Lincoln Park GoogaMooga?
Looks like Brooklyn's Great GoogaMooga food and music festival is coming to Chicago in August; permits have been applied for.
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TODAY
Monday, May 20
Merge
Category
Music/Clubs
Through the Wire, Off the Wall
Kanye West debuted his new song "New Slaves" through a simultaneous series of projections on building walls throughout the world, including seven locations in Chicago.
Millennium Park:
Chicago History Museum:
Wicker Park:
Resurrecting the Hot House
Portoluz announced plans to relaunch the storied, late lamented Hothouse as a music and cultural venue. A relaunch party is planned for June 22.
Lolla's Schedule is Out
Lollapalooza released the schedule for this year's festival today. Stephanie Griffin has been highlighting some of the acts performing this year in Transmission: Father John Misty, Guards, Icona Pop, Jessie Ware and Wavves.
Brand New Strings, Etc.
New Chicago Music is pretty clear about its goal: to introduce you to new contemporary classical music around the city. Check out the calendar to get started.
A River of Song
The CSO is celebrating the Chicago River (and others) with music festival. Saturday is also Chicago River Day -- volunteer to help clean up the waterway.
Wedding for the Record Stacks
DJs Dani Deahl and Fei Tang got married in Gramaphone Records last weekend.
Playing the Big Room
Rolling Stone continues its cataloging of the nation's greatest rock venues with a look at "Big Rooms." Metro and House of Blues make the cut. (Previously.)
Music Institute to Open Downtown
The Music Institute of Chicago is opening a new campus at the Fourth Presbyterian Church's Gratz Center this fall, and will move its north suburban school from Highland Park to Lake Forest.
National Rock Cred
Rolling Stone's panel of experts picked Lincoln Hall, Empty Bottle and Schubas among the Best Clubs in America.
"Shoot first, think last"
Wyclef Jean's latest single, "Bang Bang Bang," is about Chicago's murder rate and culture of violence. In the first verse, he name-drops Sosa, which Vibe mistakes as a reference to Sammy instead of Chief Keef.
RIP Jimmy Damon
Jimmy Damon, the famed Chicago saloon singer who inspired Bill Murray's lounge singer character on "Saturday Night Live," passed away Saturday on his 75th birthday.
Record of the Month Club
Once a month, Vinyl Me, Please sends you an LP plus other goodies, as well as a digital playlist put together by your own personal "music stylist."
Media Burn Video Feature: Blind Arvella Gray
Today marks the first of a series of featured videos from the Media Burn Independent Video Archive. This clip is a 1978 performance by Blind Arvella Gray at the Maxwell Street Market, originally from A Tribute to Chicago Blues. Watch more from the feature on Media Burn.
Can You Take Them Higher?
Wanted: musicians for a Creed cover band.
Altered Music
The Reader's Ben Sachs talks with composer John Corigliano about his concert tomorrow night at the Harris Theater and composing the soundtrack to cult classic Altered States.
"Don't Mess this Up!"
Record Store Day is this Saturday, and we've got a guide to who's participating. Meanwhile, Kelly Hogan wants to make sure you know how lucky you are there are still cool record stores.
Hot and Fresh from Le Kitchen
R. Kelly teamed up with Phoenix at this weekend's Coachella fest for a mashup of their hit "1901" with Kells' "I'm a Flirt" and the infamous "Ignition (Remix)", which was briefly proposed to be the next national anthem.
Chicago Introduces the Beatles
Did you know that former Chicago label Vee-Jay Records released the first U.S. Beatles record?
Out of a Taxi, Into All Media
Dmitry Samarov has hung up his hack's license and is putting the finishing touches on his second book -- and just released some original music. Time Out finds out what else he's been up to.
Henhouse Prowlers Get Burgled
Local bluegrass band The Henhouse Prowlers (formerly also known as Sexfist) were out west on tour when their equipment was tragically stolen in Oakland, CA. They've posted a long list of the stolen instruments on their Facebook page, which includes some pretty rare items, and are hoping to recover what they can. The band is currently continuing their tour nearby with loaned instruments, and plan to start a Kickstarter next week to raise money to replace what the police can't find.
Local H Singer Robbed of Wallet, Phone & Voice
Local H had to cancel the first three dates of its current tour after singer Scott Lucas was mugged in Russia after a show. The mugger put him in a choke hold that damaged his vocal cords. Three doctors later and Lucas was cleared to sing, though, so Saturday's show in Rosemont has been saved.
It's Music Festival News Day
Both the Pitchfork Music Festival and Spring Awakening Festival announced their lineups today. Not to be left out of the news, Lollapalooza announced that three-day passes had sold out; single-day tickets will go on sale April 9, when the full lineup is announced.
WVON Hits Gold
WVON turns 50 this year, and it's celebrating at the Chicago Theatre on April 6 with a concert by Toni Braxton. Tickets are $100 to $500 [PDF].
Drone + Kim
Sonic Youth's Kim Gordon performs with Chicago duo White/Light at the MCA Tuesday night at 6pm. The concert is free, and tickets are only available at the box office beginning at 5pm. In other words, get there way early if you want to get in.
003 White/Light from Kyle Obriot on Vimeo.
This Will Survive...
For a limited time, you can listen to Jason Molina's discography for free on his former website. Perhaps post a remembrance, while you're at it.
Maybe Performance Art?
Chicago artist Derek Erdman moved to Seattle and got a job doing customer service at Sub Pop. Things went downhill from there.
Shocked Show Canceled After Anti-Gay Rant
SPACE in Evanston announced on Facebook that it has canceled a May 6 concert by Michelle Shocked after the musician made anti-gay comments at a show in San Francisco.
Adding Green to Northerly Island
On Thursday, the Chicago Park District plans to propose to add 20,000 new lawn-style seats to the Charter One Pavilion on Northerly Island, as early as this summer. The resulting reconfiguration of the venue would also add trees, about 600 additional fixed seats, and an estimated doubling of the venue's annual ticket sale revenue.
Put a Record On
The Reader has created an online jukebox to go along with its bar issue. If you've got a Spotify account, you can make a request.
RIP, Jason Molina
Jason Molina of Songs:Ohia and Magnolia Electric Company, died this weekend -- "died from a body that had been drowned in alcohol for years on end." Molina lived in Chicago for a number of years and collaborated with many local artists.
Jonylah Forever
Lupe Fiasco penned and posted a new song imagining what could have been the life of murdered infant Jonylah Watkins.
Ravinia Schedule Announced
Tickets are not on sale until April 25th, but Ravinia released their summer schedule today. You may think it has heart, but I really felt the sting when I saw the lineup during my journey to work today at Jewel. I saw what I did there, too.
Punk Pilsen
Los Crudos singer Martin Sorrondegoy talks about punk, Pilsen and more with WBEZ. For more about Sorrondeguy, check out his new photography book, Get Shot!
Save the Date: The Chicago Music Summit
Coming in September, a new music-oriented team with the City is planning the first-ever Chicago Music Summit to promote local music.
Long Way to the 1920s
The Congress Theater's renovation may not be going all that smoothly.
RIP Cleotha Staples
Cleotha Staples, founding member of the Staples Singers and oldest sister of Mavis, passed away Feb. 21 after a 12 year battle with Alzheimer's.
RIP Magic Slim
Chicago blues great Magic Slim passed away Feb. 21 at age 75. He released his last album, Bad Boy, last August.
Hip-Hop on the Down Low
"There's more than one way to be a black gay man," and hip-hop artist Tim'm West is exhibit A, says David Zarley in this week's Reader.
Hungry for Beats
This Here's Overrated, but I Love Your City Baby is a collection of Chicago's finest rap videos that are fully or partially filmed in or near restaurants.
Signs of Spring: a Lolla Leak
Like the first buds on the trees, spring must be on the way if we're getting the first little Lollapalooza lineup leaks. @TheLollaLeaker is doling stuff out slowly, while @AgentOfLolla is playing the spoiler.
This is Family Business
Read a deep dive into the history of hip hop in Chicago in, of all places, Crain's Chicago Business.
Go Elephant Hunting
Elephant Mixtapes is a new project in which mixtapes have been hidden all over the city, and it's your job to find them.
Capturing the Sound
Sound City, Dave Grohl's new documentary about the legendary LA recording studio by the same name, screens at the Patio Theater this weekend, Feb. 8-10. Tickets are available here.
Recording Hip-Hop History
Chicago is a city marked by the spirit of entrepreneurship and independent vision. Here, dedicated, innovative thinkers reinvent the collaborative processes that elevate ideas from daydreams to reality. So close, yet so far from the shiny Magnificent Mile, artists like Alexander Fruchter, owner and operator of local hip hop record label Closed Sessions, challenge traditional practices to make way for more exciting forms of magnificent creative expression.
Closed Sessions creates not only music but short documentary films, shown on their website, that give insider peeks into the stories behind these local artists. Fruchter says they are "genuine about wanting to capture the story in this historic period." They just signed their first flagship artist, Alex Wiley, who will perform Feb. 9 at 4pm at Reggie's Rock Club for just a dollar.
Pitchfork Headliners Announced
R. Kelly, Bjork and Belle and Sebastian are headlining the next Pitchfork Music Festival, which will be held July 19-21 in Union Park. Tickets are on sale now. More details in Transmission.
We Are the Bears Shufflin' Crew
Jake Austen put together a fantastic oral history of "The Super Bowl Shuffle" for Grantland.
Your Afternoon Soundtrack
RedEye's Ernest Wilkins picks the 25 best Chicago rap videos.
Record of a Phantom
The Reader put together an oral history of Humboldt Park recording studio Phantom Manor, which closed recently.
Ten in the House of 10
Pearl Jam will play a concert at Wrigley Field on July 19, with tickets going on-sale Feb. 9. The Cubs and Eddie Vedder had been teasing the show on Twitter all week.
Chief Keef is a Dad
The rapper reportedly became a father in 2011 and owes unpaid child support, according to a lawsuit filed today by the child's mother, who is underage (though not in middle school as TMZ reported).
Jazz Fest Crosses Monroe
This year's Chicago Jazz Festival will take place in Millennium Park instead of Grant Park, with shows staged in the Pritzker Pavilion and on the Chase Promenade and Harris Theater rooftop.
Bad Little Monsters
Some Lady Gaga fans have been threatening Rebecca Francescatti, the musician who accused the pop star of ripping off her song. Francescatti recorded a song addressing the bullying.
Must See: All-Girls Beastie Boy Tribute Band
She's Crafty, Chicago's all female Beastie Boy Tribute Band, is starring in their very first solo concert at Underground Lounge on Friday, Jan. 18. Come check out the band one person once said, "She's Crafty, not a novelty act."
Nerd Punk Riot!
Mucca Pazza commanded the front page of the NYTimes' Arts section and landed a rave review.
Chief Keef Back in Jail
The Pitchfork video interview in which Chief Keef went to a gun range finally came back around to haunt him, as a judge decided it violated the terms of his probation for aiming a gun at police. Keith Cozart will be sentenced back to prison on Thursday.
Aloha, Lanialoha
NewCity profiles Lanialoha Lee, the beloved 'ukulele teacher at the Old Town School of Folk Music.
Happy Birthday, Vic!
The Vic Theatre turns 100 this year.
One highlight from The Vic's storied past: comedian Bill Hicks recorded his HBO special "One Night Stand" there in 1991.
Chief Keef Moves to the Suburbs
Chief Keef apparently moved to Northbrook recently, but forgot to tell his parole officer, putting his probation on gun charges at jeopardy.
Fighting with Brass
This weekend's Battle of the Saxes at the Green Mill will be a tribute to Von Freeman, the legendary jazz saxophonist who co-founded the annual battle. Freeman passed away earlier this year. Catch the show tonight, Saturday and New Year's Eve.
Peekaboo
Local punk-rock band The Peekaboos just released a new single off their upcoming LP Stay Positive, and it's available online for hungry ears everywhere.
Last Call at Cal's
After months of uncertainty, Cal's Bar, the South Loop dive that's been a favorite of bike messengers and punk bands, will be closing at the end of the month. The bar's last day is New Year's Eve; a free concert is scheduled.
Picking Up on the Classics
Want to learn 100 riffs in about 12 and a half minutes? Soundslice plus Alex Chadwick from Chicago Music Exchange show you how.
Sound Opinions Christmas Mix
The annual Christmas music mixtape from Sound Opinions is now available. Make sure you download it soon, because it'll only be up through the end of December.
The Double Standard on Fliers
Police plan to ticket whoever is promoting Chief Keef's debut album by taping posters to streetposts in Englewood -- just like they do with all the concert posters plastered around Wicker Park, Logan Square, Pilsen, Lakeview...
Pick Up Chicago's Style
Thursday night, Young Chicago Authors presents the Chicago Annual of Style, a fundraiser featuring music, spoken word, art made while you wait and more, at the Metro.
Tegan & Sara & Cubby Bear
Tegan & Sara perform a free Q87.7 "No Dough Show" with Blondfire at the Cubby Bear in Wrigleyville Dec. 19.
Put on Another 45
NPR profiles Numero Group, the "saviors of local soul."
Smart Bar Gets a Little Smarter
Smart Bar, dubbed by many as Chicago's best night club, recently announced its resident DJs for 2013, all of whom will perform at the venue frequently throughout the coming year. The roster includes Frankie Knuckles, Derrick Carter, Orchard Lounge, Justin Long, Kate Simko, Michael Serafini, Nate Manic, John Simmons, The Black Madonna and Sassmouth.
A Little Winter Music
If LiteFM's carols aren't your speed, maybe The Hudson Branch's free/pay-what-you-like albums of "winter music" could be your soundtrack to the season.
Get Your Riot On
RiotFest is doing an early bird presale of 2013 three-day passes -- get'em now, while they last!
Holovaty Launches Soundslice
Adrian Holovaty just launched his new venture since leaving EveryBlock, the company he founded: SoundSlice, which syncs guitar tabs up with video to help guitarists learn new songs more effectively.
Easy (Online) Listening
Today, Rick O'Dell, former smooth jazz guru of 87.7 and 95.5, is launching SmoothJazzChicago.net, a free 24/7 streaming digital station dedicated to the genre.
Morrissey Reschedules Chicago Date
Last month, Morrissey postponed a handful of dates for his current North American tour, including a stop at the Chicago Theatre on Oct. 27. That show has officially been rescheduled for Jan. 26 at the same place.
Trapped in the Music Box
R.Kelly fans, take note: The Music Box is hosting a midnight sing-a-long Trapped in the Closet on Nov. 16 and 17. Get your tickets ASAP.
Trapped in the Cage
It doesn't come as much of a shock that R.Kelly put on a bizarre performance at the Arie Crown Theater last night, but it seems he may have gotten a little too comfortable with the crowd.
Lil Reese Investigated for Beating
Lil Reese is being investigated by police again (previously), after a video of him beating a woman went viral (watch it on WorldStarHipHop if you must.) The rapper, whose real name is Tavares Taylor, owned up to the video on Twitter. UPDATE: Lil Reese has apologized for the assault.
Introducing the Top Note Sessions
Next Friday, Consequence of Sound launches a new performance and interview series in the Top Note space on the top floor of the Metro. The first guest is The Hood Internet.
Quick Contest: See Black Prairie Tonight!
WBEZ and 312 Presents host a private concert with Black Prairie tonight for High Fidelity members -- and we've got two tickets to give away.
Email contests@gapersblock.com with your name, phone number and "Black Prairie" in the subject line by 4pm; we'll choose an entry at random. The station's doors open at 6pm on Navy Pier; see the map here. Show starts at 7pm. UPDATE: Congratulations to our winner, Darlene L.!
Ode the the Chief
Young Chicago Authors' Kevin Coval is releasing a book of poetry about Chief Keef. There's a release party for More Shit that Chief Keef Don't Like tonight.
Chief Keef Back to Juvie?
That video Chief Keef made with Pitchfork where he went to a gun range? It violated the terms of his probation, prosecutors say.
Black Magic on Devil's Night
Tuesday, Oct. 30 is the night that Anthony Moser and the Fat Tones Blues Band performs at Buddy Guy's Legends. Come in for a spell at 9:30pm for the show -- and as the "witching hour" approaches, get ready for Black Magic beginning at 11:30pm.
1,000 Hurts No More
A Georgia woman who received a vintage belt exercise machine from the band Shellac as part of a promotion for their 1994 album Shellac at Action Park is selling the item on Ebay after 17 years of good use.
Perfect Imperfections
GLI.TC/H , the festival of glitch art, music and technology, will be back in Chicago for a third round Dec. 6-9. Here's a review of the 2010 edition.
GLI.T/CH 2112 BUMPER from Kevin Carey on Vimeo.
Lupe Lets it Out
Lupe Fiasco talks with the Sun-Times about his latest album, Chicago's violence and his issues with the record industry.
Led Zeppelin 2 - The Lawsuit Experience
Christopher Klein, one of the founding members of the popular cover band Led Zeppelin 2 - The Live Experience, is suing his former bandmates, accusing them of misappropriating funds and other misdeeds.
Wayward Sons, Indeed
The Onion's A.V. Club wrapped up its cover series in their little round room with their most bizarre performance to date: GWAR covering Kansas' "Carry On Wayward Son."
My Mellow, My Mellow
Chicagoist describes Kids These Days' new song "Don't Harsh My Mellow" as having a "Smells Like Teen Spirit"-as-set-in-a-CPS-school vibe. Apt comparison, complete with quiet-loud structure.
Cookie Issues
New "SNL" castmember Aidy Bryant stars in "Doctor Opera," a teaser video for the Lyric Opera's upcoming production of Hansel & Gretel. (Thanks, James!)
You can get 50 percent off tickets to the show with the code "DrOpera."
Contest: See Avett Brothers Friday
The Avett Brothers play Charter One Pavilion on Friday, and we have three pairs of tickets to give away!
Enter by emailing contests@gapersblock.com with your name and phone number and the subject line "Avett Bros" by 3pm today. We'll pick three winners at random. Good luck! UPDATE: We have our winners! Congrats to James V., Claire S. and Ray P.!
Music Institute Gets a Blue Woman
Jazz vocalist Tammy McCann has been named the artist in residence at the Music Institute of Chicago. She will make her debut at the Billy Strayhorn Festival Oct. 26-28.
Resolution Allegro for CSO
A tentative agreement was reached last night in the brief CSO musicians strike. Both sides must still ratify it, but barring any last minute objections, Wednesday's performance is back on.
CSO on Strike
Chicago Symphony Orchestra musicians went on strike Saturday after contract negotiations broke down over pay increases.
Drama in the Theaters
The Chicagoist recaps the Congress Theater/Portage Theater fiasco, and it's gotten a little ugly.
Holiday Spree
The Polyphonic Spree have announced a handful of dates for their Christmas Extravaganza 2012 tour, with Chicago making the short list. They'll be at the Logan Square Auditorium on Dec 11. Tickets went on sale this morning.
Listen to the Marathon
Composer Mark Mallman is in the midst of a 150-hour-long song, "Marathon 4," broadcast live from the back of a van traveling from New York to LA. He'll be out front of Graham Elliot Bistro tonight at 6pm.
Backlash to the Backlash Against Amanda Palmer
Steve Albini got himself in a minor amount of hot water for calling Amanda Palmer an idiot for requesting unpaid musicians to perform on her current tour, after garnering $1.2 million on Kickstarter to record an album. Albini explains himself on The Stool Pigeon.
Contest: Cloud Nothings at WBEZ
Cloud Nothings are playing an exclusive show for WBEZ High Fidelity members on Monday, Sept. 17. RSVPs filled up in 2.5 minutes this morning, but we've got a pair of passes to give away.
Email contests@gapersblock.com by noon Saturday with your name, phone number and the subject line "Cloud Nothings" to enter; we'll choose one winner at random for the two tickets.
Fuel For Your Soul
In Transmission, we take a deeper look at Chicago's thriving soul music DJ scene with a night spent with the Windy City Soul Club DJs, and the fans who love to dance.
But Does he Like Creed?
In the most important press clarification of the year, Mayor Emanuel's Press Secretary Tarrah Cooper proclaimed that the mayor does not like Nickelback. Sorry, guys. (No word yet on Creed.)
The Congress Buys the Portage
Eddie Carranza, owner of the Congress Theater, has purchased the Portage Theater. I a message posted on Everyblock, Carranza said there are no immediate plans to bring concerts to the Portage, but might actually bring film programming to the Congress. Stay tuned for new developments.
Vinyl on the Sidewalk
Dusty Groove is holding a sidewalk sale this Saturday to help make space in its overcrowded basement. Stop by on your way to Renegade and pick up LPs for 50 cents and 7-inches for a quarter.
Gang Beef in a Rap Setting
Further thoughts Whet Moser and Miles Raymer on Chief Keef, Lil JoJo and the bleakness of Chicago's teen rap scene.
Pitchfork Retracts Chief Keef Video
After the controversy surrounding Chief Keef and the murder of Lil JoJo, Pitchfork announced today that it is retracting its video interview with the 16-year-old rapper, which was conducted at a New York gun range. Meanwhile, Lupe Fiasco is apparently mulling retiring from music.
Chief Keef Laughs at Rival's Death
Chief Keef is under fire after tweets apparently mocking the shooting death of rival rapper Lil JoJo Tuesday night.
Lil JoJo had posted a video on YouTube earlier on Tuesday in which he appeared to drive past Chief Keef associate Lil Reese and shout obscenities at him. "Ima kill you" can be heard in the video. The police are allegedly investigating the tweets and video in relation to the murder.
Jazzing it Up This Weekend
Headed to Jazz Fest after work? Give the Reader's guide to the festival a quick look for tips on who to see.
Nothing Compares 2 Him
Prince announced "Welcome 2 Chicago a "residency" of unspecified length at the United Center starting Sept. 24. The concerts will benefit economic justice charity Rebuild the Dream. Tickets go on sale on the 6th.
Lupe Fiasco: Chief Keef Scares Me
Lupe Fiasco recently gave an opinion on the "Trap Rap" phenomenon. Fiasco also discusses the influence local rapper Chief Keef has on the Chicago hip hop scene.
Stadium Rock
Time Out notes that with his concerts at Wrigley Sept. 7 and 8, Bruce Springsteen will be the first musician to perform at all four major league stadiums in Chicago.
His Airness, Nordic Thunder
Justin "Nordic Thunder" Howard won the Air Guitar World Championship this weekend in Oulu, Finland. We interviewed him in 2011 after he won the US Air Guitar championships right here in Chicago. He became a two-time champ in Denver earlier this month.
The White Albums
Pitchfork has released the results of The People's List, a poll of the 200 best albums released in the past 15 years, to commemorate the site's 15th birthday. Not a lot of surprises in the findings (few albums by women or minorities, and a lot of Radiohead at the top), but worth a glance.
The Grid: LAMPO
The newest installment of our documentary series The Grid explores the experimental music and intermedia events of LAMPO.
Chicago, Tom Schraeder Loves You
Singer-songwriter Tom Schraeder is organizing Chicago, I Love You, a 30-day arts and music festival at Lilly's in Lincoln Park. He spoke with Chicagoist's Jon Graef about why he put the festival together.
Connecting at the Concert
Showfile is a social network built around music festivals and concerts: explore your friends' taste in music and keep track of which shows you've gone to see.
A Tree Grows in Canaryville
Also in the Reader, Leor Galil introduces you to MC Tree G, a different model of up-and-coming Chicago hip hop.
Rock'n'Roll Garage Sale
The Empty Bottle is holding a garage sale this Sunday; if you've got some stuff to throw in there, get in touch.
RIP, Von Freeman
Legendary tenor saxophonist Von Freeman passed away over the weekend at 88. The Tribune's Howard Reich offers an appreciation.
UPDATE: Astrophysicist Sean Carroll also eulogizes Freeman. (Thanks, Mitchell!)
Un-Happy People
R. Kelly has cancelled his scheduled concerts for the much-hyped Love Letter Cruise after claiming that organizers were unable to pay him. The whole cruise has been nixed, too; passengers will receive refunds.
Lunch Listen: 312 to 213
Kid Koala's latest track, "8 Bit Blues," takes you from Chicago to LA to New York.
Bid on 8x10s on 8/10
Starting today, local music education nonprofit Rock for Kids is launching an eBay auction of autographed 8x10 photos from 150 bands, including The Temptations, Pat Benatar, The Village People, Nickel Creek, Naughty By Nature, Ben Folds and more. Bid early and often to win your favorites. Bidding starts at $8.10 and proceeds benefit the charity that brings music education to at-risk youth in Chicago.
Red Hot Chicago Peppers
If you dug the Chili Peppers' set at Lollapalooza, you can download the show for $9.95 from their official bootleg site.
Spike Spike Baby
Vanilla Ice will perform at the Big Dig beach party at North Avenue Beach this Sunday.
Put a Bird on It
Andrew Bird is looking for a poster designer for his fall tour; could it be you?
Day to Night
Want to see a time-lapse video of the storm that temporarily shuttered Lollapalooza on Saturday?
Lollapalooza Storm Timelapse (Aug. 4, 2012) from Angus Finlay on Vimeo.
The Lollapalooza of Sales
Now that the show is over, the contents of the Lollapalooza VIP Lounge at the Thompson Hotel (332 S Michigan) will be dismantled and sold tomorrow morning. If you want your place to look like Keith Richards' 1960s coke den, this is the sale for you.
The Really Cheap Seats
YouTube is live-streaming Lollapalooza.
Rockers vs. Jocks
Former Bull Paul Shirley and Sheepdogs frontman Ewan Currie talk sports and music in ChicagoSide's version of Lollapalooza coverage.
The Hot Mix
WBMX-FM 102.7 was instrumental in the creation of Chicago house music. DJ Derrick Carter just released a new mix in homage to the station's noontime Hot Lunch Mix. [via]
Flosstradamus Flaunt the Fuzz
Flosstradamus' set at West Fest was cut short by the police due to noise restriction violations, which led to a chant of "f*ck the police" that allegedly got them banned from outdoor performances for the rest of the summer. Undeterred, they've just released a new mix called Bâš NNED.
How to Lolla
If you're going to Lollapalooza, the Transmission staff can help you choose between competing stages Friday, Saturday and Sunday with our annual "Stage Clash" feature. And even if you're not going, you might want to check out our list of unofficial parties and shows around town, some of which are tonight.
Bloodshot's Barely Legal
Bloodshot Records turns 18 this year, and the label has just announced how it will celebrate: with a big concert at Mayne Stage Sept. 22.
Motion Picture Soundtrack
The second annual Music Film Festival kicks off tonight at the Music Box.
Ghosts of Lupe's Hood
Lupe Fiasco broke down on MTV's "RapFix Live" last night while watching a tour of his neighborhood he did for the network in 2006. "The dudes in that video are in prison, a couple of fed cases, and then there's ghosts," he said. "You see people that, that ain't there."
"Singing From Beyond the Grave"
Delfino Mora, who died after being attacked in an alley by teens playing a vicious game (previously), was the lead singer of one of Mexico's most popular bands in the 1970s.
Let's Plan a Music Festival!
With so many of them these days, a programmer from the Old Town School of Folk Music explains how it's done.
Bringing the Fresh Beats
Two new local labels: Closed Sessions from Soundscape Studios and Epitonic from, well, Epitonic.
The Fever Breaks
You have one last chance to see Fever Year, the film by Xan Aranda about Andrew Bird. It's screening Aug. 1 at the Music Box as part of the Summer Music Film Festival.
The Block 37 Blues?
A couple entrepreneurs want to build a blues museum and venue in Block 37, but as Crain's reports, the question is whether such a thing would be a big enough draw.
Previewing the Hell out of Pitchfork
If our own Pitchfork preview isn't enough for you, here are a few more: Loud Loop Press, Reader, Time Out, Tribune -- and Pitchfork's founder and president share their favorite new acts at the festival with WBEZ. Time Out also plans to post live reviews of every act. If you're going, you might want to download the schedule app.
Down & Dirty Music
The Bitchpork, the underground, truly indie alternative to the Pitchfork Music Festival, is back again starting tonight.
Our Pitchfork Top Picks
Going to the Pitchfork Music Festival this weekend? We've got a preview for you in Tranmission.
30 Years of Rock at the Metro
The Metro celebrates 30 years as one of Chicago's best rock clubs with a retrospective exhibition of photography and memorabilia at the Inland Steel Building downtown at 77 S. Dearborn. It opens with a reception tonight from 5pm to 8pm, featuring DJ sets by Mister Wolf, Mother Hubbard, Greg Corner and Zebo.
