Chicago Blues & Damp Socks: A Drummer's Dispatch
okay, so. chicago. i’m back. and honestly? i’m mostly just damp. like, perpetually damp. i just checked and it’s drizzling a persistent, clinging kind of drizzle, the kind that soaks through your shoes and makes your socks feel like little sponges. hope you like that kind of thing.
this gig… man. it was intense. touring with ‘The Rust Belt Ramblers’ - they’re a blues band, real gritty stuff. think Muddy Waters meets a broken washing machine. the drummer quit, apparently had a “spiritual awakening” involving a pigeon and a bag of pretzels. so, naturally, they needed a replacement, and i was available. lucky me.
we played at this place called ‘The Blue Note Cellar.’ seriously, it felt like you were descending into the earth to hear music. smoky, low ceilings, the kind of place where secrets get whispered and whiskey flows freely. i overheard a couple arguing about whether a slide guitar solo was “too mournful.” honestly, i was just trying to keep time.
“Someone told me - and they were very drunk - that the Blue Note Cellar is built on an old speakeasy. Apparently, the original owner vanished during Prohibition. They say you can still hear him shuffling around backstage.”
my gear? well, let’s just say it’s seen better days.
Snare Drum: Ludwig Classic Maple, 14x5. Needs new heads, desperately.
*Bass Drum: Pearl Masters, 22x18. The beater is making a weird clicking noise. I think it’s haunted.
*Toms: Tama Imperialstar, 10”, 12”, 16”. They’re… fine. I guess.
*Cymbals: Zildjian A Custom Crash, 14” hi-hats, and a Sabian AAX Ride. These are the only things holding me together.
*Drum Throne: A rickety stool I found in the alley behind the venue. It’s surprisingly comfortable.
and the food! oh god, the food. i ate deep-dish pizza every single day. i’m pretty sure i’m 50% cheese and tomato sauce now. i need a salad. desperately. i also tried a Chicago-style hot dog. it’s… an experience. all those toppings. it’s like a party in your mouth, but a slightly chaotic party.
“A local warned me about the pigeons in Lincoln Park. Apparently, they’re fearless. They’ll steal your french fries right out of your hand. Don’t make eye contact.”
if you get bored, milwaukee and indianapolis are just a short drive away. i spent a few hours wandering around wicker park, checking out the vintage shops. found a killer leather jacket for like, twenty bucks. seriously, the deals are insane. check out this place: https://www.yelp.com/biz/vintage-clothing-boutique-chicago. they have some seriously cool stuff.
pro-tips for surviving chicago as a musician (or anyone, really):
*Always carry an umbrella. Seriously. Always.
*Learn to appreciate deep-dish pizza. Resistance is futile.
*Don’t trust the pigeons. They’re plotting something.
*Check out the Chicago Reader https://chicagoreader.com/ for local music listings. you might find your new favorite band.
*Be prepared for wind. It’s like a constant, invisible force trying to push you into lake michigan.
*TripAdvisor* https://www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g35781-Chicago_Illinois-Vacations.html has some good recommendations for things to do if you're not playing gigs.
and finally, a piece of drunk advice i got from the bartender at the Blue Note Cellar: “don’t ask questions about the basement.” i didn’t. i’m not sure i want to know.
okay, i’m off to find a dehumidifier and maybe a therapist. chicago was… an experience. i need a nap.
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