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In the City of Big Shoulders
There it sat, massive and muscled at the foot of Lake Michigan, the Second City.
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photos by David
Part of the Two Way audience
David and Dave, Folkstage
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In the City of Big Shoulders
There it sat, massive and muscled at the foot of Lake Michigan, the Second City.
photos by David
Part of the Two Way audience David and Dave, Folkstage
Letters
September 27th-29th, 2002
Our visit to Chicago was precipitated by an invitation from Rich Warren to appear on Folkstage, his live radio
broadcast on WFMT. This much anticipated gig was linked with an appearance at the Two Way Street, a long running
and well-supported folk club in Downers Grove.
The Grove was far from a downer, the club being packed to capacity with others waiting in the hall to get in. It
was a venue for performing, a listening and singing crowd, and very welcoming. Dave and I had an excellent time
in that church basement, enjoying the crowd and the room itself. The club has been running for many years and we
were feeling fortunate to be a part of its continuance. We owe Dave Humphreys, the man in charge, a great debt
of gratitude for helping us overcome a malingering visa problem. His efforts secured us the work permit in time.
This is no small feat in the present climate.
The radio show in Chicago was a different scene, an excellent studio with a live audience and a live broadcast.
This always adds a certain urgency to the situation, as well as some healthy excitement. Fortunately for us we
were on solid ground here, on a well-known and appreciated show with an unflappable host. I liked to think of the
radio audience listening in as we went through the set. There is still a somewhat magical aspect to radio for me.
The studio audience was encouraging and enthusiastic throughout. The anticipation I was feeling about this gig
was not misplaced.
We managed a trip into the city on the El train, taking pictures of tourists taking pictures of wedding parties
down by the water and the wall of buildings that make up Michigan Avenue. Our billet with Peter and Nancy Clark
was an added benefit, and we thank them very much for their hospitality. I am already looking forward to our return
in the coming year. I saw enough to know I would like to see more. There are a few more El trains to take, a few
more excursions into those urban canyons.
.