I just got back from a first visit to Chicago and enjoyed two fabulous Cubs games at Wrigley (okay, one fabulous game and one blowout…).
For one of these, we were in the upper deck, first base line - section 426. During the entire game, we heard incessant drumming and by the end of the afternoon it had driven us near crazy. We figured out it was two guys with drum kits on the sidewalk and the sound was coming up, bouncing off the roof and right back down on us. It was crazy aggravating! Anyone know about this? Like, why are these guys drumming and why are they allowed to do it? Thanks!
If they’re on public property I don’t see any reason why they wouldn’t be allowed to. Was the other guy there? Last time (only time) I went there was another guy out in front, between the stadium and the fire station using a bucket. He had his kid with him who was also pretty damn good.
Also, the people I went with go all the time, apparently these drummers are always there. At this point I doubt they would want to get rid of them, it’s part of the experience.
These guys were definitely drumming on full kits, not buckets. The drumming had a bit of a jazz feel to it. It was okay at first but after nine innings, it was like a jackhammer to the head. It probably didn’t help that the Cubs were on their way to giving up 16 runs : ) Don’t get me wrong, though - it was still a great day in what is one amazing, authentic ballpark!
I’ve seen the occasional drum kit outside Wrigley. The bucket drummers are always there, and in neither case do I recall them playing for the entire game.
I will say, though, that I was once in the bleachers and there was a guy out on Waveland with a saxophone playing for 4-5 innings, but he knew only two tunes (Tequila and the Sanford and Son theme). I can sympathize with the OP.