band orchestras and their various singers were a huge part of my growing up years. My older siblings introduced the Beatles and the ever growing list of not just the then British invasion, but also many of the significant American acts that were formed and groomed during my childhood. How could I not love the boys of summer?

I had a wild moment when I first moved to Los Angeles some 30 years ago. I was going to be staying with a friend's mother-in-law. She is now deceased, but one day early on in my arrival she casually mentioned a good friend of hers. That woman was the mother of Brian, Dennis and Carl Wilson. It was one of my first "celebrity" experiences and of course, I was thrilled. Her home was planted less than a mile from where Dennis had once gone surfing.  

In honor and support of Brian Wilson's upcoming tour, I had the privilege of interviewing the gifted musician who has been with Brian's band for some 20 years. He is the bass player for Brian Wilson and he has had his own illustrious career supporting some of the biggest names in music.

Bob Lizik has been a professional musician his entire adult life and he still maintains his Chicago roots with his family in the suburbs of Chicago. He spent many years as one of the most sought after musicians for the huge jingles market this city was involved in with the advertising community.

ChicagoAndThenSome: Bob, you've had a long association with Brian Wilson. Wilson, of course has been beloved by the critics and his fellow songwriters/musicians for more than a half century. He is also a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. How did you land the bass player role in his band that has now been a part of your life for the last 20 years?

Bob Lizik: I worked a lot with a producer named Joe Thomas, and he was doing the Imagination album with Brian. Joe asked if I wanted to play on a couple of tracks, and of course I was thrilled. When the album was finished, Joe thought Brian should do a little tour to support the album. At first it was just a couple of weeks, then they added another week, and here we are almost 20 years later. Some of Joe's credits are: The Beach Boys - Stars and Stripes, Volume 1, Brian Wilson - Imagination, Dave Matthews Band - Weekend on the Rocks and Stevie Nicks -The Soundstage Sessions. 

                                     Bob Lizik and Brian Wilson

   

ChicagoAndThenSome: I had the good fortune of meeting the surviving Beach Boys back in 2006 with a Capitol Records rooftop celebration for their Pet Sounds album 50th anniversary. It would be an understatement to say it's a superb album. I'm particularly fond of Wouldn't It Be Nice and God Only Knows. What are your favorite Beach Boys songs?

Bob Lizik: There are so many, and it changes depending on my mood. Warmth Of The Sun has always been a favorite, along with Wouldn’t It Be Nice, Wind Chimes and Surfs Up from SMiLE, and I always loved Don’t Worry Baby.

ChicagoAndThenSome: Hearing your choices, makes me want to play their music right now! Can you share what the rehearsal and road touring life is like with this current line-up of Brian Wilson's band?

Bob Lizik: We don’t rehearse much. There’s usually a day or two before a tour, and that’s mainly to get the dust off and maybe add a couple of songs. Everyone takes it seriously, and knows their parts. That being said, we’re constantly tweaking parts at soundcheck. The guys are always revisiting vocals and making sure the parts and phrasing are correct. We have a great crew that takes care of us. They don’t get noticed, but they move us, set up, do sound and lights and all the technical stuff involved with doing a show. Touring is pretty smooth. We fly out to the first gig, then we have several tour buses. The bus becomes home, even though we get rooms every night, the bus is home. After shows, we might get on the bus for a drive. You can either hop in your bunk, or stay up and watch a movie, have a drink or something to eat, or just hang. On the last tour in Europe, we watched every season of Game of Thrones. On off days, some of the guys play tennis or go to movies or just chill.

ChicagoAndThenSome: Bob, you started your career in Chicago. I know you had a long-running and successful career as a jingles/ads musician. What are a few of the jingles you recorded? Any iconic brands or campaigns?

Bob Lizik:  I played on just about every product out there at one time or another. McDonald's, Pizza Hut, Ford, Chevy, Sears and so many more. Chicago was a big advertising town. I think some of the big ones were the Bud Light Bring Out Your Best campaign, Mazda Zoom Zoom, and Busch Beer Head For the Mountains campaign.

