Lutalo dominates Tomorrow Never Knows Fest with special guests runo plum and Sleeper’s Bell – all while headlining his first tour.
Founded in 2005, Tomorrow Never Knows Fest or TNK Fest takes place in Chicago every January. It features a carefully curated lineup of shows that span only five days. Artists from all over the world, including local bands, have the opportunity to perform. Amongst these talented musicians, Lutalo brings The Academy to TNK and Chicago’s Schubas Tavern on January 16th.
Chicago-based folk duo Sleeper’s Bell opened the night with an impressive set. Blaine Teppema (lyricist/vocalist) and Evan Green (guitarist) captivated the crowd with soft MJ Lendermen vibes. The duo showcased music from their entire discography, taking the audience on a captivating journey through both new and classic hits. With humor and lighthearted banter, Sleeper’s Bell maintained a warm and cheerful atmosphere.
Next, is runo plum, a folk-rock artist from Minnesota, took the spotlight with gentle tunes. Runo captivated the audience with her angelic voice paired with white lights and fog, creating an enchanting atmosphere. She effortlessly played the guitar in perfect harmony with Kate Saoirse, local vocalist. Throughout the set, she performed 2024 releases like “simple things” and “wallowing” as well as some unreleased tracks.
The atmosphere was soft and delicate as he audience gently swayed. As her performance came to a close, runo plum captivated viewers into complete silence with the performance of her song “Pink Moon” (yes, a Nick Drake reference). It was unforgettable, and I cannot wait to see what the future holds for her.
The Twin Peaks theme song played over the speakers as a tribute to David Lynch while the crowd awaited the headliner. Lutalo took the stage with red lights engulfing the singer as he opened with a powerful song from, The Academy. The energy continued to soar with the track “Ganon“. Lutalo and his band command the stage. I was carried away by the guitar playing; it was absolutely astonishing.
Lastly, he played new and older tracks while effortlessly executing his performance. He played “Darkeve” solo, slowing things down for the evening. It was a pleasure to hear this live.
Lutalo’s The Academy tour is one you won’t want to miss. He will perform tracks from his albums AGAIN and Once Now, Then Again. If you’re a fan of intricate guitar playing and lively energy, then this tour is for you. Lutalo’s music is unique and poetic. And the entire band delivers an exceptional sound and a high level of talen. Since releasing music in 2022, Lutalo has grown into a dexterous musician, and The Academy tour truly showcases that.
I highly recommend attending this show! Tickets now available at https://www.lutalo.info/live.
I'm a music writer, reviewer, and enthusiast based in Chicago, IL. Music has always been my passion, and I enjoy all genres of live music. In addition to my love for the art, I also collect vinyl, create music content, and run a music lovers club under the name "MaraschinoMix". In my free time, I curate playlists, share music recommendations, and enjoy staying active with running and yoga.
