Preview: Otter Presents Top Of The Tower Thanksgiving Jam @ Sears Tower 11/22/13

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Let me take you back to September 2001.  After a few smokin' Chicago appearances around town over the last few years, guitarist Steve Kimock had just announced a one-of-a-kind gig on one of the top floors of the Sears Tower (I don't even know what it was called at the time... but for a Chicagoan it'll always be the Sears).

Then, September 11th happened.  There would be no improvisational guitar solos at the top of skyscrapers.  Kimock was rescheduled and that was the end of the story.

Until now.

Otter Presents have been an extremely creative force in Chicago area events and now they've resurrected the idea of jams in the sky.  They've even recruited another guitarist associated with Dead projects to anchor the gig on Friday November 22nd, Furthur guitarist John Kadlecik.  He'll be joined by a killer lineup that of improv-minded musicians dubbed the Skydeck Allstars.

Clay Parnell (Brothers Past)
Allen Aucoin (Disco Biscuits)
Steve Molitz (Particle, Phil and Friends)
Scott Metzger (Bustle In Your Hedgegrow)
John Kadlecik (Furthur)

As the folks at Otter put it on their facebook page "there are no teaser videos, no soundcloud links, nothing to post that will give you an idea of what to expect. This has never happened before -- a one-off musical experience that will be special for everyone in attendance."  Doors are at 7:00 and music begins with an opening set by Dr. Diesel featuring Clay Parnell (BioDiesel) and Allen Aucoin (DrFameus).

To kick off Thanksgiving week, a turkey day inspired buffet and open bar will be included in the ticket price.  Vendors, live art, a canned food drive and charity auction to benefit the Greater Chicago Food Depository will round out the fun.

Tickets are still available here:  http://otterpresents.com/top-of-the-tower-thanksgiving/ but please be diligent.  Apparently security hasn't gone totally lax in the 12 years since that SKB show was cancelled.  Each showgoer must be pre-registered on a final list prior to the event; ticket sales will end at midnight on Thursday -- no day of show sales. Go get 'em!

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