Enjoying a show, eating dessert can save the music

Did you tote a tuba in high school?

Did you perfect your embouchure practicing etudes for French horn?

If you know what "embouchure" and "etude" are, you must have had a music teacher.

And the Geneva outpost of Houlihan's restaurants wants to make sure other kids get that opportunity, as it participates in the VH1 "Save the Music" campaign.

It's hosting free shows by the Davis Bridge Band, a local trio, from 7 to 10 p.m. Wednesdays through March 31, to inspire patrons to donate to "Save the Music."

It's part of a national campaign by the chain.

The Geneva restaurant, and others in Algonquin, Oak Brook, Schaumburg, Wheaton and Orland Park, is donating the profit from desserts sold now through March 31.

And patrons can choose to add a donation on to their meal checks. Or you can just drop a buck in the bucket. (In Oak Brook, a bartender playing guitar raised $1,400 one night.)

"I think it is just such an awesome thing that VH1 is doing," said Geneva manager Gary Smith, an avid guitar player who taught himself 10 years ago.

He heard Davis Bridge playing in the nearby Potbelly's sandwich restaurant at Geneva Commons, and decided to feature it during the fundraiser. The band performs covers and originals.

"If they would not have picked up a recorder or triangle or something as kids, and said 'hey, this is cool,'" … the band may have never come about, Smith noted.

The VH1 "Save the Music" Foundation is dedicated to restoring beginning instrumental music education in public schools, and shoring up programs that are in danger of being cut for lack of money. It provides the instruments for band, string, guitar or keyboard programs, and guidelines for starting a program. Schools are expected to provide the music teacher.

VH1 is a cable television channel.

Houlihan's in Geneva is at 1322 Commons Drive.