Why Restaurants Need a Different Kind of Musician
Live music has long been part of the restaurant experience, from piano lounges and jazz trios to solo guitarists and small ensembles, transforming a dining room into a place...
Music for an Empty Building?
Not too long ago, my bass-and-guitar duo was hired to play in a newly renovated building with no seated guests, no dinner service, no dance floor, just an empty space...
Providing the Perfect Ambience with Music - Why Thoughtful Live Jazz Still Matters
Live music doesn’t fail because musicians aren’t good enough, more often it fails because a venue’s identity, expectations, and responsibilities aren’t clearly aligned...
Why Saturday Nights at Sorrento’s Have Become So Special — and What’s Coming Next
As the holiday season winds down, I feel especially grateful for community, shared experiences, and the joy of making music in a room full of people who truly care...
A Season of Gratitude, Growth, and New Beginnings By Greg Chako
As we move into Thanksgiving week, I feel a deep sense of gratitude for opportunities and relationships that have shaped, supported, and inspired my musical journey...
The Perfect Local Gig!
There are various elements to what makes the perfect gig, not only about the money, but also about who you're playing with and who you're playing for in the environment...
From International Recognition to Local Anonymity.
During a break from our trio show, I met a couple and reflected on how recognition can differ between places, experiences, and the perspective of different audiences...
The Jazzman Fall 2024 Update
Next week I go into the studio to record a sequel to Standard Roots with my trio, featuring songs from the Great American Songbook and a variety of musical styles...
Cookin' w/Jazz!
In between preparing for gigs, recordings and teaching, I spend time in the kitchen creating dishes and comparing cooking to music through balance and creativity...
"These guys are attached at the hip capturing the essences of each track with great feeling and clarity" - Rufus Reid
A premier performance in Cincinnati celebrates a great record, featuring a special night and recognition from respected musicians and reviewers in the jazz world...
The Jazzman - A Life Playing & Promoting - New Video Release
2024 has brought many highs and some lows, including new releases, collaborations, and a video capturing my journey as a performer and promoter in music...
Marketer or Musician?
These days many venues are interested in hiring artists who can draw new crowds, sometimes focusing more on marketing ability than purely on musical talent...
Gratitude for a life FILLED with MUSIC and good folks!
My newest group recently competed in a blues challenge, and while we didn’t win, we had a great time performing together and continuing our musical journey...
Teaching, the noblest of professions.
My mother was a career teacher, and although I never planned to follow that path, I eventually embraced teaching and gained formal training over the years...
Keep your eye on where you're going, but never forget where you came from!
This post follows up on previous blogs reflecting on performing others’ music versus original work and the current state of the broader music industry...
What? Another tribute band?
This blog connects with a recent article discussing tribute bands and reflects on current trends and perspectives within today’s music scene...
My final word about GOD
I received messages about not mentioning God in my previous post, and this was a conscious decision as I wanted to focus on specific aspects of my experience...
From touring Cleveland and upstate NY straight to the ER and a 9-day hospital bed
After preparing for a weekend of performances, unexpected health issues led to a hospital stay, changing plans and offering a new perspective...
Cleveland, Rochester, Geneva NY peeps - The Greg Chako Trio is coming your way!
I’m excited to perform in the Greater Rochester area, returning to a place where I once lived and studied at a renowned music institution...
Shanghai Swing, Threads, & the Money Man!
My first gig in Shanghai started with unexpected challenges involving travel and contracts, creating a stressful yet memorable experience...
Singapore Swing & Filipino Parties
A trip to Singapore and the Philippines brought family visits and performance opportunities, combining personal moments with musical experiences...
Guitar Trio Reigns - A Return to my 'Standard Roots' - New Album Press - Final February Gigs.
Performing with a guitar trio brought great energy and connection, highlighting the joy of playing with musicians for an engaged audience...
From Student to Pro - the Learning Never Stops!
From early teaching experiences to professional growth, learning has remained a constant and essential part of my journey in music...
Singapore Integration
Living and performing in Singapore was a life-changing experience that shaped both personal perspective and professional musical development...
A Place for Bass
Over time, I’ve focused more on composition, creating original works for small ensembles and expanding beyond just performing guitar...
Hometown Disadvantage
Musicians can often be overlooked in their hometowns, regardless of location, reflecting on experiences after returning to the USA...
Reuniting a 20 year friendship - from the Far East - to the Midwest!
Reconnecting with a longtime friend from years abroad highlights shared musical history and the journey across different regions...
Life After 40 - culminating a dramatic one year-long surge of new recording projects
After a long recording break, new releases marked a productive period filled with creative output and renewed momentum...
The Miami Project
A major step forward included a trip to Miami for live performances with an outstanding group of musicians in a memorable setting...