Sometimes the mood is just perfect. Watching Van Ghost play Tuesday in Welles Park was close to perfection. The band took the stage at a little after 6 p.m. to a crowd of mostly young families enjoying the evening together. They were looking for relaxing way to spend the evening and Van Ghost was just the right band to give it to them.
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Van Ghost
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 Entertainment
 Art
Welles Park
Chicago, IL
September 1, 2009
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Located just off Chicago’s Western brown line stop in the Lincoln Square neighborhood, Welles Park is not where you would imagine a typical rock concert. The stage is essentially a large round pavilion in the center of the park surrounded by a football field and a playground. This, although not the most ideal location, created an interesting dynamic for both the audience and the band. Instead of focusing their attention strictly on Van Ghost the music became an almost ambiance that blended into the atmosphere. Oddly, this worked in Ghost’s favor as the music helped to amplify the already joyous mood of those in the park.
The band, lead by Chicagoan Michael Harrison Berg, is sort of a gritty folk/alt rock fusion that can easily jam out if given the opportunity. They really opened up at the show using the venue to spread their sound out much farther than would naturally be allowed in any other venue. They opened up with the mellow “Hurry Up” merging seamlessly into the much faster “On the Way Home” which really got the crowd moving.
It must have been an amazing feeling for the band to see their music appreciated by fans of all ages. Little children, no older than two or three years old, got up and danced (in their own way) during the entire set. It was a pleasure to watch the purity of their enjoyment for the music. This, really, is what summer is all about. The neighborhood truly seemed to come together for the show.
I originally saw Van Ghost open up for Cracker a few months ago during a benefit concert. Although new on the scene, it was clear they had the expertise to stay on the scene. Watching them play last night they have really polished their style since then and have the ability to please any crowd. That is a big accomplishment for even the most seasoned band.
The high point of the night came at the end of the first set as Berg played a cover of the Beatles’ “Don’t Let Down.” Musicians generally have to be careful when it comes to covering bands like the Beatles or the Rolling Stones. Usually the source material is considered so sacred to the fans that if the artist tries, and fails, it can put a black mark on their career. Berg took on the passionate song with such heartfelt intensity that it became a truly powerful performance.
Although they are still fairly new, Van Ghost has the potential to really make a name for themselves in Chicago and around the counrty. Not many bands can successfully pull off a show like the one that took place in Welles Park. I expect the band will be under the radar for a few more years so keep an eye on the local venues for their next show.
By the time the sun disappeared over the horizon the band was finishing up their second set. Summer, it seemed, was over but Van Ghost had proved they would not be disappearing any time soon.
If you are in Chicago be sure to check them out later this month when they play Chicago’s Subterranean on the 11th of September.
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Beautuful photos...
Written by Guest on 2009-09-04 15:57:36
Van Ghost looks like they are right up my alley. |
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