Chicago Blues & Bitter Winds: A Drummer's Dispatch
okay, so i’m back from chicago. and wow. just…wow. i’m still peeling the layers of exhaustion off, honestly. touring’s brutal, even when it’s amazing, and this gig was definitely amazing. we played a bunch of smoky clubs downtown, the kind where the air smells like stale beer and regret, but in a good way, you know? like, authentic.
I just checked and it’s…a proper chill, right now. Like, the kind of cold that seeps into your bones and makes you crave a ridiculously oversized mug of something hot. The temperature’s hovering around 14.21, feels like 12.63. Pressure’s at 1017, humidity’s a breezy 36%. Not exactly beach weather, folks. But hey, that’s chicago, right?
Speaking of breezy, the wind was relentless. Seriously, it felt like someone was constantly trying to steal my hat. I spent half the time clinging to lampposts. I swear, i saw a pigeon get blown sideways like a tiny, feathered missile.
I spent a lot of time wandering around the *Wicker Park neighborhood. Found this amazing little record store, Reckless Records - seriously, if you’re into vinyl, you have to check it out. https://www.recklessrecords.com/. And the street art! Oh man, the street art. So much incredible stuff. I’m a drummer, not an artist, but i appreciate a good mural. I’m thinking of trying to incorporate some of that energy into my next kit design… maybe some spray paint? Don’t tell my bandmates.
“Heard a guy at a bar complaining that deep dish pizza isn’t real pizza. I nearly choked on my Old Style.”
Food-wise, i mostly stuck to the classics. Deep dish, obviously. Hot dogs (with everything, naturally). And a surprisingly good plate of ribs at this place called Lem's. https://www.yelp.com/biz/lems-bar-b-q-chicago - seriously, go. Someone told me that Lem’s is a chicago institution, and they weren’t wrong. It’s loud, it’s crowded, and the ribs are phenomenal.
I also did a quick trip to Lincoln Park, just to escape the downtown chaos for a bit. The zoo is…well, it’s a zoo. But the park itself is really nice. If you’re looking for something a little quieter, that’s a good bet.
“A drunk guy tried to convince me that the Bean is actually an alien egg. I didn’t argue.”
My neighbors, if you can call them that, are Milwaukee and Indianapolis. Both a pretty easy drive if you need a change of scenery. I didn’t have time to get out there this trip, but i’m already planning a weekend getaway.
I overheard a local warning someone about the lakefront in the winter. Apparently, it gets really icy. Definitely not a place you want to be strolling around in flip-flops. Check out some reviews on TripAdvisor before you go. https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g35778-Activities-Chicago_Illinois.html
Honestly, the whole trip felt like a blues song. A little bit gritty, a little bit melancholy, but ultimately, really, really good. I’m already missing the energy of the city. And the ribs. Definitely missing the ribs. I’m also thinking about checking out some local music venues next time. There’s a whole scene i haven’t even scratched the surface of. Maybe i’ll even try to sit in with a band… who knows?
Oh, and one last thing: if you’re looking for vintage clothes, hit up Andersonville*. https://www.timeout.com/chicago/shopping/best-vintage-stores-in-chicago - seriously, some amazing finds. I scored a killer leather jacket for like, twenty bucks. Don’t tell anyone i said that.
Okay, i’m officially signing off. Need to sleep. And maybe eat something that isn’t deep dish. Maybe.
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