Jack Johnson is back in Chicago this Saturday with his eco-friendly tour. We’ve noticed this tour provide Jack with plenty of press including the cover of Rolling Stone, Outside magazine, and awareness through XRT’s own Rock, Roll, Recycle program. It’s amazing to think that one surfer, er man, has come such a long way in such a short time to headline the massive outdoor venue called Alpine Valley Music Theatre…but the people come and fill up the seats to see him perform. Over the years you get to hear plenty of opinions here, and while there are still many who claim that all of Jack’s stuff sounds the same each time around, we here at XRT have always been fans of the sound he brings. Is Jack Johnson up and worthy of being alongside music’s biggest solo artist names, or is he still climbing up that ladder. Either way, we’re not going to tell you what we believe but you should certainly tell us and other XRT listeners….

view the 93XRT Jack Johnson artist bio here

view the 93XRT Jack Johnson Rock Roll Recycle page here 

We saw what is to come in months ahead this past weekend – a warm sun. When we think of a warm sun we think of live music outdoors in Chicago. Let’s throw the festival scene aside right now for this conversation because we all know Pitchfork and Lollapalooza will come to the front. But, what we want to know is what shows this summer will kill out in the summer sun, whether it’s by the lakefront at Charter One Pavilion, on a neighborhood street or wherever you may see it happen. Jack Johnson at Alpine Valley? Phil Lesh, O.A.R. or John Mellencamp at Charter One Pavilion? Or, how about John Mayer or Dave Matthews Band in the outdoor arenas. It’s part of what makes this city special, so soak it up while you can.