File For July
THE HARDER THEY COME
Enticed by promises of free beer and taquitos, we headed to Chicago’s Hard Rock Cafe for their 20th anniversary party on June 12th. Yes, it was a Monday, but Styx were there, rotating keyboard stand and all.
They were louder than hell, for one. Noting we could easily have been the children of most of the audience, we marveled at how well the, er, older fans handled the take-no-prisoners volume. Perhaps they were disengaged by James Young‘s nearly florescent teeth, or the way Lawrence Gowan‘s ass was inches from their faces every time he turned around to shake it.
But the thing that stuck out was poor, local opening band Seven Day Run, who weren’t allowed to use the normal stage. Having to settle for a five-by15-foot pit in which to ply their wares, their acousto-pop was drowned out by the chatter. The band will get a second shot opening for Big Head Todd & The Monsters and The Verve Pipe on September 4th at Silver Cross Stadium in Joliet, having won Bandslam! at Harrah’s casino.
Somewhere Over The Rainbow
The Gay Games VII, hosted this month by Chicago, aren’t quite the cult event some people might assume, but what we’re here to debate is not sport and the merits of the athletes involved — we’re much more interested in the insane events they have lined up. The opening ceremony takes place at none other than Soldier Field on the 15th, in an extravaganza sure to include Jody Watley, Frankie Knuckles, and former Atlanta Falcons nose tackle Esera Tavai Tuaolo, who’ll be singing the Games’ anthem, “Take The Flame.” Closing ceremonies move closer to Boystown on the 22nd: Wrigley Field. Those feature Ari Gold, Cyndi Lauper, and Dylan Rice. Fellas, you’ve managed to outdo yourselves. Incredible.
Extra Sensory Performance
Somehow we didn’t see this coming, but accordionist Mazurka Wojciechowska visits Transitions Bookplace at Unity Chicago (1925 W. Thome) on July 7th. Wojciechocalifragilistc, the “Queen Of Slavic Music,” is also a psychic/Tarot card reader. She learned the trade — learned? I thought you had to be born with that shit! — three years before the puff piano, and only now tells the world on the advice of “world-famous author and intuitive” Sonia Choquette. Wojciechowska does not tell fortunes — she’s a psychic accordionist, after all — but wants to use Tarot as a path to growth. The event at transitions features music from 8 to 9:30 p.m.; readings will be performed afterwards.
