Homeless Gospel Choir, Zach Quinn, Hi Ho, & Sam Porter in Chicago, IL

On Saturday, June 17th, Mat and I headed to Chicago’s Wicker Park neighborhood to catch an early show in the

Jul 1, 2017

On Saturday, June 17th, Mat and I headed to Chicago’s Wicker Park neighborhood to catch an early show in the downstairs venue of Subterranean. Sam Porter of Kala Masi (formerly known as The Howl) opened the show followed by Hi Ho, the solo project of Gillian McGhee of Turnspit. Zach Quinn, of PEARS fame, played the next acoustic set. Although he stated through his all black sunglasses that performing solo rattles him, you would have hardly guessed it as he seemed relaxed throughout the his set, joking with the audience.

Finally, The Homeless Gospel Choir took the stage. This was my first time seeing him perform live. In fact, I only recently discovered the magic that is THGC. His stage presence, singable storytelling, and punk vigor reminded me of when I first heard Frank Turner years ago (before we were all informed that he’s a crazed right-winger). I was enamored with THGC’s melodic call to action to rise up, to be your true self, to start a band or make art, and to just be you. The more I listened, the more I was drawn in. This is the type of punk music that we need right now and I cannot wait for the release of THGC’s full length later this year.

Take a look at some photos from the night below!