Park West, Chicago
Everyone loves Chicago, don't they? Especially on a bright April Saturday.
Dave and Josh, Sara Bareillis's percussionist, head off early to go to Andy's Music. Andy's is an Aladdin's cave of rare and unspeakable percussion instruments. They return with Frame Drums and speak ominously of holding drum circles in the back lounge.
In the meantime, Jim and Matt and I discover that there's nowhere good for breakfast in the zoo, and you can't get to the lake because there's a freeway in the way.
The venue has a supper club vibe to it, with banked rows of cocktail tables leading to a dance floor area in front of the stage. It seems more appropriate for Tony Bennet. Apparently they have weddings here quite regularly.
When the people come they make the place seem huge, and make us feel like huge rock stars.
Afterwards we go out and eat fine food and drink fine wine, and for a few hours at least, are rightly to be envied.
That's why we love Chicago.
Jim: "Fine indeed. A harmonious and mellismatic blend. Lush dark fruits crescendo to a sensational forty-five minute finish. Bravo."
PS. As we came offstage tonight, the house soundman put on The Final Countdown by Europe. I think we'll keep it in...
