Clearbrook workers serenaded by Chicago musician Guy King
Clients at a Clearbrook workshop in Palatine were serenaded by Chicago guitarist Guy King during their lunch break on Thursday.
The clients, adults with a range of disabilities who work at the facility to earn money and gain skills, nodded along with the music and gave King their applause after each song.
"It's different from performing in bars or music venues - a good different," King said.
"It's nice to bring music to people that maybe at times don't have as much opportunity to go out."
Carl M. La Mell, the president and CEO of Clearbrook, said clients appreciate the entertainment and Clearbrook tries to bring artists in whenever it can.
King describes his music as a combination of blues, soul and jazz. Born in Israel, King moved to the United States soon after his compulsory Israeli military service.
In Chicago, King joined blues legend Willie Kent's band as his lead guitarist and band leader for six years until Kent's passing in 2006, when King started his solo career.
La Mell said the work performed by the clients at the Palatine facility, on the 700 block of South Vermont Street, varies depending on what local companies need.
On Thursday, one group of workers was snapping small pieces of gray plastic to small pieces of black plastic. The facility also has a big shredding machine for document destruction.
Although he played solo Thursday, King usually performs with his band, with whom he just recorded an album called "Truth."
The album, along with tour dates and other information, is available on his website, www.guyking.net.