by Scott Hardesty
I ventured into SoTish (www.sotish.com) on a Saturday evening not knowing who was playing or what to expect. My posse’s musical tastes are as divergent as our ages but we all like the jazz and we all like the blues, which made SoTish a good option for our after-dinner evening out.
First, about the music. While I appreciate jazz I am far from an aficionado and couldn’t BS my way through a discussion on jazz without sounding like I was BS’ing my way through a discussion on jazz. While my musical preferences are too schizophrenic to articulate in the space of a blog posting, one rule does apply: regardless of genre, I seek music that oozes soul. I don’t do music “lite” and if a band’s repertoire includes TOO many songs co-opted as VW or Budweiser jingles generally I’m not having it.
So, when it comes to jazz all I can talk about is what sounds and feels good to me. And the act that Saturday night at SoTish sounded and felt REAL good. The Black Earth Strings Quintet, led by flutist Nicole Mitchell (www.nicolemitchell.com), rocked out jazz-style. One piece in particular, Journey for Three Blue Stones, had everyone at my table transfixed, very much in the moment, and quick to plunk down cash for the quintet’s CD. I doubt anyone in the room would have objected if BESQ wanted to play all night long. Kudos to owners Tim and Sue for bringing this excellent quintet to LaGrange. If the Black Earth Strings Quintet is any indication of the type and quality of the acts performing at SoTish then I will definitely be back for the music.
As for the venue, SoTish’s cozy size makes for a uniquely intimate concert experience as you get up close and personal with the musicians in action. If you prefer your music delivered in a comfortable almost homey atmosphere, surrounded by eclectic decorative art (available for purchase), where you can enjoy unobstructed acoustics and views without bumping elbows then SoTish delivers.
I was so pleased with this place that I found myself making a mental commitment to visit again as it just “worked for me.” Great music, eye-catching art, a decent beverage and dessert menu and a friendly and attentive staff combined to create a very cool yet laid back vibe.
So, if you’re looking to make a foray into the local music/art scene (or maybe you just don’t want to schlep into Chicago to satisfy your hankering for a hunk of culture) then SoTish is So worth checking out.
INFO:
Visit before or after dinner as the menu at SoTish is limited to beverages, appetizers and desserts. Show times are 7:30 and 9:30 and last approximately 60-90 minutes. Admission is $20 per person. A complimentary appetizer is served during the first show and dessert with the second. There is a two-drink minimum. Reservations are recommended. Dress is evening casual.
