Schur brings the vibes and good times to new(er) Chicago venue, Garcia's
When I heard that Andrew Schur - stage name Schur - was coming to Chicago, I knew had to be in attendance. While I only started listening to Schur in ~2024, with songs like "Dream Seller," he has that unique sound and talent that just makes you keep tuning in. Together with his band, you'll never guess what's coming next. One minute he's singing, then he's rapping, then he's making his guitar sing, or maybe he'll give up the spotlight for a drum/sax solo. Simply put, Schur is a jack of all trades and knows how to keep the crowd engaged and lively.
Before I get into the show, I wanted to give a big shoutout to Garcia's Chicago. The venue itself is absolutely stunning has an amazing atmosphere that I just don't think I've experienced anywhere else. The food also smelled amazing! Last but not least, the staff was incredible and attentive and made my arrival seamless and welcoming.
Starting off the night, we had Buppy. who definitely has indie/folk inspirations - with songs like "Another Life" & "kyra!". Buppy. is definitely more of a relaxing listen, but when he performs live, he has a much more electric presence with added movements - and an added rock-like sound (which was most apparent when performing songs like "Comfort, Texas"). One way or another, they'll either have you tapping your feet or bobbing your head - and I'm here for it!
Now, the man of the hour.. Schur!! From the minute he stepped onto that stage, the crowd was going CRAZY. I haven't seen so many people crowded into one tiny standing area in so long - I literally couldn't move (that's why [most] of my shots are from the same angle). He has something for everyone.. really. I didn't know that his music could be any more catchy, but then he decided to bring a saxophonist with him; a dance between a guitar and a sax is something truly magical - so much so that you get chills down your whole body while you bob your head with a stank face on the whole time.
I feel like going to live shows changes your whole perspective of an artist and the songs you listen to. Seeing Schur live was no different. I liked him before, but seeing him live put his music into a different perspective for me. What I enjoyed, I now enjoy more. There are songs that I thought were my favorite, but after seeing him perform certain songs live, I put those over my old favorites.. I'm looking at you "Horticulture." Maybe I just didn't pay enough attention to the lyrics at first, but it's definitely a song that hits close to home; that said, I have a lot of respect for the guy for incorporating some Spanish into his songs. But of course, it wouldn't be a complete show if he didn't hit us with some Italian vibes. Probably his biggest song, and such a feel good song - and going on this summer's playlist - he ended off his performance with "Testarossa." Hands went up and feet left the floor as Schur jumped into the crowd, putting himself in the middle of all the love and energy he created.
I also need to very quickly end this off by mentioning that Schur is just such a cool and chill dude. I had the opportunity to very briefly meet him and he was nothing but good vibes. I was the last person in line, and I'm sure he wanted nothing more than to get some rest, so I didn't take up too much of his time but he still remembered me by name. There aren't many people who still, personally, go out of their way to respond to people and make an effort to remember people. If that doesn't speak volumes about what kind of person Andrew Schur is, then I don't know what is.
Much love and many thanks for having me; I can't wait till the next show!
