RENT DOUBLED ON COMMUNITY-CENTERED BUSINESS, FORCED TO CLOSE THEIR DOORS,MUSIC IS SILENCED
By Rich Henrich
We often speak about “community” as a sense of place, a gathering of diverse minds aligned by a shared value system to look out for one another. We take pride in our community and we work hard to build a place full of vitality and robust with friendliness. We strive to know our neighbors in our community and we often come together in times of need to support each other. This is what communities do – they help each other and celebrate each other. This is the story of a business that did everything right in their community yet must close their doors. The saddest part of this is discovering they are not the anomaly but increasingly becoming the norm in the Coachella Valley.
As local governments and economic development think tanks work tirelessly to build “community” and bring businesses into their towns that will enhance the quality of life, provide cultural opportunities, add jobs and entertainment, Palm Desert and Coachella Valley residents prepare to say “good bye” to Schmidy’s Tavern, an exemplary example of a community-centered business. “It’s just sad. It really is but when your rent gets raised over 100% in a year, a small business can’t sustain that kind of blow,” says Dennis Ford, the owner of the popular restaurant, tavern and music venue. He says he started working to negotiate a new lease in September of 2014, knowing the lease would be up in March of 2015. It took Realty Trust Group, a multi-generational private real estate equity investment firm, based in Murrieta, CA, until December 2014 to respond. Then a counter offer was rejected and by March of 2015, Schmidy’s Tavern was operating month-to-month without a lease and a 50% increase in rent. Recently, another anchor property, Outback Steakhouse had a similar rent hike. “We’re not a big corporate chain, it’s just my wife and me. We put our retirement into this and were succeeding but there’s just no way we can keep our doors open with over 100% increase in our rent,” says the dejected Ford.
As of this printing, Realty Trust Group has not responded to our inquiries to understand the recent rent hikes at the Palm Desert properties. According to their website, their mission is to “acquire and manage a diversified portfolio of high quality well located trophy properties.” The vision of the company is “to wisely steward the limited resources entrusted to us with integrity and purpose.” On the home page, a quote reads: “Provision, Stewardship, Tenant Satisfaction, Earned Profit, Significance.” Their “About Us” page reveals a bit about their values and strategy along with their history.
Our Values:
- Responsibility – Our actions always reflect knowing we are held accountable for building with and improving on the resources entrusted to us.
- Trust – We uphold the interests of our tenants, our communities, and the vested partners in all our dealings.
- Relationships – We value the people and companies we work with to accomplish more together.
- Creating Value – We best serve others by working to create and preserve value in the communities we invest in.
Our Measurables:
- Our tenants prosper, and communities enhanced by our investments.
- We weather financial storms and cycles by our conservative use of debt and cash reserves.
- We achieve above average returns over competing property types in the same market over the longer term. We accomplish this by our expertise, diligence, patient capital, and trusted professional relationships we bring to the table.
- We practice generosity. Our profit has purpose beyond ourselves, and we steward those resources and opportunities with the same diligence.
Schmidy’s Tavern opened their doors nearly three years ago in Palm Desert. In the past three years, owners Dennis and Kathy Ford have made plenty of new friends, helped encourage the upswing in the local music scene, booked both national and international acts, opened their stage to young musicians needing a space to perform recitals for parents, family and friends and perhaps most impressive, have held numerous benefit concerts to support area non-profits. One of the keys to building healthy, thriving communities, according to Alan Webber, co-founder of Fast Company, is the ability to contribute to local non-profits. And as a policy advisor who helped shape the success of Portland, OR, he definitely understands the role of government in changing people’s lives and how business impacts individual lives- for better or worse.
For the past couple years, local musician, father and head of Concert for Autism, Josh Heinz has held his event at Schmidy’s Tavern. Over the past couple years, nearly $15,000 has been raised for local non-profit Lumpy’s Foundation, an organization that helps support families with autistic children pay for therapists. “Kathy and Dennis have been great supporters of the local music scene and tremendous supporters of Concert for Autism. They really helped us expand last year,” says Heinz of the Palm Desert venue that helps raise money for autism and so many other important local causes and events, such as AMFM Fest. It is difficult to assess what the loss of this business will mean to the non-profit community and community that has formed around the friendly, inviting and supportive establishment that Dennis, Kathy and their awesome staff have created but the impact will be felt and the quality of life in the desert will undoubtedly slip a couple notches. “We’re losing a quality restaurant, a place for craft beer and cocktails and an important music venue,” says Jack Kohler, who’s been booking music in the desert for over ten years.
