Synopsis

Doors 7:30
Show 8pm
$12

"Brother Ray meets the Ramones…Chopin meets Minutemen." So ventured Tony Sarabia of WBEZ radio (Chicago NPR) as he took at stab at describing the band in the studio with him. The Claudettes fuse Windy City piano blues with the full-throttle energy of rockabilly and punk, jazz-age echoes of burlesque and vaudeville and the sultriness of '60s pop-soul to write a thrilling new chapter in American roots music. Group founder Johnny Iguana mashes the piano alongside singer Berit Ulseth, bassist/singer Zach Verdoorn and drummer Matt Torre. Johnny, who toured for years with his cult-favorite rock band oh my god, is also a member of two Grammy-nominated groups: Chicago Blues--A Living History and the Muddy Waters 100 Band. He has toured or recorded with Junior Wells, Buddy Guy, Otis Rush, James Cotton and more. In between legs of their fall tour, the Claudettes are heading to Soil of the South studio in Valdosta, GA in September to record a new album at the invitation of producer/wild-man Mark Neill (who helmed the Black Keys' "Brothers" plus albums by J. Roddy Walston, Paladins, Old 97's, J.D. McPherson, Los Straitjackets and more).

Cast & Artists

Piano: Johnny Iguana
Vocals: Berit Ulseth
Bass/Vocals: Zach Verdoorn
Drums: Matt Torre

Content Advisory

Steppenwolf does not offer advisories about subject matter, as sensitivities vary from person to person.If you have any questions about content, age-appropriateness or stage effects(such as strobe lights or theatrical fog) that might have a bearing on patron comfort, please contact the box office at 312-335-1650.

Additional Information

The Claudettes is a part of Steppenwolf's LookOut Series - a multi-genre performance series, presenting a wide variety of work from a diverse array of voices and artists, emerging and established alike.

The LookOut Series takes place in the 1700 Theatre, an intimate cabaret style venue with a mix of seating options. All LookOut shows are general admission, and specific seats cannot be reserved. The 1700 Theatre is located behind Front Bar: Coffee and Drinks - Steppenwolf's new cafe and bar.

The Claudettes ONLINE


Official site
Music

Press

"A revelatory blend of jazz and blues, stirred with punk brio. There are also dashes of classical and world music, and enough stops, starts and hairpin turns to suggest the giddiness of Raymond Scott's cartoon music...How do they do it?"
—Greg Kot, Chicago Tribune


"Chicago’s premiere punk-blues piano-drums duo are back in high gear. Their fusion of sounds (ranges) from Otis Spann to the Minutemen and from Ray Charles to Raymond Scott…(and they) do wicked things to standards."
—Jeff Elbel, Chicago Sun-Times


"Definitely one you should be spinning…there’s enough energy going on to power your average Third World airport…barreling, hyper-saloon piano banging…you have to hear it to believe it…Chicago’s own neo-vaudeville barnstormers!"
—New CIty (Chicago)


"
Call it 'Brother Ray Meets the Ramones,' 'Barrelhouse Thunder,' 'Chopin Meets the Minutemen'…or maybe, just call it great music."
—TONY SARABIA, WBEZ (CHICAGO NPR)

"Hits listeners upside the head with a mash-up of Otis Spann blues, Albert Ammons boogie-woogie, Ray Charles soul and 'Fess' Longhair New Orleans R&B. Catch them in a chaotic ballroom!"
—DOWNBEAT

"Like Keith Moon chasing a crazed, punked-up Little Richard… greasy rhythm and blues that makes the dance floor so slippery you need to sprinkle sawdust on the floor to keep from falling down…a great ride, one that'll leave you shaking and laughing and wanting more the next time this rowdy carnival comes to town."
—BLUES MUSIC MAGAZINE

Content Advisory

Steppenwolf does not offer advisories about subject matter, as sensitivities vary from person to person.If you have any questions about content, age-appropriateness or stage effects(such as strobe lights or theatrical fog) that might have a bearing on patron comfort, please contact the box office at 312-335-1650.

Additional Information

The Claudettes is a part of Steppenwolf's LookOut Series - a multi-genre performance series, presenting a wide variety of work from a diverse array of voices and artists, emerging and established alike.

The LookOut Series takes place in the 1700 Theatre, an intimate cabaret style venue with a mix of seating options. All LookOut shows are general admission, and specific seats cannot be reserved. The 1700 Theatre is located behind Front Bar: Coffee and Drinks - Steppenwolf's new cafe and bar.

The Claudettes ONLINE


Official site
Music