The Time I Went To See Melissa E // Music

Ah. Lucky me! I got to stroll through the doors of The Chicago Theatre a few weeks ago. For what? CAUSE I WAS HOLDIN' TICKETS TO MELISSA ETHERIDGE, BABY! My parents have seen her a handful of times, my mom is a huge fan, and her first four albums were constantly played during my upbringing. Like Talking Heads and so many others, Melissa Etheridge found a cozy little place in my musical soul making her a bucket list artist; someone I had to see in my time. When I first found out she was coming here sometime in the late summer for a November show, I told my ma all about it and sent her all the fancy pre-sale ordering e-mails XRT was sending out and hoped she would come through in making that our show for this year, especially since we couldn't make it to David Byrne/St. Vincent together. She pulled through and we put it in our plans.

Of course, we started off this concert experience just like we would any other; dinner at Greek Islands beforehand, one of our favorite restaurants. 

saganaki, an obvious choice.

So since my mom is a seasoned Melissa E show go-er, she clued me in on exactly what I should expect as we listened to a CD I had made specifically for the drive there that was chocked full of Melissa Etheridge, Florence, Talking Heads/David Byrne- our usual lineup. The general sum-up was "You're never gonna see any other woman rock like Melissa does", that, and of course, she told me about the guitars. She told me all about how she does all these guitar changes and how she uses a different guitar for each song. I knew she would rock, there was no doubt in my mind, which is why there was no problem with me being so adamant about going in the first place. Let's be honest, this was my mom's 5th Melissa show, and while she loves seeing her live, she just wasn't super amped on it until we were in the car on the way there belting out 'Like The Way I Do'. That's okay, the excitement eventually found her and after dinner, we cabbed over to the theatre where the excitement then consumed us. My tradition for every show there is that when I get into the actual main floor entrance, I just walk all the way to the front of the stage for some time to check out the set close-up, make nice with the guards up there, and get a good look at the crowd. I feel some sort of bizarre attachment to that theatre that makes me feel like I should somehow buy it, manage it, and love it forever [or maybe just get a job sticking the letters on the marquee?].

 

yay! Set close-up

The set to this particular show was intricate as ever; lava lamps, rugs, tons of amps, decor, and of course a drum from Leavenworth Junior High- her hometown. When I was done with my scope-out routine, we attempted to actually find our seats, and they were good ones in the center section; Row B, seat 406/408. We got an even bigger slice of lucky when two women two rows in front of us turned to ask us if we wanted to switch seats with them, and they had the aisle seats. That's a delicious two-fer and we took it. They were a group of friends who had bought tickets separately, yet managed to gain compliance with awesome attendees in order to switch it up so they could sit together. How awesome.

My ma and I in front of the stage before the show!

Here's the showdown! 

 She came on stage with such a bewitching spirit that night; looking around, moving easily to the beat. She was extremely chatty with the crowd as she led us along in the passenger seat of her Chevrolet. She drew so many influences from her upbringing and raw roots with this album. Her attentiveness with the crowd could have almost been mistaken for a typical blues show where the artists mutters through a collection of thoughts while the notes take their words and string them to a melody. This album was a lot slower paced and focused heavily on it, rightfully so since this tour is titled after her latest album; 4th Street Feeling. She threw a lot of her old jams in there which was my main highlight along with some of the awesome life advice she threw out in between songs and some of it couldn't have come at a better time. I was a tad shocked there wasn't a bit more from her Fearless Love album, just a song, but after 12 albums, not including her Christmas album and greatest hits, I guess it becomes rather difficult to cut it down to even just 20 songs. What it boils down to is that I just wanted to see Melissa Etheridge in concert. It wasn't about loving every song on her latest albums, it was about experiencing an artist live I've thoroughly enjoyed my whole life and see her with the person who was responsible for that. Melissa looked great and sounded great. She mixed up the songs really nicely too. One minute you were rocking out and the next you'd be swaying along somewhere in the crowd. The lights she used were fantastic as well. A lot of variation, which was great and sort of gives it the feeling you're getting that much more out of the show. I felt really lucky to be seeing her perform live, especially within the walls of The Chicago Theatre. We were around such an awesome group of people, too, many of which had attended shows in the past. An awesome crowd? That always seals the deal on a concert. 

