Q101 present Sick Puppies at the Cubby Bear in Chicago with Seven Day Sonnet
This particular show was billed as the new release party for Sick Puppies Tripolar Deluxe Edition CD.
Local radio station, Q101 invited Sick Puppies to play at the famous Cubby Bear, located across the street from famed Wrigley Field - home of the Chicago Cubs. With a sold out venue and just one opening local band, Seven Day Sonnet before Sick Puppies, the place was jumping with excitement. With Cubby Bear not being a huge venue, it provides fans the ability to see their favorite band as close as you can get.
As the Sick Puppies prepared to hit the stage, I noticed Shimon Moore was having some guitar issues on the side, as well as seeing him cover up a blister with crazy glue, so he would be able to play. With the issue fixed, Emma Anzai, Mark Goodwin, and Moore hit the stage running to open the set with Odd One followed up by Rip Tide.
The first thing you notice from this power trio is how skilled they all are at playing - from Anzai’s insane bass playing and skills on the four string have made her one of the top bass players in the world and to top it off one of the most beautiful bass players ever. To go along with the bass playing is Goodwin on the drums; Goodwin is one of those drummers that may not get as much press but he provides such a backbeat and technique which is crucial for a three piece band to go along with his backing vocals. Then you have Moore, who has a knack to capture a crowd with his humor and stage presence. Tonight was no different when faced with his guitar going out during one song; he just kept going and no one seemed to care or notice as he just kept singing.
Being the headliners allowed them to play for close to one and half hours and play some of their slower songs and even a quick set change, when they brought out candelabra’s for Moore to play alone on the acoustical guitar Don’t Walk Away.
As the set was close to ending, Anzai sang with Moore on White Balloons, which was the first time I have heard her singing so clear. While not as powerful as her bass playing, I am sure this, in time, will be a spot she will feel comfortable in; thus allowing Moore to not wear out his voice on long tours. The last song of the night was You’re Going Down, which got the crowd jumping and as they left the stage, they promised to be back soon to the city they love to play for.
All Photos by Peter Lizano