While it's obvious that passion and dedication, along with talent are key drivers when it comes to an artist's success, support from the community is critical and a perfect example of that is Michel Fronteddu, Chef and owner of Trattoria Timone. "I love music," says Fronteddu, who has been known to drop in impromptu to establishments when he hears music being played. "You can have nice songs on a play list, but it's not the same as having someone live, it creates an atmosphere" he says.

The restaurant, serving fine Italian cuisine, was originally located on Lakeshore Road in Oakville. About eighteen months ago, Fronteddu made the move to the border of Oakville and Mississauga, at the AMC Theatre plaza on Winston Park Drive. With the new location came more space and an opportunity for live music.

Fronteddu had tried live entertainment in the past, with limited success, but when approached by local guitarist Curtis Ray Smith, he decided to give it another try. "I’ve had musicians in before, but they weren't as organized as Curt" says Fronteddu.

It's no accident that Smith met the mark. A life-long musician who once busked at the corner of Yonge and Wellesley Streets, Smith has played across Canada. He has toured with Norbert Craft and worked with Brian Monty and Glen Johansen.

Already a presence on the Oakville music scene, having played at Ristorante Julia, The Rude Native and Jonathans of Oakville, Smith knows his business. He pays careful attention to the audience and keeps his play list honed. "It's not a club; special attention is required", he says. "It's a completely different environment and you have to approach it in a different way".

He is impressed with Fronteddu's appreciation of music and knows that it makes a tremendous difference. "As busy as he is, he rarely misses me adding a new song to my set". That says a lot about the restaurant owner, says Smith, noting that restaurateur Julia Hanna is like this as well. She was the first person to give Smith a chance in Oakville.

Fronteddu's love of music and the visual arts are not the only qualities that impress Smith. "Mike is a really good businessman" says Smith. "He's big on consistency, he wants people to know they're going to have good food and good music."

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