2010 weekly residency

By Robbie on January 28, 2010

Okay gang, this is the big news: this year I'll be appearing every Monday night at the Hideout in Chicago, playing in many different formats and styles, 7:00 to 9:00. The Hideout is one of the very best clubs, and for sure the most renowned and hipster-magnetic club of its size, in the second city. This residency is patterned very consciously after the Barbes appearances in Brooklyn. The outline:

Free cover, strongly suggested $10 donation.

Seated "listening" shows, mostly acoustic, miked duo shows, but some featuring trios and beyond.

I get to try things at these shows -- that's what's in it for me. It's in the nature of an adventure like this that some efforts or concepts will be more successful, or more accessible, than others. People partial to this sound or approach over that sound or approach may be disappointed if they show up without knowing what's scheduled to happen. So I'll post advance information on all the shows in this space each week. Let's say Thursdays, since that's today. (Of course the Hideout's site, the posters, and the usual media outlets will have this information as well.)

On Mondays when I'm away from home, I'll also give advance warning.

I went for Monday because, of the four off-nights, it's conceivable that someone in from out of town for the weekend might find it easier to stay over an extra night to enjoy the show. Also theater friends can come on Monday. If you're one of those fans that live out in the middle of nowhere, where I can't afford to visit, I hope you'll think of having your boss send you here, or planning a weekend family getaway in Chicago (Lula Cafe, Writer's Theater, Second City, Music Box, Erwin, Millennium Park, the Art Institute, a driving tour of the locations from Sixteen Candles, Gold Coast Dogs, Old Town School of Folk Music...maybe plan five days), onto which my little show could make a nifty bookend.

On the other hand, if you live and work here in Chicago, why not make a habit of coming by after the whistle blows and hanging with me. Bring a date and $30 for two donations and two beers. Not that much more expensive than going home and sitting in front of "How I Met Your Mother," and when you add in the psychic rewards, you're saving tons. Blue Plate Special every week, never a phoned-in performance.

I'm starting this Monday, Feb. 1, with something safe and sound: my duo with the incredible Robbie Gjersoe. We'll be focusing on country flatpick songs. Bring your eighth-note-o-meters.

Thanks!