On July 23, 2021, Beverly Area Arts Alliance hosted Scott Lucas, co-founder of Local H, for their Outdoor Music Series. According to Christopher Castaneda, Beverly Area Arts Alliance Music Director, this event has been two years in the making. Proceeds from the show were donated to the Chicago Independent Venue League (CIVL) SAVE Emergency Relief Fund to help furloughed staff, local artists and venues. Also featured at the concert were specialty libations from Steering Cocktails and bites from Kimski‘s chef Ryan Piotrowski.

Unlike previous much larger venues that Front Row Music News has caught Local H (Local H at 115 Bourbon Street 2014 and Helmet + Local H at The Metro in Chicago 2016), the venue was a beautifully landscaped back yard surrounded by trees and bushes in Beverly, Illinois (south side of Chicago). With a sold out show at 60 tickets, fans had an up-close show while still being socially distant in their lawn chairs.

After a brief introduction by Castaneda, and cicadas as background singers, Lucas kicked off the show with a few Local H songs. From there on, he was engaged with the audience requesting suggestions of songs to perform. Although he asked for suggestions, as expected, all were not accepted. Most Local H songs were performed. However, a young fan requested a song by Keith Urban, at which Lucas replied, “I have one a lot better than Keith Urban” and went on to perform Rolling Stones’, “Dead Flowers.” Also, after hearing a request for Norwegian Wood, Lucas said, “I can do this one…” and covered “Isn’t It a Pity” by George Harrison. Trying to get a feel for how much time was left, Lucas looked over to Castaneda who indicated two more songs. Lucas dedicated, “One of Us” to Joe Cassidy, Belfast-born singer, songwriter, producer, composer and front-man for Butterfly Child who passed away earlier in July. Ending the scheduled songs with “Buffalo Trace.” However, he added one more. With a little banter with a fan about whether he should play a Blondie or Prince song, “It’s all down to you, don’t make the wrong decision.” The night ended with a beautiful rendition of “When Doves Cry.”

Be sure to keep up with the latest Local H information and tour dates at LocalH.com.

Also, look for upcoming events by Beverly Area Arts Alliance.

Scott Lucas Setlist (courtesy of Manish C. Bhatia)
Beverly Area Arts Alliance Outdoor Music Series
7/23/2021

Halcyon Days
Nothing Special
Turn the Bow
Sunday Best
Tag Along
Sad History
So. Central Rain (REM cover) >
What Would You Have Me Do?
Dead Flowers (Rolling Stones cover)
Isn’t it a Pity (George Harrison cover)
Smothered in Hugs (Guided By Voices cover)
Hey, Rita
Hi-Fiving MF
One of Us (dedicated to Joe Cassidy)
Buffalo Trace
When Doves Cry (Prince cover)