I recently saw Hurray for the Riff Raff perform at Thalia Hall in the Pilsen neighborhood of Chicago and it was such a treat. I went because my friend had an extra ticket and I decided to go after watching 5 minutes of a YouTube video of one of their performances. I wasn’t too familiar with their music but I wanted to go with my friend and I really didn’t know what I was in for. It was one of those things that you don’t expect anything from and then it surprises you with an amazing experience that just makes you feel connected to yourself. Not to mention how hot the lead singer, Alynda Segarra, of Puerto Rican roots is…and I don’t mean just physically – I mean certainly, that’s a given; but she has a presence on stage that commands the attention and respect of the audience and connects with them through her voice, which is perfect for the bluesy, old school sound of the band. Their new album, The Navigator, has a political message that is all too crucial right now given our political climate. If you don’t know Hurray for the Riff Raff, you should absolutely give them a listen if you want something inspiring and soothing.

The venue, Thalia Hall, has a very cool hipster, vintage vibe complete with a a restaurant and separate bar. Originally built as an opera house, it now hosts concerts and events.

After the concert we went to La Vaca, which is just down a little ways from Thalia Hall, which has a very lively atmosphere and some seriously tasty margaritas!