Finally.
[Spring = Rocks Shows @ Empty Bottle + Readings @ Ipsento Coffee + Record Release @ Schubas + Art @ Sine Qua Non Salon]

By Lee Posey, March 14, 2010

Finally.

Finally, the people of Chicago can step out their front doors and not be hit with bitter cold air. We can walk to the train not hunched over, shuffling as quickly as possible across the ice on the sidewalks. It’s time to emerge. Winter is over.

Maybe.

But, if nothing else, spring is in sight. And what better way to kick off the best time of the year than to go see a show at the Empty Bottle?

Finally.

Converge, drink, dance or sway. Sing along. 

[Pool of Frogs w/ Lasers and Fast & Shit + Carjack @ Empty Bottle, March 12]

Pool of Frogs’ set was clean and energetic. Even as cameras invaded their space, the guys just kept performing, with a respectable absence of anything fake or overdone. Authentic. Honest. Fun. The camera’s light highlighted different aspects of the show – the band members, especially Chad Fess, who is going to be on an episode of A&E’s Obsessed (hence the camera), the audience, the fans. All parts of a good show got their chance to be in the spotlight.

We go out. We see old friends. We meet new friends. We meet people we know from stories or Facebook. We perform. We watch. We feel a part of something.

Finally.

Addendum: Keep your eye on the A&E calendar for Chad’s episode. Check the cool Pool of Frogs  website for songs, show dates, and "bandisodes" (fun 'n funky homemade promotional videos). Above-right photo of Chad and Pool of Frogs taken at March 12 show (crap camera phone shot sweetened up w/ bonus frog on Photoshop).


[Ipsento Coffeehouse Reading Last Thursday, Full Show & Record Release at Schubas This Thursday]

Thursday, my coworker Tim invited me to hear him read at Ipsento, where he used to work. I recently visited Ipsento on my way from Logan Square to Wicker Park, and was delighted with the experience.

I heard someone order the “Ipsento” latte, so I walked in knowing that’s just what I wanted. It was everything people have been saying about it. Their signature drink is delicious, as was the reading that occurred while I was sipping it.

The headliner was Matt Crews, who sped through his chapbook so quickly that I had to fight to keep up; some words came out so fast, I couldn’t tell what he was saying. But the passion was there – plus there was something lyrical about the way the words flowed from his mouth. It made me wonder what his songs are like. That’s why I’m going to see him open for Jessica Robbins at Schubas this Thursday.

Ipsento: A place for great coffee, readings, and more located at 2035 N. Western (Phone: 773-904-8177)

March 18 Record Release at Schubas w/ Matt Crews and Jessica Robbins
Cover: $8
Where: Schubas Tavern (get tickets here), 3159 N. Southport
When: 9 p.m. Thursday, March 18, 2010

[Silvia Hidalgo Art @ Sine Qua Non Salon in Lincoln Park]

You need a new haircut for spring, anyway.

Finally!

Sine Quan Non Salon Address & Phone: 2766 N. Lincoln, 773-871-2280