NeoCon 2010 - Chicago
Good morning guys! I’ve been up for a while now, packing my things and getting ready to head to Chicago for NeoCon 2010! I will try to get some great photos of the exhibitions and some top secret design 411 for you all!
**UPDATE: Here are a few photos from my visit! Lots to see…I would recommend a visit!**
Weekend Vintage: Concert Ready
Going to “rock shows” is my personal vice. I spend way too much money on them, but it is money well spent because they make me endlessly happy. Tonight I will be attending the elusive, solo Jeff Tweedy (Wilco) show at the Vic in Chicago. YAY!!!
One bonus of going to concerts is that it is a bit like a costume party. You can pull out your most outrageous ensemble and be completely appropriate. In my day to day life, my wardrobe is pretty much nerd-chic (I love cardigans. LOVE them.) My concert persona is much cooler. She rocks scandalous boots, skinny jeans that cut off circulation and a smug attitude that will not be rivaled (which is key if you want to blend in with the unhappy, but uber-cool, hipsters.) In actuality, I’m not very cool at all, but I do like to play dress up. 
Here are some vintage lovelies with a little boho flair - totally appropriate for tonight’s show.
Vintage Beige Mini Dress from PrettyRaccoon
Vintage Turquoise Bohemian Earrings from misovintage
Vintage Brown Leather Clutch from smellyshoesvintage
Opera Length Locket from HeavenAwaits
Vintage Oxfords from MereTrifles
Guess what I have tickets for??
YES. YES. YES. Finally going to see my boyfriend, Jeff Tweedy, put on a solo show at the Vic in Chi-town! Two nights of whitty banter and acoustics straight from heaven…finally. Can I put in my request for The Ruling Class and Theologians now?
Consider this a heads-up, because these shows are not advertised - anywhere. They are coming up quickly, too - March 12 and March 13. Be there or be square!
Photo credit to CJ Foeckler/Pabst Theater
Art Institute of Chicago
Chicago, Millenium Park (AIC)
As I mentioned, I was in Chicago yesterday for some rock ‘n roll, but I got some culture along the way. We got to check out the Art Institute of Chicago (free admission on Fridays) and it was amazing. I didn’t realize the depth of their collection, but there I was…face to face with so many of the paintings I’ve seen my entire life. Seurat, Van Gogh, Toulouse-Lautrec, Hockney, Monet, Warhol…and on and on. It was enough to make me consider going back to school for art history. That is doubtful, but it was beautifully surreal and inspiring to see such renowned works first hand. Here are some of my favorites:
Doves in Chicago
Photo courtesy of www.doves.net
Doves are headlining at the Vic in Chicago tomorrow (Friday) night. They are out promoting their newest release, Kingdom of Rust (2009, Heavenly Records). I will most certainly be there!
Doves in Chicago
May 29th - Doves in Chicago (the Vic)…yes, yes, yes! Doves, if you’re not familiar, is a fantastic and highly underrated band from the UK. I vowed to go see them if they ever came within driving distance and thank god, they’re comin’! Looks like they’re out supporting their new release, Kingdom of Rust. Don’t you worry, there will be photos after the show.
I loves it…Catch the Sun
Kingdom of Rust - new, long awaited single!
Maybe one of the best songs you’ll ever hear…Black and White Town
Mixed Tape: 01.19.2009
This track kindly guided my drive into work this morning and started my Monday off adequately. Broken Social Scene’s Brendan Canning breaks out the voice distortion and dualing falsettos in “Churches Under the Stairs.” How rock and roll. www.myspace.com/brendancanning
Video courtesy of www.pitchforkmedia.com.
What else in the realm of music? Fleet Foxes were great on SNL this past Saturday. I’m sure that video is up on YouTube. Its really, stupidly selfish but I’m a little sad they were the featured artist. That means they are hugely popular and not a nice little secret that I keep in my pocket and pull out in quiet times. *Sigh* So it goes… www.myspace.com/fleetfoxes
Tomorrow, Bon Iver’s new EP “Blood Bank” is available from Jagjaguwar. He’s been playing the new songs live and they’re magically delicious. The energy is a little different than “For Emma,” a little bit loud and even playful at times. Thumbs up, good sir. www.myspace.com/boniver
There are some decent shows coming to the area in the next few months and by “area” I mean the Midwest. (www.jamusa.com) Adele (tonight @ Park West,) Lisa Hannigan, Cut Copy, The Pretenders, Andrew Bird, Josh Radin, Bonnie “Prince” Billy, Brett Dennen, The Black Lips, and on and on. (www.pabsttheater.org) I’m heartbroken over one show that sold out immediately…no surprise…solo Jeff Tweedy (supported by Great Lakes Swimmers) in Champaign, IL. It would’ve been awesome. www.wilcoworld.net
One final note: Tomorrow is a huge day in American history on so many levels. Regardless of partisanship, this inauguration signifies a huge turning point in the direction of the United States. I hope we all take a moment to consider our role in reshaping the future and redefining our collective values. I’m certainly hopeful and very excited…so much so that we’re having Yankee Pot Roast for dinner tomorrow. Cheers!
