Headstash

Photo Credit: Matt Tapia

Let me just start off by saying that Strange Arrangement has been due for this kind of gig for a while. The type of gig Chicago has become accustomed to where everyone in attendance soaks in some fantastic music and heads to the exits and into the windy streets with a satisfied smile on their face.

The night started with a solid introduction from Chicago Farmer, whose catchy hooks and relaxing chords kept the mood calm in anticipation for the rest of the night.

Co-headlining the show was down-home virtuosos Greensky Bluegrass. It was a great way to get people’s heads bobbing and feet tapping. I mean, with “Jesus” on mandolin, I don’t see how you could go wrong.

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Photo Credit: Matt Tapia

Their use of stomping, twangy instrumentals and soothing harmonies could make a grown man cry with joy. They made a joke with the crowd when Joe Hettinga from Strange Arrangement came out that this was the first time that their side-project “Stinkfoot” had ever played to a crowd.

Joeʼs piano did just the trick, adding one more layer to this farm-grown, road-worn sound. They did a rendition of “I Second That Emotion,” made famous by Smokey Robinson and of course, The Grateful Dead, that had some heavy bass vibrations that rattled your brain back to a mindset of calm relaxation.

There was a point during their set where someone hit a balloon on stage and it got caught perfectly on the fan in front of Anders Beck. The balloon was stuck floating right in front of Anders and its ability to stay afloat was at times synced up with the intensity of the jam. Another balloon got caught on Dave Bruzzaʼs fan and the crowd just went into a frenzy. The “Balloon Jam” was one of those awesome “you had to be there” moments that turns a great show into an unforgettable experience.

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Photo Credit: Matt Tapia

Once it was time for Strange Arrangement to hit the stage the energy in the room was palpable. Though they’ve been known in the Midwest since their first album, “Side x Side” in 2008, it wasn’t until last January’s “Polygraph” that the group really started to pick up steam. Itʼs one of those albums you just want to listen to over and over again.

Their shows are nothing more than an exquisite show of force that keeps the crowd on their toes all night dancing for hours to this exquisite music.

The great thing about a place like the Park West is that you can go to any corner of the venue and still have a great view of the stage. That kind of luxury comes in handy when you feel like dancing throughout the rows of this place.

One of the highlights of the night was “Siete.” The bass encapsulated the audience, keeping everyone dancing until their feet and legs grew weary.

[FIND complete lineups, ticketing information and analysis in our 2012 Festival Guide.]

Photo Credit: Matt Tapia

A few guys from Greensky came out to join the improvisational jams, forming some beautifully sweet harmonies.

The best song of the night was the “Polygraph” set closer. With clean playing and an intricate yet understandable clarity the song was the perfect way to end an amazing night of music. Well, until the encore at least.

Almost half of GB came out and Dave Bruzza finished off the night with a soulful rendition of “Shape Iʼm In.” Great playing and great fans will be what you find at Strange Arrangement and Greensky Bluegrass shows. Every time.

Though their sounds are markedly different, their styles are very much the same. In an age of electronic music and computer-assisted tunes, both these bands use their organic chops to create danceable grooves and inimitable good times.

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Photo Credit: Matt Tapia

Photo Credit: Matt Tapia

 

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For more information on Strange Arrangement, including news, downloads and tour dates, visit their official website. And find tour dates and pictures from Greensky Bluegrass' Baltimore show in our News Nug.