There is no space for bad vibes at a Lisa LeBlanc show. Be it her infectious energy, her stellar backup band, or the charmingly awkward stage banter. There is something wholesomely enjoyable about her performance. Currently touring 2022’s Chiac Disco, LeBlanc pays tribute to the era of chic disco and funk. On December 13th, Lisa LeBlanc made her Chicago debut, and what ensued was a joyfully eclectic set of Chiac disco, banjo-led punk, rock, and acoustic goodness.
Simply put, Lisa LeBlanc delivered the kind of set that makes you celebrate being dumb and in love.
Although the room at Schubas was tiny, it was crowded with an audience giving their energy like a peace offering. LeBlanc was more than happy to receive their vibrant invitation as the Acadian musician sonically cut through the crowd. She addressed the patrons in both English and French, often reminding them it was going to be a “Frenglish” show. Whether one knew how to speak French or not wasn’t important. LeBlanc and her band commanded the audience with their music and their moves. They perfectly demonstrated that music is a universal language.
Four songs in, LeBlanc wielded a banjo, the first time of many that she would. As she began playing “You Look Like Trouble (But I Guess I Do Too),” the crowd began ferociously stomping their feet to the tune. During this song, LeBlanc and the band lowered themselves to the ground, and without a single vocal command, the crowd began to do the same. They sang along and danced, from her chic disco song “Gossip” to her acoustic lovesick jam “5748 Km.”
LeBlanc spent a lot of her time on stage talking. So much so that her band began to tease her by playing game show music, as a sign to hurry it along.
Yet there is something to be said about her desire to share her music, especially in a city where she has yet to perform. As someone who had never heard of Acadianas or only knew the bare minimum of Canadian culture, hearing LeBlanc explain her songs made the show feel more intimate. She could even single out the only fellow New Brunswick native in the audience. There was excitement in the way she told her stories, making her banter on stage all the more charming. It just elevated the entire experience.
For the encore, each band member had a moment to shine and showcase their talents. From a wicked drum solo to an epic organ-lead Christmas song. Plus, the greatest guitar solo ever played without hands! The goofiness was so contagious! Closing out the show was the banjo-led “Aujourd’hui ma vie c’est d’la marde,” which translates to “Today my life is shit.” The venue erupted in a French sing-a-long, even by those who only knew how to swear in French.
Lisa LeBlanc offers a unique and thrilling experience of live music. Where else could I witness a banjo-led cover of Motörhead’s “Ace of Spades?”
Schubas bore witness to LeBlanc’s tributes to many wonderful genres. She even described the show as a five-course meal of genres, from metal to disco to folk to funk. Her stage presence is wonderful and her band crushed it. LeBlanc’s final show of 2023 was a banger that I’m sure the fans in attendance, even those who traveled from as far as St. Paul, Minnesota, will not be forgetting for a long time.
All photography by Oscar De Leon
