WEEK OF 12/6/2019

Tasha / 📷 : Kyle Land

With belly’s full of festive nosh and spirits awash in familiar and friendship festivities, an eclectic crowd of music lovers descended on Lincoln Hall Thanksgiving Saturday for an evening of local singer/songwriters that turned into a must see event as softly churning Bunny, unmistakably witty V.V. Lightbody, and the unforgettable Tasha put on show that will live on in memory for years as a stirring and beautiful night.

Jessica Viscius has been a face in the scene for a few years, and together with her sister Alexa on bass and Tim Makowski on guitar, Bunny has been producing quitely gripping bedroom tunes since 2016. They returned after a personal hiatus with fresh singles last year and are currently working on new recordings, many of which were on display in their too short opening set. In touch with a deftly patient demeanor and craft, Viscius weaves intricate plodding melodies with a sardonic confessional tone that works so well in tunes like “Let Me Be Your Dog” and “Not Even You”. But the newer songs held a quietness and maturity that makes her next recordings highly anticipated. Full of composed intensity and a willingness to reach into her gut and display her true feelings, regardless of the outcome, is where Viscius captures the true artists soul.

After an amazing 2018, Vivian McConnell out did herself this year. The artist behind V.V. Lightbody went on tour with Lala Lala, joined forces with Dos Santos drummer Daniel Villarreal to form the most unbelievable sounds as duo Valebol, played with Divino Nino and Accessory, (and probably more we are missing) and still found time to wrap on a fresh V.V. album that will be coming next year. With a set chock full of new songs, surely from the just recorded record, and a few favorites from last years Bathing Peach, McConnell was joined by her outstanding band for excellent renditions of new singles “Car Alarm,” “Baby, Honestly,” and more. Her honest tone and commanding stage presence makes McConnell a must see act in 2020, good thing she’s hitting TNK Fest twice this January as V.V. Lightbody opens for Stella Donnelly on January 17th, and as Valebol opens for Resavoir on January 18th. Both shows are back at Lincoln Hall.

Sometimes grace and soul find a home within a single person, and Tasha is certainly one of those special individuals. Accompanied by what she refered to as her “big gay band” (an all female backing band of excellent musicians); and her usual humble yet fearless demeanor, Tasha took to the hometown stage with an awe inspiring vigor. Opening with her customary poem and running through a great deal of 2018 standout Alone at Last, as well as a few new songs, the Chicago born and bred artist brought her Mother onstage to do her excellent version of the Dixie Chicks’ “Lullaby.” Between tunes you could hear small shuffles but not a word was spoken, besides the occasional “wow tasha wow” (the artists social media handle) gleefully emoted by a touched member of the crowd, always accompanied by a wide unassuming grin from Tasha or a “it never gets old.” It doesn’t: “wow tasha wow.” Truly blessed were all who attended this gorgeous evening. And when Viscius and McConnell joined Tasha for an encore, the three seated downstage in a genuinely intimate and once in a lifetime moment, the magic was undeniable.

-Kyle Land