Pop-Tarts on the Charts
If you're willing to give Kellogg's your contact info, you can get two free tickets to see Carly Rae Jepsen, along with Boys Like Girls and Austin Mahone, at Charter One Pavilion on Northerly Island July 19.
Pitchforkless Party
Even if you don't have tickets to the Pitchfork Music Festival this weekend, you can attend the free pre-party at Threadless HQ on Friday and feel like you do.
Everyone's in the Cheap Seats
Tickets for Taste of Chicago concerts aren't selling, Greg Kot reports. No surprise there, since they were previously entirely free shows, and it's still free to sit outside the Pritzker Pavilion.
Ukulele Players, Get Festive!
Tomorrow's the date for the third annual Great Midwest Ukefest, put on by the same people who bring you Chicago Ukulele Cabaret. The festival is a full day of performances, along with an introductory strumming workshop for players of all levels, and it's happening at Chief O'Neill's starting at 11am. Full details in Slowdown, or see the event page on Facebook.
House DJ, Esq.
Attorney Alan King is also a DJ, part of the Chosen Few Chicago house crew.
Deep Dive into the WGN Stacks
WGN has sold tens of thousands of records from its archives to Wicker Park record store Dusty Groove. (Thanks, Ron!)
Chief Keef: The Voice of Chicago's Murder Spike?
SPIN's David Drake explains how the same social factors fueling the rise of much buzzed about local rap star (and recent Interscope signee) Chief Keef have also fueled the city's 38% spike in homicides this year. Previous GB coverage of Chief Keef and Chicago hip-hop here and here.
Free Sound Opinions
Attend a free live taping of Sound Opinions at Lincoln Hall if you're lucky enough to RSVP in time. Enjoy, not only the witty banter of Greg Kot and Jim DeRogatis, but also live performances from Japandroids and Ty Seagall on July 12. Update: That was fast! The event is now sold out!
Making Music All Day Long
The Make Music Festival started today before you probably did -- the first of more than 700 concerts was at 6am.
Body of Work
Pitchfork critic and UofC research writer Rob Mitchum just launched the Chronologies project, in which he'll listen to an artist's entire oevre in chronological order -- starting with Neil Young. [via]
Spoon Steps Down
In this week's Reader, Jake Austen profiles Fletcher Weatherspoon, a fixture on Chicago's African-American social club scene for more than 60 years.
Jay, Bey & Ye
Latest tumblr to follow: Jay-Z and Beyonce Worry About Kanye West.
Lurrie Bell's Blues
AB Brasho saw Lurrie Bell at Blues Fest last week, and shared some thoughts on Bell and the power of music and mental illness.
Instructor Particularly Good at Protest Songs
Learn the how and why of songwriting from Billy Bragg.
An Alternative to the Traffic Jam
Starting tonight, summer Tuesdays mean a return of the free Rush Hour Concert series at St. James Cathedral. Instead of the crush of traffic, enjoy 30 minutes of soothing sounds from fine classical musicians before you head off for the night. Details, and more classical concert info. in Transmission.
Curtis Mayfield Kept on Pushing
Chicagoist takes a look at the musical evolution of Curtis Mayfield on what would have been his 70th birthday. (In a similar vein: Sam Cooke and the Civil Rights Movement.)
Aragon Lineups, '68-'98
If you've ever been curious about every show at the Aragon Ballroom from the '60s thru the '90s, boy are you going to be glad you're reading this! And even if you haven't been, it's a fun list to browse.
Put a Bird on It
Andrew Bird has launched an Etsy shop -- and, strangely, premiered a new video there, too.
The Vedder Chelios Wood Band
Eddie Vedder and Chris Chelios performed "The Weight" with Live Band Karaoke at Stanley's Kitchen on Sunday, while Kerry Wood watched. According to Live Band Karaoke's Facebook page, Vedder also sang some Who songs.
RIP Eddie Blazonczyk, Sr.
Eddie Blazonczyk, Sr., founder of the Versatones and one of the country's foremost polka players, has passed away at the age of 70.
Here's a tribute to Blazonczyk, Sr. at Pulaski Polka Days last year.
And here's a polka version of "Bear Down, Chicago Bears" performed by the Versatones in 1986.
James E. Sierzega, the Versatones' trumpet player, died in February
Less Musical than We Thought
Winnetka of all places is the Chicagoland town with the most musicians per thousand residents -- Chicago included. The big city comes in at just 79th.
Aloha, Chicago
One week from today The Old Town School of Folk Music hosts the first Festival of Aloha, a four-day event bringing together Pacific Island dance instructors and musicians. Attendees will have their pick of workshops during the day, and be able to attend evening concerts featuring Grammy-winning artist Daniel Ho, award-winning vocalist Darlene Ahuna and many more. If you can't make the festival, you're still invited to take part in an attempt for the Guinness record for the world's largest ukulele lesson! Full details at the festival's website.
Listen to Those Voices
Voices in Your Head, UofC's a capella choral group, placed fourth in the Varsity Vocals national finals with an impressive medley of "We Found Love," "Titanium" and "Little Lion Man."
Put That on My Mama
Chance the Rapper released "Hey Ma," a tribute to his mother, just in time for Mother's Day. What'd you do for your mom?
You can download his latest album, #10 Day, for free.
Ask Albini Anything
Steve Albini went onto Reddit last night for an "Ask Me Anything" Q&A. If you don't want to wade through all the comments, check out this convenient table.
Lip Syncin' for the Kids
Keenan Cahill's latest video is an original track recorded to help raise funds for the new Lurie Children's Hospital, which opens next month. You can donate on the Race for the Kids 5k website.
"Rappin' 'bout my own life"
RedEye profiles Chief Keef, a 16-year-old rapper whose song "I Don't Like" was remixed by Kanye West (download it from Fake Shore Drive).
Matthew Leone's Alleged Attacker Found Not Guilty
Justin Pivec was found not guilty on Friday of beating Matthew Leone, bassist for Madina Lake, in 2010. Multiple benefits were held to help Leone pay for his medical bills.
That South Side Jazz
Explore the history of Chicago's South Side jazz clubs.
Happy B-Day, Pete Seeger
Chicago Guy describes the ultimate Chicago sleepover -- Studs Terkel hosting Woody Guthrie and Pete Seeger.
Cosign from Kanye
Local rapper Chief Keef is now sharing headline and blurb space with a hometown hero and one of the world's biggest stars, as his track "I Don't Like" has been remixed by Kanye West.
Hip Hop Healing
Adam Levin and Troy Brundidge created Organic Beat Market to help troubled Oak Park teens work out their issues through hip hop.
Playing the Sacred Harp
New City delves into shape note singing.
Kickstart the Band
In Transmission, a look at some local bands' ingenuity when it comes to crowd-funding their albums, among other projects. What works? Take a look.
"See You in Chicago"
Choose Chicago teamed up Umphrey's McGee, Buddy Guy and Chicago (the band) to produce a new anthem for the city. The resulting track, "Chicago," is decidedly less than the sum of its parts.
In Transmission, GB staffers shared five songs Choose Chicago should use instead of the new anthem, and one to avoid.
Celestial Sounds
Tomorrow night at 6:30pm at the MCA, Steve Krakow will conduct the Plastic Crimewave Vision Celestial Guitarkestra, in which as many guitarists (and players of other amped stringed instruments) will play a drone in the key of E. All you have to do to participate is bring your own gear.
Facebook Didn't Remind You?
Today is the 10-year anniversary of the official release of Wilco's album Yankee Hotel Foxtrot. I feel old.
It's a Free Concert from Now On!
The Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs announced its free summer concert lineup for the Pritzker Pavilion within Millennium Park. We have the complete listing in Transmission.
Get Your Records
Record Store Day is this Saturday, and we've got your guide to participating Chicagoland stores and labels in Transmission.
"Contact me if you want to be part of your child's life."
If you got busy in an Aragon bathroom during the Megadeth/Motörhead show in February, you've got a kid on the way. [via]
Lolla's Lineup is Out
In case you weren't up at midnight for the big announcement, the official Lollapalooza lineup was released last night, and it's identical to the one leaked on Monday.
Give it the Old Jazz
Did you know the term "jazz" originated in baseball? The word migrated from sports to music in Chicago with Bert Kelly.
A Ballad for Bartman
Rapper Serengeti (of "Dennehy" fame) is back with a new song, just in time for the Cubs' opening day on Thursday: "Don't Blame Steve."
(Thanks, Patrick!)
I Got Clips I Do Adore
Kanye West is being sued over a sample on his 2006 mixtape Freshman Adjustment.
Get the Lolla List First
Seeing as how the cheap tickets sold out in seconds, you might want to see who's actually playing Lollapalooza this year before shelling out $230 for your three-day passes. If you sign up on Do312, you'll receive an email at midnight April 11 with the full lineup.
Streaming the Blues
Among the thousands of recordings by Alan Lomax recently made available for streaming online are several by/of Chicago bluesmen, including music by Big Bill Broonzy and Broonzy, Sonny Boy Williamson and Memphis Slim talking about racism, moving here from the South, double-jointedness and all sorts of other stuff.
Kickstart the Jam(boree)
Q101 is off the air but it's not dead -- it lives on as an internet radio station. And now it's trying to keep the Q101 Jamboree alive with a Kickstarter campaign. $99 gets you a two-day pass to the festival, which is tentatively planned for Sept. 1-2 on a farm somewhere near the city.
Check out other Kickstarter campaigns on Gapers Block's curated page.
Congress Owner Responds to Complaints
Jim DeRogatis spoke with Congress Theater owner Erineo "Eddie" Carranza and his attorney about the Deleterious Impact/Public Nuisance hearing (previously) it's facing. They maintain the venue is no worse than others in the city.
Congress Theater in Hot Water
The Congress Theater is facing a Deleterious Impact/Public Nuisance Hearing after too many complaints about its poor condition.
I Believe I Can Leave this Closet
R. Kelly's Trapped in the Closet will be making a return on IFC. No date has been announced, but a teaser trailer was supplied.
Do the Bells Toll for You?
The University of Chicago is looking for a new carillon player for the Laura Spelman Rockefeller Memorial Carillon. Job requirements include being able to play the carillon for 30 minutes straight and "ability to climb 235 winding stairs to reach the playing cabin without medical risk required." Pay? $50 per performance. [via]
The listing, for posterity (click to enlarge):
And a sample of what you'd be getting into:
"Never Talking to You Again"
Greg Norton, bassist for Hüsker Dü, sat in with local cover act Hüsker Düdes this week and dished about Bob Mould's book about the seminal punk band.
United States of X: Music Edition
Whet Moser finds Illinois right where it ought to be on the Geography of Music Preferences: in the middle.
Lollapa-tax-a
City government got a nice boost today when the Park District announced that Lollapalooza will begin paying city and county amusement taxes and state liquor taxes for its annual weekend-long event. The downside? They'll likely pass the cost down to concertgoers through higher ticket prices.
Muti Weighs in on Symphony Fistfight
Riccardo Muti, the CSO's music director was astounded by two patrons fighting at a performance: "Never could I imagine the concert hall would become a (wrestling) ring." No word about the subsequent fistfight in the parking lot.
Beatdown at the Downbeat
Thursday night's performance of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra had an unusual accompaniment: two concertgoers in a fistfight.
Shining a Light on Chicago Hip Hop
InTransmission, read about (and listen to) up-and-coming hip hop artists that are defining a new Chicago music scene.
Drinking Here Today
To get you in the mood for the South Side Irish St. Patrick's Day Parade on Sunday, local band Slattery's Drunk Again recorded "The South Side Irish." (NSFW)
Pitchfork Tickets On Sale
A quick reminder that Pitchfork Music Festival tickets go on sale today at noon. Head to Transmission to check out this year's initial lineup. Single-day tickets are $45 and three-day passes are $110. You might want to get a move on. Last year three-day passes sold out in less than 24 hours.
Vacation at Ravinia this Summer
Ravinia has announced its summer season, and I'm pretty stoked by their offerings [PDF]: Duran Duran (Aug 29), Natalie Merchant (July 10), Glen Campbell (Jun 28), Seal (July 22), the elements known as Earth, Wind and Fire (June 9), Iron and Wine (June 10), and Steve Martin and the Steep Canyon Rangers (June 24) are among the acts.
Chicago's Music Underground
Tonight at the MCA, Greg Kot and Jim DiRogatis discuss Chicago's role as an "incubator" for underground music in the 1980s with Chris Connelly and Frankie Knuckles.
Pulaski Day Throwdown
This video totally was not filmed on Pulaski Day, but Kidd Russell pays homage to the city and its quirky holiday; even if the music is cheesy, the sentiment is not.
All's Not Well on the Blogosphere Front
The Reader reports some drama in the realms of the hip-hop web culture involving Fake Shore Drive and a keyboard crusader tweeting and blogging under the name Real Shore Drive.
A World of Classical Music in March
In our monthly classical music column, Pulling Strings, you can check out upcoming affordable concerts from composers around the world, performed around Chicago from grand concert halls to the Adler Planetarium. Read about it all in Transmission.
New Opera from Chicago
The Lyric Opera announced it will host the world premiere of "Bel Catno," as part of its Renée Fleming Initiative. It will be the seventh premiere the Lyric has commissioned since 1961.
Wake Up To The Chirping Of Andrew Birds New Album
Our local baroque troubadour, Andrew Bird's upcoming album Break It Yourself is streaming on NPR's website.
Earlier on Gapers we covered Andrew's free EP of Break It Yourself b-sides.
10 Rappers on the Rise
Complex magazine has compiled a list of ten rappers to look for in 2012.
Trade a Mic for an Amp
Are you a musician in need of new gear? The Empty Bottle is hosting a free gear swap on Sunday at noon.
"You done started something, you gotta keep it up now."
Buddy Guy got President Obama to sing a verse of "Sweet Home Chicago" with B.B. King during Blues night at the White House last night. The full concert, which also featured Mick Jagger, Trombone Shorty, Shemekia Copeland and Jeff Beck, will be broadcast on WTTW Monday, Feb. 27 at 9pm as part of the station's Black History Month programming.
President Obama sang a bit of Al Green's "Let's Stay Together" on Jan. 19 at a fundraiser for the Apollo Theater.
No Other Scene Can Quite Convey
"You Haven't Seen the USA Until You've Seen Chicago," a groovy ditty written by Dick Marx (Richard's dad), courtesy of the Chicago Association of Commerce and Industry.
Who's Going to SXSW Music?
We've got all the local acts doing official showcases at the 2012 SXSW Music Festival -- and some of the unofficial ones, too -- in Transmission.
After E2
Time Out Chicago delved into the aftermath of the E2 tragedy, nine years later, to find out how things have changed and whether nightclubs are any safer.
Rock'n'Roll Heaven
The Sun-Times wants to know who you would pick to be part of Chicago's all-star band.
I'll Be Missing You, v2.0
Local rapper Twista has posted a track memorializing Whitney Houston, with 16 bars of instrumental at the end for others to contribute their own words about the recently departed superstar.
Woodwinds in Demand on Black Market?
Someone stole a violin and two guitars from Scotland Yard Gospel Choir last month. Meanwhile, someone stole a $20,000 cello from Concordia University.
Somehow We Missed that Wrigley Field has Gone Country
Did you know that Brad Paisley and Miranda Lambert are gracing Wrigley Field this summer? Do you even care? And am I the only one who doesn't get music concerts at Wrigley?
Briar Rabbit's Great Routine
Briar Rabbit is releasing a four-song concept album in honor of Black History Month. One track will debut each Thursday through February; check out the first one, called "Coon," and download it over on Bandcamp.
Unrequired Listening
Spencer Tweedy (previously) just started a music blog with his friend Joey Pfeifer. Guess which album's on his top 10 of 2011.
On Lizzy Grant
Jessica Hopper explains just what the heck's going on with this Lana Del Rey business, with a little extra on her blog.
We're Just Talking Red, Yellow & Blue
OK Go teamed up with "Sesame Street" to sing about the primary colors. They're also featured in an online color-mixing game.
Newt's No Survivor
Newt Gingrich may want to be seen as rising up the the challenge of his rival, but he didn't check on whether Survivor was OK with him using "Eye of the Tiger" at campaign rallies, and now he's got a legal challenge on his hands.
If you liked my play on the lyrics up there, you'll love Samantha Abernathy's post on Chicagoist.
Organic Beats in Oak Park
Chicago hip hop artists Sev Seveer and Defcee launched Organic Beat Market, a youth-mentorship organization set on "breaking down stigmas around the culture by working with parents and teens directly." Two of the program's participants just released the organization's pilot project, The Promse EP.
Spinach Eaters & Aquarium Drinkers
Wilco was in this past weekend's Popeye comic strip. And now you know that Popeye still has a comic strip.
Kanye Back in the Day
Fake Shore Drive dug up a video of Kanye West performing with Phenom in 1996, long before he was a college dropout. [via]
Tumble and Tweet for TNK
Get set times and last-minute updates for this weekend's Tomorrow Never Knows Festival (which really starts tonight). See details across all venues at Schubas and Lincoln Hall's Tumblr and @tnk_2012. They've got the set breakdowns for shows tonight, including the comedy sets at Hideout. Check out our Transmission section for previews of shows we're keen on, and keep an eye out for show reviews all weekend long.
Old Town School, New Building
The Old Town School of Folk Music officially opens its new building at 4545 N. Lincoln Ave. this morning at 10:30am. The brand new facility features dance studios, classrooms, a new performance space, and artwork in the lobby courtesy of R. Crumb. If you can't make the opening ceremony, you'll have plenty of chances to check the new space out, as the school's got a big list of performances, classes, workshops and guided tours happening there.
"Wide Eyed & Dizzy, Walkin'"
Nico Segal and Vic Mensa of Kids These Days take a slow tour around town in their video for "Clear Eyes," shot earlier this year. Nice use of tilt-shift and faux stop-animation.
Chief Techno Officer
The City's chief technology officer, John Tolva, joins DJ C and Jesse Kriss in launching Beat Research Chicago, a new evening of "experimental party music" at Villain's this Wednesday.
I Hope This Closet Has a Bathroom
R. Kelly has written 32 more chapters of his (already unbearable at 22 chapters) opus Trapped in the Closet, but is still trying to raise the money to shoot it. Fingers crossed.
Mix Up Your Holiday Gathering
Office party or living room bash — you still need some good tunes. Refinery 29 blogs that DJ Matt Roan has your Christmas hip shakers all in one mix you can stream or download.
Pitchfork Packs Its Bags
Not really coming as too much of a shock, given that their founder already set off east some time ago, Pitchfork will move its editorial offices to NYC in the near future. Sadly, that means Chicago will also lose singer/songwriter Elia Einhorn, of Scotland Yard Gospel Choir fame. (More.)
Annoying Audio Incentive
Student's at Evanston Township High School raised funds for local cafe by blasting Justin Bieber's repetitive tune, Baby, between class periods, forcing classmates to fork over the dough to get it off the intercom.
Bands You'll Remember
A couple Chicago acts show up in A.V. Club's Year in Band Names, including The Tragic Loss of Veronica Lake and dot dot dot.
Unique Holiday Gifts, Pt. 21
Give the gift of live music this year (maybe even to yourself) with the first ever FOB (Friends of the Bottle) year-long passes to the Empty Bottle. For $150 you can get into most shows (any under $10) for all of 2012 with a FOB Pass. Upgrade to the FOB GOLD Pass for $500, and get into each and every show. Buyers also get special perks including no line waiting, a t-shirt, discounts on food and drink, and more.
Unique Holiday Gifts, Pt. 20
If you have a chunk of change to spend, on yourself, or someone on your "Nice" list, why not get them everything local label Numero Group has to offer. For a rare treat, Numero's entire catalog (on either vinyl or CD) can be yours if you have the shelf space, and the cabbage with just one click of the mouse. A sample of what you'll receive includes Light On the South Side, the Syl Johnson Complete Mythology, and The Boddie Recording Company box sets but it really doesn't stop there. [Also, watch the label's website (and Facebook) for more deals as Christmas approaches.]
The AV Club Sings Popular Hits
Inspired by the huge popularity of the cover of "Tubthumping" recorded by They Might Be Giants at their office space, The AV Club joined the band at the Vic in September to perform a couple numbers live: "A Horse With No Name" (with many AV Clubbers on acoustic guitar) and a reprise of "Tubthumping."
Have a Rockin' New Year's Eve
If you're at a loss for plans for New Year's, now's a great time to make up your mind. In Transmission, we break down over 30 notable music venues and other spots with live music (and often a free champagne toast at midnight). You even still have time to brush up on your own singing skills.
Bring A Can
A few music events are doubling as holiday canned food drives this year. If you're heading to the Metro any time this month, bring some canned goods to the Metro Store to help out the Greater Chicago Food Depository. Alternately, if you go to the Bloodshot Records Holiday Whiskey Extravaganza on 12/17 at the Cobra Lounge, bring food to aid the Casa Catalina Basic Human Needs Center.
The Greater Chicago Food Depository doesn't want your old ramen noodles. Items most needed include: peanut butter, beans, canned fruit, canned vegetables, cereal, chili, tuna and pasta.
The Gift That Keeps On Annoying
Do you like bad music? Sure, who doesn't? GB's own James Allenspach is posting 25 Days of Bad Music on his blog. He started Dec. 1, so you've already got five albums waiting for you.
From Kanye West to Matthew West
Chicago musicians are well represented in this year's Grammy nominations.
Return of the Velvet Lounge?
Owners of a pizzeria plan to reopen the Velvet Lounge, which closed in 2010 after the death of longtime owner Fred Anderson. A website for the club says it will reopen in January.
Dusting Off the Dusties DJ
WBEZ takes the release of Numero Group's Eccentric Soul: The Nickel & Penny Labels as an opportunity to examine the legacy of radio DJ Richard Pegue.
Classical Hits Without A Hint of Nutcracker
If the flip of the calendar to December has you dreaming anything but toy dolls that come to life and fight rats (seriously), there are plenty of other classical concerts around Chicago to check out. We break down a few notable performances worth catching in our monthly "Pulling Strings" column in Transmission.
Have Yourself a Bieber Little Christmas
Looking for Christmas music? The Sun-Times' Thomas Conner picks some favorites from this year's crop.
Unique Holiday Gifts, Pt. 4
Smithsonian Folkways Records has several albums of historic music recorded in Chicago, including Blues and Roots in the '30s, Dixieland in the '40s and several albums recorded by Studs Terkel.
The Playlist of a Liberal
Sound Opinions does another "Rock Doctors" special this week, and Jim DeRogatis & Greg Kot have a very special patient: NY Times columnist and Nobel Prize winner Paul Krugman. The show has been posted at the Sound Opinions Website.
FlyTunes
Should you find yourself digging the tunes playing in O'Hare or Midway while you wait in the security line later this week, you can use the airports' music tracker to find out what it is. [via]
Old Town, New School
The Old Town School of Folk Music's new building is nearly done, and Center Square Journal has a preview. You can tour it yourself on Dec. 7, ahead of the grand opening planned for Jan. 9.
Hip Hop Diplomacy Hits a Snag
Members of the Chicago hip hop crew FEW Collective were briefly detained in Pakistan, where they're on a two-week cultural mission, after one of the members took photos of a military installation.
Turn Your Day Up To 11
Today's confluence of elevens (11/11/11) has inspired some Spinal Tap fans to declare it "Nigel Tufnel Day" (get it?). Celebrations around the country include a few in the Chicago area. Events at Neo, Reggies, and in Joliet are the few on the books currently. Know of another? Email me at transmission(at)gapersblock.com and I'll add it in this post. More, including a sweet video, after the jump.
Chicagoland Nigel Tufnel Day events:
- Neo spins rock, punk, and industrial tonight with DJ Eleven from 10pm-4am.
- Reggie's Rock Club hosts a special "Live Band Burlesque Tribute to Spinal Tap" tonight from 7-9pm.
- Enjoy a Nigel Tufnel Day Sale at West Side Music Center, 1009 W. Jefferson St., Joliet, IL.
Cheap Trick's Gonna Raise Hell on Motor Row
Cheap Trick plans to open a new space on Motor Row with a restaurant, radio station, performance space and a museum.
Hot & Fresh from the OR, Kells Has a New Mission
At 5am the pied piper of R&B, R. Kelly posted his first post-throat surgery song on twitter and confirmed his memoir Soulacoaster for a spring 2012 release.
For those wishing to send positive healing rays of energy towards R. Kelly to assist in the hardest comeback of his career there are appropriate prayer candles by Chicago artist Megan Garvey to focus your mental energy on.
Rave On
Two ex-ravers in Bridgeport created RaveArchive.com, a repository of rave mixtapes from around the world. [via]
State of the Art
The Reader's big feature this week is about The Arts of Life Band, a rock group made up of developmentally disabled people. Watch the band play and enjoy some tasty chili at the Half Acre Charitable Chili Cookoff this Saturday.
Percussion Explosion!
Drummers from bands as huge as Smashing Pumpkins, King Crimson and Styx performed at the grand opening Vic's Drum Shop on Saturday.
Your November Classical Fix
Want to catch some live music from afar? Read our column "Pulling Strings" for the low down on this month's notable classical music offerings in Chicago.
Let's Hear It For the Store
Matador Records has a keen blog piece gushing about the emergence of awesome indie record stores while others are sadly closing. They give some love to Chicago-area stores Saki (Chicago-Logan Square), Cyklopx (Forest Park), and to Permanent Records' expansion out west from Chicago.
Not Just About Worshiping Satan
The Onion's AV Club celebrates Halloween with the first installment of a four-part oral history of Chicago's metal scene.
Open Up and Say "Lawsuit"?
Members of a 1980s Chicago rock band named Kid Rocker are suing Poison, claiming that guitarist C.C. DeVille stole their songs more than twenty years ago.
Putting the "Thugs" in Bone Thugs-N-Harmony
A Chicago man is suing a lot of people after a member of Bone Thugs-N-Harmony allegedly attacked him on the group's tour bus.
A Fistful of Wilco Shows
Seems that Wilco just can't help themselves. They've just announced a fifth Chicago show in December, this time at Lincoln Hall on 12/18. Tickets will go on sale this weekend at $100 each and will benefit Inspiration Corporation. (More info on this winter's Chicago Wilco performances at multiple venues around town.)
They Got the Rhythm
Four years ago, a group of students at Lane Tech High School started a drumline. They're awesome! They recently showed up at the home of WGN's morning show's biggest fan and played in her hallway. And now you can vote for them as part of Glee's Give a Note contest.
The Third Tine in the Pitchfork
Pitchfork's inaugural music festival in Paris hasn't even happened yet, but the music site has already announced plans for a new festival in New York next year.
Wilco (x4)
Chicago's own Indie darlings Wilco have added yet another December show in their hometown, and it really is beginning to look like they're set to play nearly every large venue in town in just one week. The latest addition will be a 12/16 show at The Metro. Tickets go on sale 10/15 at 10am and will cost $44 (+ fees) at www.eTix.com. The band will also play (now sold-out) December shows at the Civic Opera House, The Riviera, and The Vic.
Get Your Cello On
We launched a new monthly column in Transmission today: Pulling Strings. In it, our resident classical music expert, Elliot Mandel, gives a rundown of classical shows you can catch in the coming weeks.
Making Music by Machine
Mark Greenberg (previously; more recently) just shared a new animated commercial for his Mayfair Workshop music composing company.
Ex-Weezer Bassist Predicted His Own Death
Mikey Welsh, the former bassist for Weezer, passed away last week in a hotel room here in Chicago. Eerily, he predicted his own death in a dream two weeks ago. [via]
Digital Battle of the Bands
New local startup SoundOff.fm lets musicians upload snippets of songs for listeners to vote on either organically or through song-to-song battle.
Free Show Tonight: Broken Social Scene
Broken Social Scene will play a free show in the parking lot below the Heineken billboard at 1015 W. Addison, across from Wrigley Field, tonight at 8pm. [via]
Brews and Bitches Brew
Dig Miles Davis? Head to Maria's Packaged Goods & Community Bar in Bridgeport Tuesday through Thursday this week for a celebration of the jazz master and a commemoration of the 20th anniversary of his death. Each night a different guest DJ will be exploring a different era of Davis' sound.
The Wilco Love
Wilco played an hour-long set on "The Late Show with David Letterman" last week, and it's now online. Meanwhile, Pitchfork gave The Whole Love a 6.9.
Back to the Future of Hip Hop
Watch pre-fame Kanye West perform a spoken-word version of "All Falls Down" at a poetry slam.
