July 30, 2007
Q'n'A w/ Sir Jesse Irwin
52nd City has bestowed knighthood upon Jesse Irwin, that lovable rake from the South Side, via Desoto, MO. He's been kind enough to work out a BBQ Benefit for us at Off Broadway this Thursday night. We'll be kicking things off at 8 p.m., for an early edition of the Chippewa Chapel. Come on down!
We sent Sir Irwin a list of questions earlier today and between his day job, homework and happy hour commitments, the young feller made time for us, with these here answers to our questions about the Chapel, its new home and his recording plans:
You have some pretty ambitious goals for the Chippewa Chapel. What are you looking to do in the coming year?
We are seeking sponshorship from an unnamed beer company to promote the chapel through print and radio ads. We are coming out with chapel merch and starting an 8 p.m. free concert series featuring chapel performers. We will have our own Mardi Gras float. we are planning on getting an intern from Webster University.
How has the composition of the players changed since you began going? And since the venue moved from Frederick's?
There is less randomness than at Frederick's, but that will all come back once the word gets out. Some of the old Frederick's crowd will show up, and sometimes people that we met while traveling. There are some new faces since we've been at Off Boadway and it's good to see things growing. People fade in and out, but we almost never see anyone just once.
What's fun about playing at a set place, week-after-week, as opposed to the older system of rotating through clubs?
We have the best room in town at Off Broadway, killer sound, and all we have to do is host. That frees us up to make the changeovers smoother and make sure our guests are comfortable. When it's time to go home we don't have to haul a PA system. It's great. We are getting much bigger crowds since we've been staying put.
How's your songwriting going these days?
Slowly. I'm doing everything but writing songs. I'm having a lot of fun, though.
Any releases upcoming for you, solo or with Dock Ellis?
My new CD should be done in October. Loof for something from Dock Ellis by December