Here's a glimspe into her new album;

MELISSA ROCKED OUT ON DRUMS! She just got up along side her drummer and laid down an awesome little set. This was absolutely awesome. She played the harmonica as well as strummed a billion chords on numerous different guitars and even played some of them whilst laying on her back sprawled across the stage. Definitely an experience. To have it end with 'Like The Way I Do' was just absolutely stellar, she rocked the house, and I'm pretty sure I rocked my body to the core. Of course, like the end of every show ever, I make my way up to the front of the stage in attempts to get a glorious setlist! ACCOMPLISHED! [and I never thought I would at this one].

The fantabulous 20 song setlist!

The breakdown process! This is always incredibly fascinating to me just HOW fast they
break it all down and pop it into a truck for the next show. The crew for her show was exceptionally
friendly. I was really shocked I walked away with a few souvineers from this one!

Afterward, my mom and I were buzzing, but she kept emphasizing how much she has really mellowed out.

She is still incredibly captivating, but she said that no one EVER sat at her shows and during a few songs on this latest tour, there were a few sitters. It didn't get me down. It was almost intriguing to see her in the in-between phase of being able to really impress while calming down and turning over a new page in terms of performance. At the end of it all, I got exactly what I wanted- seeing yet another bucket-list artist at The Chicago Theatre. It's just too exquisite. Here's to the next one.

If you like Melissa Etheridge, you might dig this other artist I thoroughly enjoy; Lissie who reminds me of a younger version of Melissa E. I had the chance to see her live at Reggie's a couple years ago and luckily got to meet her and of course, I wrote all about it.

Any shows you plan on attending soon?

Delta Rae, this one's for you!

Delta Rae, man. Let me tell you, let me tell you all of it;

from that night / 10.4.12

So a few months ago XRT was playing at work, which is a pretty common occurrence. I am very thankful for this because XRT is CHOCKED FULL of my kind of jams. So needless to say, I was the least bit surprised to be introduced to this fantastic band via my favorite radio station, but the first time they played 'Down By The River', I'm sure that I stopped whatever the hell I was doing in that bakery, ran over to the speakers, turned it up, and soaked up the pure greatness that was pouring from the sound dock.

I. LOVED. IT. IT HAD SO MUCH SOUL! I went home, bought it, danced + sang along to it endlessly, and waited for them to come to town again because I had missed them at Schuba's the first time they rolled through. Of course, I was over the moon when I found out they would be doing a FREE XRT SHOW over at Bottom Lounge! I saw and met Lissie in the same kind of setting awhile back over at Reggie's and I knew this wouldn't be something to miss. Every time they talked about it in the upcoming week on the air, I got SO excited. When I heard Lin talking about it himself, I had this growing anticipation that he may be present himself. I BECAME WAY PSYCHED. I gathered up a groovy little group, which consisted of Dan and Brooke, to accompany me to the show. We headed for drinks at Haymarket and dinner at g.e.b. and then we sauntered on down to Bottom Lounge for the amazing tunes that would flood us from the stage and as always, a hopeful encounter. Since our meal was so delightful, I truly feel that it needs to be included at least in some sort of way. So here's what went down at g.e.b;

Brookie and I at Haymarket

hi! this is a pointless caption because you know what this is!

 heirloom tomato salad + venison tartare. BOTH = AMAZING.

Calamari + Atlantic Skate 

 risotto rouge + flatbread

now this was the meal to have and split among great friends before one hell of a show, let me tell you.

It really it is a really delicious throw down of food when I go there. I'm glad I got to check it out for the dinner menu, because the last time I had dined there it was for brunch. These pictures do not really do it any justice, but that risotto is something that my mouth and stomach long for even weeks after consumption. The whole melt-in-your-mouth quality was also present for these courses. GET SOME!

