Essays, Interviews, Observations, Pop Culture, Stories, and other Dodginess

Posts by Liffey

UK Grief’s St. Pat’s Loft Gig

Posted on March 17, 2015

On Saturday night UK Grief played a St. Pat’s gig at the same Chicago Wicker Park loft of its “first and last gig.” Being Irish, I’m like the vampire that takes Halloween off. It’s amateur hour. All the amateurs come out wearing their “Kiss Me I’m Irish” buttons (who still wears buttons?) and stupid green Leprechaun hats. I did have a Pot ‘o Gold, however – growler of  Half Acre Space IPA that I treated myself. It was the only thing I carried in with me to the loft. We were back. UK Grief – myself, Chicago reclusive author Clive Javanski (keyboards), Aidan (bass), Franz (guitar), and Sasha (percussion and vocals). I didn’t even know we’d be doing this gig as recent as Friday. My…

Happy Birthday Asshole

Posted on March 7, 2015

It was my birthday last week. My friend Aidan brought me a growler of Half Acre Space IPA. “Happy Birthday Asshole,” he said. It was the same thing he said to me in junior high at our Chicago Catholic school after bringing me a bag of unconsecrated hosts from the church sacristy. “Happy Birthday Asshole.” I had just opened the growler when my neighbor, Ms. Weregun, knocked on me door. She had a birthday present for me. It was a cat litter box. “But I don’t have a cat,” I said. “Well get one, asshole,” she said. My first birthday after college an attractive but somewhat worn-looking girl knocked on my apartment door. Underneath her long coat was a cheerleading uniform. She was some…

September Girls

Posted on February 12, 2015

They’re girls. They rock. They’re from Dublin. They kick my ass and yours. What else is there to know? Here’s their new interview on The Dodgy. September Girls are Lauren, Paula, Caoimhe, Jessie, and Sarah. This interview is with Lauren. How did the band form?  Paula, Caoimhe, Jessie and I are all old friends, and have made music together in various incarnations over the years. Paula met Sarah in 2011 through another project and suggested she drum with us. She was the perfect fit so we officially formed September Girls in – surprise surprise – September of that year. What’s been your favorite place to play live and why? I think my favourite gig so far has to be our last gig at CMJ…