“Our goal was not to get rich. We just wanted to meld in, get along and have fun. We put our retirement into this,” says owner Kathy Ford. “We weren’t planning on doing music,” hands-on owner Dennis Ford says of the tavern. “We did it kinda as a favor but when I saw the crowd come in, I told Kathy, we need to do live music, that’s the secret to success here!” His voice echoes with pride and glee. Dennis says they’re most surprised at how many friends they’ve made in the nearly three years of being open. “It means a lot to have so many people willing to support us. It’s just difficult because even if they could help us for a month or two to keep our doors open, it wouldn’t be enough. With the way things are, the Canadians aren’t down here like they have been and while that doesn’t directly support our business, a lot of people who do come in depend on those dollars. It hasn’t been a good season. We’d need $25,000/ month to stay in business with the current rent and that’s not looking likely.” His voice is somber.
“Schmidy’s is really the last of their kind,” says music booker Jack Kohler. “Dennis is the most gentle-souled dude I’ve ever met. He’s been nothing but supportive to the music scene from bands to karaoke and recitals. He’s totally community focused and that’s the saddest part about the closing.” The scene will lose more than just a venue, as the neighborhood-gathering place will send patrons into the proverbial valley to wonder in search of a new “community.” The closing of Schmidy’s Tavern will cut options for entertainment and an important launch pad for valley talent. “No venue offers the hospitality or pay out like Schmidy’s. For the few local promoters that are interested in keeping desert music alive, the venues are fading and this ebb will definitely impact the local music scene. It’s really an equal opportunity venue and one of the last indie artist supported venues for original music,” says Kohler.
Jack Kohler and his cohorts are planning a four-day festival in late March along with his company Fortune Finder Music Group to help support Schmidy’s on their way to new horizons. “It will be our way to say thanks to Dennis and Kathy for what they’ve done for the local scene. They’ve done so much for this community and are great people. It’s sad that they have to close their doors. It doesn’t make sense. This is our way of bringing some positivity into a really unfortunate situation.” For any bands that want to play and participate in this event, connect with Jack on Schmidy’s Facebook page or reach him through FortuneFinderMusic@gmail.com.
“Maybe we should have raised our prices last year,” ponders Kathy Ford. “We’ve always done what we felt was best for our customers,” says Dennis, “and if we doubled our prices like the rent was doubled on us, it wouldn’t be right. So, we sucked it up and hoped for a better resolution. That’s not happening. The owners seem to have a different business plan.” According to their value statement, their plan to not negotiate a reasonable lease with Schmidy’s appears to be out of line with:
- Trust – We uphold the interests of our tenants, our communities, and the vested partners in all our dealings.
- Relationships – We value the people and companies we work with to accomplish more together.
- Creating Value – We best serve others by working to create and preserve value in the communities we invest in.
And their measurable don’t seem to fit the picture that’s been painted with Schmidy’s Tavern either:
- Our tenants prosper, and communities enhanced by our investments.
It’s gut-wrenching to see all the effort and investment of time, energy, creativity and hard work be halted by invisible hands. Like in the classic Fritz Lang sci-fi Metropolis the Head and Hands need to work together but they need a mediator, a heart to unite the two and form an alliance all people can celebrate. “This is not right! What’s sad is we’re not the first business in the valley that this has happened to. If anyone has a clue on what we can do to keep our doors open, we’re willing to listen,” pleads Kathy Ford. “It’s been admirable to see Dennis’ growth and I want to see that success continue. We need help. We don’t want to close our doors.”
If you can help the Ford’s please reach out to them. Part of the responsibility of a community is to stand up for what’s right and help our neighbors in need. The Ford’s, the local talent and the patrons of Schmidy’s Tavern are doing all they can. Let’s help save a business that supports music and our local non-profits and let’s demand that business practices in this community are held to our community values. It might be easy to look at a spreadsheet and determine to raise the rent but this is not just about raising rent, this is about forcing an important hub of our community out of business. It is time for those who support local music and a quality venue to ask questions and demand a solution be worked out to keep Schmidy’s Tavern open. Haven’t we lost enough businesses already? Haven’t we lost enough venues? It’s time to help our neighbors, the ones who’ve helped our community in so many ways keep their doors open. Please join in the fight for what’s right! Do not let the music die! We all share a responsibility in keeping the music scene alive. Please join Schmidy’s and tell everyone you know about the situation they face in Palm Desert. Call on the Chamber of Commerce. Call on the City Council and let them know how critical this business is to our Valley.
