In the throes of 90’s alternative rock like Smashing Pumpkins and Soundgarden, I remember hearing a hit that shed a little light in that darker genre of music. It was a song called “The Freshman” from a band called The Verve Pipe. It’s a melody that has stuck with me through the years, so I jumped at a chance to see the band perform live.
Simon Property Group’s Party in the Park concert series at their Chicago Premium Outlet mall facility in Aurora has been a great way to bring families together for a few hours of music, beverages, and bouncy castles. When I arrived at the east side of the mall I was greeted with visions of a large stage, a beer garden, and a kid’s area. Kids were being lathered with sunscreen by caring mommies, tossed in the air by loving daddies, and treated to a very unique musical experience courtesy of The Verve Pipe.
The band performed for more than 90 minutes and ran through songs from their entire career. Hearing songs like “Photograph,” “Colorful,” and “Medicate Myself” reminded me just how powerful this band really is. After a perfect cover of Supertramp’s “Take The Long Way Home” and before a rousing version of Fleetwood Mac’s “The Chain,” the band tapped my younger self on the shoulder with a performance of “The Freshman.” As I was transported to a time a couple decades back, I looked around and smiled at the happiness and joy that the song brought to the crowd and was thankful that some things never change.
The Premium Outlet mall hosts great family-friendly events quite regularly. Be sure to check their website or Facebook page for future events.
Photo also by Scott Itter.
