Chicago is a great stop for musical acts and the Vic Theatre is definitely one of the coolest venues Chicago has to offer performers and concert-goers. This month I was able to see three great shows at the Vic: Janelle Monae, Sea and Cake, and Toro y Moi.
Janelle Monae put on a great show on October 21 with her full band and energetic stage presence. If you don't know who she is, check out her trilogy of concept albums: Metroplis, The ArchAndroid and the currently released The Electric Lady. All three albums follow her alter ego android Cindi Mayweather as she jets from the future to the present using R&B, soul, funk, rock and any other musical genre you can think of to lead the way.
The new name in what is called the "chillwave" movement is Toro y Moi or if you go by his real name, Chazwick Bradley Bundick from southern California. Even though his music is considered electronic, Toro y Moi surprised me with live musicians at his performance as well as spectacular vocals and lighting effects. Check out his albums Underneath the Pine and his latest release Anything in Return.
Chicago-based indie band Sea and Cake opened for Toro y Moi on Wednesday night and I totally agree with Bundick, who said to the audience, "If you don't know who these guys are, you're crazy." Sea and Cake kicked off the evening with a great performance of loud rock with a jazz influence. Check out their current album, Runner.
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