Anyone who’s been by the Hideout over the last few months knows that the bar’s owners have been enthusiastic supporters of Barack Obama—a huge banner of the president-elect’s face has hung over the building’s facade since the election season heated up, and co-owner Tim Tuten has frequently used his interminable band intros as mini Obama rallies.
As a culmination of the Hideout’s participation in the campaign, the club has organized the Big Shoulders Ball, a blowout concert on Monday, January 19–the night before the inauguration–at the Black Cat in Washington, D.C. Tortoise, the Waco Brothers, Eleventh Dream Day, Jon Langford & Sally Timms, David “Honeyboy” Edwards, Ken Vandermark, Freakwater, Icy Demons, and Judson Claiborne are confirmed and “special guests” are promised. In keeping with Hideout’s scrappy vibe, attendees are “encouraged (but not required!) to wear vintage, thrift-store, hand-me-down and ex-bridesmaid formal attire.” UPDATE: Andrew Bird has been added to the bill.
Tickets are just $50 and go on sale this afternoon at 4 PM Chicago time (5 PM EST) through the Black Cat’s web site, according to this morning’s announcement. (The Black Cat’s actually sells its tickets through its Ticketmaster minisite, so service charges will be in effect.) They’ll also be on sale behind the bar at the Hideout without any additional charges.
The club has chartered a couple buses for “performers, staff, friends and participants in its GOTV activities,” so if you think you might be a friend of the Hideout, you might have a ride. UPDATE: Bus ride not free–$200 round trip.
A chunk of the proceeds will go to the Chicago Public Schools marching band program and the Future of Music Coalition; the event is copresented by Interchange, an organization that uses music and art to encourage participation in the political process.
Today’s playlist:
Gabi Lunca, Sounds From a Bygone Age, Vol. 5 (Asphalt Tango)
Dafnis Prieto Sextet, Taking the Soul for a Walk (Dafnison Music)
7k Oaks, 7000 Oaks (Die Schachtel)
Melissa St. Pierre, Specimens (Radium)
Denman Maroney Quartet, Gaga (Nuscope)