Own a Pee-ce of History
The Empty Bottle finally redid its bathroom and floors recently, but it couldn't bear to consign those many years of graffiti, scuffs and stickers to the dump. So instead they've turned them into coasters and are auctioning them off in sets of four to benefit the American Liver Foundation. The online auction opens tonight and runs through Oct. 22; head to the Bottle tonight for a kickoff party from 6:30 to 8:30pm. [via]
WHY? Say Goodbye
Chicago fans of WHY? may have dodged a bullet. The band has announced that it's cancelling the rest of its American dates due to an injury -- and their show at the MCA may still be in question.
The Video Love
Wilco is about to go on tour, and it's asking fans in each tour stop to supply film of their town to project behind the band during the concert. (They're playing here at the Civic Opera House Dec. 12, in case you're wondering how long you have.)
Old Alligator Boots
Che "Rhymefest" Smith, Kanye West and Jimmy Kimmel developed a raunchy puppet-filled variety show for Comedy Central a couple years ago, but it wasn't picked up. Some behind-the-scenes footage finally leaked today.
Let Me Hear You Say "Anh!"
Kanye West grunts a lot on Watch the Throne. Here's a supercut of all of them. [via]
Some Celebrity Validation for a Rainy Morning
Apparently, Miley Cyrus loves Chicago, so she totally wants to hang out.
Tonight's Gonna be a Good Night
Last night's @MayorEmanuel book release party featured a surprise guest: Jeff Tweedy, covering Black Eyed Peas songs. Time Out was among the several who caught it on video. Our own Jasmine Davila has more video.
Jeff Tweedy recites "My Humps" from Jasmine D on Vimeo.
Phyllis' Musical Inn After-Openings Art Dance Party
Looking for the cool after party this Friday night? Weary art-goers will find refuge from the drudgery of making the citywide gallery circuit at the Fourth Annual After-Openings Dance Party at Phyllis' Musical Inn. Hosted by artists and local art world mainstays John Phillips and Nevin Tomlinson, the action starts at 9:30pm and rolls on until 2am.
North Coast Best Bets
Headed to the North Coast Music Festival this weekend? We've got recommendations for you in Transmission.
Backing Beal
If you were intrigued by the Reader's feature on outsider artist-musician William Earl Beal (previously), you'll want to read about Urban Eyez's efforts to put together a band for Beal -- and attend the concert Sept. 15 at Town Hall Pub.
Superstars Require Super Accommodation
Lupe Fiasco's tour rider is like a seventh grader's culinary fantasy: PB&Js, chicken tenders, candy, soda, hamburgers with Sara Lee buns (way to keep it local!), Frosted Flakes, and several items of the "crème" persuasion (i.e. ice, whip and Krispy).
RIP Honeyboy Edwards
The last of the Delta bluesmen, Dave "Honeyboy" Edwards, passed away early Monday morning at the age of 96. Howard Reich and Dave Hoekstra have remembrances.
A Sample Isn't Just a Sample
Local label Numero Group is blogging about their renewed troubles with a dark and twisted business deal with Kanye West and Jay-Z's Watch The Throne album.
Getting on the List
On the List Chicago hooks you up with concert ticket giveaways. Or will, once it's built up critical mass; join to help make that happen sooner.
The Ravinia Festival of Design
Imprint digs through 30 years of Ravinia program covers. (Thanks, Dee!)
OK Puppet
OK GO's remake of the Muppet Show Theme Song has hit the internerds, complete with (what else?) a wacky video.
Stage Collapse @ Pukkelpop Festival
A new tragedy: a stage at Belgium's Pukkelpop Festival collapsed earlier today, with fatalities and injuries reported. Onstage at the time was Chicago band Smith Westerns; they're safe.
Find Sounds
Found Sound: Chicago puts music and audio art performances in unexpected places around West Town/Ukrainian Village this Saturday.
Sky Blue Bike
Wilcoworld interviews Todd Simeone of Tenspeed Hero, who designed a Wilco-themed bike for the band to raffle on its preorder page for The Whole Love. [via]
Odd Future Gets Shellacked
Steve Albini and Odd Future shared an airport shuttle in Barcelona. It did not go well. Chicagoist's Jon Graef puts it in perspective. UPDATE: Odd Future responds.
Cleaning Up After the Circus Leaves Town
Thanks in part to the rain, Lollapalooza left Grant Park a wreck. The cost of last year's cleanup topped $200,000, and this year is expected to cost even more.
Gatecrashing the Party
Everyone wanted to go to Lollapalooza this weekend -- including more than a few who didn't have tickets.
Ripped Off This Way
Chicago Musician Rebecca Francescatti is suing Lady Gaga for copyright infringement, claiming the song "Judas" Gaga's latest album is based on her song "Juda." Play them side by side on TMZ.com.
Fuzzed Out Guitars
If you don't mind awful feedback, you can watch Santah perform live at Threadless HQ right now (noon to 1ish) on UStream. UPDATE: Already off the air.
Picture The Hideout
Chicago music venue The Hideout wants your pictures of late nights and lazy afternoons spent at the venue to celebrate its 15th anniversary. Not only do these not have to be of the professional, band-on-stage type (they're eager for casual snapshots), they're also planning on putting the photos up for sale, and you get the bulk of the sale price!
Picking Sides in the Lolla Stage Clash
Lollapalooza's scheduling always makes for some tough choices; fortunately the Transmission staff is here to help you make up your mind. We're posting our annual "Stage Clash" previews one day at a time: here's Friday and Saturday, stay tuned for Sunday's rundown tomorrow. And whether you're going to Lolla or not, you might find our party guide useful.
Lunchtime Rock Block
ChicagoVerse United has a bunch of videos of Company of Thieves performing live around town.
Obstructed View Tickets are Free
Just how loud was the Paul McCartney show at Wrigley last night? GB reader Peter Groves shot this video from his office a couple blocks away. Sir Paul plays again tonight; hang out outside if you don't have a ticket.
Lolla's Tax Deal
Lollapalooza doesn't pay amusement taxes for its big show on public property, and for once it's not just Jim DeRogatis talking about it. UPDATE: Mayor Emanuel says the City will review Lolla's tax exemption deal.
Celebrating a Living Legend
Chicago jazz legend Von Freeman will be awarded the NEA Jazz Masters Award this winter, but he'll be celebrated here this Thursday with a tribute concert at the Pritzker Pavilion.
The Air of Champions
Chicago retained the US Air Guitar championship belt Saturday, as Nordic Thunder won the finals Saturday at the Metro. Read all about it in Transmission, and catch him on "Lopez Tonight" Tuesday.
Urbs in Musicae
Here's a reason to be thankful for peer pressure, the A.V. Club is putting together a music festival this summer simply because everyone else is. The few confirmed bands, including The Archers of Loaf, make for a promising start.
Empounded Blues
Bluesman Larry Hill Taylor's van is stuck in the city pound, leaving him unable to tour. A benefit concert is happening tonight at 6pm at the Favia Cafe, 1701 S. Hale Ave.
Battling for Air Supremecy
This Saturday the US Air Guitar Championship finals invade the Metro to rock your face off. We've got a preview and tickets to give away in Transmission.
In Front of the Music
Epitonic has teamed up with Logan Square's Saki for an online interview and performance series. The first episode films tomorrow.
Draining in the Name of Love
R. Kelly underwent emergency surgery to remove an abscess on one of his tonsils yesterday at Northwestern Memorial Hospital.
Diffusing an Odd Future
Rolling Stone follows the punches that took the planned protests against Odd Future at Pitchfork from potent to paper fans.
Three Days of Pitchfork
Even if you didn't make it to Pitchfork this weekend, you might want to check out our coverage in Transmission -- we'll have reviews, interviews and photos posting all week.
Pitchfork Players Club
If you've got a Pitchfork wristband, a lot of doors (and discounts) open up to you.
Turning Over Pitchfork's Haystack
While everyone else focuses on this weekend's festival, NewCity opted to focus its attention on Pitchfork itself, peering into the site's inner workings and wondering whether it's killing rock criticism.
We Remember
Today marks the sixth anniversary of the tragic deaths of Silkworm drummer Michael Dahlquist, Dials and Exo drummer Douglas Meis, and guitarist John Glick of The Returnables.
Play Pitchfork Picks
As Pitchfork fever heats up, everyone's getting in on the act. EMusic shares a whole lot of Chicagoans' favorite picks -- and is offering a free sampler of P4K artists.
Three Days of Sun, Sounds, and Hula Hoops
The Transmission staff writes about each of the acts playing the Pitchfork Music Festival which starts Friday afternoon. Read up and decide who will win your undivided attention this weekend at Union Park. Keep an eye on Transmission for reviews and interviews as the fest unfolds.
Lakeside's History & Future
While covering the DMB Caravan, Jim Reedy had issues with the US Steel South Works as a concert venue. Our managing editor, David Schalliol, has done a good amount of research on the site in his day job, and shares some background on how it came to host a music festival and where it's heading from here.
The DMB Caravan, Day by Day
Jim Reedy and Stephanie Griffin spent the weekend at the Dave Matthews Band Caravan so you didn't have to. Read it all in Transmission.
Crazy Roommates = Pitchfork Tickets
Need tickets for Pitchfork this weekend? Apartment site domu is giving a pair away to the person with the best story about crazy roommates. (See our own bunch of stories in Fuel.)
It's the Champagne Taste
"I was drinking Champagne on Lake Shore Drive. Eighty-nine miles per hour. Is poor road, wearing a tuxedo, very sharp." An odd collaboration between Univore and Marco Casale.
Rock & Roll Ain't Noise Pollution -- Especially in Chicago
After the sale of radio stations The Loop and Q101, many insiders are saying at least one of the two will be converted to an all-talk format. This could mean substantially less rock on the airwaves in Chicago, since only four stations -- including The Loop and Q101 -- are currently classified as "rock stations."
How Do You Say "Hipster" in French?
Very soon, Chicago will have to share the Pitchfork Music Festival with another city, and another country. The venerable music fest just announced the launch of a 2-day Pitchfork Music Festival in Paris this October. Is this just the year for crossing the pond with awesome Chicago-born events? The Renegade Craft Fair has just opened up applications to a first ever London version of their massive craft show, also in October.
Next up: Edward V.
Murphy's Bleachers' Open Mic Night attendees got quite the surprise when Eddie Vedder decided to hang out after the Cubs game and perform a few songs last night.
Handle Your Music
Artist Floyd A. Davis III repurposes vintage suitcases into the Gentleman's Boombox.
The R Now Stands for "Renting"
R. Kelly posted a message on his Facebook wall in search of recommendations for a one-bedroom place in the Capitol Hill area of D.C. What, no interest in the closet size? Proximity to local high schools?
"Nice Indian Kid from Chicago" Sings Jazz
Earlier this week, Chicago jazz vocalist Sachal Vasandani was interviewed on "All Things Considered" about his latest album, Hi-Fly, which came out Tuesday.
Soundtrack Advice
Startup MyZeus promises to give movie recommendations based on your music preferences, and let you share recommendations with friends.
Watch a Little Dennehy
It's a nice afternoon -- get outside! Or if you're still stuck at your desk for awhile, plug in your headphones for Serengeti's classic "Dennehy."
Numero Group is No Match for iTunes
Numero Group opted out of iTunes Match this week; Chris Foresman has more at Ars Technica. [via]
Street Change is Gonna Come
Honorary Sam Cooke Way will be unveiled in Bronzeville this weekend. Read our feature on Cooke's Chicago legacy. [via]
Get Marshmallow
This weekend experimental music fans in Chicago have a reason to get a little giddy. The Neon Marshmallow Festival will bring more than 20 musicians to the Hideout (oops) Empty Bottle for three days of mind-stimulating sonic waves. Not sure what to check out? Read our full preview in Transmission.
Chicago Live Music
The Live Music Archive is a treasure trove of recorded concerts. In Transmission, we've sorted through and listed all the Chicago venues and festivals in the archive for your downloading convenience.
Intergalactic Miracles
It's that time again: time for the Gathering of the Juggalos infomercial. Tickets for the Cave-In-Rock, Illinois, er, event August 11-14 are on sale now.
Keeping Soul Local
The Chicago music community has been wondering what label nouveau soul group JC Brooks & the Uptown Sound would sign to. The big reveal today was that the gang decided to go with local label Bloodshot Records with a debut album due out this fall. Congrats all around!
Karaoke Superstar
Right up front, ABC's new series Karaoke Battle USA asks "Are you an American Idol wannabe?" If you are, hurry and sign up for tomorrow's competition at the House of Blues and you might get your chance. (If you just want to watch, get your free tickets here.)
Take Me Out to the Concert
America's favorite pastime gets the rock'n'roll treatment with The Baseball Project, a supergroup that includes REM's Peter Buck. They're playing at the Cubby Bear on Monday, paying homage in song to the sport's greatest heroes -- and the Cubs' 100+ years without a World Series win.
You Could Be In Pictures
Always entertaining punk rock marching band Mucca Pazza is calling on fans to be in its upcoming short film "Marching Banned" (previously). Get in on the fun this Sunday from 4-8pm downtown. RSVP info. on Facebook.
Women with Guitars
That's what Guitareste covers. It's currently featuring an interview with Kristin Hersh.
Rock Around The Park
Not rain, not wind, not even a drummer's broken ankle will keep the show from going on tonight as everyone's invited to the launch of the always free Downtown Sound: New Music Mondays series. Music kicks off at 6:30pm with Eleventh Dream Day, followed by Bonnie "Prince" Billy featuring The Cairo Gang. More information on the whole series in Transmission.
Gapers Block in the Flesh
If you've ever wanted to meet GB staffers in person, this Thursday offers two opportunities. Transmission Editor Anne Holub is part of a panel discussion of music journalism at DePaul -- while other GB writers and readers are heading at the Art Institute's Modern Wing for our monthly Get-Together. Hope to see you there!
Ask a Guitarist
Chicago-based online guitar shop Fret12 lets you ask a wide range of guitarists questions, which they respond to by video.
Austen City Limits
Check out this Reglar Wiglar interview with local music/television/zine impresario Jake Austen about Chic-a-Go-Go, the Goblins, and Roctober--which is approaching its 20th anniversary. Okay, now I feel old.
Muzik In Yr Computerz
Lunchtime just got a lot more rocking since White Mystery is going to play live at the Threadless HQ today. Lucky for you, you can catch the whole thing from your cube on Ustream starting at noon.
Lolla's 20th MP3versary
Lollapalooza is giving away a free 20-song sampler via iTunes as part of its continuing 20th anniversary celebration.
Reviewed So You Don't Have To
Did you miss a show this weekend? We've got reviews of Of Montreal, Yelle and the Felice Brothers in Transmission.
Clicking for Tickets
After their wildly successful Groupons for North Coast Music Festival passes (last summer as well as this past April), it was just a matter of time until the community-sourced deals site broke even more new ground with live show ticketing. To be launched in time for users to snag tickets for summer music festivals, GrouponLive will be a new live event collaboration between Groupon and Live Nation.
Hack Lolla
Lollapalooza has opened its API to anyone interested in creating cool apps -- and you can win VIP tickets to the festival or a vacation for two if yours is judged the coolest. Looks like it's time to dust off Lolla.me.
Connecting the Scene
If you're part of the hip hop community and need something for your next project, Chicago Hip Hop Connects has your hookup.
Hey Mister (or Miss) DJ
Want a last-minute DJ gig? Lincoln Hall is looking for a DJ to play for 90 minutes before this Saturday's sold-out Battles show. If you have the chops, email them a sample of your DJ stylings at DJOpenerForBattles@schubas.com.
Where Music Narrates Life
Tonight's the opening night for the much-anticipated production of Passing Strange by Bailiwick Chicago. Read our preview of this unique musical, featuring JC Brooks & The Uptown Sound in Transmission.
Trivial Lineup
Lollapalooza is playing games with this year's lineup. Or rather, they want you to. [via]
All-Day Succor
If you get tired of the Record Store Day music tomorrow and want something in a more folky vein, stop by the 909 W. Armitage location of The Old Town School of Folk Music tomorrow; they'll be having an all-day benefit for Japan earthquake and tsunami relief featuring a marathon concert running from the afternoon till about midnight. Full details on Slowdown, or see the Old Town School's Website.
Hit the Record Store
This Saturday is Record Store Day; we've got a run-down of what's happening at local stores, plus a timely profile of Logan Square's Bucket O' Blood.
Get This Band Going
The Arts of Life Band is an inspired musical outlet for Chicago adults with developmental disabilities and they don't scrimp on the boogie or rock n' roll enthusiasm. Read all about this awesome program in Transmission.
Invisible Triumph
Chicago will host the 2011 US Air Guitar Championships this July -- details in Transmission.
What Do We Want? To Write Protest Songs!
When do we want'em? This Sunday! Jon Langford wants to show you how to write a protest song and chant; he's teaching a workshop at the Jane Addams Hull House Museum April 10. It's free (naturally), but you have to reserve your space.
One Hoodoo Voodoo With Bacon
About a week ago, Wilco frontman Jeff Tweedy finally wandered into a sandwich shop in Toronto that was oddly familiar, or at least the menu was. It definitely left an impression.
Where Rock Once Lived
The host of Chicago Rock Tours gave A.V. Club Chicago a mini-tour of "hidden" former hotspots for Chicago's music scene on the North and West sides.
"Wow! That's Somethin' Else!" -- Eddie Cochran
IU Northwest professor and Chicagoan Jennifer Greenburg is a long-time collector of vintage '50s items, and has recently released the coffee-table book The Rockabillies, a pretty slick collection of her photos of modern rockabilly aficionados.
Friday is Annoying on a Monday
The Trib talks to Jim Nayder of "The Annoying Music Show" about Rebecca Black's "Friday" and its place in the pantheon of annoying music.
Striking a Pose
Related to our feature on Chicago's underground ball scene, here's a video from 1990 of the House of Avant-Garde performing to Madonna's "Vogue."
The video was a submission to an MTV contest to promote Madonna's tour, and was one of 10 winning finalists shown on the music television station. [via]
Laptop Recovery in Austin
Shawn of Netherfriends was writing a SXSW tour diary for us in Transmission when he sort of disappeared. Turns out his laptop was stolen -- but he got it back thanks to some cool free software.
I Wanna Rock & Roll All Nite/And Part of Every Day
Cool! KISS played a 1975 concert at Fremd High School in Palatine, with Rush opening -- and here's the proof.
Chicago Rocks Austin
Have you been following our coverage of the SXSW Music Festival in Transmission? It's all collected here -- stay tuned as Lisa White wraps up the last couple days of the fest.
"I Love Tiny Tim. He's My Favorite Singer."
Probably the cutest thing you'll see all day. The late Tiny Tim's latest album, as reviewed by Clara Ware and illustrated by her and her dad Chris for Roctober.
Muti Recovers, Stumps for the Arts from the Italian Stage
Riccardo Muti, the CSO's music director, is now well enough that he was able to take the stage in Italy and argue for the arts. Given his recovery, it looks like this April is finally on track.
The Grid: Congress Conducts El at Cal's
Today we release the second feature in GB's short film series The Grid. "Congress Conducts El at Cal's" explores the construction congestion at Congress Parkway through the music and activity at Cal's, a nearby hangout and liquor store.
Recognize These Thieves?
On Saturday at Lincoln Hall, a couple of no-goodniks walked off with some laptops that were definitely not theirs. After a few days of asking the guys to come forward, pictures have now been posted of the theft in action. If you know them, let Lincoln Hall know. There's a reward in it for you. (At least one coat, with iPod and phone, was stolen too.)
Chicago at SXSW
Even if you're not going, you'll still want to peruse our massive list of the 90+ local acts and dozens more from nearby who are performing at the SXSW Music Festival in Austin next week.
"Some of the most honest music I ever heard in my life"
The Guardian takes the release of a bunch of Chicago house records as a cue to review Chicago's influence on house music in the Midwest and in the UK.
Get Kind of Blue
There's a Miles Davis Festival on right now.
Obit: Diane Izzo
Greg Kot's column on Chicago singer-songwriter Diane Izzo, who died on Friday at the age of 43. (Edit: Jim DeRogatis' tribute to Izzo was also published today.)
Snap This Up
Alligator Records turns 40 this year, and to celebrate their 40th Anniversary Collection is just $5.99 on Amazon today.
Help Out a Furry Pal
Love animals AND alcohol? Head to Proof tonight for their Mutts and Martinis event at 7pm, which benefits the Friends of Animal Care and Control. And if you want to continue your charitable bender, Gold Star will be hosting Sexy Black, a benefit for Virtually Home Chicago, on Saturday night.
One Day Only, Pressed at Boddie
Early Warning: Numero Group, Chicago's resident back catalog hounds, will be opening a pop-up store for Record Store Day April 16, and is producing a limited edition album on wax, CD and cassette. Keep your ear open for the location.
Empires Could Have It Covered
Local band Empires are competing in a contest to be featured on the cover of Rolling Stone magazine. Help them out by voting for them here. [via]
Know, or Else!
Chicago comedy troupe Funemployed has created a special PSA video for all those who don't know who (Grammy award winning band) Arcade Fire is. (h/t Sandor)
Some Jazz Records
Today's auction of legendary DJ Dick Buckley's record collection caught the eye of the Wall Street Journal; peruse the catalog online.
Local Grammy Winners
Last night at the Grammys, Mavis Staples won Best Americana Album for You Are Not Alone, while the CSO took home two trophies and several other local blues and jazz performers won as well.
Stood Up Again
Unfortunately, UK Swedish singer Robyn has canceled her Chicago performance tonight at the Riv due to illness. Jam Productions has brief details, and recommends holding on to your ticket for a future make-up performance. Tonight's cancellation comes after a week of axed Midwest concert dates by the singer.
Lolla Leaks
Greg Kot has some gossip on who's going to headline this year's Lollapalooza music festival (August 5-7, 2011), and it's all bros. Word is that Eminem, Muse and Foo Fighters will likely be top on the bill.
More Health Troubles for Muti
The CSO's Riccardo Muti fainted at yesterday's rehearsal and was taken to the hospital. Last night's performance was held without him, and tonight's will be led by Mitsuko Uchida and Leonard Slatkin.
A Blizzard of Talent
In addition to 18 inches of snow, Mother Nature is about to deal us an even tougher blow: Chet Haze's mixtape is "officially done."
Decibels + Beats per Minute
Wilco has left Nonesuch and started its own label, dBpm Records, with the help of ANTI-.
The New Boss
Baby Teeth just released Boss, a five-song tribute to Mayor Daley. [via]
Throat Singing
The A.V. Club's Marah Eakin talks with beatboxer Freddie Feldman about his Thumper TH100 throat microphone, which he's raising money to put into production.
Probably Not Part of His Fantasy
Kanye West's music career may be doing well, but he's had to close one of his Fatburger franchises.
2120 S. Michigan Ave.
In 1964, the Rolling Stones recorded a blues album for Chess Records. It never saw the light of day... until now. [via]
Happy Birthday, CHIRP!
CHIRP, the Chicago Independent Radio Project, went live on the Internet a year ago today. They're celebrating at The Whistler tonight at 9:30pm, among other festivities.
Saying "Goodbye" to Dickie
Brian Dickie, Chicago Opera Theater's longstanding general director, will step down from the position he's held since 1999. A search is underway for a replacement in 2012.
Auctioning Off Happiness
The formidable record collection of jazz DJ Dick Buckley will be auctioned off by Leslie Hindman Auctioneers on Feb. 17. [via]
Three Kisses from Kid Sister
Cheer up your commute with a new free mixtape download from Kid Sister, Kiss Kiss Kiss.
Watch for Watch the Throne
Kanye West has announced that his album collaboration with Jay-Z, Watch the Throne, will be out "in the next week." Meanwhile, Josh Groban covered Kanye's best tweets on Jimmy Kimmel last night.
Stump Speaks
Chicagoist has a two-part interview with Patrick Stump, former frontman of Fall Out Boy, about life after the band, what he's up to now and his deep connection to Chicago.
High Holy Days and Heavy Metal
David Draiman, frontman of Disturbed, talks with the Jerusalem Post about growing up Jewish in Chicago, among other things. [via]
Pitchfork as a Bar Chart
Year in Review plots Pitchfork's 2010 reviews along the x axis.
Johnny Be Ill?
Chuck Berry, 84, collapsed over his keyboards at the Congress Theater last night. After EMTs showed up he said he was feeling fine, but didn't complete his set. No word yet on his current condition.
A Free Music Resource
The Free Music Archive has plenty of stuff for you to download, including some from Bloodshot Records and the Third Coast International Audio Festival
Today's Shows
Some anonymous, dedicated soul updates Chicago Music List every day, seemingly by hand, to give you a simple overview of your live music options for the day.
A Great Sounding New Year's Eve
If you're still on the fence for how to spend your evening this coming Friday, consult our NYE show round-up in Transmission for some great concerts. Yes, a lot of the big venues are sold out, but plenty of shows around town still have tickets available.
Ring in a Reasonable New Year
Want to do something more special than TV and beer, but can't afford New Year's Eve specials hovering around three digits? Metromix and the Reader have some ideas to get you started.
"Neu Chicago"
I'm not sure what this video has to do with Chicago, but it's kind of fun.
Rodney the Singing Mailman
The A.V. Club's mailman, Rodney Johnson, has become a minor celebrity thanks to his singing voice, which is on display in his "Silent Night" duet with Andrew W.K.
Kanye Hear What I Hear
Kanye West released a cover of "Christmas in Harlem" today. [via]
100 Good Songs
You may have a few of Pitchfork's top 100 tracks of 2010 on your playlist already.
Letters to Santa
Second City's star-studded Letters to Santa 24-hour music and comedy marathon starts at 8pm and runs through 8pm tomorrow. Tickets are just $15, and since they're only available at the door starting at 6:30, you better go get in line! (Can't make it? They'll be streaming it live online.)
A Soprano on the CTA
Opera megastar Renée Fleming was just named Creative Consultant for the Lyric Opera.
Punching Up the Banjo
Native Chicagoan and professional banjo player Noam Pikelny talks in Transmission about his upcoming Lincoln Hall shows with the Punch Brothers, two Grammy noms, and receiving a unique award from Steve Martin.
If You Like it Then You Shoulda...
Proving that the kids are all right, Jeff Tweedy's son Spencer gets geeky with the maths and makes some of us wish we were kids again.
Vocal Baseball
R. Kelly hit a home run last night on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon.
Always Lo-Fi. Always.
A track from Jim O'Rourke's 1999 album Eureka can now be heard in a Wal-Mart commercial for cell phone plans.
Blue Christmas
NIU professor Bill Studwell, whose 25-year-long "Carol of the Year" project covered the histories of individual Christmas songs, passed away last August, a few months shy of completing the project. The Trib provides an interesting and touching retrospective on the man and his work.
Might as Well be Priceless
At Bein & Fushi on Michigan Avenue, there is a rare violin made by Giuseppe Guarneri del Gesù in 1742. It's for sale at the record price of $18 million.
Chicago Rap City
Speaking of Fake Shore Drive, you might be interested in the list of the 50 greatest Chicago rap songs they compiled with Complex.com.
Kiss Kiss Hustlaz
Fake Shore Drive has new tracks from Kid Sister and Twista.
Studio Time on the Cheap
Stray Dog Recording Company is an L3C nonprofit dedicated to providing affordable studio time to the city's music community. Right now, that means $20 per hour for your first session.
On the Street Where Oprah Lives
The Chicago Jazz Orchestra, which has played the afterparty for the Kennedy Center Honors for the past 22 years, was treated to a special guest vocalist at this past weekend's ceremony -- "Glee's" Matthew Morrison. Among this year's honorees was an obscure local talk show host.
Gifts that Sound Great
The Transmission staff has compiled their picks for the best holiday gifts for that discerning Chicago music lover. Whether you want to spend $5 or $300, we've got you covered.
Hidden Soul
Have you met Syl Johnson?
Turkeys and Cheap Vinyl
In Transmission, we have your best bets for a thoroughly musical Thanksgiving week. Hit up sales in local record stores, venues, and labels, or take (or leave) your extended family to a slew of great shows.
R.I.P., Little Smokey
Chicago blues guitarist and singer Albert "Little Smokey" Smothers has passed away. Mr. Smothers played with blues luminaries like Little Walter and Howlin' Wolf, and was a mentor to Elvin Bishop and Paul Butterfield.
Lupe Fiasco on Vocalo
Lupe Fiasco will be a guest on MusicVox on Vocalo at 3pm today. Tune to 89.5 or stream it online. [via]
Matt Lauer Covered in Balls
OK Go teamed up with the Today show for a new, dog-less version of "White Knuckles."
