Eclectic Weekly Music Performances at Chicago's Little Bucharest Bistro

Patrons of Little Bucharest Bistro (3661 N. Elston Ave., Chicago; 773-604-6900) are in for a treat as they dine on authentic Romanian cuisine with a contemporary twist and enjoy complimentary musical entertainment every week. There is no minimum fee or cover charge for the music, although a $10 suggested donation for the artists is appreciated. The live music line-up for June includes:

THURSDAY’S GYPSY NIGHT
Every Thursday: June 10, 17 and 24
Steve Gibons Gypsy Rhythm Project and Friends: Chicago based Jazz/Ethno violinist Steve Gibons brings together jazz players and traditional Roma musicians to wed elements of Jazz and Gypsy folk music. Gypsy Rhythm Project produces compelling, energetic music from Romania, the Balkans and the Oriental Gypsy world. To learn more, visit http://stevegibons.com/ and http://www.gypsyrhthmproject.com/.

FRIDAY’S ‘CABARET NIGHT’
Friday, June 11
The second Friday every month, enjoy the Singer’s Showcase with Carla Gordon and Friends. With local artist, Beckie Menzie at the keyboard from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., listen to singing members of Chicago Cabaret Professionals. Visit http://www.carlagordon.com/ for more information.

A bonus after-hours special performance, 9:30 p.m. to midnight, features noted Detroit, Mich. singer Mark Randisi, on a rare visit to Chicago performing Sinatra jazz and beyond. The popular Italian singer is joined by jazz keyboardist Bill Meyer’s trio. For more information, visit http://www.markrandisi.com/ or http://www.billmeyermusic.com/.

Friday, June 18
Vocalist extraordinaire Daphine, (formerly known as Holly McGuire) with Paul Mutzbaugh on keyboard: "It’s been a long time and we just need to hang together." Find out why 300,000 attending Poland's "Woodstock" gave her seven ovations and wouldn't let her go.
Friday, June 25Enjoy Latinisé, featuring the talented Andrea Else providing Spanish, Portuguese, French and Italian musical entertainment with guitarist James Cornolo and special guests from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. For more information, visit http://www.andreaelse.com/.

SATURDAY’S ‘INTERNATIONAL NIGHT’
Saturday, June 19
Listen to Brazilian violin music from the SolAranja Trio from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. SolAranja is a Chicago based trio comprised of violin, Elisabeth Johnson, accordion, Robert Cruz and bass, Joey Spilberg. A deep love of world music brought this group together, as they join forces to infuse their gypsy, Arabic and Latin styles into the seductive rhythms of traditional Brazilian choro, samba, and tango. Learn more about SolAranja Trio at http://www.continentalmusic.org/.

Saturday, June 12 and 26, 6:30-9:30 p.m.
Poignant singer/songwriter/guitarist Diana Mosquera, from the band Vagando, takes the early evening stage for solo performances of tunes that reflect many global musical influences. Learn more about her at http://www.myspace.com/dianamosquera .

Every Saturday, 10 p.m. to 2 a.m.
Enjoy rumba, Latin pop, Middle Eastern music and other musical styles from Chicago’s hottest International style dance band, Vagando, performing every Saturday from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. at Little Bucharest Bistro. To learn more, visit www.myspace.com/vagandoband.

SUNDAY’S ‘SMOOTH JAZZ’
Sunday, June 13 and 27, 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
New to the line-up is contemporary jazz guitarist, Lee Alec Barrie and his Virtual Band Project. Barrie brings his fluent classical, electric and guitar synthesizer solo talents to life with fully orchestrated recorded accompaniments he produces in his studio. Relax with his varied program of original compositions, smooth jazz radio favorites, instrumental R&B and pop and Bossa Nova every other Sunday evening in June. To learn more about Lee Alec Barrie, visit http://www.leealecbarrie.wordpress.com/.

ABOUT LITTLE BUCHAREST BISTRO
Complimentary Limo Service
Parties of five or more who spend a minimum of $200 can take advantage of Little Bucharest Bistro’s complimentary limo service to and from the restaurant. To make reservation for this unique experience, contact Little Bucharest Bistro at (773) 604-8500.

Little Bucharest Bistro
Little Bucharest Bistro is open seven days a week for dinner: Monday through Friday, 4 p.m. to 2 a.m.; Saturday, Noon to 3 a.m.; and Sunday, Noon to 3 a.m. Little Bucharest Bistro accepts all major credit cards. Street parking is available. For additional information, please call (773) 604-8500 or visit http://www.littlebucharestbistro.com/.

June Dining Deals from Glen Prairie in Glen Ellyn

Three Courses for $20 at Glen Prairie in Glen Ellyn
Save money on a three-course prix fixe meal throughout the month of June, offered after 5 p.m. daily at Glen Prairie (1250 Roosevelt Rd., Glen Ellyn; 630-613-1250).

For starters, enjoy a Farmers Salad with baby greens, green onions, fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, radish and champagne-cider vinaigrette. For an entrée, dig into Miller Farms BBQ Grilled Chicken with house made BBQ sauce, mac “n” locally-farmed cheese and cassoulet of summer beans. For dessert, try the Choice of Daily Sorbet. The price of the Prix Fixe meal is $20 per person. The Prix Fixe menu is offered in addition to the regular menu and will not be offered on Sunday, June 20.

Half Priced Tea During National Iced Tea Month
In celebration of National Iced Tea Month, Glen Prairie offers half-priced iced teas during the entire month of June.

Complimentary Dessert During National Strawberry Shortcake Day
Enjoy a sweet treat on National Strawberry Shortcake Day, Monday, June 14, when Glen Prairie gives away a complimentary Strawberry Shortcake dessert with the purchase of any entrée throughout the entire day.

Special Dessert During National Peaches and Cream Day
On National Peaches and Cream Day, Monday, June 21, Glen Prairie offers a special Peaches and Cream dessert for just $4.

About Glen Prairie
Glen Prairie serves contemporary American cuisine, with a strong emphasis on local Midwest flavors and products. Breakfast is served 6 a.m. until 11 a.m. Monday through Friday and 7 a.m. until 11 a.m. Saturday and Sunday. Lunch hours are 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. daily. Dinner is served 5 p.m. until 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and 5 p.m. until 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday. The lounge remains open one hour later than the restaurant each day. For more details, contact the restaurant at (630) 613-1250 or visit www.glenprairie.com.