A musical Treasure in Edgewater

[rating=4]One of the greatest things about Chicago is that we have little storefront venues that pop up everywhere. I remember summer school at Sullivan High School back in the 50’s and at that time Devon and Glenwood was East Rogers Park. The are is now called Edgewater ( has a better sound to it, I guess) and on that corner there is a place called Uncommon Ground. It is a storefront restaurant ( with a beautiful outside patio for dining) and inside, a very nice little Cabaret. Last night I attended one of their musical evenings. I did not dine, but based on what I saw at the tables around me, I can guarantee that I will take my team down for a dining review soon.

I came for the show, and boy , oh boy, did I get a show! Three fantastic talents, all doing their “thing”, which is telling their stories with music and conversation. The three ladies were Lynn Nardelli, who I had never heard before. Based on her story, she was a late bloomer when it came to “telling her story thru music”. Her voice is powerful and with Shawn McKenzie at her side they did a great set. Songs like “Inspire My Life” and her own “Demon” as well as “Don’t You Forget Me”, got the evening off to a great start. As she ended her set, she was joined by Natalie Myre Hart ( who put the evening together) for a duet.

The stage was then taken by Cory Goodrich, who I have watched grace many a Chicago area stage in all types of roles. I have also seen her grown as an artists ( with one of her paintings hanging in my office) and of course I have read her biography and have interviewed her on my radio show. I would have to say that I am one of her many followers. Cory plays many instruments and of course started out with the guitar. She told stories during her set to set up the songs that we heard. One was about a play that she did called “Dogs the Musical”. While Cory has had the experience of being in shows that might be called “dogs”, she is always at the top of her game and gives the audience 110%. Cory is charming and has style and grace. Onstage with her is Jacob Sweet who is dynamite as a back-up and I would think that he is even stronger when he is the performer. As a side-man he is terrific.

The third performance of the evening was Natalie, who did a few numbers with Cory and then told us her life story set to music. Both Cory and Natalie agreed that when they write songs they “write what they know”, which translates t life itself. Natalie just had another child and wrote a song dedicated to same called “Brown Eyes” which we were all privy to last night. The ladies finished the evening with a trio doing “Armor” about making me stronger- well, guess what? These ladies are all strong at what they do and if you read or hear they are playing anywhere, buy a ticket or make a reservation as quick as you can. I would have to say 90 minutes of pure magic on Devon Avenue.

Uncommon Ground is located at 1401 West Devon Avenue in Chicago . To check out other events and shows there, visit www.uncommonground.com

They also have a location in Lakeview at 3800 N. Clark Street with Open Mike nights, Trivia nights and much more.