Let me say, this was perhaps the best live show I have ever seen. Ever. The show was held at the old Logan Auditorium, which is a 3rd floor dance hall, in the old Polish neighborhood of Chicago. Being the old fuddy duds we are, we decided to sit up in the balcony. It was cozy, we had chairs and tables, plus the space is high, but small, so we could SEE everything great.
The opening band stunk, with a capital S. I'm not sure who they even were, we all plugged our ears during the show. It was SO LOUD. One guy just screamed in the mike, the other guy just danced and moaned into his. When they said that they had cd's available, I was like?? What? You actually recorded this? Wow.
When they finished, we waited for the Balkan Beat Box to come on the stage. We waited for a few minutes, then from behind us on the balcony a lone drummer, started beating on the drum around his neck. A horn player started playing. A guy hitting an old cowbell joined in, then another horn. The 15 or so people on the balcony couldn't believe it. The Balkan Beat Box had snuck in behind us and just started jamming before the show on the balcony. I thought my husband was going to pee his pants he was so excited. They jammed for about 4 or 5 minutes then headed down the stairs, playing and parting the crowd on the floor and jammed their way up to the stage, through the crowd. WHAT A WAY TO START THE SHOW! (There were only 10 or so people on the small balcony, so it was like a private VIP show!)
The show lasted about 2.5 hours and was the funnest, most interactive show I have ever seen or heard. The lead singer had the whole crowd standing, waving, dancing swaying and JUMPING. Every song was better than the one before it. Their balkan eastern european sound, was a mix of ska, gypsy, euro dj-ing. The whole crowd would still be there, if they only wouldn't have stopped playing! If you get a chance to see them in your area. GO! GO GO!!!!
Oh yea, when it sadly did end, they left the stage, they ended up again BEHIND US, jamming on the balcony. So, now the 15 of us up there were within touching distance to them, as they beat on their drums and horned out while we circled them!
Perhaps the best $18 I have ever spent in my whole life.
My Trusted MOGs
These guys SLAY me! Sounds like you were fortunate to have been there, even with the lame opening act.
My Trusted MOGs
this is way cool... its a classic act for balkan bands to make that start & even to leave the stage after the concert is over & keep playing in the streets... the crowd just follow them. i really enjoyed this.
My Trusted MOGs
That was great. Love the ska influenced horn arrangements. I will have to watch for them if they ever make it to my neck of the woods. Thanks for the heads up about these guys!
My Trusted MOGs
that sounds like a great time. i'll be keeping my eye on these guys after this post.
My Trusted MOGs
Hope ou danced your as off.
My Trusted MOGs
It sounds great. Hell, your enthusiastic review was a lot of fun to read. I must admit my ignorance, I've never heard of them until now. But I'm gonna hear more, you bet! Thanks for this Deb, you've brightened up my dreary day.
My Trusted MOGs
I know! I've seen them a few times now at the Lotus Festival in Bloomington, IN and they ROCKED the house! I have never seen a group get its entire audience moving (from ages 10 to 90!) Amazing!