When:
July 14, 2019
5:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Where:
Taste of Chicago
Buckingham Fountain, 301 S. Columbus Dr.
Country music and country dance fans of Chicago take note that on July 14 the honky tonk sounds of Lawrence Peters Outfit will be headlining at SummerDance during the Taste of Chicago. The group has won two Chicago Music Awards, for Outstanding Country And Western Performer, and nominations for The Ameripolitan Award for “Best Honky Tonk Group”, in 2019 and 2018.
They have three live performances on Smashed Plastic’s new vinyl compilation, commemorating their recent grand opening (available at Bric-A-Brac Records), and a track will be featured on the upcoming Bloodshot Records Chicago Country compilation (October release date).
Here, Picture this Post (PTP) talks with the group’s founder Lawrence Peters (LP).
(PTP) Please tell Picture this Post readers about your music.
(LP) The Lawrence Peters Outfit is a honky tonk band, based in Chicago. I came up with the term “un-ruined country music” to describe our sound, which is deeply rooted in the country music traditions of the twentieth century, but influenced by current times. The songs I write honor the contributions of Hank Williams, George Jones, Loretta Lynn, Webb Pierce, Merle Haggard, Melba Montgomery, Dwight Yoakam, Harlan Howard, etc.
Have you worked with this dance instructor before?
We sure have. Jeffrey is an ol’ friend from Chicago’s country music scene.
How did you choose your set?
We already play a lot of shuffles, which is the two-step’s turf, and we’ve added to our list of waltzes, including one I recently wrote.
When did your group start playing together?
I started be band around fifteen years ago. I had played and sung in a bunch of bands, and decided that it was time to start my own. I wanted to focus on my originals, and cherry pick the songs we’d cover.
How much do you rehearse together?
We don’t need much rehearsal, so we only get together when I’ve written a new song, or when we need to add something for a special show, or a private event. I know I can count on my guys playing a tight set.
Do you all have other “day jobs”?
We all have other jobs. I’m a bartender and DJ, and I play with some other bands. I also have a weekly country show on WLPN 105.5 FM (4 to 6pm CST) called “Country, My Way”.
How many musicians are in your group?
We are a four-piece: I’m the singer and band leader, and I play the snare drum. The rest of the band is lead guitar, rhythm guitar (and backing vocals), and upright bass.
Have you performed at Summer Dance before?
Yes, many times.
How do you adapt your set to a dance lesson/outdoor venue type situation?
I pick songs that have a good feel for dancing, with a mix of tempos. I make sure to know what dance(s) will be taught during the instruction part of the night. This time it’s the two-step and the waltz.
Do you mainly perform in Chicago?
We are based in Chicago. In the last year, we’ve mostly stuck to regional events, but we played some dates on the way to the two recent Ameripolitan Awards, in Memphis. We’ll plan some extensive touring when our new album comes out.
We have some great local shows coming up, besides our Summer Dance gig:
Friday, July 12th- Ina Mae (1415 N. Wood) 9:30pm Two sets. No cover.
Sunday, July 14th- Summer Dance. 301 S. Columbus Drive. 5:30 to 8:30pm.
Friday, August 23rd- The Hideout (1354 W. Wabansia), playing their Picnics On The Porch series. 6pm.
Saturday, September 7th- Larry’s Patio at The Lawrence House (1020 W. Lawrence). 6 to 9pm. No cover.
What’s most fun about a performance like this?
It’s very cool seeing all kinds of people dancing together and having a great time. Summer Dance is Chicago at its best!