Thursday, June 11, 2009
FITZGERALD’S 29TH AMERICAN MUSIC FESTIVAL
June 11, 2009 (Berwyn, IL) — As summer finally begins to act the part, FitzGerald’s will add to the heat with its 29th American Music Festival, featuring 39 bands in 4 days on the tent, club and SideBar stages. This year’s festival, sponsored by Miller Lite and 93XRT, will run for four days: Wednesday, July 1 through Saturday, July 4.
Drivers making their construction-slowed way down Roosevelt Road (the project is slated for completion well before the festival starts) will note the tents going up and the outdoor stage and outside areas under construction. “We cover the parking lot with tents and provide as much seating as possible, notes FitzGerald. “It’s a festival, but without the standing, baking in the sun and port ‘o lets. We try and make it as much like a regular night at FitzGerald’s as we can, only with ten extra bands.”
Owner/booker Bill FitzGerald frankly admits that it’s a bit of an all-star game, welcoming back friends like Dave Alvin, Marcia Ball, Terry Adams, Pat McLaughlin, Terrance Simien and Jon Dee Graham. FitzGerald is also looking forward to reunion with a band that hasn’t made its way up from Texas for quite a while. “For me, one of this year’s highlights will the great Joe Ely Band on opening night, which will reunite Joe’s high-powered 80’s band, featuring rock and roll’s premier saxophonist Bobby Keys of the Rolling Stones (“Brown Sugar”), who has also played or recorded with with Buddy Holly, Dion, the Beatles, Elvis, Eric Clapton and Joe Cocker; guitarist David Grissom has toured and recorded with the Dixie Chicks (musical director), the Allman Brothers, Chris Isaak, Ringo Starr, John Mellencamp, James McMurtry and Buddy Guy.
There are always several new acts, too, recommended by agents, fans and musicians. One of this year’s contenders for rookie honors is Trombone Shorty, a dynamic horn player who has appeared with everyone from Diana Krall to Juvenile, and was chosen by the Jazz & Heritage Festival to appear on their annual poster—the youngest artist (by 18 years!) ever to receive the honor. Another not-to-miss first timer is W.P.A, a fluid lineup of stellar artists including Sean Watkins (Nickel Creek), Glen Phillips (Toad the Wet Sprocket),
Luke Bulla (Jerry Douglas Band, Ricky Skaggs, Lyle Lovett) and Sebastian Steinberg (Soul Coughing, Neil Finn, Dixie Chicks). This was the lineup at press time; look for surprise additions onstage.
These names only begin the list of acts slated for this year’s festival. Musical highlights include Dave Alvin & The Guilty Women (FitzGerald’s debut!), boogie-woogie piano master Marcia Ball, Cajun superstars Beausoleil, hillbilly Bluegrass revivalists Big Smith, Ohio quartet Over The Rhine, Austin icons the Gourds, Nashville soul master Pat McLaughlin, blues diva Shemekia Copeland, Americana jam band Cornmeal, Telecaster master Bill Kirchen, jump blues legend Roomful of Blues and dozens of other acts of all descriptions.
Fans of our rich Chicago music scene can see Cathy Richardson, Robbie Fulks, The Waco Brothers, the Swamp Dogs tribute to Mike Jordan (featuring Michael McDermott), the Long Gone Lonesome Boys, Chocolate Covered Karma and musical chameleons Tributosauras, who this year will become Elvis Presley. Festival t-shirts will feature the artwork of Chicago’s own Heather McAdams.
FitzGerald’s will dedicate this festival to the late, great Koko Taylor, Queen of the Blues, longtime performer here and friend to the club since the first year the roadhouse opened. Expect dedications and stories from Marcia Ball and Shemekia Copeland, who have been inspired by Taylor’s life and work. On her website, Copeland writes: “If it weren't for Koko, I wouldn't be able to do what I do. I have lost a friend, mentor, and my ‘Blues Mama.’ I will think of her every day, and she will live on in my heart for the rest of my life.”
Wishbone restaurant, which sits right next to the club, will be serving up classic American BBQ with a southern flair; offerings will range from the venerable hot dog and chips to more adventurous jambalaya, barbequed pork, vegetarian bean cakes and hot wings, with plenty of sides to round out the menu. The city of Berwyn has graciously allowed FitzGerald’s the use of a portion of the street on Clarence Avenue as a food court, allowing hungry music fans an “away” space to take a break from the action and enjoy Wishbone’s festival fare.
FitzGerald’s is located at 6615 W. Roosevelt Road in Berwyn. The festival runs Wednesday, July 1 from 4:30pm- 1am; Thursday, July 2 from 4:30 pm-2am, Friday, July 3, from noon-3 am; and Saturday, July 5, from noon to 3 a.m. Admission at the door is $30 each day, with a $5 early bird discount during the first hour. No advance tickets are sold, but festival fanatics can purchase a 4-day pass for $100 (Available for purchase in advance at club only and at the door on July 1st). Children under 12 are only $5 and are welcome until 10pm. For complete listings and information check www.fitzgeraldsnightclub.com.
