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 51 weeks into the year, and I have seen 199 shows. Don’t worry–I will break 200!
A variety show is a complicated beast that takes true dedication from the organizers and participants. It was intriguing to see a stellar lineup of musicians from a variety of genres come together to bring a fresh flavor to what is often relegated to, “I like all kinds of music…well, except country.” A good portion of how they accomplished this was to start with a house band that can give any vocalist that shuffle and twang:
Dorian Gehring – pedal steel guitar
Sully Davis – bass
Spencer Tweedy – drums
Liam Kazar – guitar
Sima Cunningham – piano
Country music has been a constant staple of Chicago music venue The Hideout’s calendar for as long as anyone can remember. So Cosmic Country fits perfectly in their calendar. They make excellent use of the innate sense of community and friendship the Hideout infuses to every event. When you add in a little holiday spirit it becomes truly magical.
Host Mick Williams Valentine (Tim Parker) took the stage with a rode-in-on-a horse gate and litteral whoops and hollers. He had more downhome bits than Andrew Sa had rhinestones as he brought on each performer and kept the whole show rolling. There were 12 great performances (plus guests!), so I cannot possibly describe them all, but I cannot resist telling you about a few….see the end of the post for a full list with links!
Ohmme performed a classic Andrew Sisters style take of “Jing-a-Ling, Jing-a-Ling,” it was bouncier and faster and funner than the alternative/indie version they recorded for JNR Holidya Party Vol. 2.
Doorman Hawk took the stage for one song and one song only. “There’s a New Love in Your Heart” by Patsy Cline. He gave it such grit and soul, I think he had more folks hollering and fainting than any other performer.
Jeff Tweedy lamented that he went too down the middle with songs like Blind Willie McTell’s “Flowers On My Grave,” and “Blue Eyes” by Graham Parsons, Wishing he had chosen something a little “spicier.” But his voice was oh-so-suited to the music, and who wouldn’t love watching father and son on stage together?
They sprinkled in some variety with comedy. The best of which was The Judds. Funny bits and outrageous costumes and truly great vocals. Can’t go wrong. Especially when you shoe-horn Pikachu into “Judd” classic “That Don’t Impress Me Much.” Seriously. Too good. I want more please.
The show concluded with a one-two punch of a radiant Tasha having the time of her life and Andrew Sa bringing us back to the core of the show, soulful country ballads. I couldn’t have imagined anyone could do such justice to Willie Nelson’s “Pretty Paper.”
As this will be my last CHICD for 2019, forgive me for taking this moment to express my appreciation to all the bands that make music aka life worth living, my show friends that make going to shows feel like being with family, my amazing editor Alyssa Welch for being everything, and most of all to all you music nerds, thank you for reading this. In the words of Mick Williams Valentine, “From the bottom, and the top, and every side of my heart, I want to thank you, as if I only have one more thank you left to give. Thank you.”
Tim Parker aka Mick Williams Valentine Instagram
Ohmme Facebook | Bandcamp
Quinn Tsan Facebook | Bandcamp
Tenci Facebook | Bandcamp
Lily Reed (comedian) Twitter
Hawk Coleman Instagram
AJ Marroquin (comedian) Facebook
Jeff Tweedy Bandcamp
The Judds (comedians Alex Grelle and Paul Scudder)
Ryan Whitney (The Predictions) Facebook
Special Guest, Kelsey Wild Facebook | Bandcamp
Two Marys (comedians Kaylyn Carter and Katelyn Douglass)
Tasha Facebook | Bandcamp
Andrew Sa Facebook | Bandcamp
Special Guest, Kelly Hogan Facebook | Bandcamp
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