Culture Mon Nov 29 2010

December Will Be Magic Again

By Britt Julious

Kate Bush is not a recluse as much as she is an artist who understands the importance of patience (and perhaps perfectionism) when creating music. Her work ethic is counter to contemporary music trends where a new record must be released each year to sustain an increasingly finicky international audience. This great span of time between albums has subsequently helped sustain an entrenched cult fan base whose devotion is now heard through musicians such as British chanteuse Bat For Lashes, Icelandic gem Bjork, Tori Amos, as well as newer singers like Lia Ices or Glasser.

It is in the interest of Bush's local fanbase that writer Joe Erbentraut (along with promoter Joshua Wulbert) created "A Tribute to Kate Bush," an evening dedicated to Ms. Bush, as well as the numerous singers whose aesthetics are closely related to or influenced by her work.

The idea for the evening originated organically. One bout of procrastination a few months ago led Erbentraut to his vinyl collection which includes many albums by the singer. He then mentioned the idea to Wulbert, a DJ and promoter for the monthly "gothy, dark, and swirly" party Procession, held at Late Bar.

"In recent memory, I've heard of tribute nights to Bjork, Robyn, Annie Lennox and Fleetwood Mac, and thought Kate more than deserved the same here in Chicago," Erbentraut said. The event is not only unique to Chicago; it is also unique across many cities nationally, as Bush's fan base has, only recently, begun to celebrate her truly unique sound.

"I think there are a lot of musicians out there today wearing their Kate Bush influences proudly on their sleeve where they may have run away from it even ten years ago," Erbentraut began. "I'm far from the first person to say it, but Kate's music really is its very own genre."

Entertainment for the evening will include DJ sets by Procession DJs Belazauberin, Joshua and Tiger Lily, as well as guest DJ Peroxide. Music will include songs from Bush's catalog, as well as covers and songs by musicians influenced by the quirky singer. Guests can also expect a special drag performance that will pay tribute to Bush's enthusiasm and eclecticism and projections of Bush's numerous videos.

For now, the event is a one-off, but if it proves to be successful, Erbentraut believes that the idea can be revisited again, expanding to new performers and concepts. "I have a feeling there's a sleeper cell fo Kate Bush fans out there in Chicago," said Erbentraut.

"A Tribute to Kate Bush" begins at 10 pm tomorrow, November 30, at Late Bar, 3534 W Belmont. Guests must be 21 or older to attend the event and there is no cover.