Round Lake business sets sights on big music acts

ROUND LAKE – There's a new hot spot for music acts, and it's closer than you think.

Sharky's on Railroad Avenue in Round Lake has been providing entertainment for 45 years with its bowling lanes, food and games.

Now Joe Piagentini of Round Lake, owner of this family business, has teamed up with promoter Mark Aleckson of Round Lake to bring internationally known music artists of genres such as jazz, blues and reggae to the venue.

"We just made a mutual agreement," Piagentini said. He provides the well-known establishment, and Aleckson brings in the talent.

The two say now all people have to do is show up, enjoy the music and "shake their groove thing."

Howard and the White Boys were the first to perform in December; other acts that have followed are the reggae band Roots Rock Society and blues band Lil' Ed and the Blues Imperials.

Scheduled for Jan. 24 is The Kinsey Report.

Aleckson hopes that by then the weather will be better than it's been lately. Every show, he said, has had an icy chill. Still, he said, people have showed up. He believes it's because "nobody's doing this type of thing around here," Aleckson said.

As a former nightclub owner, Aleckson said he's rubbed elbows with the likes of Buddy Guy, Coco Taylor and other Blues greats.

At Sharky's, Aleckson hopes to create a relaxed atmosphere for music lovers, and he's using those connections to make that happen.

"It's all about the music," Aleckson said. "The blues makes you forget about everything."

Round Lake Village President, Dan MacGillis, agrees. He said he sees Round Lake as the only area bringing in the "big" acts and he couldn't be happier.

As a musician, MacGillis said he's saddened that access to the arts has declined in society. At Sharky's, MacGillis said people can now enjoy great talent.

"This music scene is absolutely needed," MacGillis said. "People in the area are going to catch on to this. "When there are economic hardships, people want quality. I'm doing everything I can to support this."

An added bonus, MacGillis said, is the fact that Sharky's is across the street from the Round Lake train station. This makes the venue accessible for music lovers outside of Lake County and he said, he hopes will keep people from drinking and driving.

Jim Dorsey of Round Lake, who was recently bowling with his grandchildren at Sharky's, said he might just check out the acts one Friday or Saturday night when the bands play.

Aleckson said, little by little, people will start to know where the best music is.

The cover charge to see bands is typically $5. Sharky's offers a sports bar, video gaming, baggo, billiards and bowling lanes.

To find out which acts are playing, visit www.lakesbowl.com.