Pray for Chicago because this weekend Halloween is on a Saturday. Lord help us all. For the silent majority of people who don’t enjoy scores of intoxicated costumed people haunting already-crowded streets, there is an alternative: going to see Steve Gunn along with James Elkington and Nathan Salsburg perform at one of my favorite venues: Constellation.
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Hell, even if you do like Halloween and dressing up, your weekend of raging and haunting might need some gentle Americana and folk guitar to mix things up. Just take in the sweet instrumental music of James Elkington (who you probably recognize from Eleventh Dream Day and Tweedy) and folk guitarist Nathan Salsburg. Last month the two released a gorgeous album of guitar duets called “Ambsace,” and it’s a warm collection of expertly played songs that include original compositions and unique arrangements of material by Duke Ellington, The Smiths and more. While it’s a little different than the stuff we usually write about here at RedEye, any patient listener who doesn’t mind instrumentals will be smart to get tickets right away. Listen to “Up of Stairs” below.
Headlining the bill is New York-based songwriter Steve Gunn. While he sometimes plays guitar in Kurt Vile’s band the Violators, his solo output, specifically last year’s “Way Out Weather,” was one of the year’s most understated yet rewarding Americana full-lengths. A highlight of Pitchfork Fest 2015 with his fun, warm and noodling afternoon set, Gunn’s a magnificent performer not just for his swirling and grandiose guitar work but also for his charming and slightly twangy voice. And since the intimate Constellation is the kind of venue perfectly suited for a relaxed night of excellent folk music, you’d be wise to avoid the hordes of costumed crowds for this can’t miss bill. Tickets can be found here and check out his performance of “Wildwood” below.
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