Last Thursday night the LaSalle Power Co (500 N. LaSalle) opened up its doors for the 10th anniversary of NorthShore University’s Integrative Medicine Program. To celebrate the hospital went all out with a classy gala that brought out some of Chicago’s finest.
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Billy Corgan and Zoom
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LaSalle Power Co.
Chicago, IL
February 18, 2010
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The main attraction of course was Billy Corgan. Those lucky enough to be VIP got the chance to get up close and personal with Corgan in a meet and greet before he took the stage. Located in the corner of the room, deep in the VIP section the signing had just the right tone of humility that the night called for. After all, this was about the hospital, not about Corgan.
Having never been to the LaSalle Power Co. before I must admit I was very impressed with the set-up of the venue. The actual stage is located on the third floor in the far right corner just above the bar. This spot allows for patrons to not only mingle casually but also still have a fantastic view of the stage from virtually anywhere in the room.
Just to tease the audience a bit the band ZOOM, a pet-project of once former Smashing Pumpkin’s drummer Matt Walker, took the stage first. ZOOM is an interesting band and a bit of an anomaly. Every member is a first rate musician but for some reason they only play covers. In a heartbeat the band could crank out some quality, original material but instead they chose to re-imagine old classics.
This wasn’t fully appreciated until Corgan joined them during the second set. Following their lead Corgan restricted himself to playing only covers. In his hands (and with his voice) the night took a sharp turn from amusing and fun to all out rock heaven.
Although the set was rather short, only about six songs, Corgan made every one count. He kicked his set off with T-Rex’s “20th Century Boy” and moved seamlessly into an extended version of Lou Reed’s “Waiting For My Man.” It was at that point that Corgan took the guitar and attempted to play it with his teeth, a sight to behold.
Corgan seemed relatively relaxed and happy in a way that contradicted what you would expect from someone that once produced an album called “Melancholy and the Infinite Sadness.”
Thursday night had to b without a doubt one of the best live performances in Chicago so far in 2010. Given that it was a high ticket benefit, it's a pity so few had an opportunity to see it. Yet those lucky few that night on the 3rd floor, witnessed a rare performance not to be seen again.
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It's Rex
Written by Guest on 2010-03-01 06:37:18
Nice piece and the LaSalle Power Co is a great place for a small intimate gathering! 6 songs sounds a little short but you can't put value on the time of someting and I an not of fan either of a covers band but to each his own nice piece J!  |
Billy!
Written by Guest on 2010-08-13 20:18:59
Nice piece! That sounded like a great show. 
I'd be ecstatic to meet that man. |
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