Prove It All Night: With no fame or fortune, what keeps a band onstage? (1999)
11 days ago
- #Dive bars
- #Live entertainment
- #Chicago music scene
- Larry Ribs's Fender Jazzmaster guitar is uniquely decorated with rhinestones, a chrome silhouette, and a 'Chicago' hat pin.
- Nightwatch, the band consisting of Larry, Raul Chabarria, and Gilbert Canchola, performs at the Lakeview Lounge, a dive bar with a diverse clientele.
- The band plays a wide range of music genres, including blues, R&B, country, rock, jazz, and Latin ballads, adapting to the audience's preferences.
- Larry and Raul have deep roots in Chicago's music scene, with Larry starting in the 1960s and Raul in various bands since the late 1960s.
- The Lakeview Lounge has a rich history, transitioning from a country bar to a venue for diverse music, reflecting the changing demographics of the neighborhood.
- Larry and Raul discuss the decline of rock 'n' roll and the impact of changing music trends and city policies on local bars and musicians.
- Raul's musical journey includes playing in wedding bands and adapting to different styles, while Larry's career saw him touring and eventually returning to Chicago.
- The band's performances are interactive, often inviting audience members to join in, creating a communal atmosphere.
- The article highlights the cultural and historical significance of Chicago's music scene and the challenges faced by local musicians in maintaining their craft.
- The Lakeview Lounge and Nightwatch represent a fading era of Chicago's live music culture, cherished by regulars but threatened by changing times.