A Farewell to Cafe Racer
Article by Avalon Smith
On a surprisingly warm winter night in Chicago, the DIY music community gathered at the iconic Empty Bottle to bid a heartfelt farewell to the beloved Cafe Racer, an indie group that has undeniably left a mark on Chicago music. The atmosphere was filled with a palpable mix of excitement and melancholy as fans and fellow artists gathered to celebrate the band's musical journey.
The evening began with an opening act and friends of the headliner, Accessory, fronted by DEHD’s Jason Balla joined by the members of Deeper, that set the mood for the night with their hypnotic music, opening with “Flowers on the Highway.” Their performance not only primed the crowd for the anticipation of the night ahead but also served as a tribute to their friendship with the departing headliners.
Following Accessory, local punk band Edging took the stage, lead singer Faith Callaway diving headfirst into the audience while Tyler Meneese rocked the saxophone, igniting a surge of energy from fans. Most excitingly, the band treated their fans to unreleased songs, furthering the anticipation and buzz of the evening.
And then came the moment that everyone was waiting for- the (second to) last moment Cafe Racer would take the stage to thunderous applause and cheers. Their setlist was a carefully curated journey through their discography, featuring a blend of fan favorites and new songs from their new and final record “Words in Error.” The band's farewell performance showcased not only their musical prowess but also the deep connection they had forged with their audience over the years.
Finally, the show was over, but not before the crowd begged for an encore. Adam Schubert took the microphone and shared his gratitude for the past 8 years, his band members, and the fans as well as a reflection of his sobriety. He used this heartfelt moment to introduce their final song, “Pretty Trash.”
When the band did leave the stage, their final notes lingered in the air. Empty Bottle, a familiar home for countless Cafe Racer shows, became the backdrop for a truly special evening—an homage to the 8 years of journey of the band and the fanbase they made along the way.
You can check Cafe Racer on Spotify below!