ChicagoAndThenSome: Bob, I understand you had a love for the big bands. I love the big bands. I play that music quite often. What are your favorite songs from that era? Any favorite musicians from that time?

Bob Lizik: My dad had old Glenn Miller, Harry James and Dorsey Brothers albums, so songs like A String of Pearls and Sing Sing Sing were favorites. When I got a little older, my teacher, Harry Grebb  turned me on to Stan Kenton and Woody Herman.

ChicagoAndThenSome: I have a fondness for Woody Herman's Woodchopper's Ball. It's feel good music! You are from the Bridgeport area in Chicago. Bridgeport is the oldest neighborhood in the city of Chicago and is still a lively and prospering area of the city. Any favorite memories from your youth?

Bob Lizik: I have lots of memories. Turning on the fire hydrants in the summer and playing in the water. Playing fast pitch against the wall at Immaculate Conception parking lot and being chased out by the priest. It was a great neighborhood. A lot of kids. We’d play all day and night.

ChicagoAndThenSome: Who were the most influential musicians in your life? Favorite bass players?

Bob Lizik: The most influential was my music teacher Harry Grebb. He’s the reason I wanted to be a musician. He owned a small music studio and gave lessons on everything. I started on accordion with him, and switched to bass. He was a great guy. There are a lot of bass players I love. Obviously Jameson and Jaco, but there’s Gary Willis, Marcus Miller and Anthony Jackson. One of my favorites is Lee Sklar.

ChicagoAndThenSome: Which musicians/songwriters of today are people you would say will have long-running careers?

Bob Lizik: I think Jacob Collier is absolutely brilliant. I’m amazed by his talent. You have to check him out. I also like Bruno Mars. I think he’ll be around for a while.

ChicagoAndThenSome: How do you manage life with a wife, children and grandchildren with so much time on the road?

Bob Lizik: It was hard when my sons were little and I was gone. I missed them so much, but it was the career I chose, and I had to make a living. Luckily I have a great wife that understands, and supports what I do. Now I miss my grandkids when we’re out. I try and make up for being gone when I get home.

ChicagoAndThenSome: You've worked with some giants in the music industry (see above). In my younger years I was never a fan of Barbra Streisand's, but about ten years ago I was in the car listening to her interpretation of the Leonard Bernstein/Stephen Sondheim song Somewhere from West Side Story. I was listening. Really listening. Those few moments (even though I had heard the song several times before) changed the way I felt about her instantly. I love her voice. When did you work with Barbra Streisand? What was the experience like?

Bob Lizik: The Barbra Streisand session was amazing (Bob worked on the Streisand album Emotion in 1985). We recorded in Capitol Studio A in Los Angeles with a full orchestra. We ran the songs a few times, and then Streisand came in and sang live with us. It was really special hearing that voice in my headphones while I was playing.   

ChicagoAndThenSome: What's the smartest move you ever made in the music industry? What's the dumbest thing you ever did musically?

Bob Lizik: Probably the smartest move was taking the Brian Wilson gig. It came at a time when the jingle business was tanking, and it’s been a great experience. I think the dumbest was not moving to Los Angeles when I was younger. I had a couple of opportunities in the 70’s to go, and I stayed in Chicago. I sometimes wonder how that would have turned out.

ChicagoAndThenSome: Everyone has go-to artists. Who is your go to artist? Favorite singers, both male and female?

Bob Lizik: Stevie Wonder is my go to. Favorite singers would be Stevie Wonder, Eric Benét, Corinne Bailey Rae and Jill Scott.

ChicagoAndThenSome: I always want to know from people... if you are stuck on the proverbially stranded island which five albums will you want in your possession on that island?

Bob Lizik: Songs In The Key Of Life by Stevie Wonder, Talking Book by Stevie Wonder, Plantation Lullabies by Meshell Ndegeocello, Pet Sounds by The Beach Boys and West Side Story from Oscar Peterson.

You can catch Bob Lizik playing Bass on the 2018 Brian Wilson tour. For tour dates, check out www.brianwilson.com.  

