There's no two ways about it:
House of Vans has been rocking it. Since opening their doors in February with a grand opening featuring Noname, Digable Plants, and Future Islands, the indoor skate park/music venue has been a highlight of the West Loop. Whether it's been with in-depth workshops, Preoccupations fueling a charity event with post-punk madness, or showcasing some amazing local artists, House of Vans events have become must attend spectacles.
Adding to their already fantastic lineup up of shows, House of Vans has teamed up with
FYF for series of Vans House Parties. The series has already boasted evenings featuring Denzel Curry and Nyck @ Knight, The Lawrence Arms with Dillinger Four and Toys That Kill (
which Chris Zois reviewed), and the Internet and Inc. No Word. Next week on Wednesday July 13th, they will be adding another great lineup to the list as Seun Kuti & Egypt 80 joins headliners Charles Bradley & His Extraordinaires.
Charles Bradley & His Extraordinaires at Evanston SPACE, Photo by Julian Ramirez
If you're unfamiliar with The World Champion of Soul, the Heavy Weight Hitter, The Screaming Eagle of Soul
Charles Bradley, then you've been missing out on the best and most exhilarating soul singers around. Bradley has come along way from starting out his career as a James Brown impersonator in the '60s, evolving into the soulful behemoth he is now thanks to Daptone Records seeing just what immense talent he had (and continues to have) in him. Bradley exudes more showmanship than performers half his age, putting every bit of his energy into each expressive dance move he busts out which is only matched by his grizzled voice that will have you completely hypnotized with emotional resonance.
This show marks Bradley's return to Chicago since last year's
spectacular two night stint at Evanston SPACE and Thalia Hall. It's also the first show in town since his diagnosis of stomach cancer late last year, which forced him to cancel the last portion of his North American tour and a European journey. Thankfully, his treatment was a success and Charles Bradley & His Extraordinaires are back in full force bringing their joyous sound to the world.
Joining him will be Seun Kuti, the youngest son of legendary Afro-beat pioneer Fela Kuti, and Egypt 80. Seun, who took over his father's leading role in Egypt 80 at the age of 14, has been continuing the legacy his father started by making the rhythmic and emotive musical style his own and pushing it into the present. If there is any group to stand toe to toe with Charles Bradley & His Extraordinaires' showmanship, it's Kuti and Egypt 80. They have been putting on ecstatic shows that get crowds dancing along in no time and this show should be no different.
Make sure not to miss this night of overwhelming showmanship at House of Vans,
113 N Elizabeth St, on Thursday July 13th. This is an 18+ show and it's free with RSVP. Entry is not guaranteed as the show is first come, first served until they hit capacity, so get their early to experience the majesty of Charles Bradley & His Extraordinaires and Seun Kuti & Egypt 80!
