Lauryn Hill and The Reminders

Lauryn Hill played the House of Blues Chicago a couple weeks ago with support from The Reminders. I cannot even begin to explain my excitement when I was approved to photograph the show -  Ms Hill's 1998 album "The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill" was literally on repeat in my car for two years. I'm also a huge fan of her work with the Fugees - and I'd be remiss not to mention Sister Act 2, because I was literally obsessed with the soundtrack in college (especially this song). Anyway, details of her Chicago show have since been filtered through different media sources, but I'm not here to comment on anything. I'm just here to show you the photos! I will say that it gave me chills to photograph a musician whose work I endlessly respect (and have for half my life). I am also grateful that I got introduced to husband-wife duo, The Reminders - they are real hip hop. Check them out. To view more of my images, as well as video footage and a brief review of the show, head over to BV Chicago. 

The Reminders 

They brought their kids on stage for their final song and it was adorable. 

The crowd anxiously awaiting Ms Hill. 

First her DJ came out.

Then her band came out.

Then her backup singers came out. 

And finally Ms Hill arrived! 

SBTRKT and Willis Earl Beal

I can't explain how excited I was to see SBTRKT live. I spent my winter looking forward to the show in April at the House of Blues Chicago. His self-titled debut album has been on my iTunes "Top Played" list ever since its June 2011 release. The day of the concert finally arrived, and I'm pleased to report that SBTRKT did not disappoint - at all. In fact, I'd see him live again in a heartbeat. He was accompanied by Sampha, who does the majority of the vocals for SBTRKT, and he sounded just as good live as he does on the album. Near the end of their set, they surprised the audience by bringing out local rapper, Rockie Fresh, for a song. Chicago's own Willis Earl Beal opened the show. He put on a powerful, minimalist show - just his voice, some backup recordings, and his odd stage antics. Boy does he have a voice - but the young, drunken crowd was ready to dance so unfortunately I don't think they appreciated Beal's unique, soulful performance as much as I did. 

Willis Earl Beal 

SBTRKT 

Toots and the Maytals

The night before St. Patrick's Day, my friends Rebecca and Brian offered me a ticket to go see Toots and the Maytals at the House of Blues Chicago. Although my knowledge of Toots is somewhat limited, I knew it would be a feel-good show, so I happily accepted. I'm glad I did because the show was a blast; my face hurt from smiling by the end of the night. Toots was rocking a Thriller - I mean killer - red and black leather outfit, which only enhanced his charismatic stage presence. Along with the Maytals, Toots kept the crowd dancing the whole set, ending with an extended version of arguably their most famous song (because it is awesome), "54-46 Was My Number."