Emma and the Dilemma rocked out at Shoeless Joe’s!
They boast “high energy diva Pop Rock & Soul!” and that’s exactly what Emma and the Dilemma delivered.
On Saturday February 14th, band Emma and the Dilemma drew a Valentine’s Day crowd at Shoeless Joe’s Ale House and Grille in Schiller Park, a suburb just outside of Chicago. Composed of Pearl, drummer; Larry, bass; Ian, keys; Brendan, guitar and namesake singer - Emma - herself, the band was eager to get started.
Upon seeing me, the singer walked over. “So good to see you!” she exclaimed, giving me a hug like we were lifelong friends. I’d been to a few of the bands shows before. Although, this time, the singer was sporting a more edgy look vs. the last time I saw her. Her curly blonde hair now ironed straight and dyed a brownish black. Decked out in a black tube top, matching fingerless gloves and pinstripe gray skirt, Emma was definitely in her rockstar era. “Thanks for coming out to take photos -we appreciate it!” she smiled. It was nice to see the band again.
After some last minute tuning /mic check, Emma then sauntered up the to the stage, band waiting -already onstage. The band began as Emma delivered a soulful rendition of Amy Winehouse’s “Back To Black”. After the second cover (“Rumor Has It” by Adele), the band paused, thanking everyone for coming out to see them this Valentine’s Day.
Emma also noted that this month marks one year since the band released their debut work, a 3-song EP titled “Lovesick”. The EP features all original material by the band. They performed the EP’s tracks, including “Another Sweater Song”, where Emma laments to a former lover how she wants her sweater back. Another original, “Woulda Coulda Shoulda”, finds the singer having second thoughts about breaking up with a partner -even though she knows this person no longer cares for her.
“Is everyone having a nice Valentine’s Day?” Emma asked the crowd enthusiastically, to which they responded with a round of applause and cheers. Emma herself raised a hand at her own question, chirping, “Me!”, like a child raising their hand at school -eagerly wanting to tell the teacher something.
During an instrumental break, Emma introduced each band member. The Lombard native then reminisced on a recent show they did, complete with a Taylor Swift tribute band! Emma excitedly described the band receiving Taylor-esq. friendship bracelets from their fellow tour mates before performing The Cranberries’ “Dreams”.
We were all given a sweet, yet high energy, Valentine’s Day treat that night.
Follow Emma and the Dilemma:
•Instagram: @emmaandthedilemma @emmaandthedilemmahq
•Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/18KiS3wN8o/?mibextid=wwXIfr
•Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0OrvHhXRtn8GX82I74h2yU?si=jSkIB-nwTNeZDnKv3McLjg
Stream “Lovesick” EP here: https://open.spotify.com/album/6grNSb13Mv55kPUPuZ1Wwb?si=-1JBGj9IRnSA4LhdjB4VOw