Pat Green

Last Friday (Aug. 21) was Pat Green Day in Illinois. Not just in that Pat-Green-is-playing-Chicago kind of way. But in a very literal, the-governor-says-so kind of way. There was a framed proclamation and everything. And I was there for the whole thing.

Technically, it was to honor Green, his musical artistry and his commitment to the life-saving work of the American Red Cross. But I should also disclose that the Gov. Pat Quinn is a big country music fan himself. Huge. He knows the songs, the artists and all the big awards they've won. And at this impromptu Pat Green Day ceremony in Chicago, the governor called country music an authentic American art form and said it gives us all patriotic inspiration.

When it came time to introduce Green, the governor admitted he'd been to Green's concert the night before and that it was a charismatic and energetic show. I think that's an understatement. But he went on and on about Green's music, saying that "What I'm For," his latest single, "celebrates the lives of hard-working, resilient, everyday men and women who struggle to retain their dignity and hope during these tough economic times."

Green, in a moment of self-deprecating humor, said that Pat Green Day was a tremendous honor but that he was so nervous, "I'm about to wet myself." But he overcame the nerves and was able to take the makeshift stage and sing "Wave on Wave" with guitarist Brett Danaher and accordion player Clay Corn by his side.

Green's wit came out again when he questioned the governor on the lack of fanfare surrounding this new day: "No parade? Can't we make the river green?" I think they only dye the Chicago River green on St. Patrick's Day. But now that we all know that the governor has country on his mind, I wouldn't be surprised at all if there was some kind of country music parade someday down the road.