Yeah Yeah Yeahs @ Huntington Bank Pavilion at Northerly Island - Chicago
June 1st 2023: Yeah Yeah Yeahs, SASAMI @ Huntington Bank Pavilion at Northerly Island - Chicago, IL
Karen O of Yeah Yeah Yeahs - Photos Courtesy of Emily Nava
On Thursday, June 2023, Yeah Yeah Yeahs brought their tour to Huntington Bank Pavilion at Northerly Island in Chicago, Illinois. The NYC indie rock trio's last Chicago performance was at Riot Fest in 2022, and it was clear from the start that fans were very excited about their return that night. Starting off the night was the bold and intense SASAMI, who brought a rock and roll energy while expressing her excitement about opening the show. Yeah Yeah Yeahs took the stage and played songs from all of their previous releases, including songs from Cool It Down—their first new album in 9 years. Lead singer, Karen O, captivated the audience with her fierce energy and throughout the night, made references to the band's history and dedicated their song "Maps" to a number of people, with a special nod to the LGBTQIA+ community in honor of June 1st being the first day of Pride Month. Yeah Yeah Yeahs will continue their tour in the United States through mid-June before touring around the world in places such as Australia, Europe, and Asia for festival dates all summer long.
SASAMI
Valley @ House of Blues Chicago - Chicago
May 31st 2023: Valley, Aiden Bissett @ The Salt Shed - Chicago, IL
MUNA - Photos Courtesy of Emily Nava
On Wednesday, May 31st, 2023, Valley brought their Lost In Translation tour to an eager crowd at House of Blues Chicago all the way from Toronto, Ontario, Canada. TikTok sensation Aidan Bissett opened the show with catchy guitar-based indie pop songs and plenty of crowd interaction. Valley kicked off their set strong with arguably their most popular hit, "There's Still A Light In The House" from their 2019 album "MAYBE". The crowd jumped up and down so much throughout the night that the floors of the venue were shaking! Valley played songs from all of their previous releases and a few new songs from their soon-to-be-released album Lost In Translation. Towards the end of the set, vocalist Rob Laska came into the audience and walked through the crowd for one of their more intimate songs "Paper Cup (sorry for myself)" before heading back onstage to close out the set with fan-favorite "hiccup", a song with a mention of Chicago in its lyrics. Valley's bright and nostalgic pop sound, as well as their interactions with each other on stage and with the crowd, made for a very fun and entertaining show that will be remembered by fans for a long time. Don't forget to check out Valley's "Lost In Translation" when it comes out on June 23rd, 2023 and see Valley on tour in a city near you!
Aidan Bissett
Cautious Clay @ House of Blues - Chicago, IL
Photos and words courtesy of Emily Nava | February 11 2022
On Friday February 2nd 2022, Chicago music fans gathered at a sold out House of Blues Chicago for an incredible performance by R&B and pop act Cautious Clay on the first night of his Karma and Friends Tour.
Opening the show was Julius Rodriguez, who is also a member of Cautious Clay's touring band. Rodriguez brought the night to a relaxed yet soulful start with jazz-influenced piano and backing instruments.
As stagehands and band members set up the stage, the crowd's anticipation grew and all were chanting "Cautious Clay, Cautious Clay!". From the moment Cautious Clay and his band members took the stage, there was an undeniable excitement from the crowd with nonstop singing along to the music and cheers with each new instrument he used (flute, saxophone, and guitar to be exact!). Cautious Clay played a variety of songs from all of his past releases including hits such as "Cold War", "Dying In The Subtlety", and "French Riviera". Though the show was full of high energy, Cautious Clay also showed softness and vulnerability through his honest lyrics, banter, and by debuting a new song he was working on. With a number of Chicago performances under his belt, each taking place at venues significantly larger than the last, I am certain this will not be the last one Chicago will see from Cautious Clay.
Frank Turner // Live in Chicago
Frank Turner returned to Chicago in the only fashion he could have, gloriously rowdy, and ready to bring an entire room into his hand, and get them dancing for two hours with rebellious songs of hope and love and life. Photos courtesy of The Photo Ladies co-founder, Victoria Sanders.
