The new Center on Halsted is about to be officially rocked for the first time on June 21 when rock group BETTY returns to Chicago for a one-night-only concert that will benefit the facility. The show, which will take place at the new auditorium, 3665 N. Halsted, at 7 p.m., will also feature Chicago local rock group The Stewed Tomatoes and emcee Tamale Sepp.
Windy City Times recently talked with BETTY's Amy Ziff about Europe, politics and the band's upcoming Chicago show.
Windy City Times: So, I heard you just got back from touring in Europe. How was that?
Amy Ziff: Amazing. I fell in love with Lisbon. I'd never been there before, and our show in Paris is what dreams are made of. There were so many people and they knew the lyrics to a lot of our songs. It was wonderful. Plus the fact that after the show you can go eat éclairs-makes it all worthwhile, right?
WCT: What are the ladies like over there when they come to see BETTY rock?
AZ: HOT. And the guys were, too.
WCT: Any entertaining or highlight moments?
AZ: In Portugal, I was asked to sing with a traditional fado quartet about lost love, so I did a killer version of Summertime, especially since 10 minutes before I had almost choked to death on a fish bone.
WCT: I know you have a one-night-only show coming up here in Chicago on June 21 to benefit the Center on Halsted. Tell me about that.
AZ: First and foremost, everybody needs to know how much BETTY loves Chicago. When we were asked to come and do a show to help the new Center on Halsted, we were thrilled! We have some new songs we can't wait to play, and we promise to rock the roof off for all our friends and fans in the windy city.
WCT: BETTY has also been involved in a lot of great causes over the years and has really stood out as a politically minded and conscious band. Why is that so important and what do you see as far as the important issues right now?
AZ: It will always be important to stand up for what you believe in, especially as artists, so we can change the world one song at a time and get people dancing for the revolution.
WCT: Is it easier or harder to be political band today?
AZ: We're not really a political band. We're political people ( except for me, of course-I'll do anything for money! ) . We're just strong women who say it like we see it, and put on great shows.
WCT: BETTY has been performing since the '80s. How has the band evolved and what lessons have you learned?
AZ: We've learned that if you want to maintain a relationship as intense as a band for 20 years, only one thing helps. Therapy.
WCT: How do you keep the energy up?
AZ: Chocolate. And sex. And more chocolate.
WCT: I've got to ask about your work with The L Word. What was that like and has it changed anything for the band as far as the audience or the attention? Can you walk down the street and not have lesbians hitting on you?
AZ: It's been great to be more out there, and have more people know our work. … I've always had people hitting on me. Oh, the price you pay for being a rock star.
WCT: I noticed on your Web page you've already got a few Pride festivals scheduled for June. What do you love about performing at Pride?
AZ: The people. And being part of this community. Proud. We've been doing these festivals since they began, and wouldn't ever want to stop.
Tickets are $25 each and can be purchased at www.WindyCityMediaGroup.com or by calling 773-871-7610. Tickets are also available at Women & Children First Bookstore, 5233 N. Clark.