The Bay Tree Cafe & Restaurant has been extensively renovated over the last few months (late 2018) and now they’ve got me playing piano on some nights.
Bay Tree Cafe & Restaurant, Chidlow, with new deck and awning.
Last night was my second Saturday and it was a wonderful experience. I can say it was wonderful because I have that on good advice: several patrons came up to me to say how much they enjoyed my classical piano playing. I even got two tips (of folding stuff).
One lady was so overcome by the experience that she and the man with her (her husband perhaps) stayed on longer just so they could enjoy the music. Quite emotional she was, and kept saying how my playing had made it a very special night out for them. Maybe they’re not yet married and just got engaged to the sound of my Bach or Beethoven? Or was it an anniversary? I think she wanted to hug me but there was a digital piano between us.
Bay Tree Cafe & Restaurant, Chidlow
The boss was very happy, too. We all agreed live playing of lovely music in the background really makes the whole experience very special. I’m always pushing the line that music in cafes & restaurants needs to be strictly instrumental, no singing. That way you can think your own thoughts, read a book or hold a conversation. Music even helps conversations to start.
Me playing at The Bay Tree Cafe & Restaurant
With cafes I never know what I’m going to play until I’m there, rummaging though a couple of boxes of music books. Last night I played Mac Dowell, lots of Bach, Chopin and Schubert, and some Beethoven and Brahms.
The Bay Tree Cafe & Restaurant is down the back of the modern suite of shops next to the Chidlow Tavern (Shire of Mundaring, Western Australia). I’ll play again next Saturday 22 December 2018, 5.45pm to 8.15pm. The next one after that should be the same time on Valentine’s Day, Thursday 14 February 2019.
Opening hours over Christmas 2018:
24 December 8am to 2pm
27 December 8am to 2pm
28 December 8am to 2pm
29 December 8am to 2pm
30 December 8am to 2pm
2 January 8am to 3pm, just to be different.
CLOSED: December 25, 26, 31 and January 1.
The cafe’s Facebook has great pics of their delicious food, and a short video where Carol snuck up on me playing Bach: