After two sold-out dates at Schubas, Patty Griffin is returning to Chicago's Vic Theater on March 28. Griffin wowed me during her intimate showcase, which geared her up before embarking in a larger scaled tour to promote Children Running Through. The concert's highlights were Burgundy Shoes and Standing from 2004's Impossible Dream. The former has a beautiful climax as she sings 'the sun' over and over. The latter has soul reminiscent of Ray Charles's duet with Bonnie Raitt on his classic Do I Ever Cross Your Mind. This made me see the similarities between the two red-headed singers.
Many artists have redone Griffin's work including Joan Osborne and Emmylou Harris. Harris even contributes to Children Running Through by singing backup on Trapeze. Griffin establishes herself as one the great contemporary singer-songwriters with her latest, which is out now via ATO Records.
Scissor Sisters are back, as promised, at the Riviera on March 9. Last fall the flamboyant quintet had to cancel a series of shows before their European dates due to drummer Paddy Boom's back problems. The camp soap opera Passions went into overdrive when Jake Shears and company made a cameo, performing I Don't Feel Like Dancin' and Land of A Thousand Words. Both cuts are from the magical sophomore album Ta-Dah.
Band members Ana Matronic and Del Marquis steal the video for the infectious lead single Don't Feel Like Dancin' in the same fashion that Megan Mullally and Sean Hayes steal every scene on Will & Grace. The upcoming show is sold out, but guaranteed to be heard are Kiss You Off, their cover of Comfortably Numb and the forthcoming single She's My Man.
The Old Town School of Folk Music continues its support of GLBTA artists. On March 17, Lesley Gore will take to the stage for two shows, at 7 p.m. and at 10 p,m. Expect to hear her 1960s favorites, It's My Party and You Don't Own Me, as well as gems from last year's Ever Since. Few know that the Maybe I Know singer also co-wrote the Grammy nominated song Out Here On My Own, which Irene Cara sang on the Fame soundtrack. Gore is still turning heads. Not so much how coolly she kicked down the closet's doors, but how well she transitioned from the girl-group era to a seasoned cabaret crooner. Also Gore alters the arrangements of her catalogue of hits for her live shows. You may have even heard her without knowing it—Better Angels from Ever Since was played on an episode of CSI Miami. More importantly, how can we forget Gore's appearance on the Batman TV series as the Catwoman's sidekick?
Even though Bitch and Animal are no longer together, front woman Bitch and her new group The Exciting Conclusion will be at the Old Town School of Folk Music on Friday March 23. Bitch's solo debut is out now. No longer with Ani DeFranco's Righteous Babe Records, Make This/Break This is released through Kill Rock Stars. While she is on her own, Bitch's take-no-apology lyrics and unique sound comprising of an electric violin, a ukulele and a bass guitar definitely 'make this.' Daniela Sea of the L Word will be sharing the stage with the 'Unstick' singer with Wishing Chair as the opening act.
In conjunction with her March release, The Gospel Truth, Susan Werner will be performing with Richard Shindell on Saturday March 31 at the Old Town School of Folk Music. It cannot be denied that popular music as we know it has its roots buried deeply in religious hymns. Having seen her sing as a guest during Lee Lessack's show, Werner really commands the audience's attention. Already having mastered the balance between jazz and folk, Werner certainly will testify the musical truths on Gospel Truth.
Keeping the jazz bopping on through the last of these winter nights, The Grilly Brothers will be performing every Thursday in March at Weather Mark Tavern in the South Loop. This four piece band features music from such local greats as bassist Mike Arnopol and vibist Kathy Kelly. The Grilly Brothers' talented ensemble was featured at the 1980 Chicago Jazz Festival, where they opened for Ahmad Jamal. A must hear for a great night of jazz.
John Hasbrouck, one of Chicago's most acclaimed guitarists, is going to accompany different guests every Wednesday at Uncommon Ground Café in Wrigleyville. Hasbrouck's breakthrough album Ice Cream was cited as one of the Top CDs of 2002 by Acoustic Guitar magazine. The follow-up Some of These Days came out in 2004. A master of all crafts, Hasbrouck will play a variety of Americana styles including alternative country, slide guitar and honky tonk.
