A Tribute concert to Steve Goodman

On November 13,1997 a concert was held in Chicago at the Medinah Temple in honor of the late Steve Goodman and as a fund raiser for "the Old Town School of Folk Music. Musical guests included: Jackson Browne, Iris DeMent, Arlo Guthrie, Emmylou Harris, Lyle Lovett, Kathy Mattea, John Prine, and Todd Snider. Hosts for the evening were Lin Brehmer, Roy Leonard, and the legendary Studs Terkel.

As a gentle snow fell upon downtown Chicago, the sold out crowd slowly filled the magnificent Medinah Temple. I was quite fortunate to have fifth row center seating just a few feet away from the Goodman Clan.

I don’t think I have ever seen so many 'YUPPIES' in one place in my life. The constant ringing of 'cell' Phones was quite disturbing. Is this what happened to all the old hippies that used to follow Steve Goodman/ Even after the start of the concert, these folks leisurely strolled up and down the isles not caring if they blocked any ones view or not.

The concert started with a video. First to appear was Roger Ebert who was with Kris Kristofferson, Paul Anka, and Goodman. The night Goodman took them to first see John Prine. Ebert also spoke of Goodman's love for the city of Chicago and the 'Cubs'. Ebert was followed by Kris Kristofferson who apologized for his absence but he was in Spain filming a movie. The rest of the video showed Goodman singing. Songs included: 'Talk Backwards', ' City of New Orleans' , 'Say it in Private" , two songs not normally played.

The Introduction was by Ray Leonard of WGN in Chicago. He introduced the Goodman family which included Steve's Mother, Wife, Children, and Brother. First artist was Iris DeMent.

Ms. DeMent stated that she had never seen Steve Goodman but was familiar with his work through John Prine. She sang two songs, "If She Were You" (written by Goodman) and "Our Town". She was accompanied by Phil Parlapiano of the "Lost Dog Band". I really enjoyed her rendition of "If She Were You" I would recommend Ms. DeMent's music and I will purchase her CD's.

Next were two telegrams. One by Johnny Cash and the other by Kris Kristofferson.

Todd Snider was introduced and he was accompanied by the whole "Lost Dog Band" (Phil Parlapiano, Jason Wilbur, and David Jacques) Mr. Snider also stated that he never saw Goodman perform. He sang "This Hotel Room" (by Goodman) and his own "My Generation". Very good stage demeanor. I would also recommend listening to him.

Kathy Matea had actually seen Goodman in concert! She sang a masterful version of "I Can't Sleep". The Goodman family was so moved that they were near tears. She followed up with one of her own, "Slipping Further Away". Wonderful performance!!!!!

What can you say about Lyle Lovett that hasn't already been said? What a talent. He did a very moving version of Goodman's "I just Keep Falling in Love" The Goodman family loved it. He then did a song that I didn't catch the name of, and a hilarious tune called "The Family Reserve" Lovett seemed very moved by the whole event and was rewarded for his efforts by a sustained round of applause.

A video followed of Goodman singing "A dying Cub Fans Last Request"

A very frail looking Studs Turkel was escorted onto the stage. He spoke of Goodman and Goodman's love for Chicago and Baseball. He also spoke of Chicago's and baseballs love for Steve Goodman. I am familiar with Turkel's writings and was thrilled to hear him speak. It was almost worth the price of admission just to hear him.   ARLO……ARLO……ARLO……ARLO……ARLO……ARLO……ARLO……ARLO……ARLO

Of course he sang "City of New Orleans! He also told the story of how he met Goodman. The Goodman family were smiling ear to ear for Arlo Guthrie. Although his hair has turned gray……he still kicks butt on stage. He did a imitation of Bob Dylan, Singing Dylan's "All Along The Watchtower". He did this playing the ukulele. He had the crowd in stitches. If a Tribute Album is made from this concert……This song has to be included.

Emmylou Harris was warmly greeted by the crowd. She sang "Yellow Coat". Not one of my favorite Goodman tunes but done very well. She was then joined by Iris DeMent and Kathy Matea for two songs. (with the lost Dog Band) The first was called (I think) "Farther Along". Next was a rowdy version of "Jambalaya". The "Lost Dogs" really got into this one with Dave Jacques giving a rousin bass solo. This was a great set of songs.

Jackson Browne was the low point of the evening. His first song was a ballad that should have been left back at
the hotel……. He then did his own version of "Cocaine" written by Gary Davis…. This used to be one of my favorite songs until Browne destroyed it with his own lyrics inappropriate for the evening. The Goodman family did not have any smiles for this song. He next butchered Goodman's "Grand Canyon Song". Not only forgetting the chords and words….. he had to start over several times. Browne should have stayed home…

John Prine received the loudest and longest applause both before and after his set. Although Prine looked very tired he still had a large grin on his face and made almost constant eye contact with the Goodman clan. His set included: "Spanish Pipedream", "You Never Even Called Me By My Name", (I had never heard Prine sing this before) Goodman's "My Old Man", and "Paradise". It was very moving when Steve Goodman's Mother caught Prine's eye and gave him a wave of thanks. Excellent set even though Prine looked so tired.

The En Core was the whole group of performers, stage hands, promoters, and the audience singing "City of New Orleans". A good evening was had by all. 

We also attended the pre-concert cocktail party which was promoted with the "Gold Tickets" It was insinuated that the stars would attend this function at the Hard Rock Café. Not one star showed. Many of the people were disappointed (as was I) at this. I paid a large sum  of money to attend this concert having to fly in from California. Where as the concert was great…..the rest of the deal was a let down. If there is a next time……….I will make sure what my money is going to .

An after the concert trip to Davenport Iowa was the real treat of the trip. We (Me and my wife Pola) got to meet PMS*RED……………It was as if we had known each other for years…..Parallel universes as Reeda called it. We had the most wonderful time with the Buresh's. Thanks to Reeda for all the hard work she does. Without her, I would not have such great "Chat Room" pals.