The Maplewood Makes a Bold Reprise
An Interview with Frank Bell & Patty Delargy
In my long career in music I can say that I have never seen anyone help a venue in any way beyond being a patron of the joint.
As much as this is a simple story of a music venue, it would be incomplete if we did not note that this is equally a story of a fellowship. This is a story of something rare, unique and cool. It’s good for you. It’s good for your city.
Behold! Here is a story where friends of the Maplewood including many of the musicians, and music lovers alike volunteer their time and skilled services to participate in the renovation with rolled-up sleeves, a positive spirit and a shared love for this special place. I’m one of them, so I can see it first-hand, the enthusiasm for the Maplewood to return. Again, I’ve never even heard of such a thing in an all my years playing.
Frank and Patty are the Mom and Pop team responsible for turning an otherwise cold generic room into a warm, cozy, vibrant space designed for good times. Per the super-cool and chill vibe that permeates the place it works. Both Frank and Patty make things personal. I felt like I made friends with Frank Bell the very first time I met him, several years ago. I remember what we talked about, what we said. The next time I came in my favorite tequila was on the shelf. And the same goes for Patty who has the magic quality of making you feel like you’ve entered her home.
Between these two people…and with their staff…they don’t just feature music, serve drinks and offer food. They make you feel like you belong here, like home. They offer all that stuff in spades, mind you. But, the special thing about the Maplewood is how they make you feel.
The big question of course regards “when exactly,” they reopen.
“It’s hard to say, exactly.” Says Frank Bell. “Even when we’re in shape to open we still have to let the city look at it and make their approvals.”
With that, The Maplewood feels comfortable with the loose plan to open as we roll into the turn of the year. Today, I’m with them as they take a break from the renovating to talk about the new Maplewood.
Chuck Schiele: Hello Frank. Hello Patty. Thank you for chatting with us at Sounds of Syracuse, today. How does it feel to be getting close to opening the doors on the new Maplewood?
Frank Bell: I’m as excited as everybody is for it to be open. I mean, I’ve been doing this a long time and this is what I enjoy doing. I’ve been out of it for almost a year now, and it’s driving me nuts. I’m ready.
CS: You are in the old Zebbs location. I know you made quite a few rennovations and improvements.
FB: What are the improvements? This answer would be shorter if you asked what we didn’t do? We overhauled just about everything.
Patty Delargy: We’ve upgraded the building significantly inside and out and hopefully created a fun and inviting atmosphere for all.
CS: You’ve been working on the place intensely for the better part of this past year. I understand you’ve practically been living there.
PD: We have.
But, both Frank and I are amazed by the amount of help we have received from our music family and community. Our friends have helped us with every aspect from cleaning to building to every aspect imaginable. A person’s time is the most valuable thing in our life, so we’re grateful for a little help from our friends.
CS: What are some of the improvements then that we can all look forward to seeing?
FB: It’s a warmer, more relaxed, feel and atmosphere.
There is more space, a beautiful new custom stage. Everything is basically being renovated from top to bottom. Zebbs was here for 40 years. That’s a long time.
CS: Favorite part?
FB: It’s all about the atmosphere. It’s a very good-vibe, good-feeling place.
CS: You still offer food, right?
FB: Of course!
CS: Will there be any significant changes to the menu or will it be much in the classic Maplewood style that we’ve all come to know and love?
FB: It’s going to stay the same as we’ve always done, except of course, adding a couple of newer things – creative things – and always lots of specials.
CS: Did you say specials?
FB: [Laughs…]. Okay…first two people to come into the new place get a free soda.
CS: FB, PD: hahahahaha.
PD: Seriously, we have been discussing ideas and whatever we come up with it will certainly involve great food and great music.
CS: So the question…the question…what everyone wants to know…that’s on everybody’s mind….is…“When is the big open date?”
FB: We’ll open as we roll into the new year. It’s hard to put an exact day on an opening because of all the things involved with the process.
CS: So it’s safe to say that you’ll be open by January. I take it that you will announce some sort of grand opening via your web pages and social media?
FB: Absolutely. And when we do, you’ll need to be ready.
PD: We want our grand opening to be big and something everybody will want to come and enjoy!
CS: Patty, seeing as you’ve been on a long hiatus what is it that you’re looking forward to most with the return of the Maplewood?
PD: I’m looking forward to seeing the customers, music lovers, musicians, traveling professionals and friends that have become our family. We even made friends with people from Ogdensburg…Sue and Bob.
CS: Frank, how about you?
FB: Oh….there’s a lot we’re looking forward to! I look forward to slinging bourbons and tequilas – and getting down in the kitchen – doing what I’ve always done.
Also the music, I miss the live music. I miss planning events and being involved with big events. It’s a lot of fun. Bottom line, I just love entertaining people and all the things that go into making that happen.
CS: You are very supportive of the music community.
FB: I feel Central New York has very strong musician roots. And I feel that the Syracuse area and surrounding areas should be music forward.
CS: Amen to that!
FB: I think a lot of the identity of Syracuse should be the music. I don’t know what else we’re really known for other than doctors offices SU and..?
CS: What might be your best advice for groups as they approach venues for shows?
FB: Well, the way this works in my world, is that we see a lot of acts come through our Tuesday night Open Jam – which has become quite an event. I get to see musicians and support musicians. I see some of the top musicians in the area and occasionally national acts.
Live is big with me. Seeing you play live is a big thing with me. I just like that. So if you’re participating on that night, I’ll for sure see you. And we might even get a chance to chat. Otherwise, having a professional social media profile is a huge help if you’re reaching out online.
It’s important to remember that there is a business aspect to all of this. Bands should keep in mind the factors that let the business support the music. Being realistic about your draw, compensation and promotion enthusiasm are things that matter when trying to create a mutually satisfying win-win situation. I can go on for days about this, but basically everyone has to bring something to the table for everyone to be satisfied. Myself included. I also think that you have to love it. As an owner. It really comes down to how much we love it and how much love we put into it.
CS: Well, yours shows. Not just in the Maplewood, but in large number of folks who consider themselves friends of the Maplewood. How do we stay in touch with music and events at the Maplewood?
PD: www.MaplewoodBarGrill.com.
FB: …and follow us on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/MaplewoodMusic&Events. We’re on Instagram, too. We post and engage on those channels, a lot.
CS: Thank you so much for taking a little time to chat with us. I’ve enjoyed our chat. We wish you all the best with your endeavor and thank you for your support for Syracuse music.
FB: The pleasure is ours. Thank you.
PD: Thank you, Chuck.
