Club D in Chicago: Night 2
September 1, Chicago's South Loop
Ain't no city got the blues like Chicago. With the exception of Memphis, Chicago's blues scene is unparalleled. The city also seems to boast an unparalleled number of street festivals and, in that spirit, I went to check out the Bash on Wabash, this year paying homage to the culture of New Orleans. The fest, on South Wabash between 13th and 15th streets, had been going on since noon that day in this up and coming Chicago neighborhood. I arrived at 6 pm, with my Chicago friend who has attended three New Orleans Jazz Fests with me over the years.
I truly believe that if you ain't dancing to the zydeco, then you ain't got no soul. Such wisdom held true for the two bands at this Fest: Nathan & the Zydeco Cha Chas followed by Terrance Simien and the Zydeco Experience. Both bands just tore it up during their 90-minute sets.
It's a family affair for the Cha Chas, as band leader Nathan Williams is surrounded almost entirely by family on stage, a brother and several cousins. With the signature accordion and scrub-board that lends a distinct sound to zydeco, this constantly touring band had the crowd jumping and singing along. The set included "Zydeco Hog," a favorite at the famous Rock n Bowl, "Fa Fa Fa," and selections from his 2006 Hang it High, Hang it Low. Etoile!
(It helps having a connection at a festival; thanks to Robert the bassist for the continuous flow of wine and use of a clean RV bathroom!)
Also from Lafayette, Louisiana, Simien, barefoot and sporting his Senegalese hat, played a vibrant set while tossing beads (with his foot) into the cheering crowd. He tended to slow it down quite a bit, which allowed him to showcase his beautiful voice. Simien ended the night with a great medley of Louisiana classics that included "Iko Iko" and "Jambalaya."
But the night was still young so we wandered over to Buddy Guy's Legends, just a few blocks down from the street fest. The legendary Chicago native Ronnie Baker Brooks took the stage around 11. His raw, powerful guitar and soulful vocals rippled through the club. Promoting his most recent release, "The Torch," Ronnie, son of famous blues man Lonnie Brooks, was still going strong in his second set when we left at 2 am. A blues marvel, indeed.
Off topic: On Sunday, September 2, I saw a fantastic nail-biter of a game at Wrigley Field, arguably the greatest ballpark in the country. After great struggle, including bases left repeatedly loaded, some weak pitching early on, and a frustrated player thrown out of the game for slamming down his hat, Derrek Lee smacked one outta the park with one man on base in the bottom of the 8th, giving the Cubs a 6-5 win over the Houston Astros. Nice job, Cubbies!!!
Ain't no city got the blues like Chicago. With the exception of Memphis, Chicago's blues scene is unparalleled. The city also seems to boast an unparalleled number of street festivals and, in that spirit, I went to check out the Bash on Wabash, this year paying homage to the culture of New Orleans. The fest, on South Wabash between 13th and 15th streets, had been going on since noon that day in this up and coming Chicago neighborhood. I arrived at 6 pm, with my Chicago friend who has attended three New Orleans Jazz Fests with me over the years.
I truly believe that if you ain't dancing to the zydeco, then you ain't got no soul. Such wisdom held true for the two bands at this Fest: Nathan & the Zydeco Cha Chas followed by Terrance Simien and the Zydeco Experience. Both bands just tore it up during their 90-minute sets.
It's a family affair for the Cha Chas, as band leader Nathan Williams is surrounded almost entirely by family on stage, a brother and several cousins. With the signature accordion and scrub-board that lends a distinct sound to zydeco, this constantly touring band had the crowd jumping and singing along. The set included "Zydeco Hog," a favorite at the famous Rock n Bowl, "Fa Fa Fa," and selections from his 2006 Hang it High, Hang it Low. Etoile!
(It helps having a connection at a festival; thanks to Robert the bassist for the continuous flow of wine and use of a clean RV bathroom!)
Also from Lafayette, Louisiana, Simien, barefoot and sporting his Senegalese hat, played a vibrant set while tossing beads (with his foot) into the cheering crowd. He tended to slow it down quite a bit, which allowed him to showcase his beautiful voice. Simien ended the night with a great medley of Louisiana classics that included "Iko Iko" and "Jambalaya."
But the night was still young so we wandered over to Buddy Guy's Legends, just a few blocks down from the street fest. The legendary Chicago native Ronnie Baker Brooks took the stage around 11. His raw, powerful guitar and soulful vocals rippled through the club. Promoting his most recent release, "The Torch," Ronnie, son of famous blues man Lonnie Brooks, was still going strong in his second set when we left at 2 am. A blues marvel, indeed.
Off topic: On Sunday, September 2, I saw a fantastic nail-biter of a game at Wrigley Field, arguably the greatest ballpark in the country. After great struggle, including bases left repeatedly loaded, some weak pitching early on, and a frustrated player thrown out of the game for slamming down his hat, Derrek Lee smacked one outta the park with one man on base in the bottom of the 8th, giving the Cubs a 6-5 win over the Houston Astros. Nice job, Cubbies!!!
posted by Dana @ 9:12 AM
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