Part of the reason I wish Chicago had landed the 2016 Summer Olympics is because of the city’s rich musical history. Chicago is known for its blues and jazz, genres of music that would compliment the surrounding competition rather nicely. Vancouver, Canada will host the 2010 Winter Olympics and we haven’t heard much as to what it has in store for entertainment. Well, one event we can look for to is Hal Willner’s Neil Young Project. The spectacle will feature acts such Broken Social Scene, Iron & Wine, and Ron Sexsmith paying tribute to Canada’s rock icon.
The coolest-sounding show is an all-star extravaganza featuring Broken Social Scene, Iron & Wine, Joan as Policewoman, Sun Kil Moon, Ron Sexsmith, and more paying tribute to Neil Young with covers from across the Canadian old-schooler’s career. BSS and Joan as Policewoman will lead the house band. The gig goes down February 18 at Vancouver’s Queen Elizabeth Theatre.
Other artists taking part in various Olympic-related festivities include Stars, Laurie Anderson, Steve Earle, Tinariwen, K’Naan, Martha Wainwright, the Kronos Quartet, and Wilco, who will play a free outdoor set on February 13 at David Lam Park. Bundle up.
Sounds pretty cool, doesn’t it? I was in Chicago a few months back and was captivated by the blues, jazz, and indie rock scenes that leaked into every corner of the city. Although Chicago won’t host the 2016 Games, I suppose to Rio de Janerio will do a fine job. If I can bear the weather and come into some cash, maybe I’ll make the trek up to Canada and in hopes that Neil Young surprises a packed audience.
