Piano Player Wanted.
This ad ran in the Alexandria Gazette Packet in 1983. It was for Geno's Restaurant on King Street.
Piano player Fred Krafft noticed the ad and responded to it inadvertently.
"I walked by Geno's and realized that it was the same place which had run the ad. I went in and played for the owners, Nick and Frank Constantino, and they hired me."
Almost 20 years later, Krafft continues to play for diners at Geno's. The owners have changed — Monique Flores and Ginnah Islam took over the restaurant about a year ago, and have just completed major renovations. They have painted and wallpapered, hung new curtains and placed white tablecloths on the tables. They have a new chef and a new menu, with more emphasis on French food.
Some of the clientele have also changed. But, there are still many regulars who continue to come week after week to enjoy the background music played by Krafft.
“Some people come especially for him,” said Flores. "Heís very good — he doesn’t play only one style [of music].”
Krafft said that some of the most requested songs are 'As Time Goes By,' 'Lara's Theme,' and 'Stardust.’ He enjoys playing classical music and said, "I really like Gershwin."
Classically trained at Catholic University as a piano teacher, Krafft teaches both children and adults when he's not playing at Geno's or at private functions.
He doesn't play at any other restaurants, but played at other clubs prior to Geno's, including his first playing job which was at John Bull Restaurant, the predecessor to Ireland's Own.
Krafft was raised in the City of Alexandria, where his family has been for the past three generations. He currently lives in the Fairfax County section of Alexandria.
Fred Krafft can be found at Geno's Restaurant Friday and Saturday evenings from 7-10:30 p.m. Restaurant is located at 1300 King St.; they can be reached at 703-549-1796.