Thanks to Bob Lizik for taking the time to share a bit about his career. Now go and listen to Wouldn't It Be Nice!

An excellent clip of Bob Lizik on bass with a performance of the classic love song, God Only Knows.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4L2paZhdvFo

Copyright (C) 2018 by Chicago and Then Some  

 

Strung Out in Chicago Takes On a Whole New Meaning with Chicago's Best Cover Band - Interview with Jeff Sismelich of Strung Out

Strung Out Members (l to r) Tom Culver, Ted Spaniak, Jeff Sismelich, Jeff James, John Chisari

For me, music is the most satisfying, sentimental, heart-tugging, time reversing, pleasurable (and I could keep going) of all of the arts. There are deep emotional attachments with music, particularly music one came of age to. Music isn't like a film or a television series. As much as I love filmed entertainment there is rarely a time I go back again and again, but can anyone actually know the number of times you have listened to a song that was released when you were ten years old, fifteen years old, twenty years old? Yet, we still listen and enjoy over and over and over again. I read recently the music that embeds itself into your life the most are the songs that were released between the ages of ten through 22. I would agree with that assessment. As I look back on my life, which I do with some regularity, that is the 12 year period of music that resonates most with my heart and soul. With that, I was thrilled to encounter a Chicago based cover band that produces heartfelt and passionate interpretations of music from the 1970's. Thanks to guitarist/keyboardist/vocalist, Jeff Sismelich for taking the time to answer a few questions about the music. 

Before I get to the interview I wanted to note a recent encounter with a young guy who couldn't have been more than 18 years old. We were both waiting to give a song request at an event. He was thoughtful and offered me the first go, but I said "no, you go first." He then looked at the keeper of the music for the night and stated "anything by Journey." I wasn't going to request Journey at that moment, but my heart was so settled by the young guy loving Journey I just looked at them both and said "ditto." I walked away knowing the world is not what it once was, but for this one brief moment in time, it felt just right. Don't Stop Believing.  


You can check out the performing schedule for Strung Out at their site:
www.strungoutband.com   

ChicagoAndThenSome: Jeff, I've seen Strung Out a couple of times and you guys are good! I love the sound and the respect you pay to the original arrangements and yet you make a few creative tweaks along the way. You are all impressive musicians. How did the band get its start? 

Jeff: We formed Strung Out in January, 2012. I was playing in The Blooze Brothers (Chicago’s premiere Blues Bros Tribute) as the Jake character with our cello player, Tom Culver, who founded the band in the 1990's. Jeff James our drummer was also in that band. Tom was interested in putting something together so that he could play more cello.  He’s been classically trained since he was a child, and teaches junior high orchestra. We are in large part unique in that we have an electric cello as part of the band.  So after trying different iterations (acoustic, trio, quartet, etc.), our drummer Jeff introduced us to Ted Spaniak, who he had played with in a couple of different bands.  Ted is a really talented guitarist and piano player. Once he was on board, we decided an electric classic rock band seemed to make sense, so I contacted John Chisari, a bass player I knew. John was last the piece we needed, and Strung Out was born.  We booked a few shows really quickly and were off and running.  Now I book most of our shows, but we all pitch in with our various contacts and opportunities. We've been fortunate. We plays clubs, festivals and corporate events. 

ChicagoAndThenSome: Are you all still working beyond the band? If so, how does this alter and affect your schedule? 

Jeff: We all have real jobs. This group is really great about making and keeping commitments to the band. We rehearse fairly regularly to add new material, and play primarily on Friday and Saturday nights as often as we can.  During the summer, we play more weeknight shows, like fests and concerts in the park.  Tom is Director of Orchestras at School District 102 in LaGrange Park. Ted teaches English at Rich East High School in Park Forest.  Jeff is a Lab Manager for TestAmerica Labs in University Park. John is a salesman for RiteRug Flooring in the Chicagoland Area. After over 20 years in the television editing business, I now own and manage my family business, Papoose Children’s Center in Oak Lawn. The Center has been around for 55 years.

