Lake Street Dive – Crooning, Grooving & Moving in Chicago

March 25, 2016 by Mandy Pichler

Whether they’re playing a concert at a venue off the L line in Brooklyn or at a venue off an L train in Chicago, Lake Street Dive seems right at home.

“It’s great to be back in Chicago,” vocalist and front-woman Rachel Price excitedly told the crowd at the historic Vic Theatre. “That’s why we had to come back for two nights!” she exclaimed. Whether the band’s two-night stay was due to a real bond with the Second City or because they were playing two sold-out consecutive shows is irrelevant.

What is relevant is how this quartet is crooning, grooving and moving into the hearts and minds of music aficionados everywhere.

Lake Street DiveVic Theatre -Chicago/ photo by Mandy Pichler

From the show opener, “Godawful Things,” Lake Street Dive dove into what they do best – a singular amalgamation of modern jazz, neo-soul, retro rock ’n’ roll and jangly R&B. Their set, obviously appealing to the multi-generational crowd ranging in age from 18 to 80, followed opening act The Suffers. Based in Houston, The Suffers appeared on Jimmy Kimmel Live the night before but showed no wear or tear after the trip from Hollywood.

A little later, The Suffers’ three-piece horn section joined Lake Street Dive, adding a little loose, goosey swing and swagger to the headliners. While The Suffers received a standing “O” at the end of their set, the fans filling the venue were clearly there to see the band from Brooklyn, who did not disappoint. From the SRO floor to the seats in the balcony, every voice in the venue sang along with Ms. Price.

Rachael Price Vic Theatre-Chicago /photo by Mandy Pichler

At times, Lake Street Dive’s (Price; Bridget Kearney, upright bass; Mike Calabrese, drums; and Mike ‘McDuck’ Olsen, guitar) set was so polished and pitch-perfect both vocally and instrumentally, it took on the qualities of a Broadway musical. That may have a lot to do with Price’s vocal prowess and stunning range. The fact that the foursome has been playing together since working on their music degrees at the Boston Conservancy of Music more than 10 years ago probably has a little bit to do with their never-miss-a-note-or-beat expertise.

As they continue touring across the country, they will undoubtedly croon, groove, and move themselves into the hearts and minds of more fans in more cities, so saddle up and get ready to ride with Lake Street Dive.

Artists on our Radar

Ricky Stein: Texas Roots in Brooklyn

Ricky Stein/ photo courtesy of the artist

If you’re looking for music inspired by New York City with a Texan flare, look no further than Ricky Stein, a Brooklyn-based artist originally from Austin, Texas. Stein is a singer-songwriter whose music is grounded by a combination of his upbringing in Texas and his present life in the bustling streets of New York City and Downtown Brooklyn. Stein has an impressive discography of singles and albums, and since moving to New York City in August 2016, he has released a full album, “Long Summer” and many singles. Stein’s music is best defined as Americana and roots, with folk-infused acoustic and electric guitars, and his lyrics paint vivid images of nature and life. The listener feels connected to Stein, as his musical stylings resemble talent from the likes of John Prine and Bonnie Raitt. His most recent single, “Passenger,” highlights Stein’s talents with a strong harmonica section. The song’s instrumentation and structure is built on one verse, which compliments the song’s message about the uncertainty and ominousness of being a passenger on a long journey. Another standout, “Street Lights,” is a lighthearted commentary on the comfort of hope, the street lights representing persistent light even in the dead of night. Stein’s live performances are carefully tailored, his sets performed at local venues in Brooklyn like Pete’s Candy Store and many other venues known to support live roots and country music. His talents are always showcased, whether performing a solo show with a guitar and harmonica or being supported by a full band. Stein’s upcoming months are packed with performances at many venues, including Saturday, January 11th at Skinny Dennis Bar in Williamsburg and Friday, March 7th at Sunny’s Bar in Red Hook. You won’t want to miss it!

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