Kendall, Leah, and I are heading out to Chicago on Thursday for two weeks. Yikes, is that too long of a period to spend with family? Will I be fully regressed into my 12-year-old self by Saturday? Probably, but we’re all looking forward to the trip. I’m just kicking myself that we weren’t there this weekend. Last night my brother-in-law’s band headlined Lollapalooza, a Chicago-based music festival I attended two years ago. I watched the video simulcast and was dazzled by the debut of the new Nudie suits worn by all of the band—spectacular! And Dave Max Crawford and his horn section, the Total Pros, were playing with Wilco which is always great. Here’s a brief clip from last night so you can see the amazing new threads:
And then, to really make me want to shoot myself for not being there, this afternoon Jeff threw out the opening pitch at the Cubs game! WTF? All of Wilco was there, and they sang “Take Me Out to the Ball Game” during the Seventh-Inning Stretch. I’m just sorry my nephew Spencer wasn’t there since he’s such a baseball fan—we’re picking him up from camp next Friday. Jeff even got his own Cubs uniform with Tweedy on the back. That has to be the greatest honor any Chicagoan (even one who grew up in southern Illinois like Jeff) could ever receive—much better than winning a stupid Grammy or playing at Carnegie Hall or the Hollywood Bowl!
Here are some photos from earlier today, direct from my sister’s iPhone:
How cute are Sue and Jeff in that last shot? I don’t think I’ve been at a Cubs game, I’m sorry to say, since my grandfather’s clothing store, Karoll’s Red Hanger Shop, sponsored the game and I got to sit in the press box with Jack Brickhouse.
Jeff will be on the road during most of our
visit, including a concert in Massachusetts that will be attended by the
youngest, most devoted Wilco fan I know. His name is Ben and he’s the son of a
guy I used to work with at my old New England-based publishing company, Heinemann. I’ve never
heard of a seven-year-old who was so into Jeff’s music. Apparently Ben is
completely obsessed and plays Wilco day and night. He made the following video
of himself singing “Shot in the Arm.” His dad told me that Ben didn’t really
understand some of the lyrics, thank God. But how many seven-year-olds are interested in this kind of music?
What a cool kid! Four days until we hit the Windy City. Sue, please meet us at the airport with three Superdawgs and a Lou Malnati's pizza.
Hi Danny: My husband and I will be picking up our kids from camp on Friday too. So if you see a middle aged blonde woman approaching you, it will be me!
In case we don't meet, I hope you and your family have a wonderful visit in Chicago.
Jennifer
Posted by: jennifer | August 04, 2008 at 07:47 AM
I think there may be more little-kid Wilco fans than you realize! The first time I saw Wilco I was there during sound-check, and there was a six year old girl totally rocking out to "Heavy Metal Drummer". She knew every word and danced all around. It was adorable. And all of my friends' kids are into Wilco. We're talking preschoolers.
Posted by: Heather | August 04, 2008 at 01:55 PM
Firstly, have a great time in Chicago, I'll be anxious to read about it. This was such a fantasic vignette from you to Wilco, even more so for me because I'm going to see them on Friday. It's the bible-belt, but I've heard the venue is very good, and this post has me counting the hours.
Hary Cary would be proud of their version of "Take me out to the Ballgame." I remember watching Cary doing this right before the Who played Quadrophenia in Raleigh some years ago.
Seven year old Wilco fanatics? There's hope for the future indeed. Cheers and have a safe trip.
Posted by: Ian | August 04, 2008 at 03:55 PM
Danny we hope to see you Friday night!
Posted by: Ellen + Greg | August 04, 2008 at 06:32 PM
Hi Danny,
Just wanted to say that I hope you have a great time while you are out here! Do you plan on going by the old neighborhood? How cool to see Wilco at Wrigley Field. GO CUBS!!!
Have a wonderful time when you are here, and make sure you eat at all the great places! I'm sure you and your family are going to have fun. Say hi to Sue for me!!
Posted by: Arlene (Silverman) | August 04, 2008 at 08:35 PM
As I am still three weeks from my own dosing of Athenian Room and Due's (my pizza crack of choice), I can only say that I am profoundly envious.
And "lucky you"!
Posted by: communicatrix | August 04, 2008 at 09:18 PM
Have fun in Chicago. Eat a slice of some of that deep dish for me! Yum.
Ben was surprised (and quite pleased) that his video is displayed right alongside Wilco on the "internets." You made his day. And, just to reiterate Ben most definitely does not understand the meaning of any of Wilco's darker themed music. It's all just easy-to-sing-along melodies to him -- he is blissfully ignorant.
Posted by: Jeff | August 05, 2008 at 05:04 AM
Your fake mother expects a visit. (Jewish guilt approach, genuine.)
xoxo
Posted by: Elaine Soloway | August 05, 2008 at 05:32 AM
Hey Danny - St. Louis is only a 4-1/2 drive away....so if you're in the neighbourhood, Yoni and I would love to see you again.....
Posted by: Barbara | August 05, 2008 at 03:11 PM
I am kvelling, double time, for my beautiful friend, Judith Aida...Always thinking of her and missing her..........My love to all of you
Posted by: marsha fineberg | August 05, 2008 at 04:13 PM
Wow, I guess there are a number of us bible belters who read your blog. I, too, will be seeing Wilco this Friday night in Cary, NC. My father in law has been battling lung cancer this year, and his treatments are finally over. Part of the celebration includes going to see Wilco together. Hopefully, he's well enough to go.
Posted by: Shannon V | August 05, 2008 at 05:05 PM
I hope you guys have fun. My daughter will be so jealous of your brother-in-law. She's one of the biggest Cubs fans I've met.
Posted by: churlita | August 07, 2008 at 12:59 PM
Churlita's daughter isn't the only one jealous of your brother-in-law.
I saw the game, and it looked like he (and the whole band) were experiencing (excuse pun please) no depression.
Posted by: Tim | August 10, 2008 at 08:15 AM
My brother and I are going to drive 6 hours from Bangor, Maine to see WILCO at Tanglewood on Tuesday. My 5 year old son is beside himself because he can't go see his favorite band.(6 hours in the car with my son would be more painful than the 6 hours it took to give birth to him) Maybe you could talk to your brother-in-law and convince him and the other guys to come up this way some day. Maine is beautiful and Solomon would be soooo happy.
Posted by: Meg | August 10, 2008 at 03:47 PM
If that kid wants to start a Wilco cover band, I'm willing to offer my first-born. She's four and has a thing for heavy metal drummers: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=18Bc-UL7IQk
Posted by: Robin | August 11, 2008 at 02:46 PM
Well, I know he makes his home in Chicago, but Belleville, IL is a border city. And I know Jeff has civic pride in the Windy City...but we all know, when it comes to baseball, his heart belongs to the Redbirds. Go Cardinals. Rock on Wilco.
Posted by: Terrence Madden | December 03, 2013 at 02:42 PM