Concerted Efforts

My summer concert season started last weekend with a fizzle instead of some sizzle. But it rebounded nicely the very next day as I caught a local group calling themselves Classical Blast for 2/3 of their show on my way to a hospital to see a family member who has since been released. Thanks for the cards and flowers you sent. They combine modern music with classical to create delightful versions of songs. Try to follow this one – lyrics from “Hurt” by Nine Inch Nails sung to the tune of Kate Bush’s “Running Up That Hill” mashed up with Adagio for Strings.

I don’t know about you, but the highlight of the video for me is when backward-hat, flamingo-shirt guy makes his appearance and awkwardly tries to lean on the cannon.

This weekend was supposed to be my Rolling Stones concert, but I called an audible to see these guys.

You might think it was just a local band playing a crappy local festival in Chicagoland in the shadow of O’Hare Airport with planes flying overhead every 30 seconds. But no, the little town of Wood Dale, Illinois went and booked themselves The Smithereens. They still play some decent gigs, but they found themselves last night in front of a smallish crowd (due to weather) at a local festival. It was great. They played a solid setlist. Their lead vocalist passed away almost a decade ago, so they book guest vocalists to play with them. Last night it was the great Marshall Crenshaw on vocals in the white hat.

He chewed gum through the whole show as you can see in this clip from “Blood and Roses,” but still sounded just fine.

Now, are Smithereens > Stones? No. Could I have done both? Yes. Is asking myself questions and answering them annoying? Uhhh, probably.

I heard from the receptionist at my dermatologist’s office that traffic to get to and from the Stevie Nicks/Billy Joel concert at Soldier Field was awful. No surprise. Been there, done that. So, my plan to get to the Stones concert was public transportation, but that’s slower and requires planning, so most of my Sunday would be occupied public transportationing. But still, it’s the Stones, although I would be outside listening and sneaking peeks at the video board.

The decision-maker for me was the announcement that John Fogerty of Credence Clearwater Revival is coming to town in July, so I decided he will be my first kayak concert. I’ll be floating on the river (or Rolling on the River if the current is strong) right next to the stage with a clear view. I was a huge CCR fan as a kid, so in my mind, Smithereens + Fogerty = Stones, especially since I have seen the Stones before and never Fogerty with or without CCR.

Next up for me next weekend is a Beatles tribute band. I’ll enjoy them with a little help from my friends from high school days.