I admit that it’s been a while since I was out after dark (except to take out the garbage) - but I am committed to trying new things in retirement. So, when my friend Nina suggested a concert at the White Lilac, I jumped at the chance to make the late-night effort. Add on dinner at Mr. Yee’s and it’s the perfect Harborside blend of old and new.
We started our Thursday evening on the town with dinner at Mr. Yee’s, Kenosha’s long-time-favorite Chinese restaurant under relatively new ownership. Mr Yee’s doesn’t disappoint because Yee’s never disappointed. The red leather booths, hanging beads and Chinese artwork keep the atmosphere original and authentic. The OG menu features Yee’s family recipes, comforting and delicious. The original egg rolls are, well, perfect. Just as you remember. Brave enough to check out the “Favorites” menu (familiar dishes by the new chefs) I settled on Kung Pao Shrimp with an original egg roll (of course). Nina went with the OG Chicken Sub Gum. Served in raised silver dishes with cloches, our entrees were steaming hot and beautifully presented with fresh vegetables, tasty sauces and flavorful proteins. Service was great and our cookies promised good fortune. We’ll be back to test some of the trendy cocktails and more of the new menu!
On to the 8pm folk concert right across the street at The White Lilac. Owner Kelly McKay welcomed us at the door. After we declared this was our first visit, he warmly gave us the lowdown. It’s a fresh, intimate venue (50 comfortable mismatched chairs, theater style.) It does not feel crowded, but coffeehouse cozy. Seating is unreserved and there isn’t a bad seat in the house. Prepackaged drinks are available for purchase. Kelly opens the show promptly with a reminder that music up close and personal is just that. Relax and enjoy the vibe. The audience was diverse but I’d say most were “our” (retiree) age. I have to say this put me more at ease. Live performances aren’t just for kids. I don’t have to know what I’m doing.
Stillhouse Junkies brought excellent musicianship, high energy and a sense of pure joy to their performance. All three musicians (Jeanette on upright bass, Fred on guitar/mandolin and Alissa on fiddle) played impeccably and sang beautiful harmonies for each and every song for two 50-minute sets. Their bluegrass/blues/rock sound was far bigger than the room. They gave it everything and had a blast doing it. Fred bragged this was their second visit to The White Lilac and they spent this afternoon at Simmons beach dipping their toes into Lake Michigan. A distinct advantage of a July gig over their previous January visit. They were very impressed with Kenosha’s overall live music scene as there were many event choices on this Thursday evening.
How fortunate we are to have a venue that attracts world class performers in an accessible, intimate setting. It reminded me of the magic of musical experience - clears your mind, resets your energy and creates fellowship.
We left the concert (yes, we made it to 10pm) with a very short walk to our car on a gorgeous starlit summer night. Kenosha is a great place to live, work, play, and retire - both day and night.
