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Concert Mon Jul 02 2007
The Taste - Beyond The Big Names
As always there's a plethora of talent coming to the Taste of Chicago. And what makes it even better is all the shows are free and allow you to bring your own snacks and drinks. (unlike other city fests) With an all-star lineup that features the likes of Cheap Trick, John Mayer, Black Crowes and Los Lonely Boys, some of the lesser acts get lost in the shuffle. Umphreys Mcgee is one obvious choice of a band that few have heard of that will bring fans a whole new musical experience. But the two bands opening for John Mayer on the Fourth are without a doubt two groups you should arrive early for. Rodrigo y Gabriela are an acoustic duo from Mexico that are influenced by in part by heavy metal. While cutting their chops in the Mexico City club scene the two decided to take their multi-dimensional guitar education into a group and formed their current partnership. Moving to Dublin (yes Ireland) the group found fans as street performers and in the bars while they developed a diverse, organic guitar sounds. Their sound tends to be a more upbeat, vivacious groove that is high on energy and passion, which may get lost in a massive outdoor venue, but will be perfect mood music for a delightful afternoon. The mood of the concert will definitely shift when Robert Randolph and the Family Band take the stage.
One of the most high energy, body moving acts around, the Boogie-Blues band is led by steel guitar prodigy Robert Randolph. While he dresses more like a top 40 R & B star, Randolph may be the most talented steel guitarist ever, redefining the capabilities of the instrument. Still rather young for a virtuoso, Randolph has wowed the likes of Eric Clapton, Santana, Ozzy Osbourne and Dave Matthews. Dancing will be hard to resist during this set. In fact Randolph himself regularly dances along while the band plays. The rest of the time he'll be driving home a soulful, intense explosion of sound that will leave true music fans in awe and likely wondering if a tame John Mayer is worth sticking around for.