Tracy Dietlin: (owner & publisher CV Weekly)
This is the most difficult issue I’ve had to put together in almost 4 years of publishing this paper. Phil and I wanted to put Dennis & Kathy Ford on the cover for several reasons: To honor what they have done for the community in the last 3 years they’ve been in business, let the community voice how much they love them and will miss them, to give them a proper goodbye, and to possibly reach the ears of anyone who might be able to turn this situation around.
For Phil and me, Schmidy’s has become more than a bar to us, but a second home. Dennis & Kathy became more than advertising clients very early on and became very dear friends. We have celebrated our business Anniversaries together for the last 2 years, making it difficult to celebrate our 4 years of publication April 1, when they will be closing their doors March 31 instead of celebrating their 3 year mark.
I celebrated my last 2 birthdays there. Phil has booked numerous shows there. It’s a very sad time for all of us but mostly for Dennis & Kathy as they are the ones actually losing their business. Over the last 3 years they have helped many bands build a following, many benefits like Concert for Autism and Street Life Project raise much needed funds. And when Musicians Outlet burned down last year they were there for us to have a benefit to help raise money to assist in saving that business. I wish there was more that we could do to give back all they have given us. Phil and I will miss hanging out on the patio with Dennis & Kathy. While there are other bars and music venues to go to…the Fords are irreplaceable! They are family! We love you both!
Below are some comments from a handful of people that have been closely involved with Schmidy’s and the Fords. While there were many more who wanted to comment we only had so much space. CV Weekly will keep readers posted on the “End of the World” festival that will take place at Schmidy’s March 24-27, as they unfold. Mark your calendars so you can come out and send Dennis & Kathy off with a bang!
Phil Lacombe: (#2 at CV Weekly/Talent Booker at Schmidy’s)
It saddens me to think about this place not being open. I just want to thank Dennis and Kathy for always allowing me to book local and out of town talent there. It has been one hell of a ride. You guys will truly be missed. Thank you for all you’ve done for this music community. It never went unnoticed. Good luck with your future ventures.
Lisa Morgan: (RBuckleRoad, Lisa Lynn & Country Gentlemen/music writer CV Weekly/talent booker at Schmidy’s)
I remember like it was yesterday, talking to Dennis and Kathy Ford for the first time just after they took ownership of Schmidy’s Tavern in April of 2013. Their wide eyed excitement having taken the leap to pursue a dream was contagious. We spent so much time talking about live music, especially the original bands as well as how he wanted to nurture the bar back into its full, awesome potential. Dennis said he was committed to bringing live music in all genres every weekend, and he never went back on that. No matter how hard times got, the Fords were people of their word and their commitment to local music was golden. I can’t think of my own recent music life, as a performer, booking agent, or promoter without Schmidy’s and the Fords. And I can’t even begin to calculate how much money was raised for various charities within their walls over the years. I owe so much of my own personal growth to them, their open door and open hearts. I would not be the same without them. It was a safe place to showcase new music and ideas among friends; a place to grow and network with fellow creators. It was a place to see desert icons like Terry Reid, Jesse Hughes, Nick Oliveri and so many more. They made a huge impact in a very short time; their indelible mark on this community, this local music scene, and every individual they called friend, will never be forgotten.
Josh Heinz: (Blasting Echo/Founder & Promoter of Concert for Autism benefit/host of Schmidy’s Open Mic)
From the very first time I met Dennis, I knew he was a stand-up guy and a straight shooter. I met him in the first few months he took over and from the outset he wanted it to be a great music venue.
They wanted to help the music scene in the desert grow. And they did. They provided a venue for so many bands to get their start or just have a place to play. Some bands may have had it a lot tougher trying to break in at other places, but Dennis and Kathy wanted to give everyone a chance.
They also catered to every genre you could think of, not just rock, hard rock, metal and punk. They had jazz shows, R&B, country, reggae, classic rock and hip hop. They would also put on shows with underage bands, when no other venue would do those.
Certainly, for me, the benefit shows mean a lot. Dennis and Kathy gave us free reign of the place for the last two Autism Benefits. And each year we raised more money. And that’s great. But it was the vibe that we had each year. They really provided an environment that made everyone feel great about being there and taking part. Our benefit was only one of several that Schmidy’s hosted. And that just goes to show the heart that they have had for our community.
