Learned jazz musicians perform free at Kroger happy hour

by Catherine Cuellar

DALLAS — Guitarist Pete Weise holds a bachelors and masters degree in jazz performance from the noteworthy music program at UNT. Throughout the past year, he has spent every Friday evening as artist-in-residence at Kroger on Mockingbird at Greenville Avenue, performing with a rotating lineup of distinguished players like Shibboleth's Don Cento.

"Jazz in a grocery store?" you say. Sure, if it's Central Market -- which allows customers to dine and imbibe. But at Kroger the entertainment strictly enhances the shopping experience, as seating is limited to a leather couch near the magazine rack (where Pete keeps his guitar case) and a precious few tables at the in-store Starbucks (which is on the far side of the cash registers from the performers).

It's occasionally surreal, Pete says. Once a shopper wanted to sit in with him. Another time, a woman asked him to give her a guitar lesson on-the-spot before realizing he was working. When he played with his guitar case open, a homeless person threw in some change as a tip. Some of his biggest fans are riding in grocery carts pushed by their parents.

The terrific set list ranges from jazz to Beatles covers. But for a real feel for Weise's fine musicianship, your best bet is to catch him at Pearl at Commerce.