Randy J. Klodz - Pat McGee Band To Play Free Chicago HOB Sho

Aug. 19, 2004

Pat McGee Band To Play Free Chicago HOB Show

By Randy J. Klodz

Virginia-based light-rock act Pat McGee Band will be making yet another Chicago appearance when the band rolls through town to play the lounge stage at House of Blues on Aug. 24 with a free acoustic performance. Tickets are distributed on a first-come first-served basis as part of the 101.9 FM The Mix’s “After 5 Live” concert series.

Pat McGee Band--which includes namesake Pat McGee (vocals, guitars), Brian Fechino (guitar), John Small (bass), Chris Williams (drums) and Chardy McEwen (percussion) released “Save Me” in April, a collection of low-key alternative rock tracks. Though most light-rock bands aren’t known for raucous stage antics, it turns out a Pat McGee rock show can get a bit wild. Especially one in Chicago.

“We really gear up for these acoustic shows,” Pat McGee aid. “But when we’re playing the big room upstairs at House of Blues--we have some really great shots on our Web site of shows there where we’re diving off of speaker stacks to a packed floor. You wouldn’t think stage diving happens with the Pat McGee Band, but for some reason when we go [to Chicago] it really works.”

Pat McGee has often called Chicago his personal “second home,” as his band has toured through Chicago for years, and the 31-year-old has twice sang the national anthem at Wrigley Field and once at U.S. Cellular Field.

The Pat McGee hit single “Beautiful Ways,” has the band drawing comparison to fellow light-rock, and highly-successful, act Train, a comparison McGee has no problem with. “Those are good friends of ours, so we’re cool with that,” he said.

House of Blues is at 329 N. Dearborn St. Tickets for this all-ages show are free of charge, with a planned entrance limit of approximately 300 fans. Show time is planned for 5:30 p.m. For more information on Pat McGee Band log on to www.patmcgeeband.com.