K. Flay @ Chop Shop - Chicago
March 15th, 2024: K. Flay @ Chop Shop - Chicago, IL
K.Flay - Photos Courtesy of: Timi Ikene
Wilmette, Illinois Native K. Flay lit up Night 1 of her 2-night run in Chicago for her intimate venue tour. K. Flay kicked off the show with her raging new hit single “Carsick”, and engaged the crowd through oldies but goodies like High Enough. I haven't seen energy like that on a stage in quite some time, her presence was demanding for sure. Welcome back to Chicago, K. Flay, we here at The Photo Ladies can't wait to see you again soon!
The Beths @ The Salt Shed - Chicago
August 24th, 2023: The Beths, Beach Bunny @ The Salt Shed - Chicago, IL
The Beths - Photos Courtesy of: Timi Ikene
Beach Bunny's Lili Trifilio invited a stacked lineup to her Pool Party on Thursday, August 24th, which included New Zealand Natives The Beths! With their quintessential indie sound, The Beths dazzled and swooned the audience with their tunes. Having played the Salt Shed venue just a year prior with Courtney Barnett, the crowd was no stranger to The Beths, and sang "I'd Die a Little Death" and my personal favorite, "I'm Not Getting Excited" (which I did indeed get very excited for) with soul.
Next to the blow-up pool floatie-covered stage was Beach Bunny, the headlining act. Hailing from right here in Chicago, she created an atmosphere of peace and love right out the bat, playing her popular hits like the irreverent "Prom Queen" and "Pain Killer" to a crowd that has been following her since her DIY show days.
Beach Bunny
Hiatus Kaiyote @ Riviera Theater - Chicago
April 28th 2023: Hiatus Kaiyote @ Riviera Theater - Chicago, IL
Hiatus Kaiyote - Photos Courtesy of Timi Ikene
Australian Jazz Outfit Hiatus Kaiyote graced the Chicago stage on April 28th, 2023. The group’s genre is a bit ambiguous, but heavily influenced by "acid" jazz, R&B, with tasteful funk notes (provided by bassist Paul Bender). From the complex and funky bass line of “Chivalry is not Dead, to the melodic and lovely one in “Molasses.” Paired with Nai Palm's dynamic vocal range, the group glided the crowd through an eclectic sonic journey, causing a head bob to even the most stoic of listeners. It was an evening reminiscent of sweet summer nights, lively jives, and solemn stories. Hiatus Kaiyote, you're always welcome in Chicago.
Dayglow @ The Riviera- Chicago
November 4th 2022: Dayglow @ The Riviera - Chicago, IL
Stereolab - Photos & Coverage Courtesy of Timi Ikene
This was my third time seeing Dayglow live in Chicago, and can I just say, it was just especially as thrilling as the first. Hailing from Austin, Texas, Sloan Struble's Dayglow came to grace the Chicago stage live at the Riviera on Friday, November 4th. Priding himself on showcasing optimism through his music and uplifting beats, he led the crowd on a nostalgic journey through his 80s-influenced music. The young multi-instrumentalist and his insanely talented and upbeat crew were warmly welcomed by Chicago, a city that hopes to see them during every North American tour.
Stereolab @ Riviera Theater- Chicago
September 29th 2022: Stereolab @ Riviera Theater - Chicago, IL
Stereolab - Photos & Coverage Courtesy of Timi Ikene
Stereolab, led by French singer Laetitia Sadier, performed for a nearly sold-out audience at the Riviera Theater on September 29th. Their mesmerizing vocals and rhythms uplifted the audience to a near euphoric state as we all swayed in time to the music. The show's pacing and relaxed energy were a perfect fit for the set, venue, and audience, and should they return to Chicago, I will be in attendance.
Amyl and the Sniffers @ The Vic - Chicago
September 28th 2022: Amyl and the Sniffers @ The Vic - Chicago, IL
Amyl and the Sniffers. - Photos & Coverage Courtesy of Timi Ikene
Amyl and the Sniffers, hailing from Australia, burst out onto the stage with extremely high energies throughout their punchy performance. Front-woman Amy Taylor commanded the audience and the pit in a way that captivated even those who were novice fans! There wasn't a point during the show where they let up on their sound, and it was infectious.
Courtney Barnett & Friends @ The Salt Shed - Chicago, IL
August 16th 2022: Courtney Barnett, Alvvays @ The Salt Shed - Chicago, IL
Courtney Barnett - Photos Courtesy of Timi Ikene
The crowd sang along loudly to Courtney Barnett's lyrical prose, and she matched the energy. Hailing from Australia, Barnett put on an electrifying show last night at Chicago's newest outdoor venue, The Salt Shed, and moved the crowd with her music. This stop on her Here and There Festival also brought along indie rock band Alvvays. Their soft indie rock was well received. I'll be catching both artists the next time they're in Chicago!
ALVVAYS
Wet Leg @ Empty Bottle - Chicago
July 29th 2022: Wet Leg & Modern Nun @ Empty Bottle - Chicago
Wet Leg - Photos Courtesy of Timi Ikene
Wet Leg sold out the Empty Bottle venue for their after-show in 34 seconds. It's no surprise, given how their music has recently blown up. The duo put on an eclectic, high-energy show that showcased just exactly who Wet Leg is. Next time they're in town, be sure to grab tickets to the show!
