Therapy for the Soul

I arrived in Chicago, IL on Saturday, February 11 to attend a training class in Microsoft Identity Integration Server 2003. Without going into any detail, Saturday night was not a very good night for me. I had to come to grips with the fact that some of my strongest friendships in the last few years are not so strong anymore and maybe it's time I cut ties--for my sake. For those of you that do know me, you also know how hard that will be for me...

Still troubled, on Sunday, February 12, I attended a concert by Lucy Kaplansky at Schubas Tavern. Schubas was built in 1903 and refurbished in 1988. I'd heard about Schubas and when I found out that I was coming to Chicago, I looked it up, and checked the concert calendar. Lucy Kaplansky was playing. Who? I'd never heard of her. After listening to a few snippets on iTunes, and liking what I'd heard, I bought a ticket for Sunday's show. The concert started around 9 pm and I drove from Downers Grove and arrived around ten minutes late.

The cozy venue was illuminated by about six spotlights and various candles with chairs in the front and SRO in the back.

From the moment I walked through the door, I fell in love with her voice. Lucy's voice had hints of Diana Jones, Suzanne Vega, and Nanci Griffith. She engaged the crowd, which was comprised of diehard fans, former schoolmates, former school teachers, and most importantly--me. Despite my former troubles from the previous day, all were wiped away the moment I stepped through those doors to hear "Guilty as Sin" (click on album below). After playing over 90 minutes, with humorous stories interjected, she came back for an encore ending with a heart-rendering song favored by her late promoter, Bob Feldman. I wish I could remember the title of that song...

Melissa, the bartender, and an extremely nice one at that, hooked me up with several pints of a local brew, Honkers Ale, from Goose Island Beer Company.

Needless to say, I had a great time at Schubas and I hope that Lucy will make an appearance in Dallas!

Indeed...therapy for the soul...