The Night Life

July 24, 2011

Old 97s



West Side Story * photo from WSS website



Night Life

Back in the 80s and early 90s, it was fairly common for me to make the drive up I-65 from Indianapolis to Chicago to catch concerts that at that time routinely bypassed Indianapolis. I caught all sorts of shows at clubs like the Vic Theatre, the Aragon Ballroom, the Metro, the Double Door, Park West, Schubas, and the Riviera. I caught bands the likes of Nine Inch Nails, Concrete Blonde, Lone Justice, Shriekback, Jane’s Addiction, the Alarm, the Toll, Aztec Camera and the Origin. It was an exciting time and one that I hoped to revisit if only briefly during our stay in Chicago.

The Vic

The Metro



I had ordered tickets to see one of my current favorite bands, the Old 97s at a place called Lincoln Hall- which didn’t exist back in the day, but is owned by the same folks who own Schubas – so I figured it would be ok. Kathy & I caught the red line to Fullerton and arrived at the club in time to get a beer and a bite to eat before the opening act Robert Ellis started. The club is located right across the street from the famous Biograph Theatre where John Dillinger was gunned down in 1934 after being betrayed by the lady in red.





Robert Ellis

The club was great, small and intimate with great sound and excellent wait staff. Robert Ellis and his band opened, we were not familiar with him, but he was really good. Only 22, Ellis is fresh off releasing his country/folk CD “Photographs” and he really hit all the right notes and had the crowd in great spirits during his short set.

Robert Ellis

Old 97s



The Old 97s show was being recorded for the iconic Chicago radio station WXRT’s Sunday night concert series, meaning you may be able to hear it at some point. The fact that it was being recorded for a future broadcast seemed to inspire both the crowd and the band and the show was really excellent.

Old 97’s

Playing plenty of songs from their new CD, “The Grand Theatre, Volume 2” as well as many of their older tunes as well as some well received cover tunes, the band was awesome and for one night at least it was like going back in time to those halcyon days of my youth.







Our final night in Chicago we were out again, seeing a totally different type of show. This time we were in the Theatre District to catch the traveling Broadway production of the revival of the classic play, “West Side Story” at the beautiful Cadillac Palace Theatre.







West Side Story has always been one of my favorite plays, most likely because I was subjected to it repeatedly when my sister Marika starred as Anita in her high school production and I was inundated with the music at an early age. This show was somewhat unique in that the Latin cast members, aka the Sharks, performed much of the time in Spanish. It was different and did not distract much at all- most likely because we pretty much knew all the lines anyway.

Anita * Photo from WSS website

Maria & Tony *Photo from WSS website



It was a great production and we really enjoyed it, the traveling show is still fairly early in its run, so depending on where you live, you might still be able to check it out in a city near you. Check the link below for the schedule- it is worth checking out. It was a wonderful way to conclude our visit to Chicago and our vacation.



The Old 97s

West Side Story