City Festivals Up for Sale
Jim DeRogatis reports on the City's plans to privatize its music and cultural festivals.
His Beautiful Dark Twisted 10.0
Kanye West's new album, My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy, got a perfect 10.0 from Pitchfork, the first new album to reach such heights since Wilco's Yankee Hotel Foxtrot. A little hometown advantage, maybe?
Rock You All Night Long
Transmission staff are culling together your best New Year's Eve concert options while tickets are still (mostly) available.
Is It Because Because They're Numerogroup?
Douglas Wolk and Pitchfork gave the new Syl Johnson box set from Numerogroup a limp review and 6.8 rating. As a result, some of the Twitterers are restless. Others point out that this is hardly unexpected.
Tales of the Tape
Speaking of A.V. Club, Leor Galil, who profiled Ice Age Records for us in Transmission, started a survey of the city's cassette-centric record labels this week.
When Wicker Park Rocked
The A.V. Club is running a feature series looking back at the rise and fall of alternative music in the mainstream, and today's story is about Chicago's contributions: Smashing Pumpkins, Liz Phair and Urge Overkill.
Drop the Beat
On an imaginary interview show, one fictional Chicago alderman challenges a potential Chicago alderman to a rap battle...no joke. [Caution: Some uncensored F-bombs.] (Thanks, Sandy!)
Put 50 Cents Down
Chicago suburban YouTube sensation Keenan Cahill had an unexpected guest star for his latest lip-sync video.
35th Anniversary of the Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald
On Nov. 10, 1975, the SS Edmund Fitzgerald sank in a gale on Lake Superior while on its way to a steel mill in Gary.
Savage Party
If you missed out on tickets to Dan and Bill Savage's talk for the Chicago Humanities Festival, join them for the after party at Berlin. Details in Slowdown.
Consider Ronny's
A.V. Club Chicago takes a look at Ronny's, the polarizing Logan Square bar and once-and-possibly future rock club.
Disturbing Campaign Ad
Members of the band Disturbed found themselves, along with Avenge Sevenfold and Stone Sour, pictured as criminals on a Kentucky campaign flyer. They've sent the politician a cease-and-desist letter.
Soundtrack to a Novel
Largeheartedboy finds out what Kevin Guilfoile thinks you should listen to while reading his latest book, The Thousand. [via]
The Musical Ice Age
"The music industry is dying, and Ice Age Records founder Kris Di Benedetto couldn't care less." Learn why in Transmission.
Jonesing for the Green Mill
Mike Jones, Penn & Teller's house pianist, just released a new album that was recorded at the Green Mill. And it's currently available for free download on his site.
Rhymefest to Make City Council Meetings Awesome
According to the Onion, Che "Rhymefest" Smith will be announcing his candidacy for alderman of the 20th Ward this Thursday.
This is Art
The (NSFW) cover art for Kanye West's forthcoming album My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy has been banned in the US, according to a tweet from Mister Personality himself. UPDATE: As the LA Times notes, "perhaps banned isn't the right word."
Once More With Feeling
The Chicago Gay Men's Chorus' contribution to Dan Savage's It Gets Better Project. [via]
Champaign to Chicago
"Up north in Chicago, where the Blues makes no one blush, memory comes back to you in a double-bourbon rush." — Old '97s, "Champaign, Illinois," off their new album, Grand Theatre.
Capturing the Sound
Contraphonic, our own Ben Schulman's record label, is raising money on Kickstarter to expand its much-praised Contraphonic Chicago Sound Series to other cities.
The Best Time To Riot Is Now
In Transmission, we preview next week's always fun Riot Fest, bringing amazing punk music to a venue near you. Keep an eye out for our coverage of the fest all next week.
Pay the Electrical (Studios) Bill
Fans of Electrical Audio, Steve Albini's influential recording studio, have launched a campaign on The Point (remember that? Progenitor of Groupon?) to pay off the studio's mortgage.
Drinking Up Chicago's Epitonic
In Transmission, we sit down and chat with Justin Sinkovich, original co-founder and current ressurector of (completely legal) mp3 share site Epitonic.
Get Down with the (sic)nesses
Wait, wrong band. Nevertheless, fans of Slipknot will want to be at 1901 Gallery, 1901 W. Belmont, tonight at 9pm for a free screening of the director's cut of (sic)nesses, a directory about the band.
Championship Vinyl
Dusty Groove, Laurie's Planet of Sound and Dave's Records all made RollingStone.com's list of the country's 25 best spots for unique record shopping. As Chicagoist points out, there are many more local shops worthy of the list.
Festa Muti!
The Chicago Symphony Orchestra and plenty of music lovers are treating Riccardo Muti as a rockstar during the monthlong "Festa Muti," which kicks off his new role at the CSO.
Styx and Journey
Boy meets girl. Boy has to put on awesome rock concert to save the day. But wait, it's also a musical! Rock of Ages, a Broadway hit and amazing combination of genres, comes to Chicago next week.
Red + White + You
Chicago pop punk rockstars White Mystery want to get all you awesome natural redheads in their next video! Just wear white and show up at the Empty Bottle on Saturday, 9/18, at 1pm.
Is Writing Music for Architecture Like Dancing About Journalism?
This Saturday several musical works will be performed in or near the buildings that inspired them. Buildings include the Monadnock, the Aqua Tower, and others.
Umphuck You
Umphrey's McGee covered Cee Lo's "Fuck You" at the North Coast Music Festival this week. You can buy it right here, along with the rest of their set.
Chi Don't Dance No More
XLR8R surveys Chicago's thriving juke and footwork scene, giving me another opportunity to link to BBU's awesome song.
North Coasted
If you missed last weekend's inaugural North Coast Music Festival (or just can't remember), relive the magic from Friday, Saturday, and Sunday's sets over in Transmission.
Honoring Oprah
The 33rd annual Kennedy Center Honors have been announced, and the incomparable Oprah Winfrey is to be lauded in December with a lively celebration in Washington. Also on the list for the night are some other people named Paul McCartney, Merle Haggard, Bill T. Jones, and Jerry Herman. You know, if time permits.
Dreamed of Covering You Again Last Night
Via Wisconsin comes Wisco, a tribute to Wilco's classic Summerteeth album comprised entirely of bands from beyond the cheddar curtain. Listen to or download it in its entirety on Muzzle of Bees.
Violins and Hornlets
Andrew Bird and acoustic engineer Ian Schneller created beautiful music together at the Guggenheim last month, in a piece titled "Sonic Arboretum." (Thanks, George!)
Have You Never Been Mellotron?
Mark Greenberg of the Coctails is selling his Mellotron. I'm not in the market for one, but I'm intrigued by Mark's mentioning that it "almost killed someone when bringing it up a flight of stairs." If you win the auction then, take care not to be mellotroned.
The Music Between Beats
In Transmission, our feature this week focuses on Michael Zerang, a Chicago musician whose rhythmic experimentation focuses on not only the sound of drums, but a lifetime of performance energy and experiences. Catch him today at two different performances.
How to Jazz It Up
The Reader has your guide to the Chicago Jazz Festival, which gets underway tonight.
A Little Less Noisier
Glorious Noise co-founder Jake Brown is moving from Chicago to Ann Arbor, Michigan with his family, and he left us a goodbye note.
Start Labor Day Weekend Right
Join Gapers Block and CHIRP for a show at the Metro this Friday, Sept. 3, featuring The Hudson Branch, Camera, Reds and Blue and My My My. The show is free before 9pm and just $6 after if you bring along this flyer [PDF] -- and still just $9 without. RSVP on Facebook!
Music Education for Free
Registration opens at noon Saturday for the fall schedule at the People's Music School in Uptown.
Remembering the Marshmallow
If you missed out on the Neon Marshmallow festival this past weekend, Transmission writer Chris Sienko has wrapped up each of the four days of noise, destruction, and amazing sounds from the dark confines of the Viaduct Theatre.
The Sounds Your City Makes
Local music label, Contraphonic, has recently launched a Kickstarter campaign to fund their nationwide aural mapping project as a part of their already successful Sound Series. Chip in a few clams and help to preserve the best sounds of Chicago, New York, Pittsburgh, Atlanta, and other locales.
Music Videos Don't Get More Chicago Than This
Rapper Serengeti just released his new video for "Perculators." Not since the 2006 video for "Dennehy" has Chicagoland been so prominently featured in hip hop. The slow-mo sample of Cajmere's classic "Coffee Pot" mixed with tai chi is mind-blowing.
For Those About to Rock, Free mp3s
Epitonic, one of the first streaming mp3 sites, is planning a comeback, with local musician Justin Sinkovich back at the helm. The relaunch is being funded through Kickstarter.
Mammoth vs. Bird: Who Would Win?
Andrew Bird composed music for the Mammoths and Mastodons: Titans of the Ice Age exhibit at the Field Museum. Hear a bit of Mr. Bird's dainty dreamy instrumental noodlings here.
Neon Marshmallows For Your Ears
Fans of experimental music unite this weekend at the inaugural Neon Marshmallow festival at The Viaduct Theatre with nearly 100 sets of music over four days. Details and an extensive preview in Transmission.
Your Band in the Best Light
In A/C, concert photographer Kirstie Shanley shares thoughts on why bands shouldn't play in the dark.
Transmission's Lolla Recaps
If you didn't make it to Lollapalooza this year, our recaps of Friday, Saturday and Sunday's shows will help you pretend you did. And if you did go, let us know what we got wrong -- or right.
Nobody Calls it LSD
As noted by the Chicago Lampoon, the song "Lake Shore Drive" by Aliotta Haynes Jeremiah was recorded 40 years ago this weekend. It was released in 1971 and became a regional hit.
There Will Be Modernism
Chicago's modernist architecture stars in the video for Efdemin's song "There Will Be Singing (Chicago)."
Our Lolla Insights
Read and scroll through our Lollapalooza Stage Clash picks this year, so you won't end up on one end of Grant Park when a great band you're missing is on the other. Conveniently culled together from our week of previews in Transmission. (And keep an eye there for daily recaps!)
Guess that Headliner
The Puzzler takes Lollapalooza pregame fun to a whole new level today.
Lolla-Guide-Looza
As with Pitchfork, everyone and their mother has a guide to Lollapalooza for you this week. If our own previews aren't enough, you can turn to the Reader, Time Out, A.V. Club, Loud Loop Press, the Trib's Greg Kot, Sun-Times' Thomas Conner, Metromix, Venus Zine and Rolling Stone. Jim DeRogatis has some ways to avoid it altogether.
Tradition. Honor. Mollusks.
Local postermaker Phineas X. Jones (also a FoGB) was the artist who wrought this fine piece of work for Lollapalooza this year. It'll be for sale this weekend at the festival, and on his site in small numbers later on.
They Call Me Mr. Glass
It was inevitable: Adam War Rock and Ruckus Robiticus have laid down some fresh beats and rhymes about Ira Glass and This American Life.
Hardy Rocks the House
Let's get the day started with some vintage Chicago House mixes by DJ Ron Hardy.
Lolla.me And Everyone You Know
If you're headed to the vast empire of Lollapalooza, stay up to date with your friends' schedules and where to find them in the throngs of thousands with a new free app for smart phones called Lolla.me. Details in Transmission.
Hitting the Pavement at Pitchfork
The Reader's Pavement Tour Diary blog by sound guy Jeremy Lemos finally makes sense as the band plays Pitchfork.
Calling All Punks
The documentary You Weren't There: A History of Chicago Punk, 1977-1984 is streaming all week at Pitchfork TV.
Tales from the Fireside
The Chicago News Cooperative profiles the glory days and the rebirth of Logan Square's Fireside Bowl in this video, featuring images from throughout the venue's history.
Gli.tc/h Pops
Gli.tc/h is "an international gathering of noise & new media practitioners, and it's coming to Chicago Sept. 29 through Oct. 3.
Indie Rock to Lit Doc
Hadji Bakara, the former keyboardist for Wolf Parade, is now a PhD student in U of C's Department of English Language and Literature.
Toast of the Coast
North Coast Music Festival organizers are giving local bands and DJs the opportunity to earn a spot on their inaugural lineup. The winner in each category will play a 45-minute set to thousands of new fans in Union Park this Labor Day weekend. If you're more comfortable listening to beautiful music than making it, tickets to the fest are also today's Groupon.
Unhappiness
RIP Dick Buckley. The golden-voiced announcer and jazz archivist has passed away at the age of 85. WBEZ is collecting memories of their dearly departed colleague.
Pitchfork in Pictures
Our intrepid photographer George Aye took some amazing shots over the weekend at Pitchfork, and we've put together his spectacular artist mosaics in an online gallery. If you haven't already listened to our artist interviews, or read our fest recap, what are you waiting for?
New Digs for Old Town
The Old Town School of Folk Music has already sprawled into several other spaces in Lincoln Square and elsewhere in the city. Now it's preparing to build a whole new building across the street from its Lincoln Avenue HQ.
Feeling the Music
How do the deaf experience live music? In Transmission we explore just how Chicago's deaf community, and their advocates, work to translate more than just good vibrations.
The Pitchfork That Was
The Transmission team spent the weekend at Pitchfork Music Festival to bring you some amazing coverage, including interviews with artists, photos and reviews. And we're not done yet; keep an eye out for even more coverage over the next day or two.
If the Heat/Money is Keeping You from Pitchfork...
You can watch many of today's acts streaming online live for free.
Hey, What's that Song?
WBEZ is now going to publish monthly features about the music they play in between programs and other moments in their broadcasts.
All About Pitchfork
If our own Pitchfork Music Festival guide isn't enough for you, there's also previews from Chicagoist, the Reader, Time Out, NewCity and The Trib.
Pitchfork Previewed
In Transmission, we give our $.02 on every act you can catch this weekend in Union Park at the Pitchfork Music Festival.
More Pitchfork Tickets
Didn't get your ticket to the Pitchfork Music Festival this weekend? More will be released tomorrow starting at 11am at the box office in Union Park. Keep your eye out for our festival preview in Transmission, and say hi to us at our booth in the CHIRP Record Fair tent at the festival.
Music Wants to be Free
CLLCT is a community site built around sharing music. Naturally, there's a lot of Chicago-related stuff.
U2 Redo
U2 has released its rescheduled North American tour dates after canceling them earlier this year when Bono had emergency back surgery. They'll return to Soldier Field on July 5, 2011 and if you have tickets, they will be honored.
Metro Releases a Bootleg
The Metro is releasing its first-ever album of live recordings as a benefit for Rock For Kids. Metro: The Official Bootleg Series, Volume 1 will be released July 22.
Everyone's a Critic
Inspired by MIA's "I'm a Singer (Haters)," A.V. Club collected some anti-music journalist songs.
Rhymfest's Dubious Debut
Chicago's Rhymefest tells the A.V. Club about his first time on stage, a talent show at the Regal Theater, and why your grandma might not the best coach for a budding rap star.
DMB @ Wrigley
The Dave Matthews Band will be playing two shows at Wrigley Field Sept. 17 and 18. Tickets go on sale to the public July 17.
Looking at Lady Gaga
Chicago Art Magazine studies the pop star from a visual arts perspective.
Madina Lake Bassist Hospitalized
Madina Lake's bassist Matthew Leone is hospitalized in serious condition after intervening in a domestic dispute near his apartment and being severely beaten.
Dance and Chow for Gulf Relief Tonight
If you're tired of looking at this and want to help out the Gulf area, head to tonight's Junk Shot Benefit at West Loop Studios.
Analyzing the Lollapalooza Investigation
Jim DeRogatis has written one heck of a post analyzing Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan's investigation of Lollapalooza's "radius clauses."
Do You Like Colombian Music?
The first-ever Colombian Music Festival kicks off Thursday and runs the whole month of July.
Remembering Fred Anderson
We've got details in Transmission about the public wake for saxophonist and Velvet Lounge founder Fred Anderson, as well as a round-up of remembrances.
R.I.P., Fred Anderson
Jazz saxophonist Fred Anderson, owner of the Velvet Lounge and mentor to numerous jazz musicians, has passed away.
That Darn Clause
Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan's office is looking into the "radius clauses" imposed by Lollapalooza upon its performers. These clauses prohibit bands from playing in Chicago for months before and after the musical festival takes place in August 2010.
Music After Work
You could do a lot worse on a Wednesday evening than stop by Millennium Park after work for Pink Martini at the Pritzker Pavilion. UPDATE: Most people probably did do a lot worse, what with the crazy storm and all.
Jody Watley Comes Home
Singer Jody Watley talks in Transmission about her experiences growing up in Chicago, her upcoming album and her show at the Harold Washington Cultural Center this Friday.
Do Not Mess with Neko Case
"I will seriously pummel your f*cking face."
Fewer Low Notes in Chicago
Lynn Becker and the Trib's William Lee eulogize Aaron Dodd, who most knew best as the Michigan Avenue tuba player.
The Bluegrass Connection
Chicago's a city built on the blues, for sure, but what do you know of our thriving bluegrass scene? Educate yourself in Transmission.
Bluesy State of Mind
In Transmission, we take a little time to consider the state of blues in Chicago. (Don't forget, the free Chicago Blues Festival starts tomorrow and runs through Sunday.)
Good Grades Get Good Music
Kanye West, Common and Lupe Fiasco performed last night for students at three Chicago Public Schools that improved their grades, behavior and attendance this year.
"Take Me to the Next Phase"
Marvin Isley, bassist of The Isley Brothers, died Sunday in a hospice near his Chicago home.
Vinyl Lives On
Logan Square got two new record stores this week: Saki, run by Carrot Top Records, and Bucket o' Blood, a "science fiction, fantasy, horror bookstore and vinyl store."
Has Anybody Seen 20 Drums Laying Around?
The Jesse White Tumbling Team showed up to their storage facility before an event to find their equipment missing.
Poster Artists Speak Type Their Minds
If you've ever wanted to know more about your favorite show posters, tune in Wednesday at 1pm at the Rock for Kids' website to pose questions to some awesome rock poster artists. The nonprofit's new online interview series launches this week with Jay Ryan of the Bird Machine and continues Friday and next week. More in Slowdown.
Trying to Break Your Heart
If you missed our 7th Anniversary Party at the Metro last Friday, Time Out Chicago has a nice photo gallery of what you missed. (As do we.)
Strange Intruments
Speaking of Scalewell, its first beneficiary, Unatronics, has released the product it used its grant to develop: Seeq-it.
How the Lyric Stays Afloat
With a 7 percent decline in ticket sales, the Lyric Opera had to use $2.7 million in reserve funds to meet last year's financial obligations -- but its endowment grew by 30 percent.
Party Tonight!
Oh, and in case you're reading GB in RSS and missed all the other reminders we've been dropping, tonight's our 7th Anniversary Party! Join us at the Metro for JC Brooks & The Uptown Sound, Blah Blah Blah, Hollows and Lasers+Fast+Shit! Doors open at 8pm!
I Gaze, Nugaze
In Transmission this week, we explore the burgeoning Chicago nugaze music scene.
"Knappertsbusch"
Feel like torturing your tongue? Scroll down and give the WFMT announcer audition script a whirl.
Get in a Kid Sister Video
Fools Gold Records is looking for extras for Kid Sister's latest video, which is shooting tomorrow, May 19. Email kidsistervideo@gmail.com for more details.
Torche Got Torched
The stoner rock band Torche had a good chunk of their gear stolen after their Congress Theater show with Coheed and Cambria. Their label is helping them out with donations, but they've still had to cancel quite a few upcoming shows.
Dio in Chicago
Beachwood Reporter collects clips of the dearly departed metal god's local performances.
Recorded Live, Wherever
Time Out Chicago now hosts some great videos of local bands recorded in their practice spaces and elsewhere by Giant System.
Not as Much Lollapalooza?
Festival promoters are now saying that the Sun-Times got it wrong in their estimations of 60K more fans in Grant Park this summer for Lollapalooza. But they're still making me do a lot more math in my head and not giving straight numbers on new attendance estimates.
By my count, "10-15% more" = 7,500-11,250 additional ticketholders per day at the festival which could mean attendance rises from 75,000 to 86,250 (rather than the previously reported increase up to 95,000). That's a max total of 33,750 more ticket holders for the festival (about half what the Sun-Times estimated yesterday).
Daytrotter Days
In Transmission this week we take a daytrip out to Daytrotter studios in Rock Island, IL and explore this mecca of indie rock live sessions in words, pictures, and music.
Hugeapalooza
You won't be alone this August at Lollapalooza, that's for sure. Promoters have said they're adding 60,000 tickets to this year's festival (for a total of 95,000), and expanding the stages over Columbus Drive.
Ratcheting Up
Chicago's young jazz community explores new venues and new sounds with the Ratchet series.
Holy Cow, We're 7!
Gapers Block just celebrated its seventh anniversary (see April 2003) and we're celebrating with a party at the Metro! Join us May 21 for JC Brooks & the Uptown Sound, Blah Blah Blah, Hollows and Lasers + Fast + Shit. Tickets are two-for-one for $7 in advance! More details in Transmission!
Thinking 'Bout Getting the Band Back Together
Hanson (yes, them) pay homage to The Blues Brothers in their latest video.
Moonshine
In Transmission this week we interview The Blind Staggers — hard at work at bringing "outlaw country music" to the beer halls and barrooms of Chicago.
DeRogatis Leaves the Sun-Times
Jim DeRogatis is quitting the Sun-Times to blog on Vocalo.org and join the faculty at Columbia College.
Eyjafjallajokull Attacks Music!
The Icelandic volcano has forced a variety of acts to cancel their appearances at Coachella, including Chicago's very own Hypnotic Brass Ensemble, who was touring in Europe.
RSD10
Are your fingers dusty from crate diving on Saturday? Ours are! Read about our Transmission staff's celebration of Record Store Day 2010.
Love Blooms at Lincoln Hall
Last night, Scott popped a very big question at the Cloud Cult show.
Record Store Day Approacheth
This Saturday, you might see a horde of bleary-eyed, band t-shirt wearing, anxious-looking folks hovering outside your neighborhood record shop. Don't worry, they just want to get their hands on awesome releases and special deals for Record Store Day.
Taste the Music
The musical lineup for Taste of Chicago has been announced. Highlights include Rob Thomas and Salt-n-Pepa.
Country Man in the Mirror
Robbie Fulks' long-awaited Michael Jackson tribute album is in the wild (and your favorite mp3 superstore). It's called Happy; it'll make you happy. Hear it on Lala.
On his site, Robbie notes that CDs of Happy should arrive soon, and give the artist about $5 more per copy. While you're in the Robbie-Fulks-insurgent-country-spirit, stop by The Hideout on Mondays for Robbie's yearlong residency.
Write It on a Postcard
Sound engineer Jeremy Lemos is on tour with Pavement, and is blogging about it for the Reader.
The Lonely Spotlight
In Transmission we explore Chicago's open mic scene and our writer puts himself in the hot seat.
Styx to Koko Taylor to Screaching Weasel
Chicago magazine's Jeff Ruby has opinions about the 40 best albums by Chicago artists. Correct him if where he's wrong.
Lakeshore Theater Closing
Not an April Fool's joke, sadly: The AV Club reports that the Lakeshore Theater will be closing its doors for good after the Jim Jeffries shows on April 9 and 10.
Learning the Biz
In Transmission we explore Columbia College Chicago's Arts, Entertainment, & Media Management Program or AEMMP and the students' own label.
I'd Like to Buy a Vowel
The day after more tickets went on sale, Lollapalooza has started filling in its lineup -- starting with the letter O.
On Your Mark, Get Set...
Advance tickets and VIP passes for Lollapalooza 2010 go on sale this morning at 10am. The AV Club has a list of rumored headliners, in case you need further info before shelling out your money.
Multitaskers
In case you missed it, check out Alison Cuddy's expose on Radio M last Friday about local artists who are also musicians. Or is it musicians who are also artists? It's all art anyway, isn't it?
Blah Blah Blah Live
Tune in to Vocalo.org today at 4pm to hear Chicago-based experimental Brit-pop-like band Blah Blah Blah perform and give an interview live in Vocalo's performance studio.
The Life Lessons of Mr. Love
West Side recording artist J'mme Love is still new to the music game, but his tale of temptation and early success may prove he's just about ready to leave his mark on the industry.
Week of White Mystery
This is a big week for White Mystery. They're playing multiple shows in Austin at SXSW (and blogging it for us in Transmission) then flying back for their debut record release on Saturday.
SXSW Sounds Like Chicago
If you don't know already, we're following the Austin adventures of White Mystery and The Hood Internet as they rock SXSW this week. Over in Transmission, the first updates from Alex White have just rolled in.
Go Behind the Scenes at the Lyric
The Lyric Opera only offers backstage tours a handful of times a year, and the last one until 2011 is happening Sunday. If you aren't able to make it, you can at least check out a few highlights on a WGN blog.
Detroit DJ City
Why should we in Chicago care what Detroit DJs are doing? Because they're a little bit awesome, and they're coming to our town, that's why. The full story in Transmission.
Music in the Streets
If you enjoyed our Transmission feature about musicians in the CTA tunnels, you should check out ChicagoStreetMusicians.org, a site celebrating buskers citywide.
Some Links Sound Good
Need something to stretch out the afternoon? Stop staring into the middle distance! Click on over to Transmission and check out our Friday Quick Links post — chock full of distractions.
CIMM Fest
The Chicago International Movies and Music Festival kicks off today. You can get a sonic taste from Eight Forty-Eight's preview of the event and the A.V. Club has a run down of the locally connected films.
Helping Bands Help Themselves
In Transmission, we explore how the Chicago Music Commission — an entity you may not have even known existed — is advising bands on how to spread their music, book better shows, and make it the music business.
Musical Waveforms
Beep-it is an optical theramin built by hand by Michael Una, recipient of Scalewell's first $1,000 grant.
Calling all Gleeks
The cast from Fox's hit "Glee" is coming to Chicago to perform the television show's biggest hits.
March Means More Music
Rock for Kids sure it when March rolls around — it's Music in Our Schools Month and they're working hard to spread the love of music to underserved kids around Chicago.
Will-Call Only for Thom Yorke
Radiohead's Thom Yorke will play two solo concerts in Chicago in April, and his ticketing policy aims to thwart the scalpers who usually descend on such hot shows.
Straight Outta tha Desert
In Transmission, we profile Tinariwen, a fantastic group from West Africa specializing in "desert guitar" mixed with '60s psychedelia playing at the Old Town School this weekend.
BBQ for SYGC
It may still be winter, but BBQ is always a good idea. Get your grub on and help raise funds to aid the return of Scotland Yard Gospel Choir to the stage at Darkroom tomorrow night. Food by Man-B-Que. Live music and DJs galore. Details in Transmission.
Like Dating a Cartoon
Billy Corgan dishes to the Trib about rumors he's dating Jessica Simpson, pro wrestling and the in-progress Smashing Pumpkins album.
Chicago at SXSW 2010
If you're planning to attend SXSW in Austin next month, we've got you covered with this exhaustive list of Chicagoland acts playing the sprawling music festival.
Prove It Wasn't Doom
Following up: The promoters for the Mos Def / MF Doom show last weekend are basically saying prove it wasn't Doom and we'll refund your money.
Doom, Doom-Doom Doom...
The mystery: Did rapper MF Doom send an impostor to perform with Mos Def at the Congress Saturday night? Fake Shore Drive thinks so, and provides video so you can decide for yourself. [via]
Feel Free to Disagree...
Chicago music critic and "Sound Opinions" host Jim DeRogatis explains his picks for the worst rock movies. I stand by Heavy Metal Parking Lot.
The Legacy of Sam Cooke
In Transmission, we take a look back on the brief life of Sam Cooke and his contributions to not only Chicago's musical history, but that of the Civil Rights Movement as well.
Blue-capped Ants Marching
Dave Matthews Band conspicuously omitted Chicago from this year's tour plans -- but only because they were holding out to announce they plan to perform at Wrigley this summer.
Metal Haven Will Soon Spend its Seasons in the Abyss
Alas, the one and only Metal Haven will soon close its doors. The Reader promises more details on Tuesday.
Boom Boom Lawsuit
Chicago's Phoenix Phenom and her producer are suing the Black Eyed Peas, accusing them of lifting their song "Boom Dynamite" for their massive hit "Boom Boom Pow." Compare the songs in Transmission.
Avoiding LiveTicketMasterNation
Time Out Chicago has a list of concert venues using alternatives to TicketMaster and LiveNation, so you can avoid paying out the nose post-merger. Most venues also sell direct through their walk-up box offices. Meanwhile, Jam Productions fears for its survival up against the new behemoth company.
