The story I am about to tell you is by far one of the craziest most unbelievable string of occurrences that has ever happened in my life. This story is a long one, but trust me you have never heard anything like it.
February 26th had to be one of the busiest days the Chicago music scene has experienced yet, this year. Why might you ask? At least 4 different events were going on at various venues around the city, all of which I wanted to attend. Which included Netsky at The Mid, Dirt Nasty at Bottom Lounge, Thriftworks with Flamingosis at Lincoln Hall, Bondax with Karma Kid at Chop Shop/1st Ward Events, just to name a few. Earlier in January, I had purchased tickets for both Bondax and Thriftworks with Flamingosis, not realizing they were on the same day. Since I had already seen and met both Thriftworks and Flamingosis, on separate occasions, I decided to stick with my original plan to go see Bondax. Thankfully I made this decision, in the beginning, the week, and I was able to sell my ticket to a friend.
Pictured above Thriftworks and I, at NCMF 2014 captured by Erica Steinhouse.
With Bondax + Karma Kid on my mind all week, of course, I visualized meeting them. I needed to meet them and talk to them about England. I love the Brits, and being able to talk to someone about London, makes me the happiest person in the world. I had only just studied abroad there two years ago, and as I am dying to go back, so now the closest thing I have to actually be there is chatting with Brits. So this had to happen, I wanted it to so bad, I believed that it could happen. Nothing in this life is impossible when you know The Secret.
I remember the day of the show, listening to this mix I found on Soundcloud all day and even after work. It was Bondax and Karma Kid playing some old classics and their favorites for KLEAR podcast. Staring at the mix’s artwork, I could picture myself having the chance to talk to them later. I got ready really early because the Bondax and Karma Kid was fairly early for a Friday night and I still needed to stop by Lincoln Hall and transfer my Thriftworks and Flamingosis ticket to my friend.
I switched my ticket at Lincoln Hall successfully and got on public transit which was going to drop me off right in front of Chop Shop. I got to Chop Shop/1st Ward Events just in time to see the first opener closing out his set with Karma Kid set to play next!
Karma Kid‘s set was absolutely amazing. As I danced my heart out, it felt as if I was back dancing in a club in London. Exactly the kind of chicken noodle soup, I needed for my soul.
Following closely behind Karma Kid was Bondax, they came up to the decks with Karma Kid, and started playing back-to-back! They played a phenomenal set. Which spanned all their originals, remixes, even threw in some Anderson . Paak and Mura Masa. EVERYONE and I mean everyone, including the audio engineers, were dancing during Bondax’s set.
After playing a truly heart-warming set, they went running off the stage into the back. But given all their enthusiasm, and love for Chicago, I thought certainly they would come back out and meet and sign for just a bit. So here I am, standing on the side of the stage, asking an employee I recognize if he thinks they are going to come back out. He says he thinks so, and that I can just wait here on the side, as people started to clear out. Standing, waiting, fifteen minutes go by, and security starts kicking everyone out. Great. Oh, well, I tried at least, and that’s all that counts.
I walked out slightly discouraged, but not too bummed because I had a friends birthday party to attend in Logan Square. This birthday was about to be off the chain too because I knew a ton of people that I had not seen in a good minute, who were going to be there, including Flamingosis, whom I felt a little bad for because I had missed his set. Not only is he an awesome dude, but his music is also highly underrated. Needless to say, the night was young.
As I stepped outside Chop Shop, I remembered Freddy Todd was playing next door at Subterranean. I knew some friends who were going to that, so I started to call/text them before I walked away, to no avail. I was starving, and luckily I had cash on me to stop at Flash Taco to get a Carnita. On my way over I ran into a few concert friends while passing Sub-T, I knew I would see at least someone I knew. Unfortunately no sooner than I had this thought, the notorious “do you have any spare changeee” dude was rapping and walking along the side of me, along with some of the heady-folks leaving Freddy Todd. Spitting about how we should be kind and spare him some change “because he’s just trying to get fucked up.” If you ever go to Wicker Park this skinny middle-aged black man is always walking around six corners begging people for their change, you have probably seen him almost as much as you have seen the man who is able to do somersaults with his bicycle for a dollar.
There was a bit of a line for Flash Taco, which was fine because I had time to spare given the concert had ended at 12:30 a.m. which was pretty early. After getting my Carnita, I decided to go wait for a Lyft back in front of Chop Shop knowing it would be a more direct pick up than six corners. While walking back to Chop Shop, I saw a man shamelessly promoting his mixtape to people on the street. And of course, as I am standing in front of Chop Shop about to grab my Lyft, this guy starts hackling me. Feeling unsafe, I quickly step back into Chop Shop and explained about the hackler. They didn’t care, and in-fact they insisted I sit and wait inside for my Lyft.
I ordered my Lyft, which was set to arrive in 9 minutes, which gave me time to eat my Carnita. The Chop Shop staff was super kind and understanding of my situation, not only did they let me wait inside; they let me eat my Carinta as I waited. Finishing the Carnita right in time to see my Lyft was pulling up in 1 minute, I walk out and look down only to see my stupid phone glitched and canceled my ride. Wonderful. So I ordered a brand new Lyft, and as I am standing to wait in front of Chop Shop for my ride, George Townsend of Bondax walks outside. I was immediately star struck, and awkwardly exclaimed, “Hey you played tonight!”