I’ve been fortunate enough to host the open mic there for over a year and a half. But Dennis had the open mic going there well before I took it on. Rob Lawrence, Lance Reibsomer and Vanessa Reddin all did their time running it. It certainly says something about Dennis and Kathy’s love for the music scene that they kept it going. Open mics can be hit or miss. Sometimes busy. Sometimes not. I’m sure it wasn’t a great money maker for them, but they still wanted it to be a weekly thing, at a time when no one else around here would do that anymore. Open mics provide new or inexperienced talent to hone their craft, while giving more seasoned players an outlet to work on new stuff or refresh old ideas. You never know who you will meet or what new talent you will be exposed to. It will be sorely missed.
The sad thing is that this hurts everyone. It hurts all the bands. If you think that on the average Friday and Saturday, each night would have 3 bands on the bill. So now – every weekend – you will have 6 less bands being able to get out there and play. That in turn hurts the fans of local music. It gives them less variety of music to go see.
It also hurts the scene. When a really good venue closes it only makes it look like the scene can’t sustain itself. And the truth is that, yes, people should be more supportive of live music and live music venues. But in this situation that isn’t the problem. The problem is a greedy landlord who is willing to raise the rent to such an obscene amount that it is impossible to continue.
And that brings us to the worst part. The people this hurts the most are the employees of Schmidy’s and Dennis and Kathy themselves. They poured three years of their lives into this place. It’s their livelihood that is in question. They have to figure out how to pay their bills and put food on the table. They have been so giving to us and the community. As a friend to them, I’m very sad that this has happened and I wish the future for them is much brighter. And I’m willing to help them in any way.
Noe Gutierrez: (Aphrodisiac Jacket, Wyte Gye/talent booker at Schmidy’s)
Dennis and Kathleen Ford have allowed me to be a part of the Schmidy’s family for the past couple of years. When they approached me about booking and producing shows I had an idea of what I wanted to accomplish. They gave me full artistic control and during this short time we created some unique live music moments together. I just want to tell them that I love them and that their efforts will never be forgotten.
Marcus Smith: (aka Johnny Sugarbritches/talent booker at Schmidy’s/Famous Psychos)
How can you sum up what a couple of genuine, kind hearted and honest people like Dennis and Kathleen Ford are in a couple paragraphs? You can’t. There’s no possible way to explain how this valleys music scene has taken off because of these two. There is no way to thank them for everything they do, and let us do, to entertain ourselves on any given weekend. One time I had this idea. I wanted to mix genres of music.
We had done our first show at another local spot which was fun. However, I couldn’t get the go ahead to do a mix genre show. I tried everywhere. I finally approached Dennis and he said without hesitation, might I add, “Absolutely, I don’t think it’ll work, but let’s try it out.”
It worked, it was amazing. There were tons of people behind the scenes making it happen as well, but it was that initial “yes, please Johnny, destroy my bar with your crazy ideas” that got me started in my new hobby. Fast forward two years and Schmidy’s is the only place I have booked shows. It saddens me that we will no longer have this wonderful outlet to do as we please.
Not only are we losing a great, nay THE BEST venue, we are losing a friendly place to stop in during a bad work day. Bartenders that do not sugar coat our whining by enabling us to continue to whine. A friendly smile and a handshake from the most honest human being I have ever come in contact with. We are losing a second home. Thank You Dennis and Kathy for everything! Words can never express my Gratitude!
Chelsea Sugarbritches: (Long Duk Dong/5th Town)
Dennis and Kathy have been an integral part of local bands being able to have a voice these past 3 years. They have ALWAYS had an open door, open mind policy about booking shows. An anything goes kind of policy that proved to us all that they were in this for the love of music and people. When Dennis announced they were going to have to shut the doors, my heart was broken. Schmidy’s is where we all feel at home. We’re a family. Schmidy’s is our Cheers. I can’t begin to express how much love and appreciation I have for Dennis and Kathy and what they’ve accomplished the past 3 years. I refuse to say this is the end. It’s the beginning of a new adventure and I hope we all get to continue to be a part of it. Love you guys! Xoxoxo
Esther Sanchez: (Techno Hillbillies/music writer CV Weekly/talent booker at Schmidy’s)
Last week I logged into facebook as usual and at the very top of my newsfeed was a post from Dennis Ford informing us of the fate of our beloved Schmidy’s Tavern and my heart broke over the news. What Dennis and Kathleen have done in support of local musicians is immeasurable. The obvious is true….they set up a situation that has given a platform for local artists, both established and aspiring, to perform when the vast majority of other venue owners do not see the benefit of doing so. But those of us who have had the pleasure of working with them know it is so much more than that. Many locals have heard me say that the Fords have become the cool Aunt and Uncle of the Coachella Valley music scene. Caring, supportive, patient and open-minded, I have seen them give opportunities to many wonderful people when nobody else would.
