The new Saturday-night reality has become interacting with people via the internet. Today’s world consists of online gaming, live-streamed video, and AI-generated content. Yet concerts are better in person, and—since you’re reading this article—you already know the value of live, face-to-face interaction. To paraphrase an old saying: There is nothing like a live concert.
My own Saturday night was spent with fellow fans at Bell’s Eccentric Café, gathered to hear the Chicago sensation Hot Like Mars. This funky, soulful band brings a positive, energetic attitude that the crowd devours. Most of those in attendance had seen the band before, and many follow them on both sides of the lake.
The evening kicked off with Aaron Stinson, who DJed a set of inspired jams. The crowd jumped and moved to the bass-forward tunes as Aaron led the groove. Here, you experience the first-hand connections no computer can emulate—people dancing, grooving, and inviting you into their conversations like old friends. After 45 minutes of thumpin’ and bumpin’, the night’s headliner, Hot Like Mars, took the stage.
They came out swinging with “Don’t Get Comfy,” “Comfy Jam,” and “Som’n Boutchu,” tunes that instantly motivated the fans. The band then slowed the pace with “My Angels,” revealing a more personal side. Keyboardist Anthony Perry addressed the audience: “You are beautiful, you are a delight, you are important, you are a shining star.” He asked everyone to repeat the mantra and then turn to a stranger and say it to them. Suddenly, we were one big, happy family, sharing the love that makes live music so special.
At the heart of the band are Donoven Brown on bass and Wes Julien on drums. Funk is all about the “one,” and this dynamic duo stomps the downbeat with glee. Both can solo, and when they do, people listen. Close your eyes and you might think Victor Wooten and Al Jackson are back there. Their grooves run so deep that couples break into spontaneous, intimate dances that could melt any plastic screen at home.
Flanking the stage are two top-tier guitarists. Frank Minella—who could moonlight as a GQ model—has serious chops, while Patrick Walsh, with his flaming hair, shreds without breaking a sweat. They trade leads like friends conversing on the street, and the fans respond to every burst of pure musical inspiration.
“The Funk” and “Hit It Hard” kept the party moving, followed by the brand-new single “Situationship,” now streaming. A masterful funk-jazz piece, it left the guy next to me wondering whether it was an unreleased Prince track or an early Jacksons cut. It was neither—just Hot Like Mars channeling the greatness that inspires them.
Front and center, vocalist and keyboard virtuoso Anthony Perry brings deep, resonant clarity to every song, like a modern-day Lou Rawls. His keyboard work glides from mellow textures to soaring solos, and his humble, loving presence fuels the band’s joyful vibe.
Set one closed with “My Broken Pride.” After a short break, the band returned for a mighty jam session joined by Aaron Stinson on sax and flute and violinist Josh Holcomb. They played and danced deep into the night as fans grooved along—proof of why live music matters. The band reads the crowd the way they read their instruments, feeling where the music leads and anticipating the next move. No machine can do that—at least, not yet.
Don’t miss your chance to catch Hot Like Mars live. They’ll pull you in for a big musical hug that will leave you glowing. Until the next show, cue them up on your favorite streaming platform—you’ll be glad you did.
