H.Stone

A beautiful, emotional conclusion to the weekend. First, Sima Cunningham -- whoa! She really nailed that Pops Staples song. I didn't know she had that voice in her. Beautiful! That's also when the set took a very emotional turn for me followed by Sammy Tweedy making his SS debut with Military Madness. I've only seen Sammy sing a couple of times, but they've been so good and earnest and focused. He's clearly reluctant to be center stage, but he was great. I vote for more Sammy (in literary shirts). And watching him share a mic with Jeff? Too much. I really really wish he had taken a verse on

There was a nice segue from Jeff's banter about being there for each other (Being There!) to One by One--Woodie knew how to put it to words or somesuch. Hmmm, I was also right up front and feel confident that was a big ol' moth (yes, huge!) that dive-bombed Jeff's chest. It was drawn to the fabulous lighting, poor thing. It didn't have the swoop and dive of a bat, but it did hang around for a bit after before abandoning the stage. Maybe in the end we'll agree it WAS a falcon. Jeff went so far as to say he put HANDFULS of hair in his mouth at home. I was waiting for him to add, "...someti

I enjoyed this show from waaay back, near the silo, and it sounded so good. There were things I missed about being up close, but I was so impressed with the sound all over. Go, Stan! Banter: Jeff said four words on Friday night, after the BT set: "Thank you very much."

*cries melodramatically*

So you're saying *cue Dr. Evil's voice* ONE MILLION SHOWS????

I feel like King Wilco should know ALL THE THINGS.

I'm not sure I'd use "bewildered" to describe him when he said this. That makes me think of someone saucer-eyed, surprised to find himself where he is or doing what he's doing (like Brian Wilson when I saw him in 2008 in Jackson Hole). All of Jeff's comments seemed more like attempts to "explain away" his forgetfulness in a way that might be more palatable than simply saying he was tired or worn out or not really "feeling" learning/practicing/performing almost 30 more songs (added to the ones from Friday night). The mention of the meds, the "I don't know what I'm doing anymore"--they all felt

It was a wonderful night! I think you're right, Paul, that the roaming and ottoman-sitting contributed to an especially intimate feel. Thanks to the Tweedys and the hosts for their incredible generosity. And a special thanks to whoever brought those LEMON BARS. I've been dreaming of them since. There were so many great requests, and You Are My Face was an especially nice surprise. Country Disappeared, Reservations... *sigh* I wish I could bottle all the things a night like that makes me feel. So thankful!

Awwww...P! There's the big ol' softy I love! Sounds like a great run. I've only experienced a few Wilco Residencies, but they remain some of my favorite memories. The "real world" gets put on hold for a bit, and each day is all about one of your favorite things in the world: Wilco. What an escape! Thanks for the vicarious experience.

*insert clamoring*

Also, only one missed song from the Hootenanny part of the setlist: CA Stars

Per the band setlist, Jesus did in fact come between the two new tunes. There's your spice, Paul! (Yes on Outtasite.)

Edited to add a setlist (from setlist fm). Typical it would take a Midwestern work ethic to Google this for you Coasters... More... Random Name Generator The Joke Explained I Am Trying to Break Your Heart Art of Almost Pickled Ginger Hummingbird Handshake Drugs Cold Slope King of You Via Chicago Spiders (Kidsmoke) If I Ever Was a Child Jesus, Etc. Locator Box Full of Letters Heavy Metal Drummer I'm the Man Who Loves You Red-Eyed and Blue I Got You (At the End of the Century) Outta Mind (Outta Sight) Encore: Impossible Germany The Late Greats Encore 2: Misunderstood (acoustic) War on War

Email tsszyman@gmail.com Show's at 6:00

This was my first--maybe only?--non-U.S. Wilco show. So grateful for this luck! It was also my first time hearing Star Wars material live. The band sounded great, and it was nice to have several songs on the list that featured Jeff's guitar work. (Dear Rainbow SG: Where are you? Love, Me) Wish I had gotten a picture of the security guards' expressions during Via. They had no idea what to make of the cacophony on stage that exited into only acoustic guitar. The extended Croatian version of Spiders was quite the experience--I felt for Nels's tech. Give that guy an extra Ozujsko! Jeff didn't

I officially give you permission to take a night off! (You're welcome... )

I had a great weekend and came to appreciate some new things this time around: Free parking nearby (if you're early enough) The ease of going in and out of the grounds all day Being allowed to bring food in I also liked the addition of post-headlining events on Friday and Saturday. Great idea! And all the screens around Ctyd D during Real Estate's late set? Duuuuuuude. Loved it. Forgot my 'shrooms! (Just kidding. Too old.) I was pleasantly surprised with the rain on Saturday --I expected worse and at no point was everything unplugged or people held in buildings like at SS2. I only

I do believe his first comment was that they were assholes. He then downgraded them to cold, heartless animals. Ha! I had forgotten about this. Hashtag worthy, no doubt.

Great details as always, P--and a more accurate account! I should just refer to everyone as "Ol' boy" from now on. "Then Ol' Boy shouted something from the crowd, and Jeff said..." "Later, Ol' Boy proposed to his girlfriend." As for the opener, he was definitely unique. I didn't have any strong negative feelings about him or anything, I just didn't know how to take him. He reminded me of Fred Armisen's character Fericito in I Am Trying To Break Your Heart, but I know (I think I know?) he wasn't being satirical. So I was mostly trying to figure out what was "happening" with him, and then sudd

Not the way I do it! I'm guessing I have the title wrong? Has to be close...

Creating the topic title in the right format involved a lot of pressure, and I have no set list. Perfect person to start this thread! (P, please edit this post to include the setlist at the top. ) This was only my second TWEEDY show, and I'm really glad I booked the trip. As I said, I don't have a set list for any of the show, so I'll share some random things that stood out: * Sokol is a weird old venue! Wide, relatively shallow, hardwood floors, panel doors that can be drawn. I was warned that acoustically it would be a little like Eagle's Ballroom, but a great mix up front prevented t

My first TWEEDY show--finally! I really enjoyed it, even though I was momentarily derailed by the "I'll Sing It" news. (There has to be a way, people!) P, you had a great recap of the show and the banter, and I was thinking more about the Trib headline after the Taste cancellation. How many benefit gigs has Jeff done in the city? Not only the Letters to Santa events themselves but also the LRSs that used to be auctioned off there, the school benefit shows, the synagogue benefit shows--I'm sure plenty of other donations and auctions and charity events we aren't even aware of. Meanwhile, Mayo

Well, P, you referring to Sima as a "gal" surely makes up for Jeff's "sweatheart" bit. Sounds like a great show. I haven't been to First Ave in a couple of years and haven't seen a band I LOVE there in an even longer time. Your post made me wistful! How did Louris look and sound? Man...so many great memories involving Jeff and Gary on stage together! A1998 Golden Smog show there is one of my favorite concert memories (Dan Murphy was dressed in all white--STUD)--I wish I could've been there last night, but thanks for the detailed report. P.S. If they play "I'll Sing It," DO NOT REPORT.

Thanks for the report, P. I always have crazy make-the-weeknight-drive thoughts about these shows, but given the weather, I clearly made the right choice. Jeff and Susan have both given a lot of time and resources to this Second City event for a long time--it has to be a weird gig given its transformation over the years. Generic or not, I would have loved to have heard a lot of those songs solo/acoustic on a cold, melancholy January night. Thanks for the details.