Lincoln Hall is dressed in its holiday regalia, helping the merchants along Lincoln Avenue transform the area from business as usual to a scene straight out of a holiday movie. Light snow is falling as I glance at the marquee: “Tonight: Joe Marcinek and Liquid Soul.” I’m intrigued by tonight’s lineup. Tracy Silverman, a world-class violinist and electronic violin innovator, kicks things off for Liquid Soul—a band famously followed by the Chicago Bulls—and the evening wraps up with Joe Marcinek, Chicago’s legendary psychedelic guitarist. How did this come together? And why are we so lucky? The answer is Scott Boyer.
Scott, the booking agent for all of tonight’s acts, has a rare empathy for his talent. Whether waiting in the Green Room before the show or mingling with the audience during the performance, Scott is wholly invested in his people.
For over 30 years, Liquid Soul has brought their unique blend of jazz, blues, hip-hop, funk, and rock to venues across Chicagoland. Their sound is pure Chicago—gritty yet smooth, high-class but humble, as real as the ice and cold outside. Once again, our electrifying emcee Meaghan Panici introduces the band with well-earned fanfare.
The band features several focal points, starting with their phenomenal horn section: saxophonist Tommy Haynes, trumpeter Ron Haynes, and trombonist John “Showtime” Janowiak. This section is as tight as the space between atoms, playing intuitively as if they were a single entity. Their solos and fills flow seamlessly, with no discernible beginning or end.
The set opens with Worlds on a Leash and Afro Loop, giving Tommy, Ron, and Showtime room to showcase their extraordinary talent. The fans are grooving, and I realize how packed Lincoln Hall has become. The gyrating crowd resembles an Archibald Motley painting come to life.
Next, the band dives into Java Junkie, unleashing the rock/funk arm of their sound. Guitarists Tom Klien and Tom Sanchez, bassist Ricky Showalter, and drummer Devin Staples form the band’s rhythm powerhouse. Staples and Showalter lay down an immaculate groove worthy of the talent they support, while Klien and Sanchez prove they can shred across any genre. Together, they create a rock-solid foundation that keeps pulses elevated.
Vocalist Omega then takes the stage, elegant and demure. But as the opening strains of Hip Trip play, she sheds any pretense of reserve. Still an elegant vision, her voice is penetrating, captivating, and immense. She uses her hands to weave a tale, taking us along for the Hip Trip, each moment layering another sonic revelation.
Throughout the performance, the band’s hip-hop element shines, thanks to rapper Dirty MF, Brian 'MC B' Quarles, Ajax on turntables, and Newt Cole adding dynamic textures on percussion, blending streetwise grit with rhythmic finesse.. They provide a streetwise edge essential to the group’s success. Dirty MF’s deep, smooth voice recalls Barry White, and his boundless energy connects with the crowd, eliciting cheers at will for every new track.
At the halfway point of the two-hour jam session, vocalists Joaquina and Gravity join the band for Having a Party, perfectly capturing the evening’s vibe. Omega returns to the stage to deliver "Stop By Monie's", further energizing the audience.
The highlight of the night comes when Dirty MF performs Dizzy Gillespie’s classic Salt Peanuts, reimagining it with a jazzy hip-hop twist. Ron Haynes’ solo knits the past to the present, creating one of the evening’s finest moments.
Omega slows things down with her heartfelt song Dysfunction, grounding us before the band takes us on one final ascent into musical nirvana. Tracks like Sweet Pea, Lobster Boy, and Cabbage Roll keep the crowd dancing until we’re catapulted back into motion by Threading the Needle.
For nearly two hours, Liquid Soul takes us on a global journey of sound. We’re enthralled, exhausted, and eager to recharge for Chicago’s favorite son, Joe Marcinek. If you ever need a dose of Chicago’s essence—or the perfect soundtrack for exploring the city’s 77 community areas—Liquid Soul is a must.
