Chauncey and Chumley's Dad

I had a wonderful time hearing some live Hardcore Punk at Cobra Lounge in Chicago. I have seen War on Women twice at Riot Fest and was excited to see them in a small club setting. Chicago band Snuffed opened the show followed by Buffalo band Spaced. While I heard these two bands, I did not actually see them perform as I opted to relax and have a couple of beers at the bar. (My Riot Fest favorite Wonder Beer from the All Rise brewery attached to Cobra Lounge.) I eventually made my way into the stage room to see Toronto band Cancer Bats play a great set, and War on Women (Baltimore) play an outstanding set. Following covid lock-down,  I’ve been to three outdoor festivals (Riot Fest twice and Pitchfork Festival) and one theater show (Tedeschi Trucks Band at Chicago Theater). This was my first club show in exactly three years when I saw Pkew Pkew Pkew at Cobra Lounge. It was good to be back!

Since I’m still buzzing from the show, I’m kicking off the weekend with War on Women.

My first visit to Cobra Lounge was fantastic night of Punk Rock! This was a Riot Fest show and I went specifically to see the headliner Pkew Pkew Pkew. I saw them at Riot Fest back in September. Their music is simply just fun Pop Punk. You gotta love lyrics like:

Mid twenties skateboarder I hope I don't get hurt

Drinking a six pack beer Takes away all the fear

The opening bands were all very good. Ramona was excellent. I did not really see Weekend as I went and sat at the bar for their set, but I could hear their music and it sounded good. The Jacob Horn Trio is actually a sextet, but they have three horn players (two saxophone and one trumpet). Hence the name. Interesting blend of horns with Punk Music but they were way too loud.

Cobra Lounge was owned by Sean McKeough, co-founder of Riot Fest. He tragically passed away three years ago at age 42. It is connected to All Rise Brewery which serves the draft beers at Riot Fest. It has three rooms; one for the live music, one for dining and drinking and another that is part of the brewery. It is just an excellent venue. I look forward to going back again sometime soon!

UP NEXT!

I’m kicking off the weekend with a band I’m amped to see tonight, Toronto’s Pkew Pkew Pkew.