The most amazing show in the world

I rocked out at a *ridiculous*, sold-out show last night at the House of Blues. It was dubbed as "The Most Amazing Show in the World", hosted by Andrew W.K. Who's that, you ask? Yea, I had to google him, too. Apparently he's The King of Partying (really? REALLY?). No idea what W.K. stands for, and I don't care. After last night's show, I would have to agree – he's an infamous par-TAYer slash entertainer, a bonafide rockstar, with long, grungy hair and all, ooh la la! 

What's "The Most Amazing Show in the World"? I guess I'd describe it as Coney Island freak show meets rock 'n' roll, and then times that by 10. There were headliner acts like the Hungarian Escape Artist, the Great Merlini, who stayed underwater in an enclosed chamber for a world record of 15 minutes. An illusionist, Elliott Zimmet, with his sleight of hand and exotic bird work to delight us. A burlesque dancer, Mandy Lauderdale, who pranced around silkily using exaggerated theatrics. Also, stilts-walkers, go-go dancers, Norwegian acrobats, and jumping jesters in giant bubbles... the music was electrifying, the lighting and costumes artful, the production first-class!

And all I got were these lousy pix from my camera phone (except for the first three which I captured with my new Nikon D3100 while waiting in line. When I got to the entrance, the doorman said the Nikon was "too big" and made me check it at the hotel across the way. Argh!!!).

{ a very long line extended out onto the Dearborn Street Bridge }

{ magnificent Chicago River view }

{ getting the party started outside }

{ Andrew W.K. }

{ the Hungarian Escape Artist, the Great Merlini }

{ and he breaks the world record of 15 minutes! }

{ Mandy Lauderdale, burlesque dancer }

I had actually been planning to put "Rock out at a concert" on my 30 for 30 list, but then The Fella got these tix before I published it, so I thought it would seem too cushy, too planned. List or no list, I had a rockin' time, rockin' out at House of Blues.