“Yes, we did! Did you enjoy the show,” George said back to me. Before I could answer, Adam Kaye, the other half of Bondax came outside with Sam Knowles otherwise known as Karma Kid. I couldn’t believe it, here they were, and I was at an absolute loss of words, beyond star struck. Immediately I started telling them how fantastic their sets were, and how it made me feel as if I were back in London. I knew they were not from London, but I shared with them that two years ago I studied abroad at the University of Westminster, and lived in Shoreditch. They were almost as surprised as I was that a girl in the middle of Chicago could talk to them about East London. Was I dreaming?
Turns out, Bondax ‘s studio is in Shoreditch, and when they aren’t on tour, they spend a lot of time in London. They knew exactly where I lived when I said Hoxton Square/Pitfield Street, and that fact alone made my month. As I said, nothing makes me happier than talking to Brits about London, my favorite place in the world. Considering, you can’t just talk to anyone about it, especially with folks in Chicago; just the fact that they knew EXACTLY where I had lived while abroad was almost unbelievable.
While their crew continued to pack up their van with their tour equipment, we continued to chat about everything from British festivals to East London culture. I was absolutely ecstatic and extremely thankful my original Lyft was magically canceled, lol right. I asked them to take a picture with me, and we got some goofy ones. They then asked me what I was up to for the rest of night. Now I want to remind you it was only a bit past 1 a.m. I told them how I was heading to a friends birthday party in Logan Square. I also mentioned how my friend’s brother is an artist that goes by the name of Edamame, who opened up for Flamingosis and Thriftworks that night, and how Flamingosis was also going to be there.
Both Karma Kid and Bondax then asked if they could come with me to the party, and I felt my heart stop and my jaw drop. As they mentioned that they had always wanted to meet Flamingosis. “Definitely you can come with me, I know Aaron/Flamingosis, I will introduce you guys,” I said! Funny thing is I have seen Flamingosis, every single time he has played in Chicago, except for this one show, because I went to Bondax instead. I texted the roommate of the birthday boy, who was at this show, to inform him, that I was on my way with Karma Kid and Bondax. Then ordered my 3rd and final Lyft to the party.
Along the way, we continued to connect about music! I told them about how I had recently seen Rejjie Snow, ironically at the venue next store to Chop Shop. I again impressed them about my knowledge of UK artists and culture. I just could not believe my life, repeating to myself how thankful I was to be living in these moments. When we arrived at the party, only a few people recognized them, mainly the hosts. We found Aaron/Flamingosis, and I was able to introduce them, such a pleasure! Then I stepped out with them for a smoke and asked for another picture because as you can see these turned out a bit blurry.
YAS. Yes. Yes. Yes. The Secret, I am telling you, is real, only if you believe, and I am a true believer. Now if this doesn’t convince you it’s real, the rest of this unbelievable story will.
Back to the story, Bondax and Karma Kid had to leave the party early because they were playing in Brooklyn the next night, totally understandable! They thanked me tremendously for sticking around, bringing them with, and showing them a good time in Chicago. George followed me back on Twitter, and told me whenever I am back in London they will show me the same hospitality I showed them. I hugged the three of them goodbye, and they left shortly after 2 a.m.
I walked back into the party, astonished by all that had just happened. I just kept saying to myself how thankful I was for every little moment in the night, because if those delays hadn’t occurred, I would not have been in front of Chop Shop when George initially walked out. I continued chatting with old friends, heard people saying all across the room, “Dude did you hear Bondax was here?!” It was an absolute honor to say that I was the one that brought them along.
This party was going to be going on into the daytime, after 3:45 a.m. I decided it was time for me to call it a night, so I said my goodbyes and ordered a Lyft Line home. When I got in the car, of course, a passenger was added to my ride, so we had to go pick up this other patron. I rarely sit in the back on a Lyft, usually because I like to control the radio when I am in the car, but for whatever reason, I was seated in the back. We rolled up to The Owl, a late-night dive bar in Logan, it was now past 4:00 a.m. and the bar was closed. I knew this was going to be an interesting ride home, considering The Owl‘s crowd is very hipster, hit or miss, but mostly cool people.
A tall, dark, and handsome man opens the door and climbs into the back with me. There is a first time for everything, and this was the first time I have had a hot guy in my Lyft Line, fantastic. He was a bit drunk, but that didn’t stop me from striking up a conversation. I first asked how The Owl was, and what he had to drink because they have an extensive drink menu. He said some mixed drink, and I responded with, “Nice I would have had a stout or a porter myself, I love craft beer.” He gives me a drunken look, and I ask what he did that night. He responds with, “well I went to Bondax at Chop Shop then I came here.”
