USTORM
1st Birthday Party
The Park West
Chicago, IL
3-31-07



Just by looking at the front foyer of the Park West you could tell it was going to be a party. The tiny merchandise booth had a Jim Pollock poster and a USTORM 1st Birthday t-shirt, both adorning the laundry list of guests. The party goers were handed complimentary party hats and key chains as they walked into the seating and floor area. It appeared the table was set for a great night; all the party needed was some music.
The celebration was kicked off by members of the Off the Streets Club accepting a check from USTORM for $3,000 and signing Happy Birthday in return. The dust barely had time to clear before Brendan Bayliss (Umphrey’s McGee, USTORM) and Jeff Austin (Yonder Mountain String Band) had settled on stage. The duo would run through a few songs they have written together over the course of the past year. At first glance, the first few songs “Always Up”, “#6” and “Susanah” all have a very soothing mixture of mandolin and acoustic guitar that is upbeat for the most part. In contrast, I couldn’t help but sense a little bit of sarcasm in the lyrics that accompanied them. This comedic pair slowly started to spin the revolving door of musicians, inviting Jake Cinninger (Umphrey’s McGee) to play guitar on “That’s The Way”. With no delay Cinninger belted out that Zeppelin tune then jumped behind the drum kit to make way for Al Schnier (moe.) and Ron Johnson (New Monsoon) - who took over on guitar and bass, respectively. The now five-piece band ran through “Grave” before Austin made his way off of the stage, so that “the rock-show” could begin.
This meant that Aron Magner (The Disco Biscuits) could add a little spice on the piano and keyboard rig. The revolving door would continue allowing the “band” to add their own unique twists and turns to crowd favorites “Willin’” [Little Feat], “Fearless” [Pink Floyd] & “Aint No Sunshine” [Bill Withers]. A very unique, bluegrass version of “I’ve Just Seen a Face” [The Beatles] was even slipped in there with Bayliss and Schnier sharing the stage. The set ended in dramatic fashion starting with Bayliss playing “It Makes No Difference” [The Band] on acoustic guitar as Jennifer Hartswick (Trey Anastasio Band) basically stole the show on lead vocals. After a deep breath, a few more guests were brought out to play on “Wish You Were Here” [Pink Floyd] before closing the set with The Band’s “The Weight”. This seemed to be a very fitting end to the set, at least to me. Bringing up all the guests to celebrate “The First Waltz” really seemed to be a defining moment for the USTORM organization. There you had members of at least seven different bands all showing what “United So Together Our Reach Multiplies” really means.
The second set started right where the first left off, with another super-jam. The partying crowd watched as Andy Farag, and Kris Myers (of UM) took the stage along side band mates Bayliss and Cinninger to nearly complete the Umphrey’s McGee line-up. (Joel Cummins could not be in attendance). This was rounded off by Al Schnier, Aron Magner and Marc Brownstein (The Disco Biscuits) filling in the holes - the band launched into a loose rendition of Umphrey’s McGee’s “In the Kitchen”. What an ever-evolving tune this song has become - it morphed into a free-for-all jam that surprised the hell out of me. To watch these seasoned veterans communicate through head nods, pointing, laughing and a few leg kicks was a pleasure. The music was actually breathing, no body wanted to suffocate the listener with any over-playing and every body had their day in the sun during this roller coaster ride of segue. The end result was a nice transition into another Pink Floyd cover, “Have a Cigar”. The pace picked up under the command of Magner’s vocals, while he almost rapped the lyrics, he played a little one-handed synthesizer. To follow this one up, the Talking Heads classic “Life During Wartime” shot the energy through the roof. Although, as a critic, I must say that this may have been the low point of the show musically, but it also may have been the high point in terms of crowd energy. Not a soul stood-still as Ron Johnson and Cinninger held the rhythm down with Al Schnier taking over on lead vocals. Although there was a missed change or two and some lyrical revisions, the piece came off just as it was intended; loose and loud. I couldn’t help but laugh as I watched Magner play the synth solos as if he was riding a bull; one hand on the board and one hand up behind him, keeping his balance.
The song would slowly fade into “Dear Prudence” [The Bealtes], allowing for some nice trade offs between Al Schnier and Jeff Austin. The ever-evolving line-up soon gave way for a horn section consisting of Jen Hartswick on trumpet and Josh Quinlan (Ray’s Music Exchange) on sax. The opening notes of Herbie Hancock’s “Chameleon” sent chills down my spine. Hartswick and Quinlan accented the thick and muddy lines that Magner was throwing down, ala Herbie. Jake Cinninger hopped off the kit, allowing for Myers to return, along with Ryan Stasik (Umphrey’s McGee) on bass to complete the trilogy of The Band’s songs with a horn-blaring version of “Ophelia”. The set would roll on with a guest appearance from Barry Brown (Jack Straw, USTORM) on the keys for “Willie the Pimp” [Zappa], followed by the Radiohead anthem, “Karma Police”. Al Schnier once again got the spotlight to showcase some guitar work on moe’s “Moth” which proved to be a crowd favorite. After the sing along, Jen Hartswick came back out to belt “Helter Skelter” [The Beatles] and seal her reputation as a “rock star” forever. Not to be out-done at his own event, Brendan Bayliss crooned to the ladies with Beck’s “Debra”, nailing the falsetto and receiving his own hefty applause for it.
This marathon set of over 2 hours in length winded down with a tip of the hat to The Disco Biscuits fans with “Home Again”. The line-up took a final spin as members of UM and tDB joined forces to become The Brain Damaged Eggmen! Choosing to close out with “Brain Damage>Eclipse” [Pink Floyd], the show came to a halt with the crowd on its feet begging for an encore. The ensuing encore of Paul Simon’s “Late in the Evening” was the perfect indication that it was near closing time and the party was over.
What a party indeed! A party that would not be possible without the additional efforts of Kevin Kostelecky (The Store, USTORM) and Mike Lemaistre (Jam Productions, USTORM). The behind the scenes work of Wade Wilby (My Chemical Romance), Robbie Williams (UM), Adam Budney (UM), Bob Ston (UM) and Kevin Gregory (YMSB) also played an integral part in making this event happen. It was quite the unique event in hindsight. The premise of the show was to help raise money for music and arts programs, this was done by performing music with artistic and charitable merit; music that once inspired these artists at a young age. You see, I was beginning to see the full circle here. The artists giving back to the art, what a beautiful thing to be a part of! What made it all the better was that this was not just one band; it was a combination of musicians coming together for this one purpose. Being able to combine their differences to make one congealed sound was a rare treat to watch. Kudos to USTORM for creating one of the most diverse gatherings this side of a festival, and frankly, I don’t think I could have asked for a better party.

Review by Brandon DeJaynes

photo care of USTORM.org

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