Chicago's Musical History in MP3
WFMU's Beware of the Blog shares a massive MP3 of music recorded in Chicago between 1908 and 1980, which was presented in Millennium Park last summer by historian Tim Samuelson and The Numero Group.
A Different Kind of Mashup
Greg Kot sat down with Jam Productions cofounder Jerry Mickelson to discuss the recent decision that allows the merger of Live Nation and Ticketmaster.
Just One or Two Reasons?
Despite some rumblings to the contrary, I think we all know why the Dave Matthews Band hasn't scheduled a Chicago tour date.
The Return of Cap'n Jazz
Cap'n Jazz, a seminal Chicagoland punk/emo band from the early '90s, reunited Friday night at the Joan of Arc show. Here's a bootleg of the four-song set.
The Sounds from Underground
Everyone has a story. In Transmission this week, we offer a multimedia profile of three musicians you might have encountered while waiting for your train.
This Too Shall Pass
Chicago ex-pat OK Go's Damian explains why the band's awesome videos on YouTube can't be embedded. (Short answer: it's the label's fault.) On the other hand, there's always Vimeo.
Going Gaga
GB flickr pool contributor only-connect took some pretty excellent photographs of Lady Gaga during her recent sold out show at the Rosemont.
808s and Hot Chicken
Thanks to Malik Yusef, a South Side Harold's Chicken Shack location now contains an official platinum record.
He Was the Nazz
Nikola Tesla was a brilliant Serbo-American scientist and inventor whose alternating current equipment powered the electric lights of the 1893 Chicago World's Fair. According to the thumbnail portrait in the Wall Street Journal, he also recorded the seminal albums The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars and Lodger.
Rock Out with Us at Metro 1/22
Gapers Block is hosting another show at the Metro next Friday, Jan. 22! We welcome Pet Lions, Post Honeymoon, White Mystery and Dirty Diamonds -- and it's free before 9pm, $6 after with our flier. More details in Transmission!
Tomorrow Never Knows
In Transmission, we previewed the upcoming slice of sunshine that is Schubas' annual winter jam: the Tomorrow Never Knows Festival. It gets started this coming Wednesday at both Schubas and Lincoln Hall.
The King is Dead, Long Live the King
Today is/would be Elvis' 75th birthday, and Chicagoist has a nice look back as well as video from his 1972 concert at Chicago Stadium. You might also be interested in this feature from the GB archives profiling Mark Hussman, one of the city's top Elvis impersonators.
Critical Classical
The Chicago Symphony Orchestra's principle flute, Mathieu Dufour, has raised some eyebrows with his critique of the Los Angeles Philharmonic in the Sun-Times.
Another Stab at the Songs of the Decade
You can listen to streaming mix tapes of Jim DeRogatis's and Greg Kot's songs of the oughts on the Sound Opinion's website.
Warblings and CHIRPs
Want to beta test the new station coming from the Chicago Independent Radio Project (CHIRP)?
Send Our Hood Internet Home!
According to their latest Twitter posts, The Hood Internet (or possibly just DJ STV SLV) are caught up in a security lockdown at the Minneapolis-St. Paul Airport. Update: They're out!
Make Your Pitch
Pitchfork Media is looking for undergraduate editorial interns here in Chicago. Hopefully, this will involve more than just getting coffee. Music nuts have until this Friday to apply.
And the Award Goes To...
We gave out superlatives to our favorite Chicago music moments over in Transmission.
The Year in Pop
PopMatters shares its best-of lists for 2009.
Show Us Your Schubies!
Be a part of the First Annual Schubie Awards by casting a vote for your favorites in music, food and web content.
A Sharp Look at the Lounge Ax
In Transmission, we take another turn down memory lane to explore a venerable Chicago music venue of days gone by. This time, it's the Lounge Ax in Lincoln Park.
"Hello, CSO," Says Yo Yo
Yo Yo Ma has accepted a creative consultant post with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.
Bowing for Buddha
The Dalai Lama's favorite musician is cellist and Northwestern grad Michael Fitzgerald. Esther Cepeda interviews him about opening for His Holiness.
A Truly All-Ages Show
Chicago's own Justin Roberts leads kids with the ease of the Pied Piper, without the rage-inducing personality of Raffi. We sit and chat with him over in Transmission.
Life in the Closet?
R.Kelly is working on a memoir. It's as yet untitled, leaving satirists with a golden opportunity to shower him with suggestions.
Wesley Willis Rocks On
Wesley Willis's Joy Rides, a documentary about Chicago folk artist and rock star Wesley Willis, is now out on DVD -- and is streaming on Pitchfork.TV all this week.
Help Yourself to Sad Brad Smith
When you see Up in the Air (and you should), keep your ears open during the wedding scene for a song by Lincoln Square's Sad Brad Smith.
I Believe I Can Whip It?
Unfortunately they're sold out, but what's the story with these Hot Chip t-shirts featuring R.Kelly in a DEVO hat? [via]
Homolatte Showcases LGBTI Talent
This week's Transmission feature is served up a bit early, to give you a chance to see tonight's Homolatte performance at Big Chicks in Uptown.
Get to Know Joe
That's good advice for any aspiring band -- the Joe in question being Joe Shanahan, owner of the Metro and "father of alternative rock in Chicago."
Want to be the DJ at O'Hare?
As we posted in Transmission last week, the Chicago Music Commission is asking for new local music to play at O'Hare and Midway. What's more, you can browse O'Hare's entire track list by terminal, time and date on their website. For example, here's what was playing in Terminal 1 on April 29, 2009.
Internship Aftermath
In Transmission, we have Part II of our Chicago Music Interns feature where we follow up with some former interns to see where they landed after fetching coffee for summers on end. If you're stuck at an empty office today, this might bring you some solace.
Logan Square Gets a Record Store
Logan Square denizens may be excited to know that they have a new neighborhood record store as of today. It's run by the folks behind Chicago Independent Distribution.
"Rigoletto" on the Red Line?
If you're standing there waiting for a subway train and someone busts out with "E lucevan le stelle" from Tosca, this might be what's going on.
There's Just so Many Buttons... So... So Many Buttons!
"Bunky's Pickle" has a nifty photo of three Chicago recording studios from a 1976 issue of the Billboard Recording Guide, all staffed, unsurprisingly, by total dudes.
Mo Money
In Transmission, we profile Chicago rock cellist Helen Money and her latest album In Tune.
Sonotheque Sold
If you were wondering why Chicago's Sonotheque club has no show dates after 11/15, well here's your answer -- the venue's been sold, according to Time Out. Will it become another of the new owner's Beauty Bar outposts? Only time will tell.
Save Chicago's Free Concerts
With the City slashing programming in an effort to balance the budget, Pitchfork has preemptively created a petition to save our free music festivals from the chopping block. Add your name here
The Glue (Guns) of the Music Industry
In Transmission, we have a chat with a few local music industry interns who give us the low down (and sometimes dirty) truth about their jobs with some of our favorite Chicago labels.
Last Stop, Illinois
Sufjan Stevens' Illinois may have reached the top spot on Paste Magazine's list of the decade's best albums, but it also marked the end of his planned 50-state project, which he now says he may have taken "too seriously." Incidentally, Chicago's own Wilco snagged second place on the official list and #1 among readers with Yankee Hotel Foxtrot.
Wilco's Loft Space
Ever wonder what Wilco's practice loft looks like? LoftLife Magazine gives you a peek. [via]
"You Will Like Des Plaines"
Revitalize Des Plaines! will be of great assistance if you're interested in our northwestern neighbor's politics, history and, in one case, amazing sheet music.
Billy Corgan's Gothageddon
If you haven't seen it yet, you should really check out Billy Corgan's latest project: Gothageddon, a puppet show.
Rock Proper
In Transmission, we profile Chicago netlabel Rock Proper, and how they're working hard to bring you great artists -- via download only.
Lounge Ax Mementos Wanted
The Chicago History Museum wants your souvenirs and memories of the late lamented Lounge Ax. Interesting timing, with Lincoln Hall officially opening its doors this week just down the street.
An Interview with Cheer-Accident
This week's Transmission feature is an interview with Alex Perkolup, bassist in the critically acclaimed progressive rock band Cheer-Accident. The band performs at Reggie's Friday night.
Auctioning a Part of Elvis
If you'd rather rock'n'roll than swing, why not wear a clump of Elvis's hair while you're at it?
Where to Swing
Looking for some swing music? WindyHop is your resource for classes and concerts, while This Week in Chicago gives you the latest on swing nights around town. (Thanks, Dubi!)
The Smartest Kid on Earth Meets Fall-Out Boy
Chris Ware and Pete Wentz wander about an industrial area and sit on a pipe, chatting about their work. Boy, the director sure likes cross-cuts.
And Daniel Burnham Looked Upon the Ruins and Said, "Let's Rock!"
It's the 138th anniversary of the Chicago Fire, and MTV pays sentimental tribute with... Dragonforce? Indeed, the city did arise from the ashes like a huge, shredding, windmill-headbanging phoenix.
Light and Blues
The New York Times ran a piece about photographer Michael Abramson's photos of South Side blues clubs and their patrons back in the 70s. The photos will appear in a book/LP set, titled Light: On the South Side, published by the inestimable Numero Group label.
Ready to Riot
Riot Fest hits Chicago for the fifth year next week. We've got a preview for you in Transmission.
Sound Off Yourself
Voting is now open on the Chicago Public Library's "People's Choice Award" in its Sound Off Chicago music contest. See videos for all the entries here -- you have until midnight Saturday to choose your favorite.
Scotland Yard Gospel Choir Accident
The Scotland Yard Gospel Choir's van blew a tire and rolled several times in Indiana yesterday as the band was on its way to Cincinnati for a show. Details in Transmission, including a way to help the band recover.
Remembering Medusa's
Another in our series of remembrances of past Chicago music venues, we take a look at former Lakeview club Medusa's over in Transmission.
Five Faves from Famous Folk
Five Tunes is a local blog that asks musicians to share five songs they're currently digging.
A Little SPACE in Evanston
In Transmission we profile a music venue just over the city line: SPACE.
Kanye's Rant at VMAs a Stunt?
In case Twitter didn't tell you already, hometown boy Kanye West made headlines again at the VMAs last night -- this time for stealing the limelight from Taylor Swift as she accepted the "Best Female Video" award. Of course, conspiracy theories abound in the harsh light of day and apologies from the West camp came and went.
A Drifter in Your Town
There's a certain poetic irony to the thought of multiple bands called the Drifters performing all over the country, questionable strangers blowing through town for a gig and then disappearing into the night.
Bloodshot's Birthday
We give you the lowdown on every band playing Bloodshot Records' 15th Anniversary Beer-B-Q Saturday at the Hideout over in Transmission. Plus, a sweet Imeem music player featuring all the bands!
Michael Jackson, the Earliest Years
Jake Austen details the discovery of the earliest known recording of Michael Jackson and his brothers in today's Reader.
Be There at 8, Don't Be Late
Just a note: the doors open at 8pm for the Gapers Block Party at the Metro tonight -- which means you have an hour and a half to get in for free! But don't wait till the last minute to get in gratis, or you'll miss Panda Riot, who go on at 9pm.
Sweet Home Chicago
Chicago Public Library's "Sound Off" contest taps local musicians to express how their city inspires them. Details in Transmission.
Jazzing It Up
Ready for the Jazz Festival this weekend? The Reader has your guide to the fest.
Bwowwwww! Bwowwwwwwwww!
The Chicago Tribune, that great purveyor of folk wisdom, shows you how to build an electric guitar just like Jack White (in a dandy little hat) does in It Might Get Loud. Properly, you'll be building an electric diddley bow, which is much more fun to say. (via)
R.I.P. Philip Blum
Philip Blum, a cellist and, after 54 years, the longest-serving member of the CSO, passed away yesterday at the age of 77.
Jazz Lives!
Speaking of Jazz, Howard Reich spent some time discussing why the National Endowment for the Arts' Arts Participation 2008 [pdf] survey document doesn't reflect the Chicago experience.
Now Is the Time
...To prepare for Jazz Fest next week. And the Now Is concert calendar is your best resource for all the unofficial shows happening around the festival.
That's Like 100 in Club Years
Venerable new wave/goth night club Neo turns 30 next week.
Serenade Your City
The Chicago Public Library is hosting the ChiPubLib Sound Off Music Contest, where the city's musicians are challenged to compose an original, Chi-town-inspired song and upload video of their performance of it to the Not What You Think Vimeo group. A celebration of the winning songs will be held at Pritzker Park in October.
Chicago Rocks
The Society of American Travel Writers has named Chicago #5 on their list of "Top 10 Cities for Live Music." The voting writers noted that Chicago kills for live blues, and that music is "all here, all the time." Nicely put.
A Decade that Rocked
In Transmission, we have a guest feature from Chicago writer and radio personality James VanOsdol on his project to put pen to paper on the city's music scene in the 1990s.
Party with Gapers Block!
We've been teasing it on Twitter for a couple weeks, and we've finally announced it: the 6th annual Gapers Block Party! Next Friday, Sept. 4, we'll be at the Metro with Nikki Lynette, The Hood Internet, Blane Fonda and Panda Riot -- plus other fun stuff! Free before 9:30pm, $6 after -- kick off your Labor Day Weekend right!
Obit: Radley (1990-2009)
Radley, the resident cat at the Empty Bottle, passed away yesterday at the ripe old age of 19. Donations can be made in Radley's name to the American Liver Foundation.
Rob Ryan Adams
We were remiss in not pointing out Conor McCarthy's chuckle-worthy "Seven Crimes to Consider Before Music Piracy" in Mechanics on Monday.
Best Dancer Ever
WGN-TV Feature Reporter Marcus Leshock caught this guy getting really into a DJ set at Lollapalooza last weekend. (Thanks, Brett!)
Shopping, Classes Weekend at OTS
This weekend is the annual store sale at the Old Town School of Folk Music. Two days of sales on everything in their extensive music store! Details in Slowdown. Also, the next session at the school starts up August 31. If you sign up for a class at the school before Monday, you'll save $15 on tuition! So you can buy an instrument this weekend, and then sign up for a class to learn how to play it.
Rock On, Chicago!
Are you fascinated by the music scene in Chicago during the 90's? Would you like to read a book written by James VanOsdol, former host of Q101's The Local Music Showcase? Well, thanks to KickStarter.com you can make that book a reality by pledging money to fund this DIY venture. He's $12,000 from his goal so help him write on, Chicago!
Show Photos
If you're headed to Lollapalooza (or any other Chicago music event), don't forget you can submit photos to our Transmission Flickr Pool. We might use them on the site!
The Final Preview
In Transmission, we round out our pre-festival thoughts on what's the best way to spend your three days at Lollapalooza this year.
More to (Lolla) Love
In case you hadn't noticed, our Slowdown section is bursting at the seams with music-related events this weekend. That's because of all the Lolla-sanctioned after-parties starring artists who'll be double dipping in Chicago. If you're not headed to Grant Park, you can hit a venue near home.
Still Clashin'
We're going full steam ahead with our Lollapalooza previews in Transmission — hitting you with picks for Sunday afternoon stage clash winners.
A New Song for Lincoln Park
The Schuba brothers are nearly ready to open a new mid-sized music venue named Lincoln Hall near the old Biograph Theater.
No No Sleep Till Brooklyn
We continue on in Transmission with our previews of the best sets at Lollapalooza with a look at Saturday night's performances (i.e. the night that was supposed to end with three MCs and one DJ).
Albini, Natarus, Bon Iver, Oh My
We're not the only ones trying to help you determine who to see at Lollapalooza: WBEZ has your back, too, with advice from an unexpected crew.
More Stage Clashin'
In Transmission we continue on today with our previews of sets to hit and sets to miss at this weekend's Lollapalooza festival in Grant Park.
Stage Clash!
In Transmission, we're bringing you a week of previews on the best of what to expect at Lollapalooza this weekend, so keep an eagle eye on the page this week as we bring a new round of band vs. band set battles to you daily. You can check out Round 1 now.
Pining for the Fireside Bowl
Hey, Chicago music/bowling fans! Just a few hours left to order a special shirt titled "Bring Back the Fireside" at RIPT Apparel. [via]
Rock Out
Windy City Rock points us to a nifty deal at Reverbnation.com where 1,000 songs are now available for free download, including tunes from several Chicago bands.
A. Bird Tix
If you missed out on the lightning-fast sale of tickets to Andrew Bird's benefit show at Schubas in August, no fear -- you can bid on tickets (also benefiting Rock for Kids) on eBay right now (till Friday).
Lolla by Touch
Headed to Lollapalooza? There's an iPhone app for that.
This is My Party Shirt
Local label Grape Juice Records needs your help in selecting the perfect shirt for a special occasion. The winning design will make its debut at Grape Juice's 5th Anniversary celebration in September, so get voting! [via]
White's Weather System
In Transmission, we profile Jack White's new project The Dead Weather in preparation for the band's Chicago debut next week at the Vic.
Still at Pitchfork in Our Minds
It may seem slow here on GB today, but there's an ongoing storm of posts in Transmission, wrapping up coverage of this weekend's Pitchfork Music Festival -- as well as elsewhere on the site. Click around and just try to keep up!
RIP Thax, Alive and Well
Thax Douglas, Chicago poet and indie music icon, has died, according to his Facebook page. Correction Thax just posted this morning that's he's not, in fact, dead. More in Transmsision.
Weekend Forecast: Pitchfork
In Transmission, we let you know which sets not to be caught standing in line for the Porta-Johns during this weekend's Pitchfork Music Festival. And, hey, if you're out at the fest, make sure to come by the Gapers Block table in the CHIRP Record Fair tent and say Howdy.
The One that Talks Like Doolittle
The Pixies will be touring through Chicago this autumn playing Doolittle in its entirety, plus some B-sides, in honor of the classic album's 20th anniversary. [via]
Rock the Written Word
Face it, there's only so much time you should spend this summer watching roadies switch out cables. Next time you're heading out to a show, take along one of these fine books about music recommended by Transmission staff.
Old Time in the Hot Town Tonight
Old Time Chicago is a new site hoping to become a valuable resource for fans of old time music in the Chicago area. Site owner Paul Lucas has put out the call for submissions: events, music reviews, links, musician contact info, whatever. More info at the Old Town School's Website.
FREEBIRD!!!
Speaking of destroying music, the Trib gives the Chicago backstory to the concert yell.
Wilco (The Media Coverage)
Wilco gets a write-up and Jeff Tweedy answers the tough questions in today's NYT.
Croon "Heavy Metal Drummer"
Live out your Jeff Tweedy fantasies at the Hideout tonight, where the Wilco album release party will feature live-band Wilco karaoke. (Sorry, not with the band themselves -- it'll be folks from the Old Town School.) For a more direct Tweedy fix, you have another option.
33 and a Third Bad
Our own Jim Allenspach created a series of fake covers for the popular 33 1/3 book series, exploring some of the worst possible album/author combinations. His set hass started making the rounds on blogs and spawned at least one imitator -- and now has inspired the publisher to run a contest for humorous covers.
Favorite Actor: Dennehy, Favorite Drink: O'Doul's
Local hip hop crew Serengeti put out this video for their song "Dennehy" a couple years ago, but it's definitely worth revisiting on a hot day like this.
Ice on Ice
This Thursday, the Neo-Futurists are doing a dramatic reading of Cool as Ice this weekend as part of their annual Film Fest series -- and it just so happens that Vanilla Ice is headlining Cans Outdoor Music Fest this weekend -- so Decider got Vanilla and Neo-Futurist Dina Connolly together for an interview.
Listen All Y'all
The Beastie Boys are playing a not-so-secret show at the Congress Theater on Aug. 6, ahead of their Lolla appearance -- and tickets are on sale now!
Next Stop: Lollapalooza
FoGB, designer, (and frequent festival photographer) George Aye snapped a pic of his special Lollapalooza edition CTA transit cards which are showing up in station vending machines now. He snagged his at Logan Square.
The Chicago Music Scene: 1990-1999
Chicago Rocked! 1990-1999 is the working title of an - as yet unpublished - book by former Q101 radio show host, James VanOsdol. The book chronicles the Chicago music scene in the 90's, as experienced by those who were at the core of it; and VanOsdol himself. He plans to independently publish the book and is currently seeking donations.
Reflections of a Pop DJ Duo
In Transmission, we feature an interview with the local DJ team that are TTTTotally Dudes as they mull over how a quarter-life crisis can fuel a great set of tunes.
Cool or Creepy?
Wondering what Twitter says about your personality? TweetPsych is here to tell you, and can give you a laugh when you put in various Chicago personalities. Oh, and in case you're wondering: @gapersblock is evidently obsessed with upward movement.
Visualizing Illinoise
Graphic designer Jax de Leon created a graphic representation of Come on, Feel the Illinoise! by Sufjan Stevens as her final student project. Some really cool stuff in there. [via]
Aural Assault (of the good variety)
This week in Transmission we give a listen to Chicago-founded group ICE (the International Contemporary Ensemble) and their gift of beautiful and complex music to the ears of the Windy City.
Tune Up Your Non-Axe
Saturday night the Metro will be filled with the sounds of squealing guitars -- but none will be present. That's right, it's time for the US Air Guitar Championships. The Sun-Times interviewed last year's Chicago champ, Nordic Thunder, who's judging this year instead of competing due to an air guitar-related back injury.
Rock Me Like a Metronome
Over in Transmission this week, we preview this weekend's Metronome Celebration in Logan Square — a brand-new music festival that's also going green.
The Hidden Glory of the 'Burbs
If you were an aging rocker, where would you retire? The Chicago suburbs, of course. With Richard Marx, members of Styx, Survivor and other bands, perhaps a 1980s super group is possible.
One Last Spin: Off the Alley
The first in an occasional series revisiting Chicago music clubs of yore, over in Transmission, we talk to those who made the south suburban Homewood venue Off the Alley a second home.
Jay Bennett Dead
In Transmission, we're reporting on a developing story that former Wilco band member Jay Bennett is dead at age 45.
A Magic (Gallery of) Carpet Ride
In Transmission, we chat with Brian Zieske about Gallery of Carpet, the Chicago recording studio that lays down the tracks for up-and-coming artists like The Acadamy Is... and Snowsera.
Run for the Buck
If you're into philanthropy, running, and winning Lollapalooza tickets I've got just the activity for you. On May 30, participate in the Buckingham Foundation 5K Fun Run and help raise money to restore Buckingham Fountain. All racers have a chance to win two 3-day passes to Lollapalooza.
The Power of Low Power
In Transmission this week we talk with Jennifer Lizak of CHIRP about the Chicago Independent Radio Project's recent trip to D.C. to lobby for low power FM stations.
Wilco (The Leak)
Wilco's upcoming new album (to be known as "Wilco (The Album)" when it's officially released June 30) leaked yesterday. Shouldn't be too hard to find if you know where to look. UPDATE: Wilco has responded to the leak by streaming the album on their website. [via]
Multiple Transmissions
Busy day already over in Transmission, our music section: a review of Biggest Mouth: Campus Clash (a college music competition, if you missed it earlier), Rhymefest's new video for "Chicago" and a chance to win tickets to DJ C and Mashit's "Bouncement" show this Friday!
So Cheap They're Free
Over in Transmission, we're still giving away tickets to Wednesday night's show at the Double Door: Dex Romweber, The Detroit Cobras, and Blackbelts. Poof! And now they're gone.
I Am Trying to Sue Your Ass
Former Wilco bandmember Jay Bennett is suing frontman Jeff Tweedy for upwards of $50k in unpaid royalties and other proceeds earned during his seven years with Wilco. The lawsuit may be due to some pressing financial needs on Bennett's part, as he needs a hip replacement.
Laughing it up with Ha Ha Tonka
We sit down and chat with Ha Ha Tonka about the band and their debut album from Bloodshot Records in Transmission.
The Next Great Cover Choir
Yesterday singer-songwriter Ben Folds released an album called "Ben Folds Presents: University A Cappella," which might be exactly what you think it is: a cappella versions of his songs performed by various university a cappella groups from around the country. University of Chicago's own Voices in Your Head got one of the tracks; they cover "Magic."
"You Gotta Add the D"
Local comedian Joe Hanson produces a weekly rap under his alter ego "Bino White" -- this week's is about the CTA.
The Latest Version
Version, a festival of arts, music and education, kicks off tonight and runs through May 2. This year's theme is "Immodest Proposals."
Population Counts
In Transmission this week we interviewed Damon Locks about his new music and arts site: The Population.
That's a Lot of Vinyl
Check out what our Transmission staff found at Chicago's record stores in celebration of Record Store Day 2009.
Add Some Local Culture to Your Outdoor Time
It's a beautiful weekend, Chicago. Based on the smiles I've seen on people's faces so far, there is a lot to fall in love with in the city. Including the CHIRP Record Fair which is happening at Plumber's Hall on Saturday and Sunday. (Gapers Block will be there on Sunday so come say howdy.) And if you're more likely to be entertained by antiques, artifacts, and cool designer crafts, then the Spring Show at Architectural Artifacts is where you'll want to be. Speaking of crafts, Chicago's premier of Handmade Nation is taking place tonight at Columbia College.
Record Store Day Approaches
In Transmission, we preview some of the cool things you're likely to find at your neighborhood brick-and-mortar record store this Saturday for the Second Annual Record Store Day.
Broken Bird?
Hearty whistler Andrew Bird accidentally broke his violin in two last night at his first of two performances at the Civic Opera House. Here's hoping he's got a spare at home!
Transmission Contest-a-rino
What are you doing Saturday night? We've got a groovy ticket contest going on in Transmission right now! Update: We have our winners!
An April Residency
In Transmission, we have an interview with singer/songwriter Ann Scott who brings a taste of Dublin's indie rock scene to Chicago just in time for springtime.
Cornell West Interviews Lupe Fiasco
Professor Cornell West interviewed rapper Lupe Fiasco at Calvin College April 3, and a Lupe fanblog posted it online. [via]
Grey Days Mended by Rainbow Body Records
In Transmission this week, we sit down with Chris Sloan who heads local label Rainbow Records and talk rock, pop, and the subtle rewards of a labor of love.
Early Bird Gets the Pass
Don't forget, three-day "Early Bird" passes for Lollapalooza go on sale today at 10 AM. Keep an eye on Lollapalooza.com for details.
Flaming Lip Service?
He calls himself a "veteran Flaming Lips fan", but Sun-Times rock critic Jim DeRogatis says the band is just going through the motions when it comes to their recent output and their decision to forgo the fans-choice aspect of their upcoming show at the Pitchfork Festival.
Smashing Pumpkins
The Smashing Pumpkins are down to just Billy Corgan and a bunch of hired hands after the departure of Jimmy Chamberlin Friday. [via]
Bloodshot's 15th
WBEZ's Eight Forty-Eight program featured Bloodshot Records owners Nan and Rob this morning as they prepare to celebrate the label's quinceanera in Austin at SXSW.
A Lost Weekend With The Hood Internet
We'll be live blogging, er, tweeting in Transmission with The Hood Internet starting tonight and throughout the weekend while they perform all around SXSW.
A Four Pack from Thrill Jockey
In Transmission this week we take a long listen to four upcoming new releases from the venerable Chicago label Thrill Jockey. Read what we think about the latest from Lithops, Mountains, Extra Golden and Arbouretum.
In the Name of Record Sales
U2 in Chicago: they weren't there to rock, but to talk. Kot and DeRo weren't impressed.
U2's Day in Chicago
U2 will be all over the city tomorrow -- particularly on WXRT, who will feature a day of U2 programming leading up to members of the band guest DJing the station from 8 to 9pm from an "undisclosed location."
Big Day for Music Fans
In addition to the Pitchfork and Lollapalooza news, U2 has announced that they will be kicking off their North American tour at Soldier Field in September.
Pitchfork Bands Announced
The Pitchfork Music Festival announced the first batch of confirmed acts performing July 17-19 in Union Park; check out the list in Transmission. Tickets go on sale next Friday.
Plus Tapes
Over in Transmission this week, we take a peek at underground label Plus Tapes and all the excitement over that great tape hiss sound we've been missing for too long.
AV-aerie Closed
Time Out Chicago is reporting that AV-aerie, the performance space used for music events and the occasional crafting event (like DEPART-ment), was closed following a visit by city officials. If you were planning to attend a show at the space, it's been moved elsewhere, so you might want to check on that.
A Beethoven World Premier?
