Entertainment and Restaurant Review: 'The School II' in Chanhassen (MN)

Last evening I had a relaxing and most enjoyable time at "The School II" in Chanhassen, Minnesota. For a couple of hours I sat perched on a high bar stool at a round table in the lounge area of the restaurant, having gone there with my son and daughter-in-law to hear the early evening entertainment and have a meal while doing so.

My son and his wife have frequented this restaurant and lounge a number of times. My son plays trumpet, and one of the two dynamic entertainers on Thursday evenings is the highly-acclaimed trumpet and flugelhorn artist, Jeff Carver.

The entertainment

Jeff Carver and Carol Z are two high-demand professional musicians performing throughout the Twin Cities Metro area who team up to play smooth jazz and easy listening melodies in the lounge of "The School II."

Carol Z seats herself in a comfortable niche near a window in the lounge, from which she engages the crowd with some warm greetings to customers and interjects with the names of songs and a bit of storyline while the sets are being performed. Carol Z is the half of the duo who supplies the vocals in her expressive, engaging and unique style, while mixing in some guitar accompaniment.

From Carol Z's bio: "She performs regularly as a solo artist and is in various groups as lead and backup singer, songwriter, keyboard and guitarist. Her unique style and passion for singing and writing make it impossible to label her, since she tailors her sound to fit the lyrics she writes, which is about everything from soup to nuts.... literally! A little funky, a little mellow, a little jazzy... she is a wannabe drama queen; telling stories in and around her songs that make you laugh and cry."

Making everything work throughout the evening as a unique lounge act, jazz artist Jeff Carver takes up either his trumpet or flugelhorn to smoothly blend in with Carol Z's singing or to play solo. Jeff doesn't sit a great deal - he likes to wander around slowly in the lounge area, often pausing while he strolls, or even sitting briefly by customers (I saw quite a bit of cell phone photography in play), always making sure that the regulars and new people feel comfortable and entertained.

Jeff's playing is smooth and somewhat mellow - if you are afraid of trumpet, don't be! You won't be jolted with sharp tones when you hear Jeff play at "The School II!" Since I love the sound of trumpet, I plan to do an article soon featuring Jeff Carver, who is both a lead player and smooth jazz soloist on both trumpet and flugelhorn, to let my readers know more about the person behind the horn. I have an interview with Jeff in the works, so watch for an upcoming article soon.

The ambiance of "The School II"

You enter this restaurant through the bar and lounge area, where you can either sit for dining at one of the tables scattered throughout the lounge, in one of the lounge chair niches, at the bar, or in a separate dining area in the back of the restaurant. This restaurant seems focused on providing a comfortable feel, the bar and lounge being somewhat Cheer's-type with customers wandering back and forth between tables and the bar to greet each other. One couple was dancing in a small spot near the bar while the sets were being played.

I looked into the dining area towards the back of the restaurant. Again, the décor is very low-key, and suitable for quiet dining and good conversation. There is a small stage in that area from which entertainment is provided during late evenings or on holidays.

The food at "The School II"

Our party wasn't hungry enough for the entrees, but there are many appetizers, pizzas and entrees on the menu from which to choose. Two of us ordered the Apple Gorgonzola pizza, with caramelized apples and onions and gorgonzola cheese. The other ordered the Chicken Sausage pizza, with chipotle chicken sausage, caramelized onions, roasted tomatoes, oyster mushrooms, and mozzarella cheese. Both were excellent, and were probably the typical size of small pizzas. I couldn't eat quite all of mine, but my son finished off the last piece!

In summary

"The School II" provided a relaxing and most enjoyable place for dining and early evening live entertainment on the Thursday evening that I was there. Jeff Carver and Carol Z usually perform most Thursdays evenings. They will not be playing next week, but are scheduled after that for the first and third Thursdays from 5:30 - 9:00 pm, and the second and fourth Thursdays from 5:00 - 7:30 pm.

This schedule will change from time to time; just contact the club when you want up-to-date information.

[The School II: Call 952-949-0000 for reservations or information.]

I certainly hope to return to "The School II" soon so that I can hear Jeff Carver and Carol Z perform again.

Sources:
http://www.jeffcarvermusic.com/
http://www.myspace.com/carolzimmerman
http://www.schoolofthewise.net/school-ii/about-us