You Can Win Free, Last-Minute Tickets To See The Orwells At Chop Shop

By Tankboy in Arts & Entertainment on Aug 12, 2016 8:17PM

The Orwells have fostered a reputation for being Chicago's bad boys while gaining national exposure. They've gotten into well publicized fights onstage with security guards and their singer Mario Cuomo is famous for stripping down to his skivvies during the band's sets.

We saw them play at the Burton Store a few years ago and honestly thought their fans might tear the place apart. The band hasn't played in Chicago for a while, and they've been working on new music, but they're resurfacing for a two night stand at Chop Shop Friday and Saturday for a mini music festival they've dubbed the Midwest Shitfest. Classy as always, boys.

We asked guitarist Matt O'Keefe what to expect and he told us: "The Midwest Shitfest is the introduction of the new je ne sais quoi Orwells, put on with the help of the other bands in their book club. It's a wine tasting and a poem party. An exploration of culture and the avant garde. At a butcher shop. Suit and tie required."

We also found out that attendees can also expect to finally hear some new material from the band. That, along with opening sets from The Symposium, Post Animal, and Joe Bordenero and the Late Bloomers means that the duo of show this weekend will probably be a real treat. And hopefully Chop Shop will still be standing by the end.

We have two pairs of tickets to give away to Saturday's show for loyal Chicagoist readers, so if you'd like a chance at snagging them send an email with "Orwells" in the subject line to this email address. Good luck!