Yep, right here in Chicago Sunday night.
Music and Film Geeks Unite!
This week in Transmission, we give you the low down on an upcoming festival that's been missing from Chicago calendars all this time. It's the inaugural Chicago International Music and Film Festival which comes to town March 4-9.
Shoveling Product
WBEZ web producer Andrew Gill interviews Flameshovel Records' James Kenler about life for an indie label after the end of Touch & Go's distribution arm.
Boogie Down with The Uptown Sound
This week in Transmission, we have a little chat with JC Brooks, Kevin Marks and Ben Taylor of JC Brooks & The Uptown Sound about their upcoming album release, soul and how their music is a cross between Otis Redding and Fugazi.
Touch and Go Succumbs to Economy's Squeeze
In Transmission, we have the latest on the announcement by long-standing Chicago label Touch and Go that the company will be scaling back operations.
Still Listening to Chris Brown?
The Trib's Mark Caro raises questions for Chicago radio stations, particularly Clear Channel's KISS FM, regarding whether or not they should play Chris Brown songs following the singer's domestic violence arrest.
Shot Through the Heart with The Godfathers
Our Transmission feature this week is a trans-Atlantic interview with Peter Coyne, lead singer of The Godfathers. They'll be making a rare appearance at the Metro this weekend to celebrate everyone's favorite gangster-laden holiday.
Back On Track
The Chicago Defender reports on one of Chicago's original dance shows, Soul Train, getting a long-overdue salute from one of the city's newest dance shows, Chic-A-Go-Go.
Hips And Salsa
With the weather expected to take a dip this weekend, what better way to heat up than with salsa. No, not this kind, this kind. The International Salsa Congress is expected to draw the top dancers in the city and beyond. And they'll have lessons as well, so it might be a useful Valentine's Day destination.
Ramirez to Joel to John
Elton John and Billy Joel will be playing Wrigley Field this summer, with ticket prices ranging from $55 to $175. Maybe they'll make a stop at Piano Man, too.
Maroon Four
University of Chicago ensemble-in-residence Pacifica Quartet picked up the Grammy for "Best Chamber Performance of 2008." They are the second U of C group to win this award, the first being last year's winners, eighth blackbird.
Industrial Music is Coming
The Reader's music blog informs us that tickets for the Chicago stop on Throbbing Gristle's US tour are now on sale through Ticketweb. Interested fans should obviously buy tickets now, because tickets to see the long-running industrial band will definitely go fast.
Musician John Glick and Friends Remembered
In 2005, a suicidal driver smashed her Mustang into an idling car full of three Chicago indie rock musicians -- killing them all. In memory of those musicians (John Glick, Doug Meis and Michael Dahlquist), several Chicago bands are performing at this year's John Glick Benefit Show to raise money for independent art and music in the city.
Talkin' to Tito
Tito Jackson will be in the Vocalo studios at noon tomorrow (Friday) -- talking about the Jackson Five and answering listener questions. Call 888-635-1112 or hit the website with questions.
Patti Smith Hearts Chicago
Patti Smith shares some memories of her childhood in Logan Square and Humbolt Park.
Trucktober
Jake Austen, local author and zinester (of Roctober fame), is contributing to the fantastic Dinosaur Gardens group blog. He's just posted MP3s of a promo cassette that was given away with the latest issue of Roctober; download 'em from the site and start truckin'!
Kings of Good Deeds
In Transmission, we talk about the benefit show Kings of Leon is putting on tonight Saturday night at the House of Blues, and also interview their opening band The Jakes.
Tune in for Big Shoulders
Starting around 6pm, over in Transmission, we'll have live updates from the Hideout's Big Shoulders Ball in D.C.'s Black Cat club tonight. Check back with us after the sun goes down and bask in the glow of some of Chicago's favorite musical talent.
OFFICE Controversy
Over in Transmission, we got some time to interview Scott Masson of OFFICE and talked with him about the recent free release of their latest album, Mecca, and whether or not this is the end of the once skyrocketing Chicago band.
Your Hair's a Jello Mold
"Blagojevich," a rap by the Chi-Town Kids. [via]
Naked New Year
Over in Transmission, we get personal with Naked Raygun as they gear up for a couple of shows at the House of Blues this weekend.
Chicago Public School's Greatest Hits
CPSAlumni.org has put together an iTunes playlist of songs by artists who attended Chicago Public Schools, from Benny Goodman and Nat "King" Cole to Kanye West and Lupe Fiasco.
Transmission Takes a Look Back
We peer back over our shoulders at 2008's best music over in Transmission. Take a look and let us know what you loved best about the year in Chicago music (and beyond).
So This is Christmas
Sound Opinions has a holiday mixtape for you from "DJ lofi" Andy Cirzan. Tune in Friday night to hear them discuss it.
NYE for Free
Not sure what you're doing New Year's Eve? We've got a contest in Transmission that might make up your mind: the Dandy Warhols at Metro!
Delmark's Half Century (+ 5)
We take a minute to review recent releases from Chicago's Delmark Records over in Transmission. What better way to celebrate 55 years of blues and jazz recordings than with a couple of sweet CD/DVD combos!
In The Key of R
R. Kelly's new Obama-inspired track, "I Believe", is available as a free download from iTunes today. Says the Pied Piper of Love: "Hopefully it touches anyone trying to accomplish something special in their life. Anything is possible if you believe." [via]
End of Year Rocking
Thinking about what to do for New Year's Eve? We've hand picked a few standout concerts in Transmission.
Showcasing CPS' Musical Progeny
CPS alum Brad Harbaugh has assembled a list of 52 songs performed by the district's former students.
The Future Sound of...
What is the future of the music? Record stores and labels are folding, bands are connecting directly with fans... what will the industry look like in the coming years? Join Greg Kot and Jim DeRogatis, music critics and hosts of "Sound Opinions," tonight at Columbia College's Conaway Center for a discussion of that topic and more, from 6pm to 7:30pm. It's free, but space is limited so get there early.
Dive on In
We've got a roundup of our favorite rock dive bars over in Transmission as a part of our latest set of Chicago venue reviews.
Image Is Everthing
Image Chicago magazine, a "lifestyle" publication with a heavy emphasis on clubbing and fashion, celebrates its third anniversary. You can flip through the latest issue, a dual "hers and his" type of thing, here.
Better Than Your High School's Battle of the Bands
Chicago based "Rock Thrash Garage Glam" band The Last Vegas won the Make Rock History prize and will open for Mötley Crüe during their next tour, among other goodies.
And You Thought CBGB was a New York Thing
In Transmission, we're previewing the inaugural CBGB (Chicago Blue(G)rass and Blues) Festival, happening this coming Saturday at the Congress Theater. We're also giving away tickets. Happy Monday!
"Messiah" Tickets Available Monday
7,000 tickets for the Bank of America "Do-It-Yourself Messiah" will be available this Monday, November 17. Pick them up at the Civic Opera House box office, call Ticketmaster, or order them online. They are free, but they're just about as tough to get as those Inauguration tickets.
Chicago Rapper Arrested for Bank Robbery
Bump J was arrested downstate on an outstanding warrant when stopped for a traffic violation. Here's a song of his that was produced by Kanye; you may recognize it from a McDonald's commercial. Oops.
Staples Sings, We Listen
Over in Transmission, we check out the latest from legendary recording artist Mavis Staples, recorded right here in her hometown, at the Hideout.
Strike Up The Band
Tribune critics list the Chicago-connected bands/performers they'd like to see at the Barack Obama inauguration balls, ranging from the Staple Singers to Obama favorite, Wilco.
Lollapalooza is Here to Stay
Organizers of the Lollapalooza music festival have signed on with the city to keep the event in Grant Park through 2018, with exceptions in case the city hosts the 2016 Olympics.
Tickets, We've Got Tickets!
Want to see a concert tonight? How about a movie on the 19th? Learn how to get free tickets to either one after the jump.
Arte y Vida has teamed up with us to offer 20 free tickets to see Marcin Wasilewski Trio at The Morse Theatre tonight at 6pm. RSVP to amor@arteyvidachicago.com.
HollywoodChicago has 80 passes for a Nov. 19 screening of Four Christmases, starring Vince Vaughn and Reese Witherspoon.
Hanson: Why So Serious?
Today in Transmission, we check in with pop rockers Hanson as they swung through Chicago's House of Blues earlier this week. Turns out they're not just about "MMMBop" anymore, but are as philanthropic as the next celebrity family.
Gaming Live
On Nov. 15, the Chicago Theater will host Video Games Live, multimedia concert featuring music from popular videogames -- and they've offered Gapers Block readers a discount on tickets! Just use the code CTVGL7 for 20 percent off when you place your order.
Transmission Freebie
We've got free stuff in Transmission, if you're fast enough.
On the Road (Again)
Transmission takes a minute out of the busy schedule of man of many talents, Ian Anderson. The PR guy, indie label owner, Minneapolis rock blogger and band member brings his group One for the Team to Chicago this weekend.
(S)Mashed with The Hood Internet
First, check out our interview with Chicago's favorite music mashup duo, The Hood Internet over in Transmission, download their latest mixtape for free, then head out to their show "Bootie Chicago" at Sonotheque tonight.
Colorful Music
Flash artist and past GB staffer Felix Jung has created Colourful Echo, which creates a color-paletted visualizer for songs you upload. Here's an example.
Underground Delight
The Sugarhill Gang will be performing "Rapper's Delight" and presumably other songs at The Underground tonight; email vip@rockitranch.com to get on the VIP list before 11:30pm.
Jocko Obamo
Grab your energy domes, spuds! DEVO is rocking out for Obama and the Summit County Democratic Party! Check out that awesome logo. DUTY NOW FOR THE FUTURE!
May a Lightning Bolt Caress You
In Transmission, we talk with Aleksandra Tomaszewska of Aleks and the Drummer about the duo's new EP and giving new life to Polish electronica.
Round Robin
Today in Transmission we give you the low down on Dan Deacon's latest project: The Round Robin Tour which pulls its veggie bus into Chicago Friday night.
Fossett's Plane, Belogings Found
After a hiker discovered money and identification of missing Chicago-based adventurer Steve Fossett while hiking in the mountains of eastern California this week, the wreckage of his plane has been found as well.
Sooouulll Traiiinn!
Roctober's Jake Austen tells the story of "Soul Train" and its roots in Chicago in this week's Reader.
Chicago's Top 50 Chart
Time Out Chicago compiles the top 50 albums in Chicago's history. And yes, Chicago (the band) is represented.
Interview with Calexico
Over in Transmission we sit down with Calexico's Joey Burns and talk about world music, and the band's free concert tonight at Millennium Park.
A 'Smashing' Idea
The Tribune's Greg Kot reports that the Smashing Pumpkins will perform their first concert in the city proper since 2000 with a four-night series of shows at the Chicago Theater and the Auditorium Theater.
Hideout Roundup
Missed out on the Hideout Block Party over the weekend? No worries! Get the scoop on what happened here...and here...and see some gore-iffic zombie pics here.
Don't Stop Believin'
Eddie Vedder, lifelong Cubs fan, sings "Someday We'll Go All the Way." Download it here. (Thanks, Chris!)
Hideout Block Party Rundown
Planning on hitting up the 12th Annual Hideout Block Party this weekend? Still on the fence? Over in Transmission, we've got our picks for a good time this weekend as you rock out and send off summer with a bang.
R. Kelly Has a Few Teenaged Friends
...but none of them are "illegal." (Whew.)
R. Kelly Speaks
BET airs "R. Kelly Speaks," his first televised interview since the ending of his trial for, well, you know. Tuesday, September 16 at 10pm ET/9pm CT. [via]
Learn More about Jazz at the Institute
If you want to learn a bit more about jazz before the festival this weekend, you could check out the Jazz Institute of Chicago website. In addition to a fairly awesome list of links about jazz, they also have podcasts so you can go at your own pace.
When You Get to the Bottom...
The Bottom Lounge is back, and the subject of a feature review in Transmission.
I Believe I Can Fly... Away with Your Money
R. Kelly may have beaten child pornography charges earlier this year, but new legal trouble have surfaced for the "Pied Piper of R&B." South African authorities wants to question him in connection to a concert ticket scam. "Mr. Kelly has no knowledge of this woman, has never received any money from her, and has not been contacted by any law enforcement authorities regarding the matter. He will, of course, cooperate fully with any legitimate investigation of this matter, since he has nothing to hide."
This Will Go Down On Your...
In Transmission, learn about Ukrainian Park's Permanent Records.
Any Major Dude Will Tell You to Have Common Sense
We've all thought about sliding down a stair railing, but haven't actually done it because it's dangerous and foolish. Some guy at the Steely Dan show at the Chicago Theater last night thought otherwise.
An Ex-cellent Collaboration
This week's Transmission feature is an interview with Andy Moor, guitarist for The Ex, on the Dutch punk band's collaboration with a legendary Ethiopian saxophonist. The Ex are in town for shows on Sunday and Monday; bone up on the new stuff.
Bad or Good Timing?
Chicago rapper Yung Berg was arrested on Sunday in New York. His debut record is to be released today. I bet he's hoping the publicity will carry him.
Lollapalooza Here To Stay?
Now that the Lollapalooza hangover is subsiding, The Business Sheet says the reason the music fest remains in Chicago (as opposed to becoming a traveling rock circus again) boils down to money, despite what Perry Ferrell says.
Wet Turtle
Grab a plastic tarp and head to the Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park for lunch today, and you'll be treated to a free concert by Tortoise. Details in Slowdown.
Chewing Up the Charts
Singer Chris Brown's hit single "Forever" is also a paid ad placement for Wrigley's Doublemint gum; Wrigley has two more song-commercials in the works.
Lollapa...You Know
You may have noticed that we didn't put Lollapalooza on the calendar. That's because we figured you heard.
Transmission Feature: Lollapalooza Throwdown
Tired of fighting over overlapping sets at the 3-day Grant Park music extravaganza known as Lollapalooza? Well, over in Transmission, we're taking on the fight for you.
(Un)Happiness
Jazz scholar and disk jockey Dick Buckley will broadcast his last show on Sunday, July 27. Thanks for all those years of great jazz, Mr. Buckley.
Transmission Feature: Atavistic 6-Pack
Take a moment over in Transmission to learn a little somfin' somfin' about six new releases from Chicago "out-there" label Atavistic Records. You just might expand your musical horizons, and that ain't a bad thing.
Free Chicagoland Music
Kick-ass free-form radio station WFMU is working on the Free Music Archive, a collection of royalty-free legal music downloads for podcasters and fans alike. The site is still in beta mode, but WFMU has helpfully provided a big collection of Chicago-area artists that are already available for download.
Shirt Wars
Not everybody likes the new "New Chicago" t-shirt at Fake Shore Drive (121 comments so far). Today, Naledge speaks up on the whole "fiasco."
Transmission Feature: Previewing Pitchfork
Know what you're in for this weekend before you head down to Union Park and the Pitchfork Music Festival by reading about our favorites over in Transmission.
Transmission Contest: Pitchfork Tickets!
We're running a contest for a pair of three-day passes to the Pitchfork Music Festival in Transmission -- get over there and enter to win!
Lolla & FroYo
Need tickets to Lollapalooza? Head to Starfruit (warning: noisy flash site) on Division and get yourself a $30 gift card. You'll be entered to win two free passes to the show.
Transmission Feature: Bands You Missed
We trip down memory lane this week in Transmission, reminiscing about three Chicago bands that have up and faded away, despite their greatness. Click over and read all about First Coat, Breaking Circus and Tom Spacey.
Blues Clues?
As noted, the Canadian Press seems to think that the blues are dying in Chicago, save for a few tourist traps. But a Tribune article refutes that with a peek at the vibrant South Side scene.
The Sky is Crying
Ouch -- hard to see in print, but it's true: the Blues is fading, even here in Chicago.
Pumpkins Skip Chicago (For Now)
Chicago fans of the Smashing Pumpkins will have to truck out to a casino in Hammond if they want to see the current incarnation of the band performing live.
Beatle Cupcakes
Yesterday some guy named Ringo Starr spent his birthday handing out cupcakes at the Hard Rock Hotel to spread "peace and love."
M.O.P. @ the Metro
Loud. Angry. M.O.P. comes to Chicago as part of the Live @ the Metro series. RSVP here. Ante up.
Transmission Feature: Shape Shoppe
Working hard to produce exciting new music on the near-south side, Chicago's Shape Shoppe has become the favorite label of local bands as well as national ones. Read about their latest releases and their work to create a new performance venue in Transmission.
Remember that One Punk Band...?
There's a good chance you'll find them in the Chicago Punk Database -- and if not, you should add'em.
Does Your Dog Have Fleas?
Calling all 'ukulele players! The 'Ukulele Club of Oak Park is planning to get together a record-breaking number of 'uke players onstage at the next Festival for Beatles Fans, and they're holding some practice sessions to get everyone up to speed on a few Beatles tunes. The first practice session is this Thursday in Oak Park; details in Slowdown.
Better than Bubba Sparxxx
There's more than one Chicago act on this list of the 25 worst rapper names from Cracked.com.
Transmission Feature: What's a Walter Meego?
Short answer: Two guys from the suburbs making great dance music, to much critical acclaim. Long answer: You'll have to read about them over in Transmission (and keep an eye out for some free goods).
Exile in Lizville
Winnetka's Favorite Daughter Liz Phair returned to the Vic last night to play her 1993 album Exile in Guyville in its entirety...to the labored sigh of local critics.
Flash Interview
Whether you're headed to the show tonight or not, tune into Vocalo.org at noon today to catch a live interview with hip hop pioneer Grandmaster Flash.
Punishing Fanatics
R. Kelly may be free, but a fans and other hangers on have gotten into some legal trouble.
Figaro Fries
Because one fat lady is never enough, the Lyric Opera has announced plans to open a restaurant and bar.
25 or 6 to Forgotten
A "lost" album by hometown heroes Chicago is finally released this week. The album reportedly goes back to the sound they had in their early days with hits like "25 or 6 to 4" or "Beginnings" and not the elevator music-era of "If You Leave Me Now."
Transmission Feature: Air Guitar Champs
The Chicago regional tournament portion of the 2008 Cuervo Air Guitar Championships gets down tonight at the Metro. Over in Transmission, we take a minute to give you the skinny on why so many consider air guitar a true competitive sport.
Memories on a Memorex
Casette from my Ex is a site that collects stories related to mix tapes from old relationships -- and also the option of listening to said tapes. Chicagoans Damon Locks, Jamie Hayes and Julie Shapiro have contributed so far.
Transmission Feature: The Collective Family
Faced with single voices shouting into the wind, young Chicago musicians are turning to a group approach to getting their music heard in the vast indie market. Read over in Transmission about burgeoning musicians' cooperative, The Collective Family.
Four Strings, No Waiting
Any 'ukulele players out there? Sure there are! You'll be pleased to know that the Windy City Uke Fest, a three-day festival devoted to the classic Hawaiian instrument, is happening this August. Among the many activities planned: workshops, vendor booths, daytime performances and evening concerts on all nights. Details in Slowdown.
Rockin' at Reggie's
If you're looking for something to do tonight (other than come to our anniversary party), you could do a lot worse than heading to Reggies Rock Club for Mudhoney, one of the founding members of the grunge movement. Chicago Journal profiles Reggies owner Robby Glick.
A Man Walks Into A Comedy Club ...
... and they've been coming in ever since, as Zanies celebrates its 30th anniversary of supplying Chicago's standup comedy needs. You can get in free for one of two birthday celebration shows tonight -- which show depends on your age.
In Your 'Hood
The Hood Internet loves Chicago -- so much so that they've just released an entire album of mashup remixes featuring local artists. Download it for free.
Clear Your Samples!
Late jazzman Joe Farrell's daughter is suing Universal Music for the use of her dad's music without attribution on a number of hip-hop cuts, including Kanye's "Gone" and Common's "Chi City." We know you own Late Registration and Be: go listen for yourselves. She is seeking no more performances or copies of said albums sold with the offending sample be released.
This is Planet Earth
If you were a fan of the Planet Earth New Wave dance parties at Neo, then you'll definitely want to attend tomorrow night's kickoff party at its new location, Subterranean in Wicker Park. Full details on Planet Earth in Slowdown.
Video Game Inclusion = Bank
Chicago band Greenskeepers is royally reaping the benefits of inclusion in GTA IV and its advertisements.
Return to Guyville
Idolator reports that Liz Phair will be performing her 1993 album Exile in Guyville at a yet-to-be-announced Chicago location. The album itself will be reissued next month in a special 15th anniversary CD/DVD package which will include video of Liz Phair interviewing a bunch of guys, from Ira Glass to John Cusack.
Rapping at Warp Speed
Chicago can once again lay claim to being the hometown of the fastest rapper in the world, as confirmed by the Guiness Book of World Records. The title was previously held by Twista.
Transmission Feature: Bin Diving so You Don't Have To
South-Side label Numero Group has been unearthing half a dozen albums per year that you weren't even aware were lost. Over in Transmission, we sit down with the founders and find out the ins and outs of the quest for long-lost music.
Folk & Roots Schedule Posted
The Old Town School of Folk Music has posted the schedule for their 11th annual Folk & Roots Festival on a new Flash-based site. Notable performers on the main stage this year include Jon Langford with the Burlington Welsh Male Chorus, and the French band Les Primitifs du Futur (a band co-founded by one Robert Crumb).
Promoters' License Pulled, But Not Dead
As previously noted, presumably in response to overwhelming criticism of the proposed promoters' license ordinance, City Council will not hold a vote on it today. Of course that means there's more time to influence the process.
Event Promoter Ordinance Set Aside, For Now
Breaking news from the Chicago Music Commission: "Chairman Schulter (47th Ward) has decided not to report the event promoter ordinance out his City Council Licensing and Consumer Protection Committee. In other words, it will not be on the City Council agenda tomorrow and there will not be a vote on the bill as previously scheduled." Further thoughts on the proposal (and why it's been tabled) on Time Out's blog.
Dance, Summer, Dance
Summerdance, one of the most fun, free aspects of any Chicago summer, released its schedule this week. From June 12 to August 24, you and yours can hit up these free dance lessons and community dance party in Grant Park. This year, you can shake it to the sounds of 43 bands playing everything from swing, salsa and soukous to cajun, balkan and klezmer, all on one huge, recycled plastic dance floor.
Fight the "Event Promoter" Ordinance
Get activated at SaveChicagoCulture.org. (Previously.)
DJ Throwdown Tonight
Looking for some action tonight? Head to the Burlington where our very own DJ Lapple Pietunes (aka Lauri Apple) goes head to head with Chicagoist's Tankboy in a DJ battle. Free stuff from both Chicagoist and Gapers Block. The fun starts at 9pm and goes late into the night, with giveaways and more.
Don't Stop the Music
Speaking of legislation, City Council is once again trying to push through a "promoters' ordinance" that could severely limit live music in Chicago. Contact your alderman and get this stopped! UPDATE: The ordinance has made it out of committee, and is now headed to the full Council for a vote next week. Which means it's even more important that you voice your concern to your alderman. Jim DeRogatis has the full text of the proposed ordinance up on his blog, along with a statement from the Chicago Music Commission.
Chicago Music's Starting Line-up
New City names the 45 Chicago performers who are keeping the city on the front burner of the national music scene.
Transmission Feature: Looptopia's Return
It's all about second chances for Chicago's free all-night party, Looptopia, which returns to downtown Chicago Friday night. Can the Loop-illuminating festival charm the city with its musical lineup? Over in Transmission, we take a look at the slate.
Red Bull or Just Bull?
The makers of Red Bull have won a six-figure settlement in a lawsuit against the local nightclub Wet for passing off a generic energy drink as their more famous product in their cocktails. The nightclub's website is strangely unavailable.
Our Kind of Guy
Chicago blues icon Buddy Guy gets the tribute treatment when he's honored during the Great Performers of Illinois Festival July 20 at Millennium Park. Grammy winner Jimmie Vaughn will headline the free (yes, FREE) concert as part of the three-day music festival.
Pitchfork on the Prowl
The final version of the Pitchfork Festival's lineup was released to the unwashed masses yesterday; the July 18-20 event will feature Spoon, Spiritualized, Dinosaur Jr, Public Enemy (playing It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back in its entirety), and Hold Steady. In related news, Business Week estimated that the Pitchfork site annually yields an estimated $5 million in ad revenue. Good year for the roses!
Transmission Feature: Fake Fictions
That noise you just heard didn't come from the other side of the world — it's the buzz pop musings of the Chicago band Fake Fictions, and their new album Krakatoa featured this week in Transmission.
Help Wanted
Do you like to rock? We're looking to add to our ranks in Transmission.
Re: Your Brains
Get on the phone, code monkeys: Jonathan Coulton is coming to the Lakeshore Theater May 3! Tickets are $20; call 773-472-3492 or hit the online box office.
Transmission Feature: Head of Femur
Chicago's Head of Femur has been on a roller coaster of a career ride. They've been praised by critics, asked to tour with superstars, and then had their label fold, leaving them in the dust. But now they've got a brand-new album, and they're once again garnering loads of lauds. Read the whole story in Transmission.
His View from There
WFMT critic and interviewer Andrew Patner has a blog covering the arts, classical music, and occasional forays into local politics--all in his inimitable Patnervian style.
Flight of the Conchords Coming to Chicago
New Zealand's former fourth most popular guitar-based digi-bongo acapella-rap-funk-comedy folk duo Flight of the Conchords is coming to the Chicago Theater on Wednesday, May 14; tickets go on sale this Friday.
Take That, MTV
Pitchfork.TV is up and running, currently featuring a live recording of "Bangers and Mash" by Radiohead. Check it now, before the music videos are replaced by crappy reality programming.
Oldies But Goodies
The Lollapalooza 2008 lineup will be released this Monday, but the leaked list has been on Jim DeRogatis' blog for a few days (which has apparently brought Perry Farrell much irritation). While the offerings are varied, it's familiar territory: the festival seems to have culled its lineup from past Lollas and past Pitchfork/Intonation Festivals. Nine Inch Nails, Radiohead, Wilco, Rage Against the Machine, and Kanye West are among the headliners, with Girl Talk, Go! Team, Cat Power, Gnarls Barkley, and Broken Social Scene bringing up the rear. Tickets are on sale now.
Your Weekend Just Got Cooler, Less Expensive
The Chicago Cultural Center will be showing the premiere of Movin' On Up, a documentary about Chicago native and music icon Curtis Mayfield Friday and Saturday night at 7pm. Never before seen footage, past performances are featured in the film and on Friday, a post-movie Q&A with director David Peck and surviving Impressions members Fred Cash and Sam Gooden follows the screening. The event is free.
Transmission Feature: Get Me Scotland Yard
If you've ever seen flyers promoting a show by the Scotland Yard Gospel Choir, your first thoughts were probably way off base. The band is neither related to the famous British investigative unit, nor are they a robe-wearing religious singing troupe. What they are, in fact, are rising stars in the Chicago indie music scene, and they're about to make Schubas their home for the month of April.
Classic(al) Confrontation
Osvaldo Golijov, composer-in-residence at the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, brushes off the controversy about his unconventional works. "I love it when music brings people to fistfights," he tells The Guardian.
Heavy Metal Parking Lot Coffee Table Book
Throw out the horns for Crystal Lake's Stephen D. Jensen for his limited edition book of rock photography, Music Photography--Volume One. If it contained nothing more than his portrait of GWAR's Beefcake the Mighty, it would still be totally awesome.
Zooey Gets Even More Famous
Zooey Deschanel graced Northwestern with her presence for a few years, then moved on to bigger and better things, like Almost Famous and Elf. Now, she's got a record.
More Pitchfork Additions
Dinosaur Jr, Mission of Burma, Jarvis Cocker (of Pulp) and Ghostface and Raekwon (from Wu-Tang Clan) have joined the lineup of the July 18-20 Pitchfork Music Festival.
Bird Songs in the NYT
The New York Times has launched a new blog, Measure for Measure, featuring Darrell Brown, Rosanne Cash, Suzanne Vega and our own Andrew Bird, who gets pride of first post. (Thanks, Sarah!)
BUSTing Out
BUST Magazine, that 15 year old feminist glossy, has just featured The Cool Kids in their "Men We Love" issue. Hi, BUST? We're Chicago. We already know.
Hothouse in the Viaduct
The Hothouse announced today that all of its April shows will be performed at the Viaduct Theater, after being evicted from its space on Balbo last year. It's yet another odd chapter in the historically volatile music venue. Read the press release on A/C.
