Chicago, Illinois - June 28, 2024

As the long summer day at Logan Square Art Festival drew to a close, MJ Lenderman took the monument stage, greeted by an overflowing audience eagerly anticipating his performance. Alongside the bands’ live performance, you could find people peeking through vendors’ tents, browsing mixed media prints and jewelry crafted from delicate insect wings, each piece a unique work of art. Others found a taste for diverse food and drinks from a hand-picked selection of Chicago vendors. Paired with sounds of delighted chatter, festival-goers were set to enjoy a rich, sensory experience that perfectly complemented the musical backdrop.

Lenderman positions himself center-stage, parallel to the Monument on the Hill, as bandmates variously compose themselves on the stage's leftovers. He instantly creates a connection with the audience, drawing them in as his stories begin to unfold. As his words spill out, the performance transcends mere storytelling, evolving into something far richer and more immersive. The atmosphere deepens as Chelmis interlaces melodies from his steel guitar, each note a perfect complement to Lenderman's distinctive persona and wavering voice. The synergy between the music and the narrative creates a spellbinding experience, one that resonates deeply with everyone present.

The crowd remained in fascination as Lenderman continued to share his honest song-writing, performing solo project “TLC Cagematch” amongst a dimming light. The song recognizes the pattern in our human struggle, with a potent chorus “And that's why we do what we gotta do, to get through. And I know life will make us crazy, I do”. The tone of his voice emulates a level of empathy, instilling that life will be unexpected and many things lead to a “cage match”. I can’t think of a more fitting environment to invite this idea than the heart of Chicago’s art community – where challenge is of normality. But the calm comes from knowing that we can evolve through each hardship, “that’s why you do what you gotta do, to get through”.