I was riding with a friend in his trusty little pickup truck, when I reminded him to keep Sunday, February 20, 2011, booked for the Funraiser, 5 to 9, to be happening at Lonie Walkers’ new Underground Wonder location. It’s cool. It’s under ‘The Joynt’ at 650 North Dearborn. But that’s another story.
My friend replied, Lonie(maiden name), huhhh, Lonie(maiden name). I turned my head in his direction, and saw his expression turn from, driving the truck, to the look of a wisened old timer, enjoying a benign glimpse of the past. Looking innocent, just shy of beaming, he then began to speak.
He said, this was before Walker. She was working for me, tending bar at the place I had at the time. Lonie was like 16 years old and she was the best bartender I had. Good at hosting, good with the people, savvy well beyond her years.
Why wasn’t I surprised? Take a look at her now. For years Lonie has supported Live Music in Chicago. An accomplished musician, playing live and in person, at her name place, or another, she never fails to entertain. Somehow Lonie has managed, against all odds, to maintain a stage for local talent. Really not many places left featuring great Live Music, while taking care. What do you see opening in every neighborhood and strip mall in Chicago? Irish sports bars and branch banks. But that is yet another story for another time. I’m not writing a biography. I can tell you what I see about Lonie. Lonie Walker not only survives, she thrives. Lonie shares and cares. Lonie lets it shine. And now I just gotta say, THANK YOU LONIE WALKER.
Country Fried Fred
More about Lonie Walker, Underground Wonder Bar
and live music in Chicago:
http://www.undergroundwonderbar.com/
http://www.chicagostudioclub.net/
http://chicagostudioclub.com/music/
She IS a treasure and such a charitable person too. She gives, holds events, and REALLY participates too. And like YOU said is a force in live music in Chicago, loves nurturing and presenting NEW talent and UWB has an open mic night on MONDAYS to prove it!