Taylor McFerrin Concert Review

On April 24, 2016April 27, 2016 By What It Do DKIn Chicago, Concert Reviews, MusicLeave a comment

In The Loop Productions and 1833 teamed up last week to bring out Brainfeeder‘s Taylor McFerrin for a very special show at East Room.

For a Thursday evening, especially at East Room , it is a rarity to see a completely sold-out crowd. My heart dropped when I got to the dance floor and I saw that Taylor was positioned up on the elevated corner of the room. Usually this is my go-to spot for the best viewing of whichever artist I am seeing…who is usually playing in the DJ booth. But it was so packed that not only did I have no chance at making it to the front, I could barely get glance of him because of the way the dance floor was positioned the crowds only option was to face him, as opposed to surrounding him. Although some kind people let me step in front of them to get a picture of Taylor and got this, lol.

Better than nothing, I actually really like this photo because of the two sets of curly hair.

His jazzing heavy and ambient hip-hop beats had me in the happiest mood because I love this type of music. Everyone was grooving and moving, these are the kind of nights I live for, good music with good people. Around the middle of his set Taylor, invited three random individuals to come on stage and freestyle rap with him. A women who was standing next to me, dropped her coat and purse and immediately ran up there. Thankfully her best-friend was standing next to me as well and was able to watch her stuff. I know this because the woman who stayed back kept yelling at the woman on stage, “that’s my best-friend thats my best-friend.”

Within thirty seconds there were three people on the stage ready to freestyle. Not knowing what to expect, the first guy started, made a DJ Khaled reference, of course, so 2016. He was just alright, nothing special, but next on the mic was the woman who was standing next me. She must have been a professional MC because right away she took a hold of the crowd and had everyone chanting along with her, abstract-jazz. She went into a sick freestyle, with impressive on the spot rhymes, the crowd was cheering for her and even recorded her! She even ended on a comment complimenting t the next freestyler’s appearance. The man that freestyled after her was just as good as the first guy and neither had anything on this woman. I had told the best-friend they needed to go to talk to Taylor McFerrin after his set, because maybe she could actually collaborate with him. I hope they did speak.

When I had arrived at East Room that night Taylor McFerrin had just begun playing, which meant I missed Chicago-native BoatHouse. This left me a little bummed because I had never see him live before and he just released a killer EP. Thankfully when Taylor ended, BoatHouse was played a B2B DJ set with another Chicago-native Aztek in the designated DJ booth. Not only was I ecstatic to see BoatHouse playing, Aztek whom I had thought just moved away from Chicago, made my night because I was delightfully pleased to have the chance to say goodbye to him.

On that note, good luck in Salt Lake City Mark (Aztek) Chicago will miss you dearly. Below is my favorite track of yours, so far!

Sylvie Grace at The Freeland Hotel Review

On April 18, 2016April 21, 2016 By What It Do DKIn Chicago, Concert Reviews, Event Reviews, Music, UncategorizedLeave a comment

Tuesday evening, I found myself at my favorite hostel The Freehand Hotel, which actually doubles as a hotel, . An artist who goes by the name of Sylvie Grace was performing in their bar, the Broken Shaker. I had gone out to support her and have an evening cocktail with a few friends.

I love the Broken Shaker, the food and drinks are always on point. I would highly recommend the naan-chos. Additionally this spot is a solid spot for an after-work get-together. My drink of choice is always their ever-changing punch special. You never know what you’re going to get, but I can guarantee it will be strong and tasty.

Now for this Tuesday night, the Broken Shaker was packed; surprisingly there almost wasn’t a spot for us to sit down. Thankfully we found a spot in the candle-lit den.

We watched Sylvie Grace perform, what a real treat this woman is. Not only does Sylvie sing, she plays the cello as well! Her soft melodic vocals combined with the notes strung on the cello began to fill the room with such grace and elegance. What was really cool was her use of an effects pedal, manipulating her vocals and notes on the cello, as she continually sang over.

A local singer-songwriter, poet, cellist Sylvie Grace is one to check out. Londonder Jay Prince has even recently featured her on his latest track Homecoming/Love is! Maybe if you’re lucky enough you may find her outside of the Apple store on Michigan Avenue busking! Listen to her latest interview below, and for more information you can follow her on Facebook here!