CHIRP: The Chicago Independent Radio Project

Claire Buxton writes

Artist Interview: Blue Ribbon Glee Club

Many friends sit around drinking and talking about starting a band, but never have the chutzpah to get the project off the ground. When the initial idea for the Blue Ribbon Glee Club was hatched, I recall someone hopefully suggesting that perhaps Pabst might sponsor the choir. Following their formation in 2007, they were part of a stellar Hideout Block Party lineup that included Art Brut—who enjoyed their set so much they showed up at the after party. Recently, their acapella covers of essential songs like “Spanish Bombs” and “California Uber Alles” forced even the crustiest of the vendors at the CHIRP record fair to look up and flash a knowing smile.

I caught up with 4 of the original members, a marginal fraction given that almost 30 people are in the group. Whitney Johnson and Joshua Dumas also comprise part of local band the Notes & Scratches, while Rob Kowalczyk and Katy Groves are the co-captains of the Glee Club these days.

CHIRP: Any plans to cover Bad Brains in the future? What other classics and obscurities do you have in the works—the Misfits, perhaps?

There’s More…