Salsa Joe’s Smokehouse has quickly ingratiated itself into the greater Wheeling food scene since opening its doors inside the old Undo’s in Elm Grove.
Now it’s looking to further its standing in the local music scene and, in the process, give the area a wealth of budding musical talent a place to show off their chops.
In August, Salsa Joe’s is sponsoring a musical contest and is calling all garage bands and local acts in the area to sign up and compete.
More information can be had on Facebook, but the premise is simple. Solo acts and bands can contact Salsa Joe’s during the first two weeks of August to sign up. Then the competition schedule will be set.
The acts will be judged with the winner taking home a $500 cash prize. There will also be prizes for second- and third-place.
While this is owner Tom Strussion’s second Salsa Joe’s location in the Valley, he felt that the Elm Grove location, with its increased floor space, was more conducive to holding such a competition.
“We have the dance floor and somewhat of a small area where we can put the stage and the instruments,” Strussion said. “So far, we’ve gotten a decent response, but we’d obviously like more.”
Strussion said a number of groups have contacted him about entering already.
There are a few stipulations, however.
First, no professional acts. Strussion wants to give the amateur, up-and-comers a chance to shine. Second, this contest is only open to high school or college students.
“Anybody that’s musically inclined and wants to perform and get their name out there and be recognized and get a chance to perform live, this is or you,” Strussion said. “There aren’t a lot of people out there focusing on the youth, and they can get overlooked.
“We want to get these kids out, give them something to look forward to.”
Taking All Comers
While there are age and experience restrictions, the rest is more or less anything goes. If you can play an instrument or sing, or both, then Strussion wants you to take the stage to perform.
“We’re welcoming garage bands and even if someone plays the cello,” Strussion said. “Whatever they want to play and/or sing. It’s a shorter contest, so nothing too cumbersome, but we’ll vote on the best talent.
“There will be prizes for first, second, and third.”
That may not be all.
As Strussion is hoping to expand the musical offerings at the Elm Grove location, there’s a possibility for additional, even steady gigs, going forward.
“Yeah, that’s kind of what we’re hoping,” he admitted. “If someone comes along and clicks with us, and they like the experience, we might be able to transition them into a house band of sorts. They can play around the Valley as well, but we’re always trying to help give somebody an opportunity and a platform.”
It’s a method of operation that continues over into the restaurant itself.
Salsa Joe’s in the Grove has seen a steady stream of customers since opening. Word of mouth has spread. But not every customer is satisfied. Not every customer has the perfect experience.
Some take to the Ohio Valley Food Fanatics page on Facebook to either offer their praises or make a complaint.
Tom personally responds with thanks, no matter the comment. When there is an issue, he gives it his personal attention to see that the problem gets fixed and the customer is satisfied. “I want to make sure that they know we’re paying attention and we actually care about the legitimacy of their complaint,” Strussion said. “Whether it’s big or small, we will address it and fix it.”
