Show #3 Buddy Guy

Venue Buddy Guys Blues Legends January 18, 2020

Capacity 500

Photo by “front row Joe”

Well the Tedeschi Trucks tickets were a tough ticket to get in Chicago this weekend but the toughest ticket in town this weekend was Buddy Guy playing at his own blues club. Oh course, yours truly and his second half side kick, Joe Matthys were all over it and had planned ahead and had a couple of tickets.

At 83, Buddy Guy only plays select dates at his club and only in January. With capacity of 500 people it’s a small intimate venue. Doors for the Buddy Guy show opened at noon that day and Buddy didn’t come on till 11PM!

Joe and I rushed to the venue directly from the TTB show at the Chicago Theater arriving via Uber at 10:55, five minutes to spare! We picked up our credentials and looked for a perch in the ultra packed club.

credentials and we were good to go.

Crammed into a small spot next to the bar Joe and I were eagerly awaiting Buddy to take the stage. Buddy came on at 11:10 with his band and proceeded to rip it up. Between songs Buddy was regaling the crowd with stories and plenty of “F bombs”.

Joe and I tried several spots to get a better view of the stage but to no avail. Every time we got to a good view security came by and moved us along. I settled down by the bar and Joe was in search of a better perch. About half way through the show I see Joe being escorted by two security guards and I assumed he was getting tossed for standing where he was not supposed to be so may times. To my surprise the security detail walked Joe around the crowd and right up front and put him in the best seat in house right next to the stage! I guess they know a real fan when they see one. So the name “front row Joe” was born.

Great show and great shots from “front row Joe”

Buddy playing with his teeth!

Next up two nights of Railroad Earth next weekend at the Belly Up Tavern Solona Beach CA. I bet its warmer!

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