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By: Charley Borneman
Jeff Tweedy :: 02.13.09 :: The Vic Theatre :: Chicago, IL
 Jeff Tweedy |
This was the first of two shows for Jeff Tweedy at The Vic Theatre. The solo acoustic benefit show was a medley of comedy, folk and rock music. Initial ticket prices started at $250.00 and $300.00, but interest was low and prices were adjusted to $50.00 and $100.00. Call it a thermometer of today's recessionary times but the end result was 1,400 fans being treated to an intimate night of requested songs and comical banter. It was a charity concert for the Montessori School in Chicago, which is becoming an annual affair for the Tweedy family.
Tweedy took the stage amidst a backdrop of a guitar cornucopia, ensuring the fans their night of music would include a diverse variety of acoustic measures. Tweedy has come a long way from his salad days, no longer reticent and suffering from migraines, his stage presence now brims with confidence. His jovial mood was apparent from the first note as he exchanged greetings with the audience. He joked early and often about everything, from the songs requested to his family life, often referencing his wife and some of the day-to-day quirks they share, including one he parlayed into a looping song that reappeared throughout the evening. Needless to say, Tweedy's antics were hilarious and made for a very entertaining three hours.
The requested song list included the entire gambit of Tweedy's career path from Uncle Tupelo to Wilco. The new ballad "Everlasting Everything" was one of the first songs played and was warmly accepted by the seemingly knowledgeable crowd. "Box Full of Letters" and "Hummingbird" followed, continuing the slower, mellow theme. However, the leisurely and acoustic menu for the evening was inhibiting Tweedy from taking music to certain levels. He expressed his desire to elevate his guitar playing and cross the threshold into an impromptu acoustical or vocal jam. The crowd responded with an encouraging cheer, which seemed to give Tweedy the carte blanche he was seeking.
Later on in the first set, the popular "Airline to Heaven" got the crowd going as they sang the chorus in unison. One fan attempted to start a clap along during "Airline" but was comically mocked by Tweedy. This led to more laughs from the crowd and eventually the first set finished with a marvelous rendition of the title track from Wilco's third album Summerteeth.
 Tweedy by Tony Stack |
Tweedy took a short break before coming out for the second set. He acknowledged the crowd and thanked everyone for coming out for such a good cause. The young business casual crowd was generally attentive and well behaved with the occasional exception. There was one reoccurring "Jesus etc" request that was eventually granted, eliciting a roar from the crowd, although one wonders if the applause was for the song or for the silencing of the overzealous fan. Either way, it was well played and this commercial success is always well received.
Tweedy even managed to cover some of the legends that he himself has followed. Bob Dylan's poignant "Simple Twist of Fate" and Brian Wilson's "Love and Mercy" were welcomed additions to the night's playlist. Tweedy's take on Dylan's famous ballad was well done and fit in nicely even if it was a mystery to most of the audience. The show finished off with Tweedy playing "The Thanks I Get" as an encore without the use of the P.A. It was an appropriate way to finish off an intimate, outstanding evening.
Jeff Tweedy continues to grow as an artist, person, husband and father. His ever-increasing confidence is widely apparent and only enhances his ability to entertain a crowd. His ability to grow in such a way while continuing to stay grounded is not only a testament to him but also his friends and family. An intimate setting like The Vic Theatre is a perfect venue to observe this always-evolving artist. It was an inside look at one of Chicago's real life heroes and judging from the crowd's reaction, his iconic status will continue well into the future.
Jeff Tweedy :: 02.13.09 :: The Vic Theatre :: Chicago, IL
Set One: Remember The Mountain Bed, The Community Song, new song (Everlasting Everything), Lost Love, Thirteen, Box Full Of Letters, Muzzle Of Bees, Hummingbird, Airline To Heaven, Love & Mercy, No More Poetry, Simple Twist Of Fate, Nothing'severgonnastandinmyway(again), I Can't Keep From Talking, Hate It Here, Should've Been In Love, Summer Teeth,
Set Two: Someday Some Morning Sometime, Laminated Cat, Wilco The Song, Casino Queen, Jesus, Etc., Gun, California Stars, We've Been Had, Kingpin, Fake Plastic Trees, Heavy Metal Drummer, I'm The Man Who Loves You
Encore: The Thanks I Get (played at edge of stage with no P.A.)
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