Live music drawing crowds

Benders Bar and Grill owner Mark Rogers, 32, has created a buzz in the Silver Lake area within the last two months with live music. Danielle DeMali, Rogers' girlfriend, is one of six staff members at the 409 E. Northwater St. business (Photo by Jason Arndt).
Benders Bar and Grill owner Mark Rogers, 32, has created a buzz in the Silver Lake area within the last two months with live music. Danielle DeMali, Rogers’ girlfriend, is one of six staff members at the 409 E. Northwater St. business (Photo by Jason Arndt).

New owner of Silver Lake business sees instant success

By Jason Arndt
Staff Writer

When Salem resident Mark Rogers purchased Silver City Suds in Silver Lake in February, he said it gave him an opportunity to integrate his love of music into a new business.

Rogers, who had one month to prepare, changed the name to Benders Bar and Grill and immediately recruited local bands to perform every Saturday.

“I always wanted to get into this business and have loved music for a long time,” Rogers said. “But now I have a place to make it work.”

In less than two months, the business’ Facebook page has drawn in more than 600 likes and numerous positive reviews.

The 32-year-old, who is in a band, credited his strong music reputation in the area for the influx of supporters.

“For people that know me from playing music, it is about my personal reputation,” Rogers said. “I was able to carry it over into this business.”

Originally from Johnsburg, Ill., Rogers has brought in a wide array of local musical genres, ranging from blues to rock and roll, and classic rock to country.

Groups that have already performed include Midnight Rider, Ivy Ford and the Joe Powers Country Band.

While he does not count attendance, Rogers said there are nights where the crowd easily eclipses 100.

“It is hard to say, I never counted, but there are a lot of people on a Saturday,” he said.

Benders, 409 E. Northwater St. in Silver Lake, brings in music groups from Milwaukee, Chicago and Lake Geneva.

“People want to go where they get their time,” Rogers said. “It is about seeing all of the musicians in the same spot.”

Benders is not limited to music, however, with a variety of menu choices available for customers to choose from.

The menu features fried foods, pizza, hamburgers and hot dogs, among other items.

“It is definitely not the same menu; some are the same, but not everything,” he said.

Benders currently has six employees and is open from noon to 2 a.m., hours that are a challenge for Rogers.

“There is a lot of hours, I work from noon to close everyday,” he said.

For more information search “Benders Bar And Grill” on Facebook.


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