Centerstage - Chicago's Original City Guide

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After winning a 2005 Grammy for the Kanye West-performed song "Jesus Walks," Rhymefest (aka Che Smith) appeared to be the next artist from Chicago to break into the mainstream. At the time the general consensus was that 'Fest deserved it, but for several reasons, it just didn't pan out. Instead of sulking and shaking his fist at the powers that be, which would have certainly turned him into one of those single-minded anti-establishment rappers, Smith continued to grind and build what he now considers to be a full-blown revolution of the mind, hence the title of his new album, El Che (or as Smith put it in a recent interview, "The Che" or "The Revolution"). It's been a long time coming for the local legend, and this event will be your chance to show your appreciation for all the work he's put in. In addition to Rhymefest and The Jordan Years (a contemporary funk band featuring Wes Restless of The Gent$), the night will also feature the Just For Laughs: The City That Works comedy tour, which include guest appearances by Schadenfreude, radio DJs Eddie & Jobo and furniture gurus, the Walter E. Smithe Brothers (yes, you read that correctly). (J. Min)