The first time singer-songwriter Michael McDermott walked through the gates of Cook County Jail was Nov. 23, 2002, after being arrested at the House of Blues for cocaine possession.

He returned this week in a different capacity: musician.

It was his third visit to 26th and California, his second time as a performer.

Up to his arrest, McDermott, who grew up in Orland Park, lived a high-risk life balancing a successful musical career with a raging drug and alcohol addiction. He was recording for major labels, appearing on MTV and performing on late night television while smoking crack cocaine and experiencing close calls with law enforcement. He would get sober 12 years later.

Despite living a different life today that includes being a husband and parent, McDermott said the prospect of r

See Full Page