You know, immediately I lit up and said OMG you were at Bondax, I was there too, and I have the craziest story ever! I told him my story, showed him my pictures, and you should have seen the looks he was giving me, like ‘who the hell is this girl that I am riding with?’ I continued the conversation with small talk about occupations, parties, and Lakeview, as we arrive at his place first. He stepped out of the car, and I thought to myself, wow a good-looking guy who was at the same concert as me, a dive bar that I go to, and he takes Lyft, who is he, and will I ever see him again?
Friday, February 26th, 2016 one of the best and craziest nights of my life, I could not be any more grateful.
Flash-forward to exactly a month later, it is Easter weekend. I took Good Friday off of work because I knew I was seeing Elaquent at East Room, that Thursday night, March 24th to be exact, and a show at East Room on a Thursday is a recipe for a late night. My mom and step-dad were going to visit my stepdad’s family in Ohio for Easter, so I told my mom I took Good Friday off for her to celebrate with her. SORRY MOM. She told me, great you can attend Stations of the Cross with us on Friday before we leave. Sigh, so much for sleeping in. But I got over it, I did want genuinely want to spend time with my mom for Easter, I was just a bit tired and exhausted in the morning, as per usual.
Made it to my moms in time, and we walked to her church. Along the way, we passed Heritage Bike Coffee Shop, which I had never been to before and I knew I had a Popular Pay’s deal for a free Thai Iced Tea. Sounded refreshing enough, so I told my mom after church I was going to go in there to redeem my free drink.
In church, I used the time to say to myself all the things I was thankful for from my step-dad to my education, if you honestly think about your life you can quickly come up with over one hundred things you are grateful for. Mass ended earlier than expected, and the three of us, my mom, my step-dad, and I started to walk back. As we approached Heritage, my mom hugged and kissed me goodbye, and sees this person in the front window waving at me. My mom goes, “Do you know them?” I say, “No, I have no idea who that is.” I wave goodbye to my step-dad and mom, and walk inside with the most puzzled look on my face, because I have an elephant memory, and I did not recognize this person.
He goes, “We shared a Lyft together!”
O.M.G. was this really happening right now? Exactly one month later, I am running into the hot guy, and he recognizes me? He was drunk, I was not, how, just how? Needless to say my puzzled face, in a flash, turned into the biggest grin. I was in shock, this was insane. All these thoughts are racing in my head, if I didn’t take the day off today, stop in for my Popular Pays, this wouldn’t be happening right now. He explained how he had the day off of work as well, and we started talking.
He told me how he lived just around the corner, and this was his go-to coffee shop. Not to mention, he looked adorable. Sitting in the corner, reading a Nook, wearing joggers with pork and egg socks, I remember because I made a comment about them being cool. Smooth right? I explained how I was just stopping in for a Popular Pays deal, to which he revealed he didn’t have many Instagram followers, so I followed him right then and there. LOL. Our conversation quickly turned to music, as we were discussing recent shows and upcoming ones. I asked if he liked Soulection, and he said he did, extra brownie points for him. I told him about the up-coming The Whooligan and Gravez show at Canvas, to which he responded he actually knew one of the guys running it. Considering how I used to street team for In The Loop Productions, who were putting on the show with Canvas, I asked who, and he said the main guy behind In The Loop Productions. I said, “No way, I know him!” He explained how he knew him, and I explained how a best-friend of mine and I have done work for him, but only she still does cinematography work for him. He asked, “Who’s your friend?” I reply with her name. To which he replies with, “Pretty sure she is going to be moving in with me next month.”
Seriously, this is all happening, right in front of my face. It is not some corny scripted rom-com movie. My friend had told me about how she was likely moving into a huge loft apartment with a bunch of guys in Lakeview, at the beginning of February. I could not handle this. WHAT EVEN?!?!
At this point, I had been standing talking to him for about 30 minutes or so. I start texting my friend saying you won’t believe how I just met one of your roommates. And before I can even blink she starts calling me, I had to get out of there to talk to her about it. So I say to him I would definitely see him around, and walk to the register to order my drink and leave. Heritage was out of the Thai Iced Tea, I took a cold press coffee instead. Meanwhile, my friend was calling me repeatedly, so I get my headphones out and walk outside to answer the phone. I also snap this amazing shot of my coffee for my Popular Pays deal.
I begin to tell her the whole story, starting from the night we were at this friend’s birthday party together with Bondax, Karma Kid, and Flamingosis. How my Lyft Line went to go pick up him at The Owl, when I left the party, to me going to church with my mom, and stumbling upon him when going to redeem a Popular Pays. She was laughing hysterically with me because this was the crazy story of how I happen to meet one of her roommates in a Lyft Line.
Pictured above, my best friend and I with Flamingosis, at Chop Shop Jan 1st, 2015.
Wrapping up this wild story, I do not have a crush on her roommate anymore that was very very short lived. I don’t even follow him on Instagram anymore, lol. I am going back to London this month, and I haven’t reached out to Bondax yet, but will this week. Praying that they will be in London end of June because that would complete my life.
Manifest your wildest dreams because you can do anything, The Secret is real.
P.S. If you do not ride Lyft which is WAY cheaper than Uber, you can use my code: DANIELLE2714 for a free $20 ride 🙂
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