Before recording Instant Karma!, producer Phil Spector asked John Lennon “How do you want it?”. Lennon responded: “You know, 1950, but now”. That blend of retro sensibility with a modern twist is embodied in Arts & Letters, the solo project of songwriter Joe Grazulis. Beginning as a personal, song-a-week recording exercise, it slowly grew into a more public and professional musical undertaking. The lo-fi audio sketches and sonically layered demos kickstarted a DIY journey that led to a self-titled, self-released, five-song EP recorded in a variety of prestigious bedrooms, historic living rooms, and (for two magical hours) one honest-to-goodness real studio. Outside of the cozy confines of bedroom tunesmithery, Arts & Letters can be seen and heard all around Chicago performing infectious pop songs with nothing but an acoustic guitar, a single mic, and an endearing wit. Combining playful, emotive lyrics with British Invasion grooves, 1960s folk rock melodies, bossa nova chords, and gypsy jazz rhythms, Arts & Letters creates a soulful sound that feels like a long-lost 1965 album that you dug up in some dusty attic…and that was made just for you.

Show starts at 6pm.  No cover.  No reservations.