On a cold Thursday night, I wandered into the warmth of The Blue Opus for the first time. Inside I found hot food, good music, and a deep connection to the NDA community.

The Blue Opus is the dream of two former NDA teachers come to fruition. Former math teacher Steve Havlichek and NDA band director Bill Hill were both heavily involved in the Green Bay music scene even before pursuing the Blue Opus. Havlichek worked sound technology for many area bands. Hill played trombone in the band Brass Differential, which has now become the house band at the Blue Opus.

The Blue Opus serves hot food and music to its patrons, charging a $5 cover on Friday and Saturday nights.

The food matches the heart of the music: New Orleans’ style hearty jambalaya, gumbo, and beans and rice to complement the jazz.

Thursday nights in October, like the evening I visited, are a special at the Blue Opus as The Chocolateers will be regularly performing “ChocoThursdays.” The alternative rock band was reason enough to head down to the Blue Opus, in addition to good food and company.

One special connection to NDA, outside of seeing Havlichek and Hill, was the many NDA students that work at the restaurant. Former students of Havlichek and pupils of Hill were among the first faces to greet us upon our arrival. Junior Grace Cooper served as hostess and delivered us to our table.

“The Blue Opus was a relaxed, comfortable environment with good music and good food,” said senior Jenn Cluckey after her visit. “The restaurant is set up for the stage to be the focus, and the act playing did not disappoint.”

As the music is the center of the club, it was not simply in the background. The music is clearly the highlight of the experience at The Blue Opus.

“The Blue Opus provides a wonderful place to hang out, eat good food, and listen to even better music,” concluded Cluckey.

Unique in Green Bay in its jazz club style and New Orleans cuisine, I would definitely recommend The Blue Opus to anyone looking for a change of scenery from a typical restaurant, some good music and a few friendly faces.