News

Conrad was diagnosed with a rare form of stomach cancer 4 years ago. He underwent numerous painful surgeries to battle the carnivorous beast inside him, but ultimately lost to its all too aggressive advances. His last show on stage with any band was with Cooler by the Lake in Schaumburg at Chicago City Limits on September 29th. His health declined drastically after this show, to the point where he could no longer strap on a bass. Music was the most important thing to my friend, and to take that away from him meant ya might as well take all of him. I like ta think he's in a much better place, at least he's out of pain. Somewhere up there he's lookin' fer various odd jobs, like puttin' up dry wall any place he damn well pleases, or he's finally found every size of mason jar that ever existed. I know fer sure he's rockin' the bass and, it goes without sayin', reelin' in the bass. There will be a show at the Beat Kitchen, Chicago on Conrad's birthday, February 4th, 2010, featurin' some of the bands Conrad has played in to honor his memory. The show starts at 8pm, but please check www.beatkitchen.com for more info. Here's the line up:

COOLER BY THE LAKE
SWEET COBRA
DEMINER/CRASH COURSE
CLOSING IN
LYNYRD'S INNARDS (Black Flag set - Con used to sing these vox)

Even though he physically couldn't play, I made sure Conrad was involved in writing new Cooler by the Lake tunes right up until the end. Pickin' up the bass duties from now on will be Con's friend and mine, Eddie Waters. He's pretty much the only guy fer the job, in my opinion. This memorial show is meant to be a celebration of Con's life, that's why we're havin' it on his birthday. It is also a benefit show fer Grind For Life (www.grindforlife.org), an organization that provides assistance to cancer patients.

Stay close,
Rory

4/7/10
Cooler by the Lake made the Deli Chicago’s list of the top 300 Chicago bands. The band brings up the rear, coming in at #300. Guess that makes Cooler a band full of nice guys and gals.

Cooler is still working on new material for their sophomore release. From what we’ve heard already there are some hits a-brewin’. There are summer shows being scheduled as we speak. A couple that are booked are the Chicago Metronome Fest on June 13th and the 2nd Annual American Legion FDR Post 923 Booster Block Party on August 28th. There’s a Milwaukee show slated for May 21st. Keep checking back for further updates.

Rory is planning another update to his Catalogue of Dreams, so keep an eye out for new songs soon. Be sure to get on the Rory Lake Presents Email List in the ABOUT section of this site so you never miss a thing!