On Saturday, November 2nd, I attended the Autumn Knights Tour to support my friend and bro Jeff K%NZ. It took place on the Northside of Chicago, so I grabbed my singer/songwriter sorority sister Paulette to join me...
Quick fact about me: I’ve been wanting to be more social. Since living alone for over a year now, I really see the importance of community and support. The simple gesture of showing up for someone goes a long way. So I’ve been getting out more and documenting my experiences. A month ago I went to Jeff’s art show and two weeks ago I went to a mental wellness event called Breathe (read the review here). So naturally when Jeff invited me to his performance I wanted to support.
Me and Jeff both went to Eastern Illinois University and were in the graphic design program together. From 2011 freshman year to when we graduated in 2015 we’ve had classes together. Everything from Drawing 101 to Art History and so on. We got cool because we always saw each other and were one of the only blacks in the program. He’s always been multi-faceted, because along with being a painter and drawer he’s a rapper as well. I can vividly remember him performing at EIU’s open mics and events, ever so confident each and every time!
Now back to the actual event…
Paulette and I got there around 10:45PM, it was free admission, a bar, and a “special” bar. The setup was intimate and live! There were glowing neon lights, a stage, Chicago-centric art pieces on the wall, and two TVs with the fight playing.
I had never been to a concert like this. I’ve seen Kanye and Rihanna, but of course the arena was huge and my seats were nosebleeds (cause I’m cheap). But this was different...with being so close to the stage you could literally feel the energy of the performers. And whether you heard the songs before or not, you felt inclined to participate. So there I was, ready to sing along and do my Auntie two-step with my $2.99 cooler and straw in hand (I love straws).
There were about 5-6 different acts and each one had their own vibe. The first performer was a guy named Shadow Master MC, a Chicago native with hella energy! He repped the West side with pride and told us about his time here in Chicago.
I loved how hype he was! He may have been the oldest of the performers (I’m assuming late 30s, early 40s) but from his energy you wouldn't be able to tell. He engaged the crowd, did some call/response ques and sparked up when he was done. Me and Paulette loved his vibe! So much that when he got off stage we chatted with him.
Random, but before the show started us three were actually waiting in the bathroom line together. He seemed reserved and chill, but friendly because I remember him smiling at us. So for him to go on stage moments later and turn up like that was crazy to see! He was so confident, so bold. A true performer.
One of the next performers was a guy named Frank Knight. Like the performers before him, he had his own, unique vibe. He was full of energy and had crazy stage presence! He was jumping, dancing, and even came off the stage to interact with the crowd.
Yall he even did a flip! He was so hype and it made us all hype! Frank did an exceptional job of staying energetic and engaging with the audience. I can vividly remember him giving me and lots of people eye contact. Another perk of smaller venues. Cause yes, I loved seeing Kanye at the United Center, but could Kanye see me?
No.
Being able to look into the eyes of the performers made it more special. You could feel their energy and confidence. You believed what they were saying.
In between acts we just so happened to run into the guy who set this whole show up. His name is Hussein and he’s an artist too. While on the way to the bathroom, I just randomly stopped him like “hey, isn't this cool?!” And he was “yeah we have shows here a lot.” Soon as I heard that I got into my support mode and blurted “hey, she’s a singer!” Pointing to Paulette. Why? Because not only is my sis hella talented, but I feel like that’s what you're supposed to do. If you meet somebody who a friend could network with why wouldn't you bridge the gap? All it takes is one connection to make a difference.
And guess what happened next? They connected.
Like the true millennials we are, both Paulette and Hussein were able to connect via social media and he even added her to the venue’s private Facebook group. Now Paulette has the opportunity to meet even more artists and entertainers. And who knows? A collab or business relationship could come from that. All this, because we came to support a friend.
Speaking of our friend, Jeff was scheduled to perform next! He and Sky (another EIU alum and Jeff’s best friend) were the last act and Paulette and I were eager to see them kill it.
