The city appears to be opening up with a bit of vengeance. Pop-up shows in unusual spots, roundabouts in Logan Square, outside entrances to city golf clubs, and industrial districts along the Chicago River are landing in regularity. This past weekend, a Benefit for Brave Space Alliance landed in Canalport Park. The three hardcore bands on this billing, Big Laugh, Canal Irreal, and XOs, felt freshly charged after 18+ months of hibernation. This was the perfect treat to start the 4th of July weekend.
Sitting there under a shade tree along the Chicago river in the southern edge of PIlsen and Little Village reminded of the importance of communal engagement. Locked away for the better part of 2 years has played trick on one’s mind. I cannot imagine what the isolation was like for those solo trekkers through life. Sandy kept me balanced. I’m certain I would have delved deep into dark places (possibly to never return). But return we have! The casualness of this event was pleasing. The start time was to kick-off around 4 p.m., but music was not had till nearly 6. No one seemed bothered. People had traveled to this odd place, uncertain of what to expect.
What we needed was received in full. This being a time together sprawled out along a stretch of the Chicago River, listening to LOUD music that echoed to the lakefront. This in itself felt like a rallying cry that life appears to have began the recovery after a long frustrating time of isolation.
Images from the performances:
Additional information:
Brave Space Alliance – https://www.bravespacealliance.org/
No Echo (Big Laugh Interview) – https://www.noecho.net/features/big-laugh-hardcore-band-interview
Big Laugh on Discogs – https://www.discogs.com/artist/7618317-Big-Laugh
Canal Irreal Bandcamp – https://canalirreal.bandcamp.com/
Canal Irreal Beach Impediment Records – https://beachimpedimentrecords.bandcamp.com/album/canal-irreal
DIY Music Chicago – https://www.facebook.com/groups/diychicago/
Photographs and writing by Chester Alamo-Costello
