R&R:  Rock and Rack is owned by JR Escobar and co-managed by Randy Way .  Both of us are involved in booking bands, running the shows, and promotions.  I (Randy) run the sound for the bands.

JST:  Where are you guys located exactly?

R&R:  We are located @ 653 Railroad Ave. (rt. 134) in Round Lake , Il .  Rock and Rack is in the Ace Hardware / Lakes Bowl plaza, more specifically the old Round Lake Billiards Hall.

JST:  How long has the venue been around now?

R&R:  We took over Round Lake Billiards in June of 2004 and started our conversion to Rock and Rack immediately.  The stage and sound system were installed and live shows began at the end of July.

JST:  How did it get its start?

R&R:  It's been an idea we've had for a few years now.  There are not enough places to do all ages shows at in the area.  The places that are available such as VFW's and such are usually expensive to rent and are not built with music in mind.  They don't have sound systems either.  Our idea was to open a real venue with a real stage and sound system.  After all, it's hard to enjoy a show when the band is on the floor and you're stuck in the back of the crowd. At Rock and Rack, everyone can see and hear the show. 

JST:  As the owners, was this a personal investment? 

R&R:  Rock and Rack is most definitely a personal investment.  There's a lot of time invested also by a lot of our friends who we can't thank enough.

JST:  So what else is there to do at the Rock and Rack besides listen to music?

R&R:  We have six full size Brunswick pool tables that are available every night of the week.  We also have a few arcade games.  Eventually, we plan to start pool leagues and tournaments throughout the week.

JST:  Is your staff paid or volunteer?

R&R:  For now, we don’t employ anyone.  I guess you could say we get by with a little help from our friends.  As business grows, we plan to employ a few people to help take care of everyday operations.

JST:  Tell me a bit about the owner's past and/or current involvement with the local scene (bands, etc).

R&R:  JR and I have been involved in the local music scene for many years.  We are currently in the band ‘WingNut’ which has been around since January of 2003.  We have been in various other bands in the past also.

JST:  How much should guests expect to pay to see a band?

R&R:  Almost all shows cost $5. Occasionally, they may be more or less.  Once in a while, we’ll have smaller national bands play and those shows range from $6 - $8.

JST:  Do you serve any food?

R&R:  We sell sodas, juices, water, candy and different snacks.  Occasionally we will have pizza available.  If you’re looking for something more, Nanuco’s Café is right next door and has the best authentic Mexican food in the area. 

JST:  Can the venue be rented for shows?  Or is there a booking agent that handles all of the booking for the venue?

R&R:  Rock and Rack can be rented out if someone wants to put on their own show.  We also rent out for private parties such as birthdays.  If you are interested in renting or booking, all the info is on our website.

JST:  How often are shows done at the Rock and Rack?

R&R:  We try to do every Friday and Saturday.  Sometimes we’ll do weekday shows.

JST:   How about your future plans for growth?

R&R:  We want Rock and Rack to be known as the place to see bands in Lake County .  Through aggressive promotion, advertising and word of mouth, we hope to soon see capacity crowds at every show.  We always welcome suggestions for ways to improve the experience for everyone.

JST:  How do bands go about contacting you for a show?

R&R:  We prefer bands to send a press kit and demo for consideration, but we can be reached via email or in person also.  We will soon have a voicemail system so bands can reach us by phone.

JST:  Any future events coming up that we should know about?

R&R:  The first weekend of December will be the kick off for our month long Battle of the Bands.  Come out and support all the bands and vote for your favorite.  The winning band will be determined in the final round on New Years Eve.