The strains of Canned Heat’s “On the Road Again” is heard as a tour bus pulls into frame, arriving at the music shop “CHOPS”, owned and operated by a man known throughout the industry as the “Maestro”. The bus doors open to reveal Bono of U2 fame clamoring down the steps and leading the band into the store. There to meet them at the door are the owner of the store and a celebrity chef holding a tray of delicious looking delicacies.
This is but one of many possible scenarios in “Chops”, a combined cooking/chat/music program, 45 minutes in length, targeted for a teen to young adult market. The show is set in a music store owned and operated by an ex-musician with a passion for eating and cooking. A large modern kitchen is attached to the back of the store.
All types of music genres are featured in the show, including punk, hip hop, R&B, heavy metal, rock, Latino, Jazz, etc. Touring bands, established and up and coming, walk into the store looking for guitar strings, reeds for horns, technical equipment, etc. While in the store, they’re drawn into conversation about how they got started and any anecdotal incidents that have occurred while on tour. They’re also asked about their greatest influences, which lead into a “classic clip” from the group or artist.
The owner of the store, a former musician with vast touring experience has a profound knowledge of inexpensive on the go meals due to his early years of living on a shoestring budget while on the road. A charismatic guy with a monster record collection, he appeals to all generations as he shows off his love of music and food. Recipes include musician inspired menus such as, The Red Hot Chili Peppers’ “Roasted Yellow Pepper and Tomato Soup with Serrano Cream”, Meat Loaf’s “Mom’s Meatloaf”, Hot Chocolate’s “Kitchen Sink Chocolate Chunk Cookies”, Dixie Chickens’ “Big Bird with Giblet Gravy” and of course, Black Sabbath’s “Sunday Roast”.
The guest band is taken into the kitchen where they discuss among other things, what were their favorite meals when they were growing up, what kind of food is listed on their concert rider and what their favorite ingredients are. The celebrity chef gives them some tips in how to use these ingredients and gets the band to assist him preparing a favorite meal. Here’s a chance to see the band members interact amongst themselves and try their hand at cooking.
Before the band can enjoy any culinary delights, they follow the rules of the house by playing a short set for their supper.
