Anyway, I digress. I am talking about Chicago. Heading to a show at 5 on a Wednesday, having various plans depending on when I arrive. Lucky? Get there at 6:30... Shop for 1/2 hour, then eat. Arrive at 7:00? Go to Orso's in Old Towne with the amazing bread, ravioli, and uh... other things... Much past 7:00, just park, eat at the club, sit, read and write, and go to the show. "Plan C" is now in place.

I hate traffic, and got caught in quite a bit, but not stopped traffic. It was 90 degrees out, and I don't have air conditioning, but my windows were rolled down and Jason was on. As I got into town, the Mraz tape flipped over, and Rhett Miller also became great in-traffic music... and he came on just as I maneuvered my way through the north side neighborhoods. "The El" played and I hit rewind literally 5 times... "Let's say you're in Chicago and you're makin' out under the El..." (No such luck, Rhett!)

As you drive around the city, you realize that once you're able to find a free parking space, it was definitely worth the trip... and even after you PAY for parking, really. Chicago is just a cool, cool town, especially in the summer. People are running everywhere, and I swear I almost hit 2 or 3 of them turning this way and than. Restaurants, shops that close way too early, turn a corner and see Wrigley Field, turn another corner and find a cool club or bar... And the new sign of the times - shops with their names .com on their awnings, etc... how ELSE would I find the HoneysuckleShop.com (got home, checked the link... scandalous!!). I didn't write the others I saw down. Too much traffic to contend with.

Back in the day before I had a car with a warranty and dependability, I'd take the train down to Chicago and walk. I actually prefer that. Better exercise, time to rest, read, etc... but the flexibility of the car, safety and time issues... well you probably get my point...

Schuba's is smaller than Shank Hall. I got to sit for the Nickel Creek show here, but this time, we were standing. It feels like a little chapel, or a lodge - wood beamed ceiling, cathedral-type woodwork around the stage, wood floors... needs chair, pews... :-) Stage is high enough to see, though... even if you're back a way.

Ari Hest is playing tonight. This is my first time. Possibly the last (see review after writing this. It is NOT). I feel old in this 20 something crowd of sameness. If no style is in style, this place is totally happenin'. T-shirts, jeans, straight longer hair, worn down or pulled into a ponytail. Nondescript and natural. It suits the music somewhat - not necessarily something that blows you away, but warm, easy, non-intimidating. Just as with Toad the Wet Sprocket, there are a lot of males here, without girlfriends, and for some reason, that surprises me.

Ari was in the restaurant when I was finishing my meal. His dad was there, apparently, along with other family and friends. It was, again, very warm and friendly. I didn't get a good look at Ari initially. When he got on stage, I did... Ari is a beautiful man. Tall, dark and handsome with a voice as rich and smooth as pop music allows...