December Winnetka Living Article
A Mini Music Note
Dear Winnetka,
I’ve worked in the music industry for over 12 years and frequent places that most moms would never go, from festival mosh pits with your kids, music venues with no heat, outdoor concerts in the pouring rain, and EDM shows (electronic dance music) where the bass beat could throw your heart beat out of whack. I’ve interviewed bands in dank basement green rooms of iconic downtown venues and backstage at Lollapalooza; I’ve attended industry conferences, and spoken at them; I wrote about Hall & Oates in my New York Times column, and was serenaded by John Oates at my backyard house concert hosted on my birthday; David Gilmour (Pink Floyd) requested permission to use my playlist model for his UK radio broadcasts. Touring bands sleep at our house; we’ve raised $200k for emerging artists via house concert tip jars; and I’ve played the role of concert concierge to groups of adults I take to Lollapalooza, a place they say they’d never enter on their own. Memorable experiences, all of them.
But what I really want to share in this monthly music note are some of the basic truths that I’ve gleaned over the years - from the music experience - that easily translate to the everyday person.
The truth is, although backstage is fun, my most important observations have come from YOU: the fans in the audience. A few of you are super fans – music is your life – and the music industry is built for you with 40 million songs to stream, playlist platforms, industry blogs, music apps, artists on tour, summer festivals, VIP passes, meet & greets, band merch to buy, instagrams to follow, headphones, speakers, vinyl, and New Music Friday… Super fan heaven. But what about Regular fans who don’t want that much, who just want good music at their party, a playlist they can count on, a new band to know about, a live concert or two - and that’s it? You are the majority and you are drowning in a sea of music that the industry thinks you want. You are the reason I do what I do. Because in a world of too much, a filter can be a good thing.
To get started, I’ve attached a short list of upcoming shows at small Chicago venues (guaranteed for a great night out) and a short Spotify playlist (12 tracks) of the best new artists you might want to know about. Visit valslist.com for the playlist link. Sign up for our mailing list for more info on our house and chapel concert series.
WINNETKA MUSIC FESTIVAL UPDATE:
Mark your calendars for the 4th annual Winnetka Music Festival to be held on Father’s Day weekend Fri & Sat June 19-20, 2020 (no Sunday). NEW THIS YEAR: Ticket required for 21 and older. (Under 21 free.) Special 40% DISCOUNT General Admission tickets are on sale now for WINNETKA RESIDENTS only. Offer expires Jan 15, 2020. To purchase tickets visit: winnetkamusicfestival.com. Hurry, limited quantity. After Jan 15 tickets will go on sale to the public at regular earlybird rates.
DECEMBER SHOWS NOT TO MISS!
Looking for a great night out? These picks are a sure thing: