Our founder, Gregory Hall, in partnership with his dear friend and Chicago musician, Jon Langford, is releasing a record called The Closing Time. The record includes 16 Chicago musicians such as Jon Langford, Jeff Tweedy, Andrew Bird, Rosie Flores, Janet Bean and Sally Timms, that have recreated Closing Time - the 1973 debut album by multi-GRAMMY Award® winning, ACADEMY AWARD® nominated, and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inducted songwriter Tom Waits.
The Closing Time, conceived by founding member of The Mekons and Waco Brothers, Jon Langford and founder of Virtue Cider, Gregory Hall, is an unmatched collection of some of Chicago's most notable musicians. The project, supported by Chicago Independent Venue League (CIVL), is set for release on Saturday July 17, 2021. A limited number of vinyl pressings by Chicago’s Smashed Plastic Record Pressing will be available for purchase for $50.00 online at VirtueCider.com as well as at select CIVL member venues. 100% of sales will benefit the CIVL SAVE Emergency Relief Fund which provides immediate micro-grants to Chicago’s music community members who are most in need of financial support due to COVID-19.
"2020 did not turn out as planned in more ways than one," said Virtue Cider founder Greg Hall. "One of the biggest things that changed was Chicago's live music scene which I've enjoyed for many years. Local clubs were hit hard and I reached out to my friend Jon Langford to see what we could do to help" said Hall.
Proceeds from this project will support CIVL, which acts to secure the long-term future of Chicago’s independently owned live music venues for the benefit of Chicago’s music community and emerging artists. The venues have played a crucial role in developing Chicago’s reputation as a world-class music haven for more than five decades. The revenue lost because of the mandatory COVID-19 shutdown has left many venues on the verge of collapse. Owners and staff continue to feel the catastrophic effects, all by no fault of their own.
Stay tuned on our social channels for more information regarding The Closing Time and its release.