Dear fan, friend and supporter,
I'm reaching out today with sad news. Effective immediately I am no longer playing at Big Shot Piano Bar in Arlington Hts. Some major offenses and unethical treatment towards me have made it impossible for me to return there and work for Larry, the owner of the establishment. What has transpired between us over the years has accumulated to jaw dropping behavior that could be hard to believe, though many have seen it with their own eyes. Between the unnecessary outbursts and public belittlement, the attempted poaching of every single player my agency had brought him, and the refusal to protect his staff from the belligerence of over-served patrons created a toxicity was wearing thin on me and I started feeling like an over tolerant fool. When he insulted my mother in front of a group of her friends that she brought there, that was enough for me. I had to wedge a half hearted apology from him that he wanted ME to deliver to my mother instead of saying it to her in person. As many of you know, my parents have almost never missed a Friday night there; supporting me AND his business and somehow he found it justifiable to yell at my mother in the middle of his full bar and her group of friends. This treatment towards them or any customer is abhorrent at best.
I know many of you were planning on seeing me this weekend and for NYE but I will not be there. I was planning on being there at least Friday to give you one last good show but Larry chose to dishonor the legacy I bled for.
I am not the only one Larry berates. He has been seen many times yelling at his entire staff of young hard working people. One can never be sure if they did anything to warrant such humiliation because his "problems" are almost always a result of his absence of guidance or good business management. Actually, if he was just having a bad day, everyone around him paid for it. He is walking time bomb. Immature and unprofessional. None the less, that is not what a good leader does.
I am by no means perfect, but for 11 years I tried my best. I was loyal and extremely hard working. I promoted his business, brought countless people there with a good portion of them becoming regulars. I have aided him through obstacles, brought him many talented players, lent him my gear, gifted him gear that is still there, and a few other ways I went above and beyond that were not in the scope of responsibility for any pianist there. But I did it because I loved the place and the people! I poured my heart into Big Shot, both on and off stage. I dedicated every Friday night of my life to Larry and his bar. And I tried my best for you, my supporters.
This is the end of an era. I just wish it was a departure without such hurt and insult.
I am not suggesting for anyone to discontinue going there but just that you carefully consider what you are supporting.
I don't know what else to do but to thank you for the years of coming to see me there. I may have provided the music, but you provided the memories.
From the bottom of my heart, Thank you
Dario
Copyright © 2024 Dario Radio - All Rights Reserved.
*CONDITIONS APPLY