Monday mornings are not usually very fun. For many Chicagoan’s today is just another day, for many this Monday is something sacred. The die-hards wake up at five in the morning, ready and prepared for the long day that awaits them. Today is not just about being a Cubs fan it is about being a Chicagoan. Today was the home opener for the Chicago Cubs.
|
| |
WXRT 93.1 Cubs Opening Day Broadcast
|
 Entertainment
 Art
Yak-Zies Bar and Grill
Chicago, Ill.
March 31, 2008
|
| |
|
The Chicago Cubs are, for better or worse, an institution in this city. No team in the history of baseball has caused its fans so much frustration and aggravation. As any Cubs fan will tell you, this season marks the 100th anniversary of the last time the Cubs won a World Series. And yet even with a long history of let downs fans still come out every opening day in full force, ready to brave whatever obstacles are in their way (in this case cold and rain) to get to the game.
Every fan has their own tradition on opening day. Some stand outside the front gates for hours hoping to be first into the stadium, some catch a last minute train to the ball park and barely make it to the opening pitch, others…well others party. Such was the case at the WXRT Cubs Opening Day Broadcast at Yak-Zies in Wrigleyville.
The radio station has its finger firmly on the pulse of the city. The broadcast is in its 16th year and still going strong. From the moment the doors opened hungry (and very thirsty) fans packed into the club buckling down for the long haul. One cannot take these parties too lightly; they tend to be long-term commitments. Those lucky enough to get there first, took their place at the stage guarding their spots well.
Karma shined upon the early risers as the first band took the stage around nine in the morning. If anyone had accidently dozed off, they were wide awake by the time Back Door Slam started playing. Though they are still relatively young the members of Back Door Slam can belt out some truly masterful blues. Guitarist and lead singer Davy Knowles tore it up on stage welcoming everyone to a brand new day.
It is hard to shake the sense of irony present throughout the day. Though everyone was partying extremely hard almost all the music being played was the blues. It is without a doubt the signature genre of Chicago and amazing live but seemed to contradict the mood of the club. By the time Big Head Todd and the Monsters took the stage around 11 A.M. it felt as if an old blues master was reborn. Diving right into the famous “Boom Boom.” lead singer Todd Park Mohr channeled the Chicago legend perfectly. It was a sight to see.
Good things come to those who wait. Those lucky enough to see the Waco Brothers close out the event were in for a true treat. The Waco’s burst onto the stage in a guitar explosion tearing up the house with their rendition of “White Lighting”. Between the great music and the free flowing beer. it was as if Mardi Gras had landed in Chicago. With only enough time to play three songs before heading off to another gig. the Waco’s put their heart and soul into every song.
Fans left the club drunk with pride, hope and plenty liquored. They had done their part, now it’s up to the Cubs to do theirs.
Powered by AkoComment 2.0!