Once we had arrived to our destination, we ended up meeting a pretty cool chick at the bar that was hangin' solo and we made her a part of our group, which is always a fun time AND THEN IT HAPPENED! When we were outside smoking a cigarette, I spotted one of my favorite people strolling in my direction. "IS THAT LIN BREHMER?!" I said much louder than I had actually anticipated. When he bellowed "Why, YES IT IS!" I ran in his direction to introduce myself and throw my arms around him, he stopped me and proceeded to tell me he knew just who I was. Oh, Twitter, I love you. What a moment; he was so approachable and so full of energy. It was such an honor to meet a man that I had grown up listening to. I truly love XRT and am so glad that I've been able to meet two awesome DJs from that station- really rad people, feelin' very lucky.

me and Lin Brehmer outside of Bottom Lounge. HOW RAD!

So the doors for the event started at 7, concert started at 8. We made our way in and nuzzled up close to the stage, where I feel most comfortable. Lin Brehmer made his way up to it as well to introduce the band to all the rad folks waiting to hear the stellar tunes. The band took the stage with great command, the three siblings stood out right away; Brittany, Eric, and Ian and let's just say that their talent is astounding. They're kind of like a pop-soul-rock version of the Von Trapp family...? (well, maybe just in terms of these siblings being so talented vocally/musically...). When you add the other three members into the mix, it really just blows you away. This band came out with such ease and rocked the house. Their voices were so strong and loaded with soul. They really have a variety in their layout in terms of their setlist and song order, which is always pretty vital. There were definitely some slower songs mixed into the groove which complimented the songs that made you lose your inhibitions. They played a lot of songs off their album, new tunes, and a cover; Fleetwood Mac's 'The Chain'. -awesome. There's a big sense of group collaboration; everyone gets in on the fun in this band.

I wore shoes that allocated serious grooves. I knew that I would not be able to stand still during this show. They really brought it and they seemed genuinely happy to be there. Not to mention that at the end of their set, they came out into the crowd and just did a little jam circle, the crowd gathered around, and they did their thing.. This is kind of the part where you want everyone to drop their phones for a hot minute and just groove + move, because you need to soak up the essence of sharing the floor with Delta Rae instead of trying to capture it for later. I loved that they did this, they literally just walked into the crowd. Unplugged say WHATTT?! That was all sorts of rad! Overall, phenomenal experience, totally worth every ounce of my energy to scamper from the burbs to the city on that cold, rainy night. Every. Ounce.

So afterwards, a merchandise table was set up and of course the band was crankin' out the signatures and conversation with the fans. I have a tendency to tweet them every time XRT plays their stuff. No, seriously, I do. Well, they take note of that stuff, dudes- just like Lin Brehmer takes note of my twitter musings. Social networking, man...okay, anywho, I was able to get my CD signed by Eric, Ian, Brittany, + Mike. I missed the other two cool cats, but next time!

me with Brittany Holljes of Delta Rae

Very glad I was able to chat a bit with Eric and Brittany. I really wish I would have asked them more questions, but who had time for that? I was too busy asking Eric to doodle up extra stars and smiley faces on the album sleeve. It was pretty awesome to have Brittany tell me that she liked my dance moves and my energy. That's all you want to hear from some of your favourite musicians. Delta Rae is composed of people who are extremely down to earth, have a great ease about them, and can really bring a great show. Each member has a such big role, Brittany would seem like the standout singer, but when you listen to the album, you see that four of them; Eric, Ian, Brittany, + Liz all really have songs that are their own. It's great to see each member be so loaded with ability. I am so glad that XRT is behind them and promoting them, along with VH1 picking them up for Artists You Oughta Know for this month. I am stoked for their success and I love telling people about them, because they deserve the recognition. I think a really good way of determining this is by bringing someone who is completely unfamiliar with that work and having them really dig it by the time the show is over. That's exactly what happened with Dan. I wasn't even familiar with all of their jams, I was in-the-know with maybe 5 songs, the rest I wanted to leave for live. I recommend you listen to all of them anyway, and then still see them live. A really awesome bunch of people, I'm very lucky I got to share a few words with these cool cats!

I was't kidding, you see that star at the top and that smiley face?
YAY! How awesome. How extremely awesome.

This was a righteous night and I seriously suggest that you sample this album for sure. I also recommend that you dine at g.e.b. because you will very likely DIG IT. Here's to that night, and hopefully many more like them.

hey, don't forget that you're pretty awesome.

-T