Valerie June performing at Chicago’s Park West on April 22, 2019
“I’m truly a hippie and I think we’re all brought to earth to shine,” Valerie June said before closing her pre-encore set at Chicago’s Park West on April 22 with a stripped down, sweet rendition of her The Order of Time tune “Astral Plane.”
What proceeded this benevolent conclusion was a set blanketed in optimism as June shared fan favorites, new material and behind-the-scenes stories as well as advice on how spending your time looking for “sweet things” can add up to a life of gratitude. On this night, she was thankful for having been able to stop by the free Lincoln Park Zoo – where she saw zebras, giraffes and happy families before finding a four-leaf clover – and soak in the scents of the flower-filled Lincoln Park Conservatory.
“Life should be the Lincoln Park Zoo for free. It should be flowers,” she said gently strumming the chord progression of “Slip Slide On By.”
Valerie June performing at Chicago’s Park West on April 22, 2019
At the start of the concert, you could hear a pin drop as June – standing beside the glowing filament of a vintage light bulb – began by softly singing “Somebody to Love.” A miniature banjo ukulele, later revealed to be named “Baby,” was the perfect instrument to enhance the tender vulnerability of the moment. June returned to Pushin’ Against a Stone deeper in the set with the steadfast “Workin’ Woman Blues,” the song’s recurrent riff cycling through like a habitual work week.
The blues were expressed lyrically in June’s new material most notably in a tune detailing a lover leaving without a question as to why. Her electric guitar highlighted the underlying strength of the song’s protagonist. Elsewhere, June sang of fighting for a relationship – while creating a rhythmic heartbeat with her tapping foot – despite the realization that it was destined to fail.
“That’s not a sad song,” June said with a smile, noting that someone leaving is not always a bad thing.
Valerie June performing at Chicago’s Park West on April 22, 2019
Celebrating joy despite hardship, heartbreak or restlessness was a recurring theme throughout the show and June was rarely seen without a smile on her face. She often detailed her creative process noting that her writing isn’t necessarily autobiographical. Many songs including “Got Soul” – which fostered some fun audience participation – were even discovered in that magical state between sleep and waking.
“I’m a song catcher,” June said. “ I walk into the room and I catch that song.”
“With You,” which June performed under lavender light, and an encore appearance of “Goodnight, Irene” were also stand-out moments of the set.
In a time when divisiveness rules and camaraderie feels distant, June took time out to appreciate the mere fact that a group of strangers can sit, sing and be together to enjoy an evening of music.
“We are very lucky to be together,” she said
Valerie June will continue her solo tour of the U.S. – with support from Parker Gispert – through mid-May. More information can be found at Valeriejune.com.
(Photos by Laurie Fanelli)