As a performer who is proud to have had the opportunity to utilize Schmidy’s stage on many occasions, I can say with all honesty that it’s been so much more than a bar where you can catch a band with your burger and beer. It is a haven for musicians and music lovers alike; a sanctuary for friends to come together and make lifelong memories. As a promoter, I have said many times that the Fords welcomed me with open arms and for whatever reason, trusted me and pretty much let me do whatever I wanted. These are just a few of the many reasons that I have enormous love for them and their heart for our community. The CV Music scene is taking a harsh blow and is truly in mourning. Now is the time for us as a community to give back to the Ford’s some of the unprecedented support they have shown us.
Randy & Cindy Hewitson: (owners of Musician’s Outlet)
So sad to see another Desert Icon Go! It’s so unfortunate because Dennis and Kathleen were always there to support any cause. Lots of money was raised there and was because of their desire to do two things ….one was giving local bands a place to play and the other was to have a venue that was available to raise money for locals in need. They sure helped us right after the fire we experienced in July 2015. Thank you Dennis & Kathleen!
BRIDGER: (Katie Cathcart, Jim Cathcart, Jacob Miller, Dan Wheat)
Kathy and Dennis, Thank you for giving us and the local music scene an amazing venue for the last few years. In a valley where opportunities can be slim for a musician, you’ve provided not only a stage but a home for many of us. Thank you for the selflessness, sacrifice, and support. Schmidy’s Tavern will always be a part of us. BRIDGER will miss you. Cheers
Dan Wheat: (Bridger, Sweat Act)
Dennis and Kathy have provided us with such a great place to be and express our artistic values. They are such a dynamic duo. They’ve welcomed me and anything I’ve been involved in with the greatest open arms. Losing this establishment is really going to leave its mark on us all. We love you, Dennis and Kathy. Cheers.
SWEAT ACT: (Troy Whitford, Chris Long, Dan Wheat)
Schmidy’s has always been a warm spot in our hearts. Dennis and Kathy have been more than welcoming, accommodating, and supportive for us. We’ve played more shows there than anywhere else and it is completely heartbreaking to be losing the venue we’ve called home.
PERISHMENT: (Bobby, Tommy, Aaron and Ruben)
Schmidy’s Tavern has played a massive part in getting Perishment where we are today. Back in May of 2014 Dennis and Kathleen took a chance and booked our CD release show, really not ever hearing us or knowing us personally. That show helped change everything for us. From then on we built a strong relationship. They always respected us, our genre and embraced ideas show-wise that we threw their way. We will always be grateful for everything the Fords have done for us and the entire scene. We love both of you and wish nothing but the best in your future endeavors! Cheers!
Rob Lawrence: (Upper Class Poverty/Acoustic Sessions at Schmidy’s)
It’s hard to imagine what the last 3 years would have been like if Dennis and Kathy had not decided to move here and purchase Schmidy’s Tavern. They have contributed greatly to a music scene that lacks quality establishments to perform live music. Since day 1 Dennis has told me his objective was to make Schmidy’s Tavern a “music venue” over all else. And I think most would agree that his objective became a huge success. From their dedication to live bands every weekend, to monthly acoustic shows, to weekly open-mics, to large benefit shows, Schmidy’s Tavern has become a staple in the Coachella Valley music scene. And, I for one am extremely proud to have been a part of it. Dennis and Kathy have always welcomed me with open arms. In the beginning of their tenure I was able to host a monthly acoustic show called “Acoustic Sessions” which allowed local artists to come out and showcase their music in an acoustic format. My band, Upper Class Poverty, has had the privilege of gracing their stage numerous times as well. Not to mention all the casual nights jamming at Josh Heinz’s “Open Mic.” As a musician, I feel it is invaluable to have establishments like Schmidy’s Tavern in our community. Not only has it provided a stage to perform on it has allowed me to meet so many amazing people that otherwise I may never have had the privilege of knowing. People that appreciate the same things I appreciate. And I honestly feel the reason it has attracted such a great crowd is in large part due to the owners, Dennis and Kathy. They truly have poured their hearts and souls into creating their dream. And this has allowed for others, including myself, to live our dreams one show at a time with them. I will certainly miss the stage, the people and the amazing staff. But most of all I’m going to miss hanging out with Dennis and Kathy out on the patio between sets, shooting the shit, talking about what comes next. As disappointed as I am to see the doors close at Schmidy’s Tavern, I am truly thankful for all the good times that were had during it’s time in the light. Thank you, Dennis and Kathy, for 3 amazing years. Whatever your next endeavor, as long as it is pursued with the same diligence and passion as you had for Schmidy’s, I have no doubt it will be a success.