ChicagoAndThenSome: Strung Out plays a variety of different music styles from the 1970's and a little bit of the 1960's. Was this just love of the music from your generation or was there more behind the decision of what to cover?

Jeff: It was mostly our love of that era.  It’s the music we all “grew up” on. We all appreciated the diversity you’d hear on the AM radio when we were young, but we also recognized that there was a musical void out there among working cover bands.  There are a ton of 80’s/90’s bands who are great. There are several great 50’s/60’s acts, too, but we never heard bands covering the 70’s with the diversity that we wanted to present.  It’s the memories that are attached to the songs that people really relate to.

  

ChicagoAndThenSome: You can repeat that. Yes, the memories are deeply held emotional attachments. You play everything from iconic One Hit Wonder songs (Dancing in the Moonlight, Magic, Brandy -You're A Fine Girl) to songs by some of the definitive acts of the era. How do you come up with your playlist?

Jeff: We argue a lot. LOL. It’s really difficult sometimes to come to a consensus. There is so much material in the decade we all love. That’s why we come up with the medleys we play.  How do you pick only one Three Dog Night song? We couldn’t, so we put five of them together. I’m a big fan of the one hit, kinda cheesy stuff.  Other guys like the more epic rockers like Led Zeppelin, Deep Purple, & The Who.  We get it all in our sets and we strive to add the most fun and interesting material we can. 

ChicagoAndThenSome: The musicianship shows and you have superb material to choose from. Where were you all trained?  

Jeff: Tom studied cello since he was really young and then majored in music in college. I believe our drummer, Jeff James, also studied percussion in college.  Ted took guitar and piano lessons in his youth, then went out on the road. I think John took some guitar lessons as a kid, then switched to bass and started learning on his own. I played the trombone in high school, but switched to singing after I graduated.  I’ve never had lessons in voice, or guitar or keyboards. I’ve been fortunate to play with some really patient and helpful musicians who helped me progress to where I’m at.  Which compared to the guys in this band, ain’t far!  I think we’d all agree that any proficiency we each have has come from playing a lot over several decades.  Nothing beats experience!

ChicagoAndThenSome: I got all excited when you played Todd Rundgren. He was certainly one of the most talented people of the era. I have loved Todd since junior high. He was/is an incredibly gifted songwriter, singer and producer. Were you a big Todd fan?

Jeff: Absolutely!  I came to Todd in a round about way. Of course, I remember his radio hits in the 1970’s, but I was a huge Utopia fan in the 1980’s. I worked my way backward from Utopia to his early solo material.  Then, after Utopia, I loved the stuff he put out in the late 80’s up to now.  Truly a brilliant musician. 

ChicagoAndThenSome: Jeff, Just going with your opinion, who were the best bands of both the 1960's and the 1970's?

Jeff: Best is hard to define. Simply due to the diversity and experimentation that came out of those decades.  Since I was a trombone player, I was always mesmerized by Chicago. I also loved Blood, Sweat & Tears, but bands like Yes, Kansas and Genesis all helped create a new progressive music genre. Then Deep Purple, Led Zeppelin and The Who rocked out harder than most. I also loved James Brown, Sly & The Family Stone, Al Green and all the great 1970’s soul music; and how do you not put the Beatles and the Rolling Stones on the list?  Clearly, I’m overwhelmed! 

ChicagoAndThenSome: Who was/is your go-to female singer?

Jeff: There were so many great artists. Ann Wilson of Heart. Susan Tedeschi.  A Canadian singer who had a short lived career named Amanda Marshall is incredible. Janis Joplin, Bonnie Raitt, and Linda Ronstadt are played pretty regularly at my house, too. 

ChicagoAndThenSome: Well, the obvious next question is who is your favorite male singer?

