From the outside, Cannova’s Pizzeria & Fine Italian Dining, Freeport, doesn’t look like much of a concert venue. But for nearly 30 years, a modest black piano has set the stage for a unique weekend dining treat.
Owner Pat Beckman is a trained concert pianist who’s written his own sonatas and performed with the likes of Soulima Stravinsky (son of composer Igor Stravinsky) and Richard Stoltzman. He’s also performed in some of the world’s biggest venues (the Vatican, anyone?)
From time to time, Beckman treats his weekend guests to a taste of that experience. Friday and Saturday-night visitors can see the music master in action, as he brings to life tunes by George Gershwin and Count Basie, as well as his with his own compositions. Some nights, a bassist joins him.
“It’s not concert material, per se,” says Beckman, “but it is enjoyable to play, and people feel comfortable coming over and talking to me in a way that they wouldn’t in a formal concert.”
He’s not there every weekend, but when he’s away, the dining room is still filled with music, from a pianist or a special house band.
Click on the video at right to see Beckman in action, and to learn more about this jazzy dining destination.
Visit For Yourself:
Cannova’s Pizzeria & Fine Italian Cuisine
1101 W. Empire St., Freeport, Ill.
(815) 233-0032
Or visit the Galena, Ill. and Neenah, Wis., locations.
Cannova’s is a Northwest Quarterly Preferred Provider