June 11, 2009 (Berwyn, IL) — As summer finally begins to act the part, FitzGerald’s will add to the heat with its 29th American Music Festival, featuring 39 bands in 4 days on the tent, club and SideBar stages. This year’s festival, sponsored by Miller Lite and 93XRT, will run for four days: Wednesday, July 1 through Saturday, July 4.
Drivers making their construction-slowed way down Roosevelt Road (the project is slated for completion well before the festival starts) will note the tents going up and the outdoor stage and outside areas under construction. “We cover the parking lot with tents and provide as much seating as possible, notes FitzGerald. “It’s a festival, but without the standing, baking in the sun and port ‘o lets. We try and make it as much like a regular night at FitzGerald’s as we can, only with ten extra bands.”
Owner/booker Bill FitzGerald frankly admits that it’s a bit of an all-star game, welcoming back friends like Dave Alvin, Marcia Ball, Terry Adams, Pat McLaughlin, Terrance Simien and Jon Dee Graham. FitzGerald is also looking forward to reunion with a band that hasn’t made its way up from Texas for quite a while. “For me, one of this year’s highlights will the great Joe Ely Band on opening night, which will reunite Joe’s high-powered 80’s band, featuring rock and roll’s premier saxophonist Bobby Keys of the Rolling Stones (“Brown Sugar”), who has also played or recorded with with Buddy Holly, Dion, the Beatles, Elvis, Eric Clapton and Joe Cocker; guitarist David Grissom has toured and recorded with the Dixie Chicks (musical director), the Allman Brothers, Chris Isaak, Ringo Starr, John Mellencamp, James McMurtry and Buddy Guy.
There are always several new acts, too, recommended by agents, fans and musicians. One of this year’s contenders for rookie honors is Trombone Shorty, a dynamic horn player who has appeared with everyone from Diana Krall to Juvenile, and was chosen by the Jazz & Heritage Festival to appear on their annual poster—the youngest artist (by 18 years!) ever to receive the honor. Another not-to-miss first timer is W.P.A, a fluid lineup of stellar artists including Sean Watkins (Nickel Creek), Glen Phillips (Toad the Wet Sprocket),
Luke Bulla (Jerry Douglas Band, Ricky Skaggs, Lyle Lovett) and Sebastian Steinberg (Soul Coughing, Neil Finn, Dixie Chicks). This was the lineup at press time; look for surprise additions onstage.
These names only begin the list of acts slated for this year’s festival. Musical highlights include Dave Alvin & The Guilty Women (FitzGerald’s debut!), boogie-woogie piano master Marcia Ball, Cajun superstars Beausoleil, hillbilly Bluegrass revivalists Big Smith, Ohio quartet Over The Rhine, Austin icons the Gourds, Nashville soul master Pat McLaughlin, blues diva Shemekia Copeland, Americana jam band Cornmeal, Telecaster master Bill Kirchen, jump blues legend Roomful of Blues and dozens of other acts of all descriptions.
Fans of our rich Chicago music scene can see Cathy Richardson, Robbie Fulks, The Waco Brothers, the Swamp Dogs tribute to Mike Jordan (featuring Michael McDermott), the Long Gone Lonesome Boys, Chocolate Covered Karma and musical chameleons Tributosauras, who this year will become Elvis Presley. Festival t-shirts will feature the artwork of Chicago’s own Heather McAdams.
FitzGerald’s will dedicate this festival to the late, great Koko Taylor, Queen of the Blues, longtime performer here and friend to the club since the first year the roadhouse opened. Expect dedications and stories from Marcia Ball and Shemekia Copeland, who have been inspired by Taylor’s life and work. On her website, Copeland writes: “If it weren't for Koko, I wouldn't be able to do what I do. I have lost a friend, mentor, and my ‘Blues Mama.’ I will think of her every day, and she will live on in my heart for the rest of my life.”
Wishbone restaurant, which sits right next to the club, will be serving up classic American BBQ with a southern flair; offerings will range from the venerable hot dog and chips to more adventurous jambalaya, barbequed pork, vegetarian bean cakes and hot wings, with plenty of sides to round out the menu. The city of Berwyn has graciously allowed FitzGerald’s the use of a portion of the street on Clarence Avenue as a food court, allowing hungry music fans an “away” space to take a break from the action and enjoy Wishbone’s festival fare.
FitzGerald’s is located at 6615 W. Roosevelt Road in Berwyn. The festival runs Wednesday, July 1 from 4:30pm- 1am; Thursday, July 2 from 4:30 pm-2am, Friday, July 3, from noon-3 am; and Saturday, July 5, from noon to 3 a.m. Admission at the door is $30 each day, with a $5 early bird discount during the first hour. No advance tickets are sold, but festival fanatics can purchase a 4-day pass for $100 (Available for purchase in advance at club only and at the door on July 1st). Children under 12 are only $5 and are welcome until 10pm. For complete listings and information check www.fitzgeraldsnightclub.com
posted by Chicago Music Guide # 4:51 PM 
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