Joyful Noise In Chicago

During one week in Chicago I managed to attend two concerts with five live acts.

The arrival evening I went straight away to Lincoln Hall to see Danish duo The Raveonettes. I really liked the venue as it was relatively easy to see the stage both from downstairs and upstairs.

There were two warm-up bands of which I like the first one Cold Showers more. Their plain style remained me of one of my favourite bands The National.

Second warm-up band was French Melody's Echo Chambers, which did not impress me that much. Their sound is much better on record than live.

But The Raveonettes was as cool and stylish as expected.

Both Sune and Sharin's voices sounded great and harmonic. 

A week later I went to Bottom Lounge to see Gossip. The venue was pretty small and crowded (sold-out), but funtioned well. The warm-up acts Bonnie Montgomery and Magic Mouth were quite vapid.

Beth Ditto's stage apperance was really energetic and her voice as captivating as on album.


















So according to my judgement the last gig was the best one.

Indian Summer in Chicago

My first time in Chicago and I had a wonderful weather for the whole visit as the temperatures were way above average, the highest being +27 C decrees.

The Windy City certainly showed its best sides.

The weather was ideal for a ferry trip from Navy Pier.

Chicago is known for its numerous skyscraper, the tallest one being Willis Tower on 527 m.  

There are also lovely green areas of which Lincoln Park with its surroundings was my favourite one.

There is also a free Zoo at the Lincoln Park.
 

In Downtown there is a another large green area between Millenium Park and Grant Park.

Agora sculptures are located in the south end of the park area.














Whereas Anish Kapoor's Cloud Gate is situated in the north end.



















So many appealing museums along The Magnificent Mile, of which The Art Institute of Chicago situating just next to Cloud Gate. The museum is huge and although I walked around several hours I have a feeling that I only saw a glimpse.

Katharina Fritsch




 


Jackson Pollock

Andy Warhol










Besides museums there are lots of cultural activities and it is easy to find all the events from magazines like Time Out and on free weekly magazines.

So besides admiring the wonderful night view from John Hancock Building it is easy to find after-hour activities, such as concerts and theatre.

This time I was lucky enough to see excellent musical Kinky Boots by Harvey Fierstein and Cyndi Lauper as well as gigs by Gossip and The Raveonettes.







If I had staeyed longer I had easily found more things to do. I guess that means that I need to travel to Chicago again some time in the future.