“Brothers and sisters, lend me your ears. Let me tell you about a performer that can bring you to tears. His name is Andy Frasco, and he rolls with the U.N. A group of top-notch musicians, talented to no end. Camaraderie aplenty, erstwhile friends. Good times oncoming, I happily give them a full send.”
On February 17, I travel to the Metro in Chicago, IL to bear witness to the one-of-a-kind talents of Andy Frasco and the U.N. for their sold-out show. For many artists and performers, filling a venue like Chicago’s Metro to max capacity is a dream come true. These fellas earn it, playing around 250 gigs a year throughout the country. In-cre-di-ble! My excitement is growing, as my guy Ty and I are blessed with a premium parking spot on Clark Street directly across from the venue. I do believe the Universe works on our behalf when we put forth our best, and it’s nearly party-time with Andy Frasco and the U.N. among the rest.
For those who have never adventured the Metro, let me describe its layout. An aged sign reading Metro hangs above a theater façade marking the entrance. After a brief reception with venue personnel out front, I entered about half past 9pm to a corridor with coat check to the right, and a room with merchandise for purchase to the left. Straight forward to some pleasant folks handling guest list accommodations and media credentials. Past them to the left, another attendant scans tickets. Here you’ll also find the lone men’s bathroom to the right of the stairwell you’ll climb to access the innards of the venue. Ascend one level, and you’ve reached the main floor. A narrow hallway runs the length of this room with several points of entry into a central chamber. There’s at least one bar along the back right wall. I elect not to settle on this first floor, as patrons are already packed in like sardines. The stairwell continues upwards towards balcony access, another bar, some VIP type boxes and tables, and a couple of booths where folks can relax, and leisurely chat slightly removed from the action, while still enjoying the music. The top floor is also where you’ll find the ladies’ restroom along a narrow hallway leading to the right-side balcony. After a thorough examination of the grounds, my friends and I settled to the left.
After a change-over of about fifteen minutes, plenty of time for patrons to relieve themselves of refuse and repatriate with beverages, Andy Frasco and the U.N. hit the stage a touch after 10pm. He greets his fandom, Frasco neophytes interspersed throughout, and starts cranking out tunes. The band sounds great, voices and instruments gloriously thumping, encouraging the congregation’s gleeful bumping. Andy imparts he’s recently turned thirty-six, happy belated birthday, Andy, which leads into “Birthday Song”. I love the chorus, “Today’s my birthday, and the cake is on fire!” That’s just the candles, right? Right?!? A little further along, “Spill the Beans”, followed by a song aptly titled, “Mature as Fuck”.
It’s about this time I start musing to myself about Andy Frasco acronyms. AFAF, which obviously means “Andy Frasco, Always Fun”. I consider AFiAF, which could translate to, “A Fire Inside Andy Frasco”. However, I think better of it, and thus I’m settling on AFAF. There are a few other meanings, but I’ll let you put those together for yourself. As I’m pondering these concepts, laughter rings out all about as Andy and the band sing and shout, “Smoking Dope and Rock n’ Roll”. It’s not just awesome originals you can expect, they weave in timely covers too. There’s a short detour into Freddie Scott’s, “You Got What I Need”, and later they bless us with, “In Bloom”, their half original, half Nirvana cover. Next thing you know, there’s crowd-surfing, and then every member of the band switches instruments. It’s totally AFAF.
Tonight marks their 8th performance in 9 nights, and once this show concludes, the beginning of a well-deserved two-week break. About 1150pm, they exit the stage, before coming back for an encore that lasts an additional fifteen heavenly minutes. Andy brings out his manager, Brian, for a little love and appreciation. They share a story about a time Andy insufflated a little too much. “You’re going to be alright, just stop doing it,” recollects Andy of Brian’s advice. A few members of tonight’s congregation hopefully take this guidance to heart. It’s about this time I notice, Andy’s barefoot, and I realize he likely has been the entire show. Totally AFAF!
These guys are amazingly talented, and the drummer Andee “Beats” Avila has a phenomenal voice in addition to Andy’s own. He holds a bar for what feels like a full minute. Golly gee, what an angel! Andy celebrates him, and the rest of his bandmates through admiration and praise. These guys have been touring together since 2007, and it’s beautiful to see their friendship prevailing on stage. To end the night, they perform one of my favorites, “Dancing Around My Grave”. It’s a reminder to live life how you want. Make the most with company you value, life’s truly priceless treasure. Celebrate what you have, whenever you can.
It’s always an exceptional time with Andy Frasco and the U.N., and I highly recommend them to anyone who’s looking for unique and inspiring music to enjoy. As Tyler and I cross the street to his car, a scene of celebration and balloons now populates the sidewalks of Clark Street. Entering his vehicle, a couple of heady homies remark to us half-hidden inside a doorway, “How did you land that parking spot?” I look at Ty, and he smiles back at me, “You gotta believe”, and now we’re headed to rendezvous with our squad for pizza time. Pizza is love, as is Andy Frasco and the U.N.
I can attest, Andy Frasco’s talents span beyond musician, songwriter, and storyteller. After this past weekend at Metro, I can confidently add motivational speaker and psychonaut to his arsenal. Also, he’s a lighthearted jokester engaging wholesomely with his fans. All of these are necessary tools in his expansive kit. When you examine the gamut of people and personalities in attendance at these events, you’ll understand why. Folks need a little bit of levity in their lives. Reminders of why we undertake the activities we do, bonds and ties. Throughout his performances, you can count on Andy Frasco to impart timely anecdotes and stories from his life while exuding a gorgeous energy and superior vibe. People come to laugh, sing, dance, and even cry, with Andy the spectacular, humorous, genuine guy. Mr. Frasco and his pals in the U.N. are ever and always up for the task of delivering a brilliant, exceptional time.
I’d like to leave you with this succinct summation of the evening’s entertainment from a good friend of mine, codename ‘Niki’, who happily shared her excitement with me following the conclusion of the night’s entertainment. “[It was] a deep breath of fresh air. I melted when I saw the fro at the very start. I was star struck when he took the stage. Everything was to be expected and still a whole trip I could not have imagined. [It was] everything we all need [even if we] don’t know [it] yet.”
For more information about Andy Frasco and the U.N., links to socials, tour dates in cities near you, and to purchase tickets to upcoming events, check out the de facto AFUN source at andyfrasco.com.
Be well, be successful. Bear Swiftly.
–Electro Scribe–
