The Chicago Blog

We filmed our most recent Chicago.com neighborhood tour in the heart of Wicker Park/Bucktown. If you’re not familiar with this part of Chicago then check out our video soon to hit the website and take the trip “Chicago.com style.”

One of the highlights of shooting the first webisode of 2010 was getting the chance to work with Lacey from www.poorlittlerichgirls.com. Lacey, myself, and the rest of the Chicago.com crew got to stomp around town, ending our evening at a brilliant show at Double Door. That’s when the fun really started.

A huge event was being hosted at Double Door by Thrillist, a web-based company that specializes in what’s hot in your town. On Thursday, Thrillist paid homage to New Orleans (Go Saints!) and Mardi Gras. Sheffield’s catered some truly authentic spicy Cajun grub. Jugglers, stilt walkers and other Mardi Gras themed tomfoolery like beads, masks, and face painters mixed among the crowd of unsuspecting bar-hoppers. Thrillist sure knows how to throw a party. For more of Thrillist’s events visit www.thrillists.com.

Double door is a hot joint located at 1572 N Milwaukee, right in the heart of Wickerpark/Bucktown. Everyone behind the bar was cool and attentive and made sure our drinks were strong. The layout of the place is perfect for an intimate date, or a crazy concert like the one we were at. There are two different rooms with the main stage area upstairs and a downstairs lounge that is a super chill spot perfect for getting away for that one on one conversation. Upstairs and down, the artwork and décor can only be described as “Vinnie approved” That is if you like paintings of big naked ladies, which I do.

Phil Kosch, the talent buyer for Double Door was awesome enough to give us a pre-event tour of the 16 year old venue and briefed us on former bands that played there like The Stones, The Killers, Kid rock, and Local H. The list goes on and on. Sure this place has big names but they also have the best showcase of local talent I have ever seen. Brian Huebner, the manager of this killer establishment showed the whole crew at Chicago.com and www.poorlittlerichgirls.com a kick ass time and thanks to him, we were able to get some back stage interviews with that night’s lineup: Papadosio, Fifth World, Mojo, and the Bayou Gypsies. If you are looking for a complete listing of the events and upcoming shows go to www.Doubledoor.com or give them a call at (773) 489-3160.

Fifth World - “The Sensei of Soul” kicked in their set with some sounds that psychedelically challenge your brain with a funked out chill. They combine electronic instruments and computers that deliver a unique sound and distinct flavor. Asif Wilson was a treat on the ears during his solo on the keyboard. Keep your eyes and ears out for this up and coming bright minded group. I am sure we will be hearing a lot more from these cats. Check out their site “Before the Fifth World” at www.fifthworldmusic.com.

Papadosio is original, timeless, and extremely weird! Their music is a cross between rock hop, enya, and jazz. They are a cool group of dudes that performed some super relaxing music. Their song “The Lack of Everything” showed me what euphoria must be like…very enjoyable to say the least. Check out upcoming shows and tour dates for Papadosio at www.papadosio.com.

Mojo and the Bayou Gypsies – Let me start out by saying Mojo is one talented guy. They had my “hands -a- clapan” and my “feet-a-tappin.” The amount of fun and energy they produced was spectacular. We were lucky to get a couple moments to interview Mojo and the Gypsies and find out some band tour dates and what lies ahead for this bunch of Bayou’s. What a group of characters. I’d go out for a beer with these guys any day. Greg from ‘Fiddler,” you rock that violin. Simply awesome. You can see them at www.redhotmojo.com

Also co-hosting the event was Imerman Angels. They are a great not-for-profit organization providing one-on-one cancer victim support, connecting cancer fighters, survivors and caregivers. If you or anyone you love has been or is currently being affected by cancer, please check out their website. One of their main goals is to partner people fighting cancer with other cancer survivors. One-on-one relationships create the opportunity to ask personal questions and get support from someone who is uniquely familiar with their experience. The service is absolutely free and helps anyone touched by any type of cancer, at any cancer stage level, at any age, living anywhere in the world. Please check out this site and consider making a donation to this awesome organization www.imermanangels.org.

Stay posted to Chicago.com/videos for more behind the stage footage and in depth band interviews coming soon!

Tags: bands, bucktown, Concerts, double door, fifth world, interviews, Mojo and the Bayou Gypsies, music, papdosio, shows