When my West Coast buddy J.B. flew into town a few weeks back, there were two things on his mind: rock instruments and their culinary compliment, junk food. The way some folks do pub crawls, J.B. goes on “gear crawls,” searching for rare musical items for his impressive collection.
Based on our daylong adventures, here’s One Fine Day’s worth of the rock ‘n’ roll lifestyle. Ask me to rate it on a scale of 1 to 10 and, in best Spinal Tap fashion, I’d reply: “But this one goes up to 11!”
MORNING
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Before rocking out, one must fuel up. Now, the typical musician could eat breakfast at 9 a.m. (unlikely) or 3 a.m. (more likely). The folks at the Golden Apple (2971 N. Lincoln Ave., 773-528-1413) stay open around the clock. The haggard atmosphere and carb-and-fat-laden menu items make me want to slump into my booth and do my best Tom Waits growl.
A few blocks northwest, you’ll run into the gorgeous new showroom of Chicago Music Exchange (3316 N. Lincoln Ave., 773-525-7773). J.B. and I spotted members of Tom Petty’s band prowling the grounds. With hundreds and hundreds of vintage axes on the walls, you could call this place “Shut Up and Drool.” But beware, because unless you’re on a rock-star budget, prices run on the high side. Still, ain’t it fun, fun, fun to look?
AFTERNOON
Hidden behind two huge ornate doors in the Fine Arts Building is Steve Maxwell Pro Percussion (410 S. Michigan Ave., 312-360-9881). The shop is tiny, but its drums are impressive and in some cases exceptionally rare. (There’s an original Buddy Rich kit on display.) Steve answers drum and percussion queries with utmost patience and expertise, as does manager Ben Gray. J.B. landed two Zildjian cymbals of 1950s vintage, making him a most happy cat.
Next, it’s Midwest Buy and Sell (6019 W. Irving Park Rd., 773-545-2020). The guys in Wilco shop at this cramped but full-of-vibe mart, and it remains my pick for Chicago’s coolest guitar shop. Great prices, rows of unique guitars and amps, and owner Wayne Sefton has a real heart for musicians. Arrive early Saturday, as the shop closes by 5 p.m.
Also on Irving Park: The Music Store (3121 W. Irving Park Rd., 773-478-7400). Owner John Shaw is a veteran merchant and has quite a following. Guitarists visit Shaw for sound advice, square deals and his mix of oddball, vintage and budget gear.
EVENING
It’s not pan or thin crust they serve at Freddy’s Pizza, (1600 S. 61st Ave., Cicero; 708-863-9289), but wonderfully fluffy Sicilian pie in square slices that I could swear were copped from my nona’s recipe. As if that weren’t enough, Freddy’s has homemade gelato to die for, and an assortment of fresh Italian food you can eat on-site or grab and go. Should you (or I) ever be so lucky to land on a huge world tour, I’d suggest taking the Freddy’s cooks along as caterers.