My goal is to see one show per week. Yes, I might be that annoying friend that just has to tell you about the thing you missed, but I’m also catching every great show in the city of Chicago–with plenty more ahead of me. Welcome to the Chicago Concert Dispatch.
At the time of this show, it is 22 weeks into the year and I have seen 35 shows.
The vibe on Sunday afternoon at Chop Shop was decidedly jubilant. So much so, that when Beach Bunny bassist, Aidan, starts thrumming along to the preshow music, “They Got the Beat,” the crowd jumps right in and starts singing the chorus. Guitarist, Matt, and drummer, Jon, join in and Lili laughs that big amazing laugh of hers. The joy of the whole event has effused the room. Beach Bunny must thank the previous three bands for priming the crowd, and Fifty50 for doing a great job choosing four bands with 60s vintage vibes ranging from beachy to Stones. If you can make it out to see one of these bands in the near future, this is what you might expect to see:
The Slaps lead vocal/guitar and bassist are pretty chill as they play, but the drummer curves over his kit, moving all four of his limbs akimbo to play with ferocious intensity. He is confident in his crazy, and it is hard to take your eyes off of him.
The lead singer of Hala, Ian Ruhala, never stops moving, and his whole body seems to be one undulating rubber band. He moves in a way that is entrancing, quirky, and sexy as hell–it’s reflective of his music. As Ian said on stage, “Every song is a love song.” His whole band is tight. Though I’ll have their music on heavy rotation at home, when they come back into town, I’ll go just to see Ian’s moves.
The two guitar players of The Evening Attraction judiciously removed their glasses during their set, so ferocious was their headbanging. They have a very full sound without a weak link in playing or performance. Their music has a variety of vintage influences, making turns mid-song that both surprise and blend perfectly. The songs stick in my head after just one listen, so it’s no surprise that the audience sang along.
Beach Bunny was definitely the favorite of the evening. With just the first few words of “February,” the room squeals with delights and bounces along. There is no quiet standing in this crowd—everyone is singing and moving. During the chorus of “Sports,” a mosh breaks out with a happy enthusiasm. Audience members jump and playfully push each other around. Beach Bunny harnesses the power of shouting and dancing out the shit life throws at us. So, dance is what we do, as one smiling, undulating mass.
By the end, we’re all drenched in sweat and other peoples drinks, and it is bliss.
The Slaps play next in Madison, WI @ Ruby Madison on July 6.
The Slaps Bandcamp | Facebook | Instagram
Hala will be in Chicago @ Subterranean on June 26
Hala Bandcamp | Facebook | Instagram
The Evening Attraction have a few shows coming up, including at Empty Bottle on July 5.
The Evening Attraction Official | Bandcamp | Facebook | Instagram
Beach Bunny will be in Chicago @ Subterranean on July 31.
Beach Bunny Facebook | Bandcamp | Instagram
Fifty50 organized this show, and that means half of the proceeds will go to Hope For The Day. Check out the other shows they have scheduled!
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