"Roger Kotecki and Friends" Return to the Eastgate Café Feb. 22

If Andy Griffith had been Matlock in real life, he could have been Roger Kotecki. For like Matlock, one of the characters Griffith was best known for, Roger is a lawyer. But his not-so-secret passion from an early age has always been music. For the last several decades Roger has been singing and playing for delighted audiences throughout Chicagoland with his own band, Roger and Friends. They are particular favorites at the Eastgate Café, 102 Harrison Street, Oak Park and appear there several times a year. On Saturday, February 22, from 6:30 to 9:30 PM the Eastgate welcomes them back again.

Performing as the group’s lead singer and rhythm guitarist, Roger will be accompanied by bass guitarist Paul Graham and percussionist Max Enuff. The group will also be joined by guest performers guitarist and singer Monte Seyer and vocalists Kathy Capello and Lyn Wilder-Dean.

Roger and Friends are known not only for their exceptional musicality, but also their wide-ranging repertoire. For this show the group will be highlighting the great and fun rock and pop hits of the 1950s, 60s and 70s. These are all musical eras that Roger knows well and the music they produced is loved by the band’s fans of all ages.

Offering the ambiance of a partisan café, the Eastgate Cafe is a full-service restaurant that serves alcoholic beverages including cocktails. There's no cover charge and parking is free on the street. The menu is eclectic and includes gourmet soups, fresh salads, homemade entrees like pulled pork, harvest chicken, lasagna, Hungarian sausage, grilled cheeseburgers, pizza and more. On weekends there is a two-drink minimum which can be covered by ordering food or something from the bar.

Tasty Tip: The Eastgate is offering a special dish for February – Marina Pasta Bowl. Ala dente penne is baked slowly in a rich, flavorful marina sauce and topped by creamy mozzarella cheese. Served with a fresh spring mix salad and a glass of red or white wine, it’s only $15.95 for this performance.