GreenSugar knows how to rock the house. On Feb. 23, at Reggie’s, on the south side of Chicago, all eyes were on them. The bar was filled to the brim with GreenSugar fans; some drove, but most were shuttled giddily back and forth by the bar’s party bus, which was a blast, to say the least. Whether or not there was a party bus, the fans would have found a way to get to the show. Their fans are dedicated, and for good reason. GreenSugar is always apt to impress.
The dance floor was packed and the alcohol flowing; the Sugar fans let loose and swayed while their favorite band jammed out to catchy tunes. The band takes the blues seriously, and always takes the time to pay homage to a blues legend. This time they played Robert Johnson’s classic, “Kind Hearted Woman.” Most songs were originals, but they broke out with Clapton’s “Cocaine” just to mix it up a bit toward the end.
The lead singer and guitarist, Parker Dodson, crooned out soulful lyrics while strumming bluesy guitar riffs, along with guitarist Mike Starcevic. Jon Patrick Luby, the drummer, carries the band with his rolling hard-rock drumming, reminiscent of Led Zeppelin’s drummer, John Bonham.
At this particular show, they were working with a new bassist, Steve Wik, who brought it home by hammering away at his impressive standing double bass. They wrapped up the show with Wik up front in an energetic free-flowing rap while he jammed out on his bass, a new spin on the old GreenSugar sweetness.
GreenSugar’s smooth rockin’ sound has been influenced by classic rock artists like Led Zeppelin, Neil Young, Allman Brothers and Jimmy Hendrix. They jam out with a funky-hard-blues-rock attitude, and their chemistry is thrilling to watch. You can tell that the members are close when they are playing; the playful looks they exchange with each other during the show reflect their symbiotic relationship as they build on one another’s sounds.
Dodson is known for always playing barefoot and wearing a crazy hat. He jokes with the audience before they begin every show, just to break the ice for everyone. The band’s relationship to their audience is very intimate; we all feel like we’re part of the show, and we can feel the love.
GreenSugar plays at Reggie’s again on Friday, March 7, at 11 p.m. Check out their Myspace website at www.myspace.com/greensugarband. Send them a friend request if you are interested, and start feelin’ the love.