G. Love Kicks off Tour at Chicago’s House of Blues
In 1994 I was in college. That’s the same year G. Love and Special Sauce released their self-titled album that went on to achieve gold status. The timing could not have been better – I was ready for a new sound, and that’s exactly what I got.
G. Love (Garrett Dutton III) has a style that infuses blues, some hip-hop and even occasional jazz riffs into one rolling, steady rhythm. It’s one of those sounds that sticks with you immediately – you could hear it once, then not again for years and still know exactly who it is within the first few seconds. It’s rare in music to come across an act that stands alone, but this is just such an example.
Post-college, I kept up with G. Love and Special Sauce through the releases of Coast to Coast Motel, Yeah, It’s That Easy, and Philadelphonic. Then, for whatever reason, I lost track. That’s until a few weeks ago, when I noticed they were kicking off a tour, right here in Chicago at House of Blues, one of the finest venues in town. And as if fate intervened, a friend and fellow Sound Citizen scooped up tickets to the show and extended an invite to me. So thanks, Brad. I owe you one.
The show was part of a charity event hosted by Chicago Cubs broadcasters (and performing musicians) Len Kasper and Bob Brenly. Charity, local Chicago celelbrities and G. Love … and it wasn’t sold out? Interesting and perplexing, but fine by me. The thing is, everyone there had a long history with G. Love and the Sauce. So the crowd was just right.
It was a laid back night, to be sure. And no doubt, the 5,000 pounds of pot in the air didn’t hurt. Seriously, it’s the most weed I’ve ever seen burned at any concert – and I’m talking more than shows like Phish at Red Rocks. Believe it.
Well, we had a great time. I’ve heard that G. Love either brings it, or leaves it back home. This night, he brought it full force. Or, at least as forceful as one of his shows can be. I was teleported back to Des Moines, Iowa, when kegs were still tapped at frat parties and flannel was still hanging on. While those things have faded with time, G. Love and Special Sauce are timeless – I’m glad I was reminded of this, and encourage you to do the same.
Below is some video from the show – a compilation and below that is a performance of “Cold Beverage.” Enjoy. Listed below the videos are G. Love’s 2010 tour dates.
| Feb 3 2010 | 8:00P | The Lyric Oxford | Oxford, Mississippi |
| Feb 4 2010 | 8:00P | House of Blues – New Orleans | New Orleans, Louisiana |
| Feb 5 2010 | 8:00P | House of Blues – Dallas | Dallas, Texas |
| Feb 6 2010 | 8:00P | The Warehouse | Houston, Texas |
| Feb 9 2010 | 8:00P | Orpheum Theater | Flagstaff, Arizona |
| Feb 11 2010 | 8:00P | The Marquee | Tempe, Arizona |
| Feb 12 2010 | 8:00P | House of Blues – San Diego | San Diego, California |
| Feb 13 2010 | 8:00P | House of Blues – Hollywood | W. Hollywood, California |
| Feb 14 2010 | 8:00P | Downtown Brew | San Luis Obispo, California |
| Feb 17 2010 | 8:00P | Harlow’s | Sacramento, California |
| Feb 18 2010 | 8:00P | The Fillmore | San Francisco, California |
| Feb 19 2010 | 8:00P | The Catalyst | Santa Cruz, California |
| Feb 20 2010 | 8:00P | Harrah’s Lake Tahoe South Shore Room | Lake Tahoe, Nevada |
| Feb 21 2010 | 8:00P | McNears Mystic Theatre | Petaluma, California |
| Feb 24 2010 | 8:00P | Humboldt Brews | Arcata, California |
| Feb 25 2010 | 8:00P | WOW Hall | Eugene, Oregon |
| Feb 26 2010 | 8:00P | Knitting Factory | Spokane, Washington |
| Feb 27 2010 | 8:00P | Knitting Factory | Boise, Idaho |
| Mar 5 2010 | 8:00P | Turner Hall | Milwaukee, Wisconsin |
| Mar 6 2010 | 8:00P | Barrymore Theatre | Madison, Wisconsin |
| Mar 7 2010 | 8:00P | First Avenue | Minneapolis, Minnesota |
| Mar 10 2010 | 8:00P | House Of Blues – Cleveland | Cleveland, Ohio |
| Mar 11 2010 | 8:00P | Intersection | Grand Rapids, Michigan |
| Mar 12 2010 | 8:00P | Madison Theatre | Covington, Kentucky |
| Mar 13 2010 | 8:00P | The Pageant | St. Louis, Missouri |
| Mar 16 2010 | 8:00P | Exit-In | Nashville, Tennessee |
| Mar 17 2010 | 8:00P | The Orange Peel | Asheville, North Carolina |
| Mar 18 2010 | 8:00P | Valarium | Knoxville, Tennessee |
| Mar 19 2010 | 8:00P | The Music Farm | Charleston, South Carolina |
| Mar 20 2010 | 8:00P | Amos’ Southend | Charlotte, North Carolina |
| Mar 23 2010 | 8:00P | The Handlebar | Greenville, South Carolina |
| Mar 24 2010 | 8:00P | Freebird Live | Jacksonville, Florida |
| Mar 25 2010 | 8:00P | Culture Room | Fort Lauderdale, Florida |
| Mar 26 2010 | 8:00P | The Ritz | Ybor City, Florida |
| Mar 27 2010 | 8:00P | House Of Blues – FL | Lake Buena Vista, Florida |
| Mar 29 2010 | 8:00P | WorkPlay Theater | Birmingham, Alabama |
| Mar 31 2010 | 8:00P | George’s Majestic Lounge | Fayetteville, Arkansas |
| Apr 1 2010 | 8:00P | Revolution Music Hall | Little Rock, Arkansas |
| Apr 2 2010 | 8:00P | Cain’s Ballroom | Tulsa, Oklahoma |
| Apr 3 2010 | 8:00P | Antone’s | Austin, Texas |
I would have gone but this was a Chicago Cubs event… And I hate them Cubbies… Never mix music and sports unless you are Fogerty.