Jeff and Sky (aka Tha GR8 Thinkas) had a real job on their hands: they were the last act and had to end the show with a bang!
That in itself is so underrated. Cause think about it, it’s a crowd full of people who’ve been there since like 9PM, everyone was lit from the bar and the “special” bar and not to mention there was already some kind of energy burned from engaging with the previous acts. So yes, there are perks to performing last, but some real responsibility and pressure comes with that too...
I made sure to watch Jeff and Sky before they went on stage. I was curious to see how they prepared themselves prior to performing in front of all these people…
Jeff seemed to do more of an internal preparation. I saw him kind of to himself, head bopping to the music and chill. Sky on the other hand was more physical. He did a couple jumps, shook his locs a few times and appeared to be getting in the zone. Again, this is something I’ve never seen before.
Because the concerts I usually go to are less intimate I can never see how the artists prepare themselves beforehand. So this was cool and made me have even more respect for artists. Next thing you know, Jeff and Sky were on…
Their energy? Unmatched. Their confidence? So evident! It was crazy seeing them perform because it’s like wow! They were just at EIU, young as hell, showcasing their songs at open mic. Now they’re here! Grown ass men doing what they love. It was so great to witness and made me hella proud.
And not to mention they were smart about it…
As you can see I am very detail oriented, so I was in there paying attention to everything! From how Jeff and Sky played off each others energy (like the true best friends they are), their interactions with the crowd, them mentioning their Instagram names during song transitions (spelling included) and even how they both had on their brand’s apparel. It was smart, it was strategic, it worked. And I was proud!
Cause all it takes is the right person to see their performance and they could be on the map! Like, they could be real life superstars. It happened for Chance the Rapper, local Chicago artist turned Grammy winner. It happened for Migos! They went from performing in local spots in Atlanta to now being one of the most influential groups of the decade.
And me and Paulette weren’t the only one’s impressed. Soon as they were done performing people swarmed Jeff and Sky congratulating them and showing respect. I made sure to get videos of that too! Cause it’s like wow y'all! People really enjoyed yall music and energy. I wanted them to be able to see the impact they had on the audience - all from being themselves.
And this is why I had to write a review on this event. Cause all it takes is that one connection. Paulette was able to connect with Hussein, the host of the event, and now she’s in a private Facebook group with artists she can potentially work with. Someone could read this review, watch Jeff and Sky’s performance and connect with them on the music or business tip! JalyssaDoubleU.com has readers all over the world, from Chicago to India, Los Angeles to Malaysia, Atlanta to Canada. And all it takes is one person to read this and it can change lives.
So I was happy to attend! Happy I could witness two guys I went to college with still pursuing their dreams!
After the show me and Jeff hugged and I mentioned what I always tell him: “one day we’re going to look back and be like remember when me and Paulette would come to your shows in Chicago? Now you got a whole ass Grammy!” We laugh, but in all honesty it’s true! And 1000% possible. Not only because they're actually talented but because they’re dedicated to their craft. They’ve been putting in the work for years! Traveling to perform, putting money into their music and enhancing their brand. I’m sure it hasn't been easy, but that hard work is going to pay off and I’m happy I’ve been able to witness the grind.
In conclusion, I had such a great time at the show! The artists were confident, hype and really put on some great performances. They were all so energetic and live! Below are a few more clips of the night and performers’ Instagram names. Follow them! If you like their music, download it! A simple like, or share can go a long way. And who knows, we may be seeing them at the Grammy’s or on the Billboard charts sooner than we think…
Til Next Time,
Have an event, product or service you’d like me to review? Feel free to leave me a message and I’ll get back to you soon.
(Affiliate marketer for Wayfair & Pink Cherry)
________________________
2019 Autumn Knights Tour, November 2, 2019 Performers
Shadow Master MC (on Facebook)
*I do not own the rights to any of this music *