Gretsch Day at Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen
In honor of Fred W. Gretsch III receiving an honorary doctorate from Elmhurst College, Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen in Westmont declared Saturday, July 23 Gretsch Day. The college awarded Alumni Gretsch with the honor because the family, now led by Fred, has been manufacturing extraordinary musical instruments since 1883. Chick Web, Louis Bellson, and Jimmy Cobb, when he performed on Miles Davis' "Kind of Blue" album played Gretsch drums. Some other well-known Gretsch guitarists include Jimmy Webster, Chet Atkins, George Harrison of the Beatles, Brian Setser, and Bo Diddly. Pappadeaux General Manager Tim Grodek felt that dedicating a day to Gretsch was the perfect way to recognize a company and a man that shares the seafood kitchen's heritage of family-led entrepreneurs providing the community with quality products.
Professor of Business Administration Lawrence B. Carroll, Psy.D., MBA, the Executive Director of the College for Professional Excellence, agreed. ""Fred Gretsch believes in giving back to the music and art community. He is an outstanding businessman that 'pays it forward' by sponsoring the Elmhurst College Jazz Fest."
As part of the celebration, the Pappadeaux's much-loved band, " The Stompers," decided to go ultra-vintage. Their guitarist Bill Hutchins reworked his 1938 Gretsch Guitar especially for the performance. In addition, Steve Maxwell's Vintage Drums in Glendale Heights provided the band with a Gretsch FredKaster 65 Snare Drum, created with Max Roach in mind, to be played by drummer Danny Faith. "These instruments and players helped us create a once in a lifetime experience for our customers," said Grodek. Bass player Dan Anderson shared he is thankful for the extraordinary instruments that Gretsch makes. The quality of these products makes it easy for us to blend with them and create a magical musical experience for the Pappadeaux diners. Band Leader and clarinetist Ken Wojcik said he is honored to have The Stompers associated with two great American family success stories. He added that he was delighted to be able to join with Carlton, Grodek, and Maxwell to salute and congratulate Fred Gretsch for his continued dedication to quality and to the music community.