Just last week, Jim and I took the long, long drive out to Rockford, IL to Franchesco’s Ristorante for Jason and Cassie’s wedding. That’s a joke by the way…. If you check out our calendar, you’ll probably notice that this is actually quite close to where we live. In the three weeks following, Felix and Fingers have gigs in Missouri, Louisiana, and Tennessee! I’d heard of Franchesco’s Ristorante before, so I was excited to not only play a wedding there, but to enjoy some of the amazing food I’d heard they served.
Franchesco’s Ristorante
Upon arrival, I noticed there were several rooms off the main entryway. One was a bar area with several dining tables. There was also a sunken room with a stage, complete with cocktail tables. I noticed it would be perfect for a dueling pianos show or cabaret act. Later in the evening there was a band playing down there. It was a really cool room. Finally, I entered the ballroom. It was set up beautifully, with uplighting all around. Our pianos shells looked great in the room, and they even had a great sound and lighting system which we were able to use. It was definitely a much easier set-up for us, and we appreciated all the help the Franchescos’ Ristorante staff gave us!
What was so Wunderbar?
I don’t usually include German words in my blog titles, so there must be a reason for it. Right? I mean, Franchesco’s Ristorante is Italian. Well, I should mention that Jason has a German family, and he had several family members in from Germany. At some point in the evening, someone wrote a request for the “Wiener Waltz.” I probably would not have been able to play this, but I thought to myself, “Maybe I can DJ it later in the evening.” In about five minutes, an older gentleman walked up to me and I had one of the best exchanges I ever remember having during a show. Keep in mind that the man had a German accent.
Man: I don’t speak any English, but vere I come from, ve like to dance to ze Viener Valtz.
Me: I don’t think I know how to play that, but I can DJ it for you.
Three German couples in a Grand Waltz!
Man: I don’t understand vhat you are saying, but please play ze Viener Valtz.
I thought it was awesome. I gave him a thumbs up, and he smiled and walked away. The guy had probably figured out how to request a song in English and had the guts to do it. I pulled up my DJing playlist, found the Wiener Waltz, and played it the next song. Three German couples came out and did a Grand Waltz around the dance floor. It was definitely one of the most memorable experiences I’ve had at a wedding.
Franchesco’s Ristorante Did it All
Cassie and Jason’s First Dance 🙂
Great Food? Check! Awesome ballroom? Check! Amazing staff? Check! Top notch entertainment
(wink, wink)? Check! Franchesco’s Ristorante exceeded my expectations in every way. We had a blast playing there, and you should definitely get in touch with them about hosting your wedding or event! And if you do, don’t forget to contact us to give you the best entertainment imaginable!
