New Year…Same Crappy Chicago Weather, Boober’s “Soundless” Quality, and the Mysterious Case of the Buttery Beard -- Show Date 1/30/2026

​Alas, as Bipolar Bear 3.0 enters its second year in existence, they ironically returned to the place where their debut occurred nearly a year ago – Heroes West in Lemont, Illinois. Once again, our intrepid heroes (not to be confused with the Western variety of Lemont) provided an opening salvo for the band Eleven. And, once again, shenanigans ensued before a single note of music was played.

As every musician knows, opening for another band requires patience, logistical skill, and a practical knowledge of which cords are yours at the end of the set. As BPB prepared for its sound check, Boober noticed something from his bass amp: the complete absence of sound – not good for a rock band, in general. It’s always disconcerting when someone of Boober’s, shall we say, voluminous gregariousness, is rendered silent. But silent that amp was…until it was discovered that the cords were plugged into the wrong places (“that’s what she said”).

When the set started, the band instantly regained its composure and offered an hour of diverse, exciting, and overall fun music for the large crowd who braved the snow and cold for a night of live music and mayhem. A few highlights:
• The lone dancer in front of the stage, who decided that grooving to every song by BOTH bands was her idea of exercise, or just a diversion to combat the long line heading into the ladies’ room. Either way, she was a hoot!
• Rob called out Mike’s beard as being “buttery”, which was promptly shouted out by one of Mike’s sons (and when he finds out which one…)

• Mike calling out Rob’s excessive “head juice”, which Rob promptly wiped on Mike’s shirt. Curiously, the juice smelled like mangos and guava, with a hint of honeysuckle.

In all, the band is poised to have another amazing year in its eternal quest for a shenanigan-free show. Lisa, Ellen, Keith, and Kevin were in their usual stellar form, not withstanding Rob and Mike’s reluctant, buttery, tropic fluid exchange. Nevertheless, we eagerly await BPB 3.0’s next musical adventure. We just plan to bring a towel…

MM (the buttery bearded troubadour)