Ben Crowson: (Right On Right On/Uncle Ben’s Podcast)
Local music scenes are only as strong as the clubs that provide places for bands to play. Sadly, our local scene is going to be a little weaker come April when we say goodbye to Schmidy’s Tavern in Palm Desert. Schmidy’s will always hold a special place in my heart for the hospitality they showed my band, our friends and families, and fellow performers. There’s more to operating a bar than just providing a place to drink. The staff at Schmidy’s always went the extra mile to make sure it wasn’t just a place to watch music and grab a quick bite; it was a destination for locals to be seen and heard. From their open mic nights to their sold-out shows with our famous local rock alumni, Schmidy’s provided a safe, fun atmosphere for all types of music and talent. As our local scene gets bigger and stronger, one cannot help but think it will struggle just that much more without a place like this. So from all of us in Right On Right On and our extended families, we would like to say thank you for all you have done, you will be missed.
Travis Meadows: (Nashville singer-songwriter)
I loved this place from the first time I stepped foot in it. I’ve played in places all over the US …Schmidy’s is one of those rare places that has soul. You feel it, feed off of it. It makes you perform better because of the energy in the room. The world is a better place because of venues like this.
Morgan James: (host/promoter of CV Open Mic Competition/Pocket Yellow/band manager)
I knew moving the CV Open Mic Competition to Schmidy’s Tavern would be great for my event. Kathy and Dennis have always been very gracious to the local music scene in the Coachella Valley. My band, Pocket Yellow, has been included in several line ups there and I have performed at Schmidy’s regular open mic night as well. Kathy and Dennis have always been open to hosting events at their venue and have made Schmidy’s Tavern a well-known place for local music shows. I am so happy to have gotten to know Kathy over several months and shared personal conversations as she is very genuine. Working with Dennis on the professional side of things was great as I respect his straight forward thinking. The CV Open Mic Competition gained popularity at Schmidy’s Tavern and I will always be grateful to Dennis and Kathy for embracing local music with open arms. I wish you both the very best as you move into this next phase of your lives.
Josh Fimbres: (Thr3Strykes, The Dirty X’s)
I’ve wreaked rock n roll havoc upon the Ford’s and they’ve always welcomed me back. They remind me of my folks man, real down to earth, come-as-you-are hip HIP people. Thank you, Mr. & Mrs. Ford, true proprietors of local entertainment and positivity.
Giselle Woo: (Giselle Woo & the Night Owls)
Schmidy’s always welcomed us with open arms. Dennis and Kathy always treated us like celebrities. I remember many times them providing an ice chest full of beer and water for the performers. See, not every venue does this, so it made them stand out to me, it showed me that they were grateful to have us and respected us, they did what they could to make sure we had a good time performing. I remember hosting open mic here years ago, then my good friend Vanessa Reddin took over and now closing Open Mic out with a bang, my fellow music loving friend, Josh Heinz has made something special about Open Mic night at Schmidy’s. I’m sad to see it go, but I hope that Dennis and Kathy know how much I appreciate what they have done to support local causes and local musicians. Wishing you two all the luck and good fortune the world has got to offer. Cheers to the whole staff! Thanks Schmidy’s, you will be missed.
Ronnie King: (producer/musician)
I have a great memory of walking into Schmidys the first time and the girl bartender made me feel right at home. I had an amazing hamburger and listened to the band and forgot I was in the desert. Great people, wonderful music venue supporting Local….hope the Desert Hierarchy looks at this as a loss to our Music Community…
