Monthly Archives: August 2015

Must-See! : Watkins Family Hour at the Old Town School of Music (August 4, 2015)

Ever wonder it’s like to sit in on a jam session with a group of your favorite musicians? Tonight’s audience is experiencing this right before their very own eyes. It’s the Watkins Family Hour which consists of Sara and Sean Watkins (Nickel Creek), Fiona Apple, Benmont Tench, Don Heffington, and Sebastian Steinberg.  With only one album, most of the songs performed can be found on their self-titled release. All five of the members display their talent as lead vocalist as this is a true collaboration of excellent musicians.

One of the best parts of the show is when the band is talking amongst themselves. For example, Sean tells us about watching the Disney film, Robin Hood, when he was growing up. He describes in vivid detail the scene that leads up to the song, Not in Nottingham. While telling the story, he asks what the word is for young rabbits. A few people shout out bunny. He says that he was looking for a more Latin sounding word. In fact, a young rabbit is called a kitten or a kit. It’s this fun interaction that makes the night feel like you are sitting in the Watkins family room as they chat and play their favorite songs.

Sara and Sean sing a couple Nickel Creek songs including Anthony and Somebody More Like You. In between songs they quietly whisper to each other. Sean says, “Sorry, we’re just arguing.” “No, we’re just trying to figure this song out” says Sara. “Just follow your heart,” Sean says and then he resumes playing. This is another display of their fun stage banter followed by a fantastic song. It’s a fantastic evening and truly a must-see live show.

Unforgettable: Tove Lo and Broods at Concord Music Hall (July 30, 2015)

Last Thursday, I excitedly told my friends I got the chance to hangout with Swedish pop singer Tove Lo. Most of the responses I got were, “Who?”, and I would have to explain that she is the singer of the two hits “Talking Body” and “Habits (Stay High)”. I strongly believe in the near future everyone will know this artist by name. I was fortunate enough to watch Tove Lo’s sound check and eat pizza and have drinks with her before her sold out Lollapalooza after show on Thursday. After that experience, I can confidently say I have never met anyone more passionate about what they do than she is.

Broods, a brother and sister duo from New Zealand, opened for Tove Lo. Georgia and Caleb Nott succeeded in getting the crowd amped up with their synth-pop hits. They opened with “Never Gonna Change”, setting the pace for the rest of the night. Georgia owned the stage with seductive dance moves and her light, airy voice.

Tove Lo broke out into bright lights with “My Gun”, and continued singing nearly her whole album, “Queen of the Clouds”. The lyrics to her songs are filled with her own experiences of love, heartache, sex, drugs, and growing up. Her lyrics and the way she performs with intense passion allows for a deep connection with the artist making the show exciting, emotional, and unforgettable.  The crowd jumped and screamed along with her throughout her entire set, and she thanked Chicago for her happy tears tonight. Tove Lo left the crowd wanting more after closing with “Timebomb”, but unfortunately encore’s just aren’t her thing.

If you want to experience the Queen of the Clouds herself, she will be back in Chicago at The Vic on October 11. Create a Spotify playlist at PlaylistHQ.com and you’ll be ready to sing your heart out with her!

Elyse Link

A Nude Hope: A Star Wars Burlesque at Gorilla Tango Theatre (August 1, 2015)

“For some reason, that felt wrong” says Luke Skywalker after kissing Princess Leia. If you get this joke, you’ll love this show. It’s full of jokes that poke fun at the Star Wars story, and boobs! The burlesque versions of all your favorite characters are the best part of the show. Darth Vader, Chewbacca, Obi Wan Kenobi, Storm Troopers, C3PO, and even R2D2 are featured. One of the best performances is when Han says “It’s time for a Han Solo!” At the end of the show, the actress playing Skywalker says “Everyone else has taken off their clothes, so I guess I should too!” This is followed by a dance that has the crowd hooting and hollering. It’s an extremely fun that show that has everyone leaving with a big smile on their face.

Get Tickets Here: https://www.gorillatango.com/cgi-bin/public/gttv2.cgi?location_number=2&show_id=772

Quinn Delaney

Other Gorilla Tango Reviews:

Hilarious! DD7 in Thunderballs: A James Bond Boylesque at Gorilla Tango Theatre (May 2, 2015)

Boobs on Endor: A Return of the Jedi Burlesque at Gorilla Tango Theatre (May 15, 2015)

Guitar Mastery: Davy Knowles at Schubas (July 29, 2015)

Schubas is sold out tonight for a performance by current Chicago resident, Davy Knowles. Davy leads off the evening with a familiar song, Tear Down The Walls. This fantastic rocking blues song was originally released with his band, Back Door Slam. The song features a fantastic solo by Knowles which sets a great tone for the night.

Midway through the set, Knowles announces that it is his fiancé’s birthday. The entire back of the room cheers and points to her after he asks where she is located. Knowles then serenades the crowd and his fiancé with the tune named after her, Amber’s Song. The song is a beautiful track that showcases his softer side. After the song ends, Amber goes up on stage for a warm embrace.

The set continues with Work a Little Harder from his latest album, The Outsider. It’s a bluesy jam that is right in Davy’s wheelhouse. The crowd soaks it in. Knowles mastery of the guitar is on grand display during his energetic set. Don’t miss him live when he comes to town!

Tour Schedule: http://www.davyknowles.com/

Quinn Delaney