Record Chirp
The WLUW Record Fair is now the Chicago Independent Radio Project (CHIRP) Record Fair, and it's just a couple weeks away. Get your turntables ready.
Ravinia Lineup Announced
Check out the Ravinia Festival website for the 2008 season lineup. Scheduled acts include Feist and...The Backstreet Boys? Yep. Tickets go on sale April 17.
I Am Hip Hop
There's an indie documentary being made about Chicago's hip hop scene, and a whole bunch of raw footage can be seen on YouTube.
Giving Kanye a Hand
A digital tribute to Kanye West and Daft Punk's "Stronger."
The Kids Are Alright
The Sun-Times' Jim DeRogatis profiles the city's newest upstart rock clubs, Reggie's and the (soon-to-reopen) Bottom Lounge, whom he says are giving the local music scene a much-needed kick in the pants.
Upside-Down 'Cake'
Local jazz-infuenced art rockers The Sea and Cake discuss their upcoming inaugural series of concerts in the Land Down Under (um, Australia).
If You're Feeling Sinister
Local ragtime/blues/country musical outfit the Northside Southpaws bill themselves as the only all-left-handed, all-resophonic mandolin/guitar duo in the world. Actually, isn't there a group of lefty banjoists in... Well, how about... Nah, I got nothing.
Industrial-Strength Anthem for Hawks
Who knew? Industrial music godfather Al Jourgensen (Ministry) is a big Blackhawks fan. So big that he has written a new anthem for the team, "Keys To The City", that will debut on March 5. Jourgensen said he hopes the song "inspires some awesome fights on the ice."
Saying "Rawr" One More Time
A documentary on the inimitable Chicago-based artist and rocker Wesley Wills debuts tomorrow (Friday) at the Noise Pop Festival in San Francisco. The late Willis was known for his headbutts and requests for fans to "say rawr."
The Adornments, Airiel, Kid Sister...
Jim DeRogatis has a list of Chicago's next big musical acts -- start brushing up so you can pan them when they "sell out."
Wilco & Andrew Bird
If you missed Andrew Bird performing with Wilco at the Riv on the 20th, you can find a quality recording here, and gape at the crowd here.
Hot Dog Musical
Found on Songza: The Theme from Hot Doug's by bee.
Chicago Mag Gets Cool
The Cool Kids get some love from Chicago magazine, comparing them to the Beastie Boys and LL Cool J.
Really? Another R. Kelly Sex Scandal?
More allegations of inappropriate behavior are surfacing about R. Kelly. This time it's with a woman he'd known since she was "a little girl."
All This Classical Stuff
If you're looking for a consolidated classical music calendar, check out the resources at Chicago Classical Music. In addition to an easy-to-use calendar for events, they have a blog and a decent blogroll of many art organizations around Chicago. (Aside: Make time to see any pieces performed by Osvaldo Golijov; the performance of his piece Ainadamar tonight was fantastic.)
Common Joins JLA
Chicago's own Common has been chosen to play Green Lantern in the coming Justice League of America film.
Goin' Down to Austin
Over in Transmission, we've listed all the Chicago bands performing at SXSW in March, along with all the ones within reasonable driving distance. Plus a couple unofficial shows and persistent rumors. Get on it.
Cleaning Up Congress
As Logan Square gentrifies, the owners of the Congress Theater hope to renovate it to match the neighborhood -- but keep it available and affordable to local organizations.
Tonight: The Third Coast
In '06 and early '07, we featured excerpts from The Third Coast, a book about life by the Great Lakes by Ted McClelland. It's finally published, and we're celebrating tonight at the Hideout from 6 to 8:30pm. Ted will read excerpts from the book, and Marquette, MI, musician Sycamore Smith (featured in the book and in Detour) will perform. It's free!
Transmission Feature: Jazz by the Numbers
This week in Transmission, we take a look at three stellar releases from Chicago jazz label, Delmark. We've got small ensembles with big performances, big ensembles with even bigger performances, and sweet licks burned onto CD and DVD. So hot it'll melt your snowpants!
Chicago Faces The Music
So why isn't Chicago as big a draw for the world's music fans as Austin or Nashville? An article in the Reader offers some explanations. But the city is making one attempt at promoting homegrown talent: it's going to feature Chicago-only music on the loudspeakers at O'Hare and Midway. No Smashing Pumpkins or Fall Out Boy, though. They suspect that loud rock will rattle the nerves of already-frazzled passengers.
DeRo on Zulkey
Claire Zulkey (who got the profile treatment in Time Out this week) interviews Sun-Times music critic Jim DeRogatis about "Sound Opinions," music crit and the Chicago hip hop scene, among other things.
Kid Sister on Car Share
Chicago rapper Kid Sister tips her hat to I-Go on the Canadian MuchMusic blog. [via]
Best Lunchbreak Ever
Rob Bochnik, guitarist and vocalist of Irish band The Frames will be performing songs from his first solo record Blowing Out the Cobwebs from 12:15-1pm today at the Goodman as part of their Playtime series. Leave your lunch in the breakroom fridge: mini corned beef sandwiches and bangers will be provided by Emerald Loop Bar and Grill for the event. If you loved last year's great movie Once, which starred Bochnik's bandmate Glen Hansard, this is an event to see. Tickets are $10 and may be purchased online or at the Goodman.
Busking Underground
The Chi-Town Daily News looks into the lives of musicians in the CTA subway.
Further Changes for the Sun-Times
Following recent job cuts, the Sun-Times moved to a slightly smaller format yesterday.
Ivy League Meets MTV
Local hip-hop artists The Ivy League will be rockin' your television during a commercial break on MTV's new year's extravaganza ... if you have Comcast. Check out other NYE music news in Transmission.
OFFICE Everywhere
Chicago Public Radio recently announced it will host OFFICE in January at The Biograph. Also: MTV tells us why the band received a package from a porn star.
Dr. Atomic
Tonight at 7:30PM, the much-anticipated opera Dr. Atomic opens at Lyric Opera of Chicago. Earlier this week at a panel discussion, Nobelist Norman Ramsey, who worked at Los Alamos on the first A-Bomb, told us that we should be more worried than ever (about the bomb, not the opera).
Classical Comps
Chicago Classical Music recently revamped their site and is promoting it with a contest for free tickets and other swag. Log in as a registered user before the 19th to be eligible to win.
Chicago and the Bomb
Speaking of doomsday scenarios, the Lyric Opera's upcoming run of Doctor Atomic gave the Tribune reason to explore the opera, its Chicago connections and the life of Robert Oppenheimer.
Do Not Look Mr. Cox in the Eye
John C. Reilly will take the stage at the Cubby Bear tonight - in character as Dewey Cox - to promote his upcoming film Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story. Fingers crossed that Chris Gaines joins him for a number or two. [via]
Chi Classical Site Relaunched
Chicagoclassicalmusic.org, a blog and calendar produced by a consortium of regional classical organizations, relaunched this week and is offering free stuff.
Transmission Feature: Record Store Love
Today Transmission brings you volume seven of our ongoing series on local record stores in Chicago. Click on over and read about a North Side and a South Side shop you've just got to check out.
Drambui Rock
MyOpenBar is hosting a Drambui party at the Hideout tonight from 7 to 10pm. Andrew Andrew, the Trachtenburg Family Slideshow Players and Gabriel Kahane play, all for free. RSVP here.
Quiet in the OFFICE
OFFICE will be doing a special acoustic set tonight at Schubas: most of it will be frontman Scott Masson playing stripped-down versions of new material. The full band will be on for a few songs, too, as well as some special guests. Show starts at 9:30pm; $5 gets you in.
Old Town School's Old-Timey Songs
Now on sale: Volume 4 of the Old Town School of Folk Music's songbook series CDs, on which they have the school's instructors recording classic folk songs with some musician friends (including on this volume Andrew Bird, Tom Paxton, John Prine, and the Sons of the Never Wrong). CD available at the school's music store or online at iTunes with bonus tracks.
Kind of Free Music!
Wilco, those ramblin' Chicago sweethearts, have released a European tour edition of "Sky Blue Sky". The new album features a bonus disc of three new tracks and two live recordings. The songs are FREE!...provided you already own "Sky Blue Sky". Album owners can download the bonus tracks here. Non-owners will just have to suck it up. Or buy a copy. Whichever.
Rock the Survey
The Metro is doing a survey right now; fill it out and you have a chance at two free tickets a month for all of 2008!
Know Thy Blues Town
The city's Office of Tourism has produced a virtual tour detailing the history of Chicago Blues. The tour is narrated by that consummate blues man Buddy Guy and available at downloadchicagotours.com.
For the Love of Money
She's recorded with Bob Mould, cites Jimi Hendrix as an influence and kicks out the jams on a cello. Helen Money (aka Alison Chesley) brings her classical/rock mash-up to The Old Town School of Folk Music this Friday, Nov. 16, 7 p.m. when she opens for Tuvan throat singers Huun Huur Tu, in one of the most eclectic double bills of the year.
Kanye West's Mother Dies
Donda West, mother of musician Kanye West and former chair of the Chicago State University English Department, died Saturday night in Los Angeles at the age of 58. The cause of death is unknown at this time, and her death was apparently sudden.
Magnetized
The Magnetic Fields are playing six shows at the Old Town School of Folk Music in March, and tickets are on sale now -- buy them at the school, by calling 773-728-6000 or online at TIX.com.
Meet Emmanuelle Haïm
Emmanuelle Haïm, the Lyric Opera's first female conductor, will conduct Julius Caesar [pdf] starting on November 2. Listen to a podcast interview with her [mp3] for additional information.
Get Ahead of Femur
Head of Femur celebrates the release of its new EP, Leader and the Falcon, at the Hideout, 1354 W. Wabansia, tonight at 10pm. Here's a little taste (mp3). You could maybe head there after a drink with us.
Kickin' It Old School
Fans of Chicago House music should be excited to see this trove of mix sets from WBMX in the '80s.
Videogame Music Goes Big-Time
Videogame music has come a long way since Super Mario Brothers. Next March, the US debut of Distant Worlds: music from Final Fantasy will be at the Allstate Arena, performed by the Chicagoland Pops Orchestra. Tickets will range from $35 to $150!
Listen Closely
This week's Transmission feature covers some local music blogs you may not have heard of.
Undead Undead Undead
Post-Rock Orlok: As part of Macy's Day of Music, Tortoise will provide the score to F. W. Murnau's classic silent horror film Nosferatu, Saturday night at Symphony Center. You can see the entire film, with a more traditional soundtrack, here.
TicketWolfster
Want tickets to tonight's Patrick Wolf show? Slip over to Transmission for a quick contest. [Update: We have a winner!]
Leaving the City
Over in Transmission, Craig talks with Rachel Ries about her new album and the possibility of leaving the city she loves.
The Fat Lady Sang
The '07-'08 season at the Lyric Opera will be conductor and artistic director Bruno Bartoletti's last, after 51 years with the company. Despite this and other distractions, the Lyric's La Traviata opened last weekend to very good reviews.
Transmission Feature: Rococo Records
Today in Transmission we take a nice, long look at Chicago's independent Rococo Records. They've brought you a rainbow of colors in vinyl from the likes of Les Savy Fav, Velcro Lewis and His 100-Proof Band and KK Rampage. They've also got a thing for penguins, but we won't judge.
Complain in Song
The Complaints Choir of Chicago is getting ready to rehearse for their performance this fall, and they need your help: "Detractors, muckrakers, grouches and all citizens of Chicago: this is your chance to unite and voice your concerns and complaints in a hilarious choir conducted by Jeremy Jacobsen." Send your complaint and contact info to: complaintschoir@yahoo.com.
Backstage at the Opera
The Lyric Opera has launched "Backstage at Lyric," a podcast that "features in-depth interviews with the singers, conductors, and creative minds behind the productions of the 2007/08 season."
Time for Me to Float
Champaign's own REO Speedwagon plans to play while sailing down the mighty Chicago River on the Star of Chicago. Ride the storm out, guys!
World Music Fest: Sept 14 - 20
Chicago's Festival Season isn't Over Yet! World Music Fest runs from Sept 14th - 20th and features an eclectic and diverse cast of artists performing around the city. Keep an eye on Slowdown for some recommendations.
50 Years of Music, 1 Night Only
Greg Kot tips us off to a major folk music event happening at the end of the year: The Old Town School of Folk Music is celebrating its 50th anniversary with a huge concert featuring Jeff Tweedy, Bela Fleck, Roger McGuinn, Jon Langford, Sally Timms, and a whole bunch of other artists that are connected somehow to the school. Tickets will be on sale on Saturday the 15th (or Monday the 10th, if you're an Old Town School member). For full details see the Old Town School Website.
Who's Reppin' Us?
Jim DeRogatis asks, who speaks for the local music scene? The answer, in part, is the Chicago Music Commission, which just released an economic impact survey of the city's music industry.
Jazzing in Up
We probably don't have to tell you that the Chicago Jazz Festival is under way; here's a schedule and guide if you need one.
Jazz Showcase Returns
Jazz Showcase, the late lamented venue, will rise again at Dearborn Station this winter. (Meanwhile, the old Jazz Showcase space on Grand is La Madia, an upscale pizza and wine place.
Once Upon a Time
Once upon a time, a band named Fugazi regularly toured the country, providing great joy to children everywhere. Yet it has been five years since That Wonderful Band toured, and many of those children have grown up. Those Children of Yesterday may now buy a new pressing of Fugazi shows, such as that from Peoria in 1995.
Word Jazz Online
Movie trailer watchers and late night WBEZ listeners familiar with Ken Nordine may want to check out his website Word Jazz, which includes a blog with unusual poems starting with "Maybe the moment" and a podcast of his late night stylings.
Will Curtis Make Graduation?
Both 50 Cent and Chicago's Kanye West have new albums that are scheduled to be released on the same day. In a recent interview, 50 Cent is quoted as saying "If Kanye West sells more records than 50 Cent on September 11... I won't put out anymore solo albums." //Edit: Hm. Guess not.
A/V XPLO
Spanning four venues and over 100 artists and musicians, A/V XPLO is a four day event running this Wednesday and through Saturday. Offering up a mixture of music, art, film and photography, there's a lot to keep the senses occupied. More info on the bands and artists in Slowdown, and at avxplo.com.
Lollapalooza Shenanigans
Apparently everything was going swimmingly for Pearl Jam at an AT&T site that carried their Lollapalooza set until Vedder sang "George Bush, leave this world alone" and "George Bush, find yourself another home." AT&T swears it's a mistake, but Pearl Jam's now asking for other examples of artist political censorship from the company.
Wang Dang Sweet Ma Nuge
Noted drug-free, bowhunting, conservative minstrel Ted "The Nuge" Nugent recently dedicated a memorial to his mom, Marion Nugent, in front of Palatine's Durty Nellie's. The slightly grey-haired among us might remember when Ms. Nugent wrote the Ma Nugent's Mail column for IE.
Home-Cooked Jazz and Evening Star Gazing Kick Off
The Jazz Institute of Chicago has put together a half-dozen free jazz concerts, beginning tonight at 6:30 PM in Millennium Park's Pritzker Pavilion, and closing on 27 August with a performance by the acclaimed Chicago Jazz Philharmonic. You can't go wrong with any of these concerts, which--aside from featuring local jazz greats like Dee Alexander and Von Freeman--also open with performances by Chicago's NEXT jazz generation: the likes of the South Shore Youth Jazz Ensemble, Gallery 37 After School Matters Jazz Band, and the Jazz Links Ensemble. Individual concerts are listed in Slowdown; click here for a complete schedule. AND THERE'S MORE: If you mosey over toward the BP Bridge starting around 7:30, volunteers from Adler Planetarium will share their telescopes so you can get a good look at the moon and nearby planets.
God Speaks
Eric Clapton spoke with Greg Kot about his lifetime fascination with South Side blues and meeting and playing with the greats back in his Yardbird days. Muddy Waters was cool. Sonny Boy Williamson II, eh, a trifle mean.
A-One and A-Two
The Old Town School of Folk Music wants to set the Guinness World Record for largest music lesson as part of its 50th anniversary. All they need is you and your guitar. And by "you" I mean everyone. Register online or by phone at 773-728-6000, then show up with your ax at the Welles Park Gazebo on Tuesday, August 7, around 6-ish to get all tuned up. The lesson starts at 7:30, and it's totally free.
Wilco to Play Millennium Park
You've seen this in Transmission already, but in case you missed it, Wilco will be playing Millennium Park on September 12th. It'll cost you $45 to get a seat and $10 to get on the lawn. More details in Slowdown.
Ask a Music Scene Micro Celebrity
It's getting a little crazy, but Chicago music legend Steve Albini is answering a wide variety of questions in the Two Plus Two forums.
Printers' Ball: More than Books
Not that we need more than books, but literary and non-literary types will get into The Printers' Ball tonight. In addition to an assortment of print materials and people, some swell performers and other activities will be going down. Personally, I'm hoping for a performance of "Waiting Room" (mp3). Details in Slowdown.
Hey Ladies!
With the thousands of rock kids jammed into every nook of Millennium Park for the Decemberists/GPO show last night I thought for sure following Shylo's lead would park me in craigslist missed connections heaven. Actually it's pretty sparse, but this guy totally stole my idea and cast a wide net.
Pitchfork Ticket Contest!
We've got three pairs of three-day passes to the Pitchfork Music Festival July 13-15, courtesy of Boost Mobile and Schubas, and we're giving them all away! To be entered in the drawing, send an email including your name, address and phone number to contests@gapersblock.com by July 9! Good luck!
Apparently People Don't Like the Police
Seems like it's a buyer's market for tickets to see the Police perform at Wrigley Field next week.
Phone Reader
The Reader now offers its restaurant, film, music and event listings in a mobile version for your phone. Could come in handy the next time you're planning with friends who "dunno, whadda you wanna do?"
Save this Venue!
The Trib reports that HotHouse, the South Loop venue for innovative jazz and world music, is due out of its Balbo St. digs by the end of July because of funding shortfalls, management disputes, etc. You can donate to HotHouse here, or volunteer here.
Striking in the Conference Room
Jack Flash, singer-guitarist for the local band Bang! Bang!, has been wearing thrift-store ties cut into lightning bolts for some time -- and now you can too. Bang Bang Ties are professionally tailored (not by Flash) and are available online and at Strange Cargo. [via]
Ze Frank Replacement
People who miss The Show with Ze Frank should check out the Wheezy Waiter, a video blog by Craig, the lead singer of Driftless Pony Club. It's not exactly the same, but hopefully it'll help with your jones. [via]
Punk Planet Closing Up
Punk Planet is ceasing publication. The 13-year-old independent magazine has fallen victim to the same distributor bankruptcy issues (though a different distributor) as McSweeney's, and find themselves with no option but to close down. PunkPlanet.com and the book publishing unit will continue on, but PP #80 will be the last.
Cutting Out the Middle Man
Jim DeRogatis examines the stranglehold TicketMaster maintains over tickets for concerts, theater, sports and other events, and points out that LiveNation, TM's biggest customer, recently began selling tickets for all local venues (all the way out to Alpine Valley) at the House of Blues box office, without a service fee. The Metro and Schubas have long offered the same option. (DeRo runs down the fees, and also reminds us that the war on TicketMaster started here in '94.)
Air Guitar is Real
If you're still on the fence about going to tonight's Chicago Regional of the U.S. Air Guitar Championships, perhaps this preview from the Tribune will sway you. Details in Slowdown.
Hideout Block Party: -Metro, +Bird
The Hideout Block Party is no longer being curated by the Metro; they've moved their big 25th anniversary shindig to an as-of-yet unnamed elsewhere. (No hard feelings between the venues, apparently, just a change of plans.) But the show will go on; so far Andrew Bird is the only confirmed performer. (Speaking of Mr. Bird, he'll be on Conan O'Brien tonight.)
Whitey Strikes Back
On Wednesday, Q101 became the first radio station to play the new White Stripes album. Two hours later, a very displeased Jack White called the station.
Wow. Seriously? Wow.
R. Kelly crazy. Here's why! In the spring/summer issue of Hip-Hop Soul magazine, he says: "I'm the Ali of today. I'm the Marvin Gaye of today. I'm the Bob Marley of today. I'm the Martin Luther King." Where's Dave Chappelle when you need biting, R. Kelly-based mockery?
Everyday is Like Sunday
If you're interested in every last detail of Tuesday's Morrissey concert, check out the Morrissey Solo message board. Documented are the set list, crowd reactions, number of times people rushed the stage, merchandise quality, and, well, every last detail.
30 Seconds of New Smashing Pumpkins
Here's a clip of "Tarantula"-- new song by Smashing Pumpkins, as recorded off of Q101.
Feeling the Blues
Carey Bell, harp player with Muddy Waters and Willie Dixon, has passed away at age 70. Bell learned from the likes of Little Walter, Sonny Boy Williamson II, and Big Walter Horton, and played on the Delmark and Alligator record labels. Play on, Mr. Bell.
This Week In Nerdery
The Sun-Times TechVenue column reminds you that even if the world's Web 2.0, there's plenty of pure nerdery still to be had. To whit: This week's AIIT (?) meeting "The Face-Off Between The MFP's and the Scanners" is as exciting as a monster truck competition for... scanners. Scenic Itasca is hosting the 2007 Digital Signage Summit where the "who's who of digital media" meets to learn how to "align various pieces of digital signage solutions". (Some of us haven't even gotten over the blast that was the 2006 Summit. Itasca rocks!) And then there's these technology guys who meet and dress in chipmunk outfits...
A Date Which Will Live in Infamy
What happens when a group of bushy-haired rockin' dudes from Nottingham, England watch too many gangster flicks and decide to write a song about Al Capone? You get Paper Lace's "The Night Chicago Died," a geographically and historically confused account of gangland Chicago performed by guys who never set foot in the city. When the real Mayor Daley received a copy of the song from the group, he declared the band "Nuts." Yes, indeed!
Petrillo Music Madness
The lineup for the Taste of Chicago musical performances has been announced. We'll all see each other at the Kenny Rogers show, I'm sure.
Mmmm, Free PB&J
...and we're not talking Skippy. It seems like everyone's suddenly into the IKEA-tastic pop trio Peter Bjorn and John (and I'm no exception; the whistling bit from "Young Folks" is totally my current ringtone). If you don't have tickets to one of their two sold-out shows at the Empty Bottle May 8, or to Lollapalooza, where they'll be on the bill as well, the Apple Store on Michigan Ave. has announced a free in-store by the soft-rock Swedesters that afternoon.
Decemberists for Free
Attention, chimbley sweeps and barrow boys: The Decemberists are giving a free concert in Grant Park on July July July-y-y-y 18. Hear their wistful tales of woe and revenge backed up by the Grant Park Orchestra as part of the Metro's 25th Anniversary happenings.
Lollapalooza Lineup Confirmed!
The Lollapalooza lineup as reported by the Onion A/V Club earlier today is confirmed in print in an inside-back-cover ad in "tomorrow's" issue of Time Out Chicago. If you didn't buy your advance tickets, now is the time.
Beyond the Concert Hall
The Chicago Symphony Orchestra is taking great strides to expand its audience and influence, notably including a retooled nationally syndicated radio program and a performance and educational video series.
Chicago History Roundup
From the establishment of the Hull House Theater to the World's Columbian Exposition, the Sun Times lists their take on "The 50 Greatest Chicago Moments."
Records'n'Stuff
The WLUW Record Fair & Other Delights is next weekend, and there are still a couple booths available should you want to unload some of your music -- or posters, crafts, clothes, whatever. Get on it now!
Really Old School Beats
It's not every day that we get to report on a concert consisting of the oldest song in recorded history (Tribune link, includes video of the performance).
Il Ritorno d'Uliss in Patria
The final installment of the Chicago Opera Theater's Claudio Monteverdi series, The Return of Ulysses, is earning strong reviews, including accolades for Rafael Viñoly's minimal set design. There are three performances remaining, so get hoppin'.
Yacht Rock 2.0
Some dude at The New York Sun just said that the Chicago music scene is the "capital of the budding New Mellow." Whatever that means.
That's Mest Up
Anthony Lovato, former lead singer of the suburban punk ensemble Mest, is being held in an LA jail on $1 million bond for allegedly stabbing a guy to death in a parking garage.
DeRo and Kot at SXSW
If you're looking for more SXSW news (besides what you're finding on Transmission here), "Sound Opinions" aired its SXSW wrap-up show this weekend. Check out the episode, which features some Chicago bands and a drunk-ish sounding Greg Kot waxing super-poetic about music.
Blue Bag Blues
The kind folks at the Wicker Park Food Co-Op have penned a tune that fairly sums up just about everyone's frustrations with the city's recycling program: The Blue Bag Blues. (Warning: it's an mp3 download.)
Moz Mopes in Midwest
Put in your order for gladiola now. Morrissey's playing a slew of dates across the Midwest this May, mostly in smaller theatres. This extended tour augments his November appearance at the Aragon -- which was totally amazing.
Sweet Sour Home Chicago
Over at the Beachwood Reporter, Don Jacobson has been collecting and evaluating songs that namedrop the city that works. Unsurprisingly, few of the tunes are happy-go-lucky toe-tappers. Subjects include blood, drugs, ghettos, guns, and elevator repair.
A Noteworthy Community
The Chicago Classical Music community covers multitudinous classical music happenings, musicians, composers, and directors in Chicago and elsewhere. No one can accuse them of having too many notes.
But Will They Play "Roxanne"?
The Police will not be here to create disorder, the Police will be here to preserve disorder. Better start looking for a parking space now.
Attack of the Red Eyed Monsters
If you're planning on attending concerts at the Ravinia Festival this summer, you may want to check the schedule [pdf] extra early this year. Why, you ask? Cicadas.
Metro Celebrates 25 Years at the Hideout
Regard this as your early invite: The Metro has announced it will celebrate its 25th anniversary at the annual Hideout Block Party, September 7-9. Bring your dancing shoes, and check the venues' websites for more information.
Serial Fingerpicker
John Hasbrouck is a local guitarist who just can't stop joining bands. There's his "jugless" jug band Hardscrabble, local band Cracklin Moth, his mandolin accompaniment to songwriter James Curley, the countrified stylings of the Lawrence Peters Outfit, and others. Hurry up and see the fleet-fingered Hasbrouck before he drops dead of exhaustion.
The P is for Pearl Jam
Lollapearljamalooza?! It sounds as if Chicago's own Lollapaooza will feature Pearl Jam (fronted by Evanstonian Eddie Vedder) as the headliner. If you'd been reading Transmission, you'd already know this.
Leroy Jenkins, R.I.P.
Innovative, Chicago-born free jazz violinist Leroy Jenkins has just passed away. Mr. Jenkins is not to be confused with bizarre Internet meme figure/WoW figure of scorn Leeeeeeroy Jenkins (explanatory video here).
Oscars with Musical Accompaniment
Speaking of the Oscars, here's one of the more novel tie-ins I've heard of: The Delafields will be playing at Simon's Tavern, 5210 N. Clark st. -- but only during the commercials and "boring parts," allowing you to catch the awards and a concert.They'll also have an Oscar pool, with prizes like a massage and tax consultation -- from members of the band! How's that for service?
Swap Music With Rockstars
Got a kick-ass Stephin Merritt CD mix that you're dying to share with the Chicago music community? Head on over to Radio Free Chicago's latest Bandwidth concert Thursday night at Subterranean, and participate in a CD mix swap with some of the bands from previous Bandwidth shows, as well as RFC staffers. Details on Bandwidth at Slowdown.
Sports Bar, Gay Bar
Crew, "Chicago's premier gay sports bar + grill" has been voted the city's best sports bar, flat-out, by readers of AOL City Guide.
Experience Everything But Taste
As if you need another reason to head into the tropical climes of the Lincoln Park Conservatory, you have until the end of the month to check out Shawn Decker's "Chorus," playing in the oh-so-warm Fern Room.
Oh, Crap: No Dave Matthews Concert at Wrigley
GB reported in December that the Dave Matthews Band was slated for a pair of concerts at Wrigley Field on the Fourth of July weekend. Well, today the Sun-Times reports that Matthews will not be at the concerts, since his wife is due to have a baby in early July. Even though there's no act scheduled, Alderman Tom Tunney is still planning to authorize the concerts, so don't worry: there WILL be music at Wrigley Field this Fourth of July.
Local Band in NYT
The New York Times writes about Chicago musician Ted Atkatz, who left a tenured post at the CSO to devote his time to local rock band NYCO.
