The Chicago Music Scene Is Dead
An excellent post by our friend Jason Caldeira on the state of the music scene in Chicago. Check out the story on the Fly Casual blog here. Jason’s been playing music in Chicago since 1998. A few years back I played with him in Dan Darrah’s band.
In a nutshell: the scene is dead
I couldn’t agree with him more. I’ve had this discussion with most of my musician friends. We all remember the thriving Chicago music scene in the late 90’s. Bands had weekly residencies, and the rooms would be packed. Swimmer and Sumo at Elbo Room on Sundays. Liquid Soul at Double Door. There was a vibrancy about the city. And everyone was proud to be part of it.
Cover bands are where the scene’s at now. And I can’t bitch, cuz I’m IN a cover band. But, man, it just kinda sucks.
Man did I love Swimmer. One of a handful of life changing live moments for me. Accidentally stumbling into Elbo room and seeing them do a 20 minute improv Jam. Beautiful!
Post script! Get back some of that late 90’s nostalgia with the Booty Movement Coalition! (But hey- the sound ain’t old by any means!) At Martyr’s, the last Monday of every month. The improv jam is back! Led by Typhanie Monique and a bad-ass cast of Chicago cats. You won’t be disappointed!! http://www.myspace.com/bmcchicago
I live in LA now for the past 5 yrs and that is really sad about Chi-town music scene. We have a sucky scene here and that’s all I talk about is the music there, apparently no more. I loved Sumo and Liquid Soul – big sigh
Hey there guys! Love what you do! Ever thought about covering a local clothing company, because we could really use the exposure. Let me know! Keep it up!