Jeff: When I was seriously starting to sing, I was a huge fan of Steve Walsh of Kansas and Lou Gramm of Foreigner.  Those guys had incredible power, range and emotion. My voice is nothing like theirs, but I was inspired. When I started singing in horn bands in the 80’s, I really came to appreciate blues and R&B guys like Freddie King, Wilson Pickett, and James Brown. To me, the great singers, whether they are male or female sing with soul. It doesn’t matter how many high notes you can hit, you’ve gotta make the audience feel something. It’s not easy, and that’s why the greats are great.

ChicagoAndThenSome: Stung Out plays throughout the Chicago metro area. Does the band have plans for going beyond the market?

Jeff: We’ll play just about anywhere!  We’d love to expand our reach as much as possible, but we really aren’t planning to take over the world any time soon.  We’re incredibly thankful for the loyalty of our audiences.  We recently celebrated five years together and over 200 shows, so it is kind of hard to plan on much more, but maybe next year.

ChicagoAndThenSome: Dream venue! If you could play any one venue in the country, which one would you choose?

Jeff: Red Rocks Amphitheatre which is outside of Denver.  It looks like an awesome venue!

ChicagoAndThenSome: If you could have dinner with just one musician/songwriter/singer from the era who would it be?

Jeff: Wow! You’re making me think! I think it would be Warren Zevon. He wrote songs with great heart, sadness, and humor and some were also pretty weird. I read his biography and it really made an impression on me.  Not sure I could have kept up with him, but dinner followed by cocktails would be most intriguing. It’s sad he’s gone.

ChicagoAndThenSome: The proverbial stuck on the desert island question: You are stuck on that island and you can only take five albums with you. What would you be taking?

Jeff: These are off the top of my head, and I’ll probably want to change the list tomorrow, but here goes. I'll give you six instead of five!

Elton John - Goodbye Yellow Brick Road
The Beatles - Revolver
Jeff Beck - Wired
Steely Dan - Can't Buy a Thrill
Deep Purple - Machine Head
Crowded House - Woodface
Chicago Transit Authority - Chicago Transit Authority (Chicago's first album)

ChicagoAndThenSome: Did any one musician influence your work more than any other? 

Jeff: In 1980, I started as a lead singer with a bunch of local guys who are still some of my best friends. We had a trumpet, trombone and sax player in that band and one of the guys gave me a cassette of an album called Hearts Of Stone by Southside Johnny and The Asbury Jukes. A fun horn band out of New Jersey.  I had no idea who they were, but I related instantly.  Johnny is a gravelly voiced blues guy who sounds like he is having a party on every cut. So, I’d say Southside Johnny was really the guy who made me think I could pull off being a singer and have a great time while doing it.  Thankfully, so far, so good!

ChicagoAndThenSome: The rock and roll hall of fame has been notorious for making certain artists wait a long time for their induction. Is there an act that hasn't been inducted that you would like to see finally get their due?

Jeff: There are several! Jethro Tull, Todd Rundgren, Warren Zevon, Bad Company, War, Harry Nilsson, The Guess Who.  I don’t envy or blame the Hall Of Fame.  Picking favorites is not easy, or fair.  I’m sure they’ll get it right eventually!

ChicagoAndThenSome: Music is such an essential element of film. Imagine films like Rocky, The Magnificent Seven, The Mission, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid without their scores. The joy of watching A Hard Day's Night! In your opinion, what is the best music film of all-time?

ChicagoAndThenSome: It's still hard to top Woodstock, even after all these years. It's so iconic with incredible performances. Same with The Song Remains the Same. Great bands captured at their peak. I gotta mention The Blues Brothers. It was pretty inspirational. I also liked a documentary called Muscle Shoals about the music and musicians who worked in that historic studio and another about a legendary producer called Tom Dowd and the Language of Music. I'm a classics kinda guy!    

ChicagoAndThenSome: Since you spent much of your career in media, television and editing, what do you feel is the best use of music in a current television series?

Jeff: I loved the music in Breaking Bad. In that same vein, music is great in Better Call Saul. My other favorite would probably be Fargo. It's an odd and quirky show and the music they use is great. Eclectic and mood making. I'd love to have a job picking music for television. 


Copyright (C) 2017 by Chicago and Then Some