LETTERS From CAMP Rehoboth |
Classical Music Comes to the Back Porch Cafe |
by Sandy Bauers |
Twenty years ago, when the young and somewhat brash owners of The Back Porch Caf wanted music, they'd hire a rock band or reggae musicians. Eventually, as the night wore on, someone always called the police to complain about the racket.Time passed. They switched to jazz.
Now diners who linger can get some Handel and Mozart with their espresso and tiramisu. Classical music has come to the Back Porch. "I wanted to do something a little bit different, a little more sophisticated," said Marilyn Spitz of the Back Porch. "I wanted to bring classical music to the general public, to the average person." A few weeks ago, a violist and violinist from the Delaware Symphony set up their instruments on the back deck. Diners who had finished their meals gravitated to tables a little closer just so they could stay and listen. Spitz, herself, was fussing over some tables when she realized it was Pachebel's "Canon" they were playing. "It was beautiful," she said. "I went out to hear better, too." It won't happen every week. Spitz found that classically-trained, unionized professional musicians come a bit dearer than most jazz musicians. But she's managed to put together a line-up of several more evenings this summer to add to the weekly jazz line-up which, oddly enough, includes Peruvian music with pan-pipes and other traditional instruments. On August 17, the violist, Petula Perdikis, and violinist, Carole Armstrong, will be back with a cellist. All are part of "Sophisticated Strings," a group of various classical musicians from Wilmington who play as duos, quartets or other configurations of small chamber groups. On September 14, the musicians will be Joan Sparx on flute and Anne Sullivan on harp. They're a Wilmington duo who have been together since 1986. On September 28, the Eklund-Bezenhard Duo will perform on guitar and flute. They are part of Community Concerts, a Wilmington organization designed to promote young, promising musicians. The music lasts from 9-11 p.m. just as the restaurant's heaviest bustle dies down, so people can hear. Spitz said the music fits the Back Porch atmosphere. "We're unusual. We can branch out. We don't have to stick with your standard types of entertainment. There was nothing out there in the way of classical music." Until now. So many people, she said, "think you have to get trussed up in a suit and go to a concert hall to hear classical music. I wanted to provide an environment that was more user-friendly, more available to everyone. There is no cover. You just come in, maybe treat yourself to a nice dessert and listen to some good music." The new style has proved to be somewhat expensive, "but so worth it," Spitz said. "It's like buying fresh flowers. It just enhances the whole experience of the restaurant and is well-received by everyone who takes the time to come in and listen. I wouldn't miss it, personally." Spitz can't help but think that this could some day evolve into a classical music festival in Rehoboth. Meanwhile, she's going to enjoy what's happening now. "I'm doing it for myself," she admitted. "I'm doing it so I can hear true classical musicians play close up, where I can see them and hear them. Normally we're crammed with friends. "I can't believe it, that I get this kind of music so privately!" The Back Porch Caf, 59 Rehoboth Avenue, is open daily for lunch and dinner. For reservations, call 302-227-3674. |
LETTERS From CAMP Rehoboth, Vol. 11, No. 11, August 10, 2001. |