After a full weekend of sessions scattered across Chicago and its many unforgettable restaurants, during Lollapalooza Weekend, our final stop brought us to a tucked-away barroom in the back of Il Porcellino, a warm, ornate space in River North, coated in vintage charm and a cozy vibe. It was the perfect setting for a performance that felt like a quiet moment shared amongst friends. The room was filled with familiar faces from the weekend, including restaurant staff, production crew, and the many friends we’d made along the way during our time in Chicago, each with an espresso martini in hand, settling in for one last unforgettable session.
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Joe P walked in with a gentle, almost shy presence. There was a quick hello, a joke or two, and a nylon-string guitar in hand, notably without a strap, which only added to the room’s curiosity and the casual, living-room feel of the moment. As soon as he began playing, the room snapped into focus, as his voice, raspy and sincere, perfectly filled the small space and seemed to quiet even the background hum of Chicago.
He opened with “Off My Mind,” a song that seemed to grapple with the ache of a relationship that refuses to fade away fully. Across from me, I heard some friends say the performance transported them straight back into memories they thought they had buried, which perfectly describes the honesty of Joe’s delivery and the effect it had on those listening.
He followed with “Nothing at All,” another reflection on love, longing, and the complexities that come along after a relationship is over. The simplicity of guitar and voice felt refreshing after a weekend full of complex arrangements and larger groups, a reminder that songwriting and the proper voice can be just as powerful as a large band. Joe performed with the restraint and rawness of someone who isn’t trying to impress anyone, but someone who wants to showcase his songs in the way they were intended to be heard.
Ending the weekend on that note was a gift to everyone who was lucky enough to sit in that room. It was a chance to breathe, to appreciate the music in its purest state, and to reflect on the whirlwind of performances that had come before it.
Huge thanks to Lettuce Entertain You, Flecha Azul Tequila, Aspen Vodka, and Shure Microphones for partnering with Paste Studio and giving us spaces like Il Porcellino to capture such a wide variety of talented artists. Keep your eyes peeled for more Paste Studio “On the Road” sessions!
