music mania - part 1

i left my ipod and all its glory at home for safe keeping during my travels. if you know about my love of music, you know there were some tears shed when i said goodbye it. that also means i was craving music as much as a fat kid craves cake (hey. i can say this, because i once was that fat kid!) when i got back to the states.

i confess. i went on a live-music binge. you see, i’m keeping my word about making this one of my best summers ever.

first stop, wicker park fest. my old stomping grounds. it was nice to be back and feel the vibe of this "i'll never wear j.crew but i'll blow all my money at second-hand boutique shops to look shabby-chic" area of chicago. rob walters, a great keyboardist/organist, and karl denson, one of my favorite modern saxophonists, played a free show busting out some funky grooves. it felt good. real good.

then a quick trip to indianapolis. i spent most of my short time there at home, getting fed. well fed. but i did take some time to go see my buddy will and go to “the roots” concert that was conveniently happening when i was in town. Of course, being indiana, the legendary roots crew were playing at 8 seconds saloon (click the link. you’ll be just as shocked as i was). yep, a country western bar. what?!? anyway, the roots put on an amazing show, while i was jamming on the country line dancing dance floor. that’s indiana for you.

i’m pretty picky with live hip-hop/rap. usually i leave shows disappointed, because most of the time, rappers just bring on a dj and play their songs exactly like their cd. with the roots though, they’re the complete opposite. they’re an actual band, with the lead “singer” being the rapper. they rocked the house, improvising, soloing, covering random songs, and providing massive energy. dope.

next stop, indie rock.