Happy birthday Fred!

Maria, Silvia, Fred, Michael, Terri, and Molly

Maria, Fred, and Molly

Shigeru "Fred" Kawano was  born in Stockton, California on February 9th 1923 - that's ninety-one folks!   Fred is one of our longest supporters here @ the Dresden.  He still visits with us often.  Happy Birthday Fred!  (click link for more about Fred :)

Maria, Fred, and Molly.

Tables in the Lounge

photo by John Reneaud

Martini on hold

photo by John Reneaud

The Dresden Front ...

Kathryn with Marty and Elayne @ the Dresden.

Kathryn enjoyed the company, and music, of Marty and Elayne last night @ the Dresden.  She bought the canvas print "Dresden Front" for an undisclosed amount - a gift for a fan of the Dresden.  This is one of my favorite canvas prints on our wall, and, yes, I'm partial because I am the artist who compiled it.  It features a multitude of characters on N. Vermont Ave in front of the iconic Dresden sign.

As maitre d' I have had the good fortune of amazing support on all my artistic endeavors, from the owner, to the patrons, along with support from my fellow employees.  It started with a book - a sort of coffee table book with photos of the Dresden - the lush dining room and throughout the lounge, the current staff, the singers, ect...  Then came the canvas art.  I've sold some.  Marty and Elayne in blue and black, a wonderful "old school" piece depicting Gabriel at work behind the bar.  And, eventually I was honored to have Marty and Elayne choose my portrait of them to hang on the wall of their home (I have a great story about it, but, that's for another time). 

Marty and Elayne approved portrait

Regardless, the point is that in selling one of my pieces last night, and, seeing how appreciative Kathryn was of my work I would just like to let anyone interested know, that I have four copies of the Dresden book left and would be happy to find them a coffee table to be displayed upon.  It is an 8 1/2" by 11" thirty-two page hardcover book, owner approved, and was, for the most part, intended for the staff.  The book is packed with photos of the Dresden.  I am selling these remaining copies for forty dollars each.  You will have to come in and ask for me too see an actual copy of the book.  This may be a very special Christmas gift for any true fan of the Dresden, and, although I realize it is late, I'm in tonight (Friday), and on Christmas Eve. Feel free to contact me with any questions: johnreneaud@gmail.com

- John the maitre d'
http://www.thedresden.com/

Saturday Night One Frame Film by Dresden T.

Okay, just because Ilya and Johnny know how to laugh...  I thought I'd add a bit of titling to this shot, and, it is perhaps the first in a series of One Framed Films by resident virtual artist Dresden Tony.  The log line is as follows: 

Two very different men desperately struggle to understand and get along with each other over the foreboding regions of an undisclosed cocktail bar...  One, a dashing upcoming Ultimate Fighter, a lover of whiskey and of the world, the other, a debonair singer-of-opera, a lover of wine, women, and song.  They both share only one thing in common, they are both... almost gumbas! 

FINITO.

Thanks for watching

- the Maitre d'

 

The Loss of Will Lovell III is Sad News @ the Dresden

A shot of Will from his Facebook - he jammed on that bass!

I would have to say I was lucky to end up with my gig at the Dresden when it came to me...  Mostly, at first, due to the fact that it was a job and like many Americans I was really in need of work at the time.  So, my wife's friend, who happened to be the wife of one of the owners, indicated that one of the doormen at the Dresden had been hospitalized and her husband needed a doorman for a month.  And, as life would have it, my schedule was wide open, so I offered to cover for the doorman who was out due to illness.  It was just weekends for a month.  Regardless, on my last night as doorman the then manager of the Dresden decided to move on, and, to my surprise, Jim, the owner/manager offered the position of Maitre d' to me.

Will w/ Fans @ the Dresden

The Point is ...  I've worked the Dresden now for just over three years, which, most importantly, has allowed me the good fortune to meet an amazing number of relevant and interesting people - damn close to 96 percent I have enjoyed meeting and getting to know.  A luxury of the position. (the four percent is a discussion for another day).  Fast forward to this week when a lady I never met forwarded me an email indicating that Will Lovell had drowned in the Bahamas on Wednesday, November 6th.  Sad and tragic news indeed for us, both patron and employee.  Aside from being a large, gregarious, humorous character, Will Lovell III was great with a story, and, an accomplished bass player who loved performing along with Marty and Elayne here @ the Dresden.  Out of respect for this once brilliant shinning light I have posted several photos of Will in this post.  Will was a joyful man, as I believe you can see from his smile.  Due to his size, and, more importantly, the size of his personality, I always thought of him as a charming Viking with a musical heart (and, obviously, with a bass in hand).  Sincere sympathies to all.  He will be missed.

Here is Mr. Lovell's obituary.  http://www.starksfuneral.com/obituary?o=861-WQVsS6a0JX

- John the Maitre d'