On a frigid Tuesday night, the Hideout in Chicago was alive with warmth, laughter, and hot chocolate as The Faux Paws delivered a performance that felt equal parts intimate gathering and unrestrained celebration. Folk, Contra Dance, and Celtic influences collided with modern flair, making it a night to remember for every swaying body and clapping hand in the room.
From Alaska to Chicago: Ava’s Endearing Opener
Opening the night was Ava Earl, a Northwestern University student hailing from Alaska with a knack for self-deprecating humor and a burning vendetta against “Kaleb with a K.” Her voice, lilting with a playful wiggle, carried lyrics that tugged at your heartstrings and made you want to offer her a hug—or a hot chocolate. Her retort in "Jealous Again," with its Liz Phair-like edge, was a masterclass in youthful defiance. "Seems I was mistaken. You weren't ever my friend," she sang, delivering lines from her own perspective in a song that could answer back to the Black Crowes tune released in the last century, 1990.
When The Faux Paws took the stage, the energy shifted from Ava’s jibbery job of warming up the crowd to pure exuberance. Andrew VanNorstrand was sure to show off Ava’s guitar. Seems he had a bit of a guitar emergency during sound check and Ava stepped up to let him use her guitar. Thank you, Ava, it sounded great all night long!
With plenty of instrumental tunes to choose from, Faux Paws' second song, featuring a killer saxophone riff, immediately had the crowd on their feet. "Sailing to Denver / Red Top" was a rhythmic blend of Irish-Celtic influences and contemporary folk, with the added charm of Noah’s clog dancing keeping the beat alive. The first track Spotify suggests is “Guacmaster” and not long after they launched into that tune, the room erupted into a joyful chaos of spinning partners and stomping feet.
Together in the Moment: The Faux Paws Experience
The band’s synergy was undeniable, it’s very evident they have played together and are very comfortable with each other’s style. Andrew VanNorstrand’s guide to contra choreography unfolded in real-time, with wavy lines of dancers moving in opposing momentum, perfectly synced to the tempo and phrasing of each track. Meanwhile, the bass swayed, the fiddle and banjo fired on all cylinders when Chris Miller sat the saxophone down, but that saxophone added a touch of sass that made the room buzz with excitement.
Their mid-set banter kept the crowd engaged, even if they went into a sad song. “Everybody say it with me now, AWWWWWW!” They admitted to the crowd that they were tired of the same setlist, but they did also squeak out “Good Song” and that was probably the best song, all things considered. This song is all about what a good song it is. I think it might just be the best song in the biz. There ain’t no song, like a Good Song.
"Hey all you college kids, what are you gonna do when TikTok goes away next week? Listen to our album," quipped Noah, before diving into a track from their upcoming release. The new material, set to drop in May, promises to extend the band's reputation for innovative, feel-good folk. It was such a poignant and real observation that Noah made talking about, “What does it even mean to release something into the world these days? You could buy our album or listen to it for free on the internet. We’d sure appreciate that. But look at this room filled in Chicago on a Tuesday night! That’s what it's all about.”
Contra Rhythms and Collective Joy
In a set that ranged from high-energy contra choreography to slower, introspective tunes, The Faux Paws delivered emotional highs and lows with finesse. The slower pieces, like their tender lullaby encore, let the audience bask in the catharsis of the night. That's the story of, that's the glory of, love. Zoe on bass contributed vocals to a Bonnie Raitt cover, "Not Only One." I was instantly transported back by the festie feeling of Telluride 2006. It was funky and fresh, just like the Faux Paws spin on most of their traditional tunes.
The band closed the night with everyone on the dance floor. Though they skipped some expected tunes like "Montauk," the promise of catching that, or “She’s Not Looking For You” prompted me to dream of grabbing future shows in Madison and Cedar Rapids as the Faux Paws tour carries on throughout the midwest in these Midwest grey January days.
Feel-Good Folk for 2025
The Faux Paws are a band for 2025 - Twenty Friggin 25! Blending folk traditions - Is that what we’re calling it now? - with their own modern twist, creating music that’s both nostalgic and forward-thinking. Their performance at the Hideout wasn’t just a show; it was an invitation to be part of something larger: a community, a story, a dance. On the count of 3, Let’s all have a big Catharsis! AAAHHHHH. It was a collective exhale that made the drive to the city all worth it.
Thanks for a great evening out, Faux Paws
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