CONCERT REVIEW – KANYE WEST DAY
House of Blues
Chicago, Ill.
February 27, 2005

Entertainment
Art

Review and Photos by BARRY BRECHEISEN

It may appear that Kanye West has come out of nowhere to conquer the world. Yet, he has been working behind the scenes for years as a hit-maker producer. The in-demand producer has worked with everyone from Jay-Z, Ludacris, Alicia Keys - even Britney Spears. After a near fatal car accident in 2002, last year West released his long awaited debut album, “The College Dropout.”

Using inspiration from his experiences along with infectious beats and his own unique rapping style, West proved he could make it on his own. He truly has, with ten nominations at this year’s Grammy Awards, taking home three awards (for Best R&B Song, Best Rap Song & Best Rap Album). The only thing that he could possibly be missing is his own holiday. Well, never fear - that is something Kanye West can say he now has as well.

On the Sunday evening when many were glued to their TVs watching the Oscars, the City of Chicago, along with Chicago’s radio station WGCI, held a free event at the House of Blues. They declared February 27 Kanye West Day and provided an evening that included a mixture of performances by artists Kanye has helped mold and special guests who have helped mold him. It was already happening outside of the House of Blues before the show inside even began. Hundreds lined up early in the day with high hopes to be one of the few allowed in for the one time event. However, after the doors opened and the venue quickly swelled to capacity the jovial scene began to unravel. Only the flashing lights of fire trucks and several police cars closing the streets around the venue were then able to disperse the hundreds of disappointed fans.

Inside the venue a little after 7 p.m, the show began with performances by local acts Russoul, Malik Yusef and White Boy. Over the course of the evening many acts took time between their songs to dedicate and thank the man of the hour. Next up were some of West’s former teachers, including his music teacher, his elementary school art teacher, and his language arts teacher. As they shared their memories West occasionally could be seen peeking out of the shadows in the balcony, cracking a smile and acknowledging the ones who helped him through his early years. Memories continued as West’s mother, Donda West, took the stage to say a few words about her famous son. Afterwards, it was time for the presentation by the Mayor’s Office and WGCI to Kanye West.

As he took the stage to accept the proclamation the sound was deafening. West, never at a loss for words, took his time to bask in the moment and to express his gratitude and view of his success and of his future. But the show wasn’t over as Bump J and Do or Die each took their turn on stage to perform songs that Kanye has produced for them over the years. The most exciting moment of the evening was when Common took the stage by storm performing “Corners” at a feverish pace.

If that wasn’t enough, Kanye West himself appeared along side Common halfway through the song and both continued on withWest’s Grammy award winning song, “Jesus Walks”! Although Kanye West wasn’t scheduled to perform, it was wonderful ending to a wonderful night of celebration and fond recollections of one of Chicago’s own.