Stars on Ice will come to Chicagoland on Sunday, April 29, with a roster that is slated to include Adam Rippon, Meryl Davis and Charlie White, and Nathan Chen.
Another skater on the bill is Jason Brown, who has many accolades to his credit. Among them are being the 2015 U.S. national champion as well as being part of the bronze medal-winning team at the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia.
Windy City Times: You were born in L.A., but you have a strong Chicago connection, correct?
Jason Brown: I was in L.A. until I was 3, so I don't remember much of it. I visit a lot, but my whole entire family is in Chicago. I grew up in Highland Park and they all live in the city. I'm 100 percent a Midwestern boy.
I definitely look forward to performing in front of the hometown crowd! I feel like I grew up in the greatest place on the planet.
WCT: Stars on Ice is a bit different from the Olympics in that you don't have to do 72 quads during a skate.
JB: Exactly! Look at your lingo—you've got it down!
WCT: I try. There are some misconceptions that people have about figure skating, such as it's not physically demanding.
JB: Oh, my gosh. Honestly, I think it's one of the most physically demanding sports—especially when you have to make things look effortless. To get in the air, spin around four times—all with a smile on your face while skating to the music. And the number of hours that go into training... By no means is this easy. I devote about seven hours, at least, every day to training and skating, or physical therapy.
WCT: And you've had your share of injuries, correct?
JB: Unfortunately, yes. [Brown laughs.] I haven't had huge injuries, but occasionally I've had [setbacks].
WCT: Is that why you didn't compete in the world championships recently?
JB: No, it wasn't because of injury. With everything going on—like competing at the Grand Prix and the timing, along with the disappointment of [2018] nationals [where Brown finished sixth]—I had to withdraw when I was called up to worlds. I had to step back a little back—but I can't wait for Chicago to see this show, because it's really, really awesome.
WCT: Tell me a little about what the audicence can expect.
JB: Yeah! There are going to be a lot of performers who know how to play to the crowd, with some doing parts of their Olympic routines. Jeffrey Buttle choreographed the [numbers], and they're all just great. It's a high-energy show that I think people will enjoy. I look forward to the feedback from the crowd—and coming to Chicago is like the cherry on top. I'm counting down the days!
WCT: You mentioned music a little while back. I'm curious: Who decides the music? I imagine you won't be skating to a Nicki Minaj song.
JB: You could! You could skate to a Nicki Minaj song, or Rihanna. skaters get to show a little piece of themselves.
WCT: So we could see someone skate to a Cardi B song?
JB: I think that could happen with this generation. I don't know about the rap—but you never know! Crazier things have happened.
WCT: I know the Olympics have just happened, but are you thinking about 2022?
JB: Even though these Olympics have just happened, I definitely feel that I want to be there; I'm very committed and determined. But I am taking things day by day, month by month; I'm focusing on the now.
Stars on Ice—with Brown, Adam Rippon, Meryl Davis and Charlie White, Nathan Chen and others—will take place at the Allstate Arena on Sunday, April 29, at 4 p.m. For tickets ( which start at $25 each ), visit StarsOnIce.com/get-tickets.html or Ticketmaster.com .
