Weekend Playlist: One Final Skate
By Chuck Sudo in Arts & Entertainment on Feb 28, 2015 5:00PM
February is ceding to March and one of the early signs Chicago is preparing for spring is the closing of the Chicago Park District's outdoor skating rinks. The ovals at McKinley Park, Riis Park, Warren Park, Midway Plaisance, Mt. Greenwood, Rowan Park and Wentworth Park shut down Sunday, March 1, while the uber-popular Maggie Daley Ice Ribbon remains open until March 8.
I only learned to skate in the past couple years and, like bicycling, it's become more than an exercise. It's therapy; it's a diversion from the stress of work and everyday life; it's almost like breathing. One of the great things about Maggie Daley's skating ribbon that isn't discussed is the background music playing while you skate. It was a New Wave playlist on my most recent visit and that is not out of place. In fact, if we were able to turn back the clock 30 years, today's playlist (minus The Smashing Pumpkins) would be perfect for a roller rink or an indoor ice rink.
So here's a little bit of inspiration for you if you're lacing up the blades this or next weekend. It's a mix of songs I heard at Maggie Daley Park and songs I would like to hear. Take it with you wherever you decide to work on your hockey stops and backward skating moves.