Rocky Horror CSO Show
The Chicago Symphony Orcehstra (CSO) has been working hard to bring a more diverse audience to its performances and the results are showing. This Friday brings "Friday Night at the Movies", when the orchestra will play well-known classics featured in films like 2001: A Space Odyssey and Rocky Horror Picture Show. I doubt the CSO has sweet transvestites (midi) however, so if want the real show head up to the Music Box and see the real Rocky Horror Picture Show at their midnight showing.
Windy City Rockers
If you missed Deerhoof at the Metro Saturday you can watch a video of them performing "The Perfect Me" on pitchfork's YouTube page; not a bad spot to watch in general for clips of bands performing in Chicago.
Folk Festival Needs Your Help
The 47th Annual U of C Folk Festival is coming up. And if funds are tight and you want to see some of the performers (including "one of Missouri's foremost fiddlers"), then volunteer. For every two hours volunteered, you get a free ticket. More info at the Festival's volunteer page.
Tense Forms Winter Showcase
Tense Forms, the collaborative multi-disciplinary, project-based workgroup, is holding their 2nd annual Winter Showcase at Subterranean on February the 2nd at 8pm onwards. The showcase features an insane amount of buttons (1000+), a wall of televisions screening all kinds of visual art as well as live music.
Ride That Tin Horse
Lowen & Navarro are playing tomorrow night at the Park West, and friends of GB Tin Horse are opening for them. The show is nearly sold out, but Tin Horse has your hook-up: enter their raffle by 3pm today and you could win a pair.
Months of Great [Insert Cultural Activity Here]
The Tribune offers a fine selection of art exhibits worth checking out in the coming months, including some out-of-the-way gems. Other informative prospective pieces include features about architecture, dance, and jazz, to name a few.
One a Day, Again
Speaking of song a day projects, the local band Beatnik Turtle just launched TheSongoftheDay.com, which, true to name, delivers a new off-beat song daily. (Thanks, Greg!)
SketchFest Starts Today!
If you need a laugh to get you through to the ides of January, Chicago's sixth annual Sketch Comedy Festival starts today at the Theatre Building on Belmont.
One a Day
Eight Forty-Eight interviewed musician and teacher Michael Droste this morning about his just-completed One Song Every Day project , which began as a New Year's resolution in 2006. Listen to the interview here (mp3).
Rock On, Chicago
After the death of rock'n'roller/chronic schizophrenic Wesley Willis, his friends started a campaign to raise money for a tombstone for his remains. The Chicago Journal has an update on the plan, which involves burying his ashes in Rosehill Cemetery under a tombstone with the image of a train.
Jazz Showcase closes doors
Another Chicago landmark will be closing its doors this weekend: the Jazz Showcase, an important jazz club that's been running for 59 years. Although its Website says that it's relocating, the latest news is that they still don't have a new location to re-open in. There will be some fundraising in the new year, so keep your eyes out for news on the return of the Showcase.
Dave Matthews Band could be Number Two
The Cubs are trying to set up a new pair of live concerts at Wrigley Field. These concerts, the second in two years, would be on Fourth of July weekend of next year, and would feature the Dave Matthews Band. Insert your own joke about 800 pounds of human waste here.
Deck the halls with DJ Lo-Fi
The most recent episode of Chicago Public Radio's Sound Opinions featured their annual visit from DJ Lo-Fi, aka Andy Cirzan, who played the most amazing Christmas mix of obscure songs from his record collection. His 2006 holiday mix is now available for downloading at the Chicago Public Radio Website for you to use at your Christmas party. And for some more great Christmas songs, don't forget to check out this week's Out of 5.
CSO Returns to the Airwaves
Gramophone reports that the Chicago Symphony Orchestra is recording albums again -- under its own label, CSO Resound. January's release of Mahler's Symphony No. 3 with the Chicago Symphony Chorus and mezzo Michelle DeYoung will be the first since 2001, and will be available on iTunes. The CSO also announced a return to radio broadcast in '07 with the debut of the BP Chicago Symphony Orchestra Radio Broadcast Series on WFMT. Read the official press release here.
Sing, Sing a Song
You've been hearing about live band karaoke for years, but you've never tried it. Well, now that the holidays are here, there's no excuse: get up there and belt out "Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer" or "Jingle Bell Rock" to break the ice. You can blame it on the egg nog if you bomb.
"What's Your Fantasy?" Obama 2008!
As fellow Illinois senator Dick Durbin drummed up support for Barack Obama's possible presidential bid, Obama met with Ludacris earlier today. "We talked about empowering the youth," the rapper said. No word on whether Pepsi was served.
Lupe Breaks Out
Lupe Fiasco's star just keeps rising: GQ named him the Breakout Man of the Year, and he'll be on "the Late Show with David Letterman" tonight. Check Transmission to find out how to see him free at the Park West Friday night.
Catch a Chick Flick Tonight
Tonight's your first chance to catch the new improved Thax Douglas, Rock Star™. His band, Chicken and the Chick Flicks, performs at the Beat Kitchen tonight at 5:30pm (ahead of Pat McCurdy's regular Monday night gig.)
Blink and You'll Miss Him
Jay-Z will be swinging through Chicago for half an hour on Saturday as part of a seven-airport tour of the country in support of his new album, Kingdom Come. Anybody know exactly where he'll perform? Or even which airport he'll be at? Email us at inbox[at]gapersblock.com.
Pitchfork on Ritscher
Pitchfork has a long, thoughtful obit for Malachi Ritscher. Worth reading. (Thanks, Jen.)
Hallelujah!
Set your alarm clock: tomorrow morning at 8:00, complimentary tickets will be available for the annual LaSalle Bank Do-It-Yourself Messiah. This is the 31st year for the event, which allows an audience of amateur singers to perform the chorus parts of Handel's Messiah at the Civic Opera House. Check the LaSalle Bank Website for details on the event, tips on preparing for the performance, and times and dates for the event.
Goodbye Gunther's
The Bastion comedy blog reports that Gunther Murphy's has been sold and will be closing December 1 for remodeling. That means Tuesday night's Chicago Underground Comedy showcase will be finding a new home. No word on what the news means for live music at Gunther's, but considering that ChUC cast member Mike Bridenstine says the bar's being turned into a "Lincoln Park-style Trixie bar", it doesn't look good.
The New Suburban Venue
Now that the Sears Centre is officially open, the Daily Herald offers a review of its first night in action, and the Sun Times and the Trib provide some background.
Lollapalooza stays in Chicago
It's official: a 5-year deal with Lollpalooza has been approved by the Chicago Park District board.
Meter Switches Off
As Anne pointed out last week, Bob Mehr is leaving the Reader. The final installment of his column "The Meter" bids farewell on a note of musical diversity: police officer "Skipper" Keyes's quest to resuscitate the soul music of local legends and Alex White's plan to form a redhead-only rock 'n' roll band.
Supermodel (You Better Drink Red Bull)
The fabulous RuPaul will be performing at Circuit, 3641 N. Halsted, tonight. The doors open at 10pm, but the diva won't hit the stage until 1am and finishes up at 5am -- better hit those energy drinks! Tickets are $20.
Yankee Hotel Snotbox
Best headline about Jeff Tweedy punching out a fan who ran onstage comes from this blog posting on Billboard: I Am Trying To Break Your Nose.
Lounges axed
Inspired by the closing of CBGB's in New York, The Beachwood Reporter remembers a similar event in Chicago's music scene: the closing of Lounge Ax.
Alright, Son?
Regardless of whether your reaction to Lily Allen's show last night was hurrah or ho-hum, chances are good you had a better time than Tyler Too Much Awesome, who passed out, and not thanks to over-imbibing. Not only was he mortified by causing a commotion, his mother didn't offer much comfort after the fact. Quoth Mrs. Much Awesome, "Well, it was your fault so it's understandable why you feel embarrassed." Gee, thanks, mom.
The Metro Fights Poverty
Not doing anything Monday? The Metro, 3730 N. Clark, plays host to "Stand Up Against Poverty," a benefit for the international nonprofit Concern Worldwide's 2006 campaign to end world hunger. It'll be a night of great Irish music, with the legendary Scott Cleland (founder of the Drovers), Celtic band Baal Tinne and singer/songwriter Nancy Stone performing. Tickets are $10 in advance at the Metro box office or $20 at the door.
MTV on Chicago's Block
MTV's "My Block," a show that takes viewers through the neighborhoods where artists came from, not just their nouveau-riche cribs, takes a tour through Chicago today. Here's a video preview of the episode.
Jam on it
The Vic and the Riviera each debuted newly Jammed-out websites this week, matching the (rather clunky) design of their corporate sib Park West. Seriously, frames? Active Server Pages? No page titles? I guess Jam is partying like it's 1999.
Dirty Thing
One week before their site re-launch party, the guys at Radio Free Chicago heard that their headlining band, The Dirty Things, broke up and won't be playing the gig. RFC is now scrambling to find a replacement band for the upcoming show. Update: according to a comment on the RFC site, All City Affairs will be filling in for the missing band.
Cell Phone Symphony
Last night, as we mentioned they would, the Chicago Sinfonietta asked audience members to skip vibrate mode and let their ringtones, well, ring. Morning Edition offers a snippet and a reminder: the group (and its patrons) will be performing again tonight. ETA: The uniqueness of the concert attracted the attention of the Times, which describes the sound as "like an aviary gone mad."
Girls with Guitars, Turntables and What-have-you
Estrojam, the festival that mixes women's art and activism, starts this evening with a film showcase, but it kicks into rock gear tomorrow, as queercore legends Team Dresch headline a night of music at the Abbey Pub. Events continue throughout the weekend and include a b-girl battle, a zine-writing workshop and concerts featuring Lesbians on Ecstasy. Sound fun and/or empowering? Check the schedule for the full scoop.
A Short Tour for Short Films
The Chicago Short Film Brigade rises from the ashes of the late lamented Prime Shorts Film Festival to "present a wide variety of local and international short films to the public in non-academic, non-festival environments." Screenings start in January and will be quarterly (they're looking for submissions, btw). Andrew Bird is on the Brigade's board, and he's doing a quartet of shows to benefit it. Unfortunately, those shows will be in Dubuque, Cedar Rapids, Minneapolis and Madison -- but what a great excuse for a road trip!
Free Jet Show for MySpacers
Good news if you've got a MySpace account: This Sunday, Jet will be playing a free show at Schubas -- you can get in (if there's space) only ifyou bring a printout of your profile with "MySpace Secret Shows" among your top eight friends. (Thanks, Mike!)
Music Most Modern
The Chicago Sinfonietta will soon kick off its 20th season, and it's doing so in rather unusual fashion: asking audience members to turn on their mobile devices. As part of a concert set to feature more traditional fare like Liszt, the group will give the world premiere of David Baker's sonic metaphor for order and chaos, "Concertino for Cell Phones and Orchestra."
World (Music) Crisis in Chicago
World music fans have a problem tonight. Check out the US premiere (in Millennium Park) of "Nu Art Claiming Earth," an amalgam of Basque, West-Indian, and African influences, performed by an orchestra supplemented by 10 Bordeaux musicians, 20 Chicago jazz artists, and 20 Chicago students? Or dive into the Cultural Center's one-night showcase?
GLONO turns 5, celebrates in style
Glorious Noise unveiled a new redesign this week, and also posted details on their 5th anniversary celebration next month, which will feature plenty of live music (Riviera, Quasar Wut-Wut, and Healthy White Baby) and many more surprises.
6 Degrees of Bob Dylan
How well do you know your Dylan trivia? Well enough to connect, say, Sid Vicious to Robert Zimmerman in six steps or less? Find out with Coudal Partners' latest diversion and you could win some cool stuff.
World Music Fans, Take a Deep Breath...
The 8th annual Chicago World Music Festival begins tomorrow and will stage dozens of concerts around the city, by artists from a gazillion countries. We've highlighted many of them in Slowdown (mostly the free ones), but you can find a complete schedule here.
Ruckus over Reggae
Tonight, if there's commotion outside the House of Blues, it's because Buju Banton is in, well, the house. The Gay Liberation Network will be protesting the dancehall artist in response to lyrics that graphically portray and advocate the killing of gay men (there are, for instance, Uzis involved). The controversy's no surprise: over the years, a number of Banton's concerts, especially those scheduled in the UK, have been either cancelled or banned due to concerns over hate speech and incitement to violence. [via]
Block Party Pix
Photos are still getting posted to flickr from three long days of rocking West Wabansia this weekend. Check the tags HideoutBlockParty, TouchAndGo and Hideout, for starters.
Deep in the Heart of Texas
Spotted in Austin, a bathroom wall tribute to Andrew Bird. Chicago, it seems, "hearts" him. And, speaking of Mr. Bird, is it too soon to start making plans to escape your family and spend some of Thanksgiving weekend with him at Logan Square Auditorium? Of course not! Tickets are available through the Empty Bottle.
Block Party Full; No Tickets Left
If you've not bought tickets to the Touch & Go Festival yet, don't bother heading to the Hideout this weekend: there's no more room at the inn. Don't fret, though -- Slowdown has some good alternatives.
Girl Talks some more
Want some more Girl Talk? Today's interviewee at Transmission was also interviewed yesterday at Pitchfork's Website.
Hideout Block Party schedule announced
Yesterday the official line-up of The Hideout's 10th annual block party was announced. The event, which will also commemorate the 25th anniversary of Touch and Go Records, will feature over 30 bands performing over a long weekend in September. Among the bands: Quasi (featuring ex-Sleater-Kinney member Janet Weiss on drums); local favorites the Didjits in their original lineup; and as reported previously a reunited Big Black, who will be playing only "a couple of songs." The full line-up is at Transmission.
Panic! at the Darkroom
Who's in the mood for a little brit pop? Then put on your moddest dancing shoes and head to Darkroom at 2210 W. Chicago for Panic! Fom 9pm to 2am, you can sway to the best of the brits and maybe win tix to the upcoming Pet Shop Boys show at the Chicago Theatre. Send your song requests to panic [ at ] gmail-dot-com.
A Newer, Larger Punk Planet
Taking another step away from scissors, glue, and late night photocopying sessions, our city's very own Punk Planet has redesigned and expanded its website. Of particular note is the addition of user blogs.
Queen of Disco Performs in Chicago
Gloria Gaynor performs in Chicago on Thursday as part of KC's Boogie Blast, a tribute to the 70's tour led by KC and the Sunshine Band, along with Tavares and Sister Sledge. Gaynor's smash hit song, "I Will Survive" (1979) continues to be embraced as an anthem of emancipation, especially in Europe, where the singer enjoys a revived career. Still an icon to women and the gay community around the world, Gaynor holds rank as the undisputed queen of disco.
KTB To Change Line-Up
In a very heartfelt letter to fans, locals The Katie Todd Band announced that their guitarist is moving to Portland. This means you have now until the rest of the summer to catch them in their current line-up, including a gig Wednesday at The Double Door with Hoosier rockers Margot and The Nuclear So-Sos. After that, Katie's going to hole up in her apartment and write new music, so we'll see what the spring will bring for KTB.
South by Midwest
What does it take to revive the '60s soul music of The Birmingham Sound? A concert at the Hideout a few weeks back. Birmingham Weekly reports on how Ralph "Soul" Jackson, Roscoe Robinson and other Magic City musicians got their groove back.
Chicago Samba @ The Hot House
Enjoy a steamy Brazilian night tonight at the Hothouse (31 E. Balbo) with a performance led by the 7-piece band, Chicago Samba, which blends up a cocktail of samba, bossa nova, batucada and other spirited dance rhythms. Seasoned Brazilian dance professional Edilson Lima provides samba lessons during intermission. Tickets are $10 -- both in advance and at the door. The show starts at 10pm.
From Snakes to Snap
Tomorrow night, you can hit the first in a series of fundraisers for the independent feature film, Snap, at the Double Door. The headlining band, Baldwin Brothers, is featured on the upcoming Samuel L. Jackson movie soundtrack for Snakes on a Plane (um, you might have heard something about it), for which they produced a remix of the All American Rejects song "Can't Take It." For more details, check Transmission.
The Adventures Continue
Now that Lollapalooza, Pitchfork and Intonation have come and gone, what's the adventurous concert-goer making plans for next? Probably next month's annual Adventures in Modern Music festival (September 20-24), sponsored by the Empty Bottle and the UK music mag The Wire. Two acts not to miss at this year's festival: the highly enigmatic Jandek (who was supposed to show up for last year's festival but had to cancel due to hurricane evacuation); and influential hiphop remixer Steinski. Tickets are already on sale at Ticketweb, so you'd better hop to it!
OK Go Shoot Your Own Video
By now you've probably seen the new super-choreographed video for OK Go's "Here It Goes Again." But what you may not have known about is the dance contest they're running: contestants replicate the moves from OK Go's previous viral video, "A Million Ways," post it on YouTube, and the band judges. The winners will dance with the band on stage at an upcoming concert. You've got until August 30 to enter.
It's First Friday, With Even Less Clothing
Put away those stiletto boots and that too-hot-for-August ultrasuede miniskirt: the MCA presents a water-themed First Friday. Featuring a bathing suit fashion show and "skinny dip" martinis, the event was inspired by WaterShed, an interactive sculpture designed by students at the Art Institute that flashes and emits ambient sounds when you ask it for some agua. See Slowdown for details.
Rock 'n' Roll Deathmatch
So many bands, so little time. As you know, this weekend sees the last of this summer's major multi-day rock festivals as Lollapalooza sprouts up all over Grant Park. Today, GB's Transmission runs down the scheduled match-ups to help steer you from stage to stage. For those not attending, AT&T is webcasting the event, promising to bring you "live performances as they happen." And, if you're like Andrew and torn between Wilco & QOTSA, never fear: the site will also feature archived footage post-show, so, almost like TiVo for real life, you may be able to timeshift the sets. God bless the internet, eh?
More Midwestern Pride
Meet another website devoted to the wonders of the Midwest: Midwestern Goodness. While they have content from around the region, they recently filmed a short video tour in Chicago. More Chicago content is in the works.
Show WLUW some LUV
Remember when you donated items to independent community radio station WLUW in June? Well, those items are now for sale to raise money for the station. Some particularly interesting finds are an autographed Mekons guitar, a drawing by Archer Prewitt, and a Fugazi/Shellac/The Ex ticket printing plate.
No One's In the House
What if they threw a music festival and nobody came? It happened last weekend to the Move! 2006, the Chicago International House Music Festival. Only about 2,000 fans showed up, far short of the 8,000+ expected. (We didn't hear about it till today, so maybe they just didn't get the word out well enough.)
On the March
Mucca Pazza got quite a write-up in the Sun-Times yesterday. They'll be playing at the Hideout this Thursday, July 27 -- the perfect time to catch what's possibly the world's only circus punk marching band.
Win the Rock
In the next couple of weeks, Pitchfork and Lollapalooza will host their music extravaganzas. Multi-day passes are either gone or hecka expensive. But going for free sure would be nice, wouldn't it? Here are two ways to try your luck at winning admission.
Grant Park in Your Living Room
The Grant Park Orchestra recently released two new albums. So enjoy the GPO on the lawn or in your easy chair!
Pitchfork: 2-Day Passes Gone
Two-day passes to the Pitchfork Music Festival have sold out, and the site says there's a small number of one-day tickets left. The festival has announced its set time schedule (you can plan your visits to the food and arts & crafts tents), and it has expanded beyond just July 29th and 30th in Union Park, with downtown concerts and a film festival planned for the week leading up to the main event: so many details.
Still No Justice for Dead Musicians
A year ago tomorrow, three local musicans were killed in a car accident by a woman who was allegedly attempting suicide. She survived, and there still hasn't been a trial. A member of the Electrical Audio discussion board has been attending hearings and providing updates (three most recent) on the proceedings; the latest is that trial is pending a psychiatric evaluation of the defendant. Next court date is July 21. (Thanks, Ron.)
Classical Music Online
If you're a big classical music fan--or a not-so-big one, who just likes to know what's going on--check out Chicago Classical Music. The site offers a consolidated concert schedule; a blog written by staff from Ravinia, Chicago Sinfonietta, and other classical music organizations; and an assortment of user forums. There's even a Classified section, to pick up tickets someone else can't use.
Not to be Confused with a Hipster Convention
The House won't be the only local organization to be graced with Ira Glass's benefit-hosting skillz. Pitchfork reports that Glass will be on-hand next month as 826CHI presents Death Cab's Ben Gibbard, John Roderick of the Long Winters, novelist ZZ Packer and a guy called Dave Eggers (maybe you've heard of him). The gig's August 24th at Park West.
Watch For Falling Rock
We warned you it was coming, and now it's out: Sufjan Stevens' album Avalanche, full of 75 more minutes of songs about Illinois (or Illinoise, if you prefer). And if you want it live, tickets for Sufjan's September 26th show at the Riv go on sale Saturday.
Songs: Illinois
songs:illinois is an excellent little mp3 blog run by Craig Bonell in Oak Park. There's definitely a folk/ acoustic/ singer-songwriter focus but what excites me personally is that I've only heard of maybe one artist on the homepage. A nice deviation from Pitchfork and the like, dig in and discover some new tunes.
Just Don't Stick 'Em in Your Bike Spokes
For all of you folk fanatics and alt country fans, new at Quimby's this week is Pioneers of Country Music, a set of 40 trading cards illustrated by R. Crumb. Brief bios on the back of each card give the histories of Gid Tanner and his Skillet Lickers, Uncle Dan Macon and His Fruit-Jar Drinkers, Al Hopkins and his Buckle Busters and other whimsically named bands. Two earlier series, Early Jazz Greats and Heroes of the Blues, also feature art by R. Crumb.
Bands Will Soon Go On 20 Seconds Earlier
Perhaps under the assumption that there will be no flash photography at rock shows, Thax Douglas is making plans to leave Chicago for New York this fall. Chicagoist has details on his "farewell" tour.
Representin' CHI
Did you know that July is Chicago Hip Hop Heritage Month? Lots to do.
Waits Waits, don't tell me
The only music news that you need to know for the summer: Tom Waits will be playing Chicago next month. Good luck trying to get tickets...
Post a Video Response
June 30: Pitchfork Media posts a negative review of the album Movie Monster by Sound Team. July 3: Sound Team posts a response to the review on YouTube. July 5: Pitchfork gives the video response a better review than their album. (tip from Ghost Media)
A Night of Metal on Us!
Another quick contest! If you're ready to blast away the hangover of a long holiday weekend with some heavy metal tomorrow night at the Double Door, then be the first one to email us at inbox@gapersblock.com with the subject "Metal!". You and a guest will get in to see local band Bible of the Devil along with Priestess (listen). Plus, the winner gets a signed Priestess CD and a really cool free t-shirt from Tank Theory. {Update: Congrats to Mark, who likes to Rawk!}
Never miss another show
Tourfilter comes to Chicago. A Website started by Boston concertgoers who were tired of missing shows by their favorite artists, Tourfilter is very simple: type in your favorite bands, and the site will send you an email when the band schedules a Chicago performance. I've already found one upcoming show using the site: punk-folk-acoustic singer-songwriter Stuart Davis performing Friday night at Schubas. (link found at Metafilter)
Songs about reuniting
Okay, so the next-to-last ever Sleater-Kinney show isn't getting you excited? (They've since added a show at home a week later.) How about a Big Black reunion? Touch and Go Records will be celebrating their 25th anniversary at the Hideout Block Party September 8-10, and they officially announced this week what had been rumored about days before: the influential 1980s noise rock band started by one Mr. Steve Albini will be reuniting to play "a couple songs" at the party. And according to the Touch & Go site, there's more surprises in store for the party. Tickets for the Hideout Block Party are available for purchase online.
Not what you want
Just in case you were trying to decide whether or not to go to Lollapalooza this year, here's an incentive to attend: Sleater-Kinney is breaking up, and their scheduled performance at the festival in Grant Park will be their last.
"People Have Gotten up to a Lot of Nonsense in Chicago"
The hottest brother-sister pair in indie rock, the Fiery Furnaces, hail from Oak Park, and their last album was about their grandmother's experience growing up in the area. Earlier this week, Eight Forty-Eight aired an interview with the songwriting half of the duo, Matthew Friedberger, about that record and his connection to the city; listen to it here [mp3]. The band will perform at the Metro tomorrow night.
Intonation On Us
Hey, quick contest! First person to email inbox@gapersblock.com with the names of three bands they want to see at Intonation Music Festival this weekend gets a two-day VIP pass! UPDATE: Holy crap, that was fast: Dave Reidy is our winner!
Plan Your Lolla Weekend
We're not even through this weekend's Intonation Music Festival, which will mark the start of Chicago's three big alterna-music fests this year, but you can already plan out how you're going to spend every half hour of the first weekend in August. Lollapalooza promoters have released the schedule of performances and you can even customize your own and share it with friends. Even with three days to play with, there are going to be some hard choices to make: Queens of the Stone Age or Wilco? Kanye or Manu Chao? Calexico or Lyrics Born? Ah, decisions, decisions.
If Only It Had Happened in the Park...
Chances are good you didn't get tickets for Radiohead this week, but never mind. Thanks to the magic of YouTube, you can pretend you were there and see a clip of a new track, "All I Need." [via]
Bye-bye, Barenboim, Pt. 2
It's not just the Times that marked Barenboim's departure, but London's Telegraph, as well. Both reviews remark on the balancing of the brass with the sound of rest of the orchestra -- in other words, a departure from the sounds of Solti -- but only one notes the maestro's other reason to celebrate the weekend: Argentina's routing of Serbia-Montenegro in the World Cup. He may have spent 15 years in Chicago, but "'when it comes to football, there are no divided loyalties.'" What's next for the CSO remains unclear. As the Post puts it, the orchestra faces an "interregnum." Which only serves to underscore Barenboim's tenure as that of something like a king.
MOBFest 2006
While it's not SXSW, since 1997 Chicago MOBFest has been trying to get the music industry to sit up and take notice of the bands that our humble midwestern city has to offer (along with some underserved national acts). They'll be bringing a slew of panelists from major labels to teach those who want to know how to break into the music biz. For $90, your laminated pass will get you into a ton of music showcases, panel discussions and seminars (as well as a free compilation CD) this weekend. If you're not into the panels, the shows are open to the public, and we have a few suggestions from the huge offering here, here, here and here.
Playing at Potbellys
If you like music with your sandwiches or wish to play MTV's crappiest hits for those indulging in their lunchtime subs, you might be surprised to hear (or play) a tune or two the next time you're at a Potbellys. The Beachwood Reporter has a piece about the local Potbellys and how they stack up musically. And on a side note: local musician Jef Sarver will attempt to break the world record for the longest guitar marathon ever at a Potbellys on June 21-23.
Bottom of the Ninth
Conductor Daniel Barenboim said goodbye to the CSO and Chicago this weekend, and he did it in characteristically over-the-top fashion, according to the New York Times.
Free Jens & Ham (And Then Some)
Don't say Pitchfork never gave you anything: at emusic, download a free sampler of bands who'll appear next month at the site's Union Park festival.
Tinhorse at Joe's Bar This Thursday
Feel like rockin' out to some country? Friends of GB Kevin and Joe are both members of Tinhorse, and are gigging this Thursday at Joe's Bar on Weed St. (And if you want to listen before you decide to head down there, you can download some of their tunes from their website.) Yee-hah!
How Do You Solve a Problem Like Madonna?
It's later this week that Madonna and her mirrored disco-cross will touch down at the United Center. Jim DeRogatis provides a rather skeptical preview of the production -- surely the only word for it -- in today's Sun-Times. The bottom line: it's not a show for rockists. Then again, who that's going to see Ms. Ciccone is expecting otherwise?
To listen to on your next coffee break
Local indie-pop outfit Office, last month's Practice Space residents at Schubas, have this week's free single on iTunes with "Wound Up". They play the Bottle next Friday; see Slowdown.
Call the Jazz Police
Sometimes when you're on your honeymoon vacation, you find out something about your own town that is worth sharing. Like how there's a very bare-bones (but cool) site that lists the specifics about jazz events in a few cities (New Orleans, Chicago, Bay Area, New York, LA, Twin Cities, and more.) And the best part? They're the Jazz Police you cool cat, you! Rat-a-tat-tat-cha!
Thax v. Photobloggers (Cont'd.)
Last month, we noted Thax Douglas's opposition to flash photography at shows. His campaign continues.
Summer of Music Lovers
We've finally reached the summer festival season, which means everybody's got a preview. In lieu of one of our own, we'll just point you to the others: Greg Kot's guide to this summer's concerts, The Reader's "These Parts" guide to festivals in the five-state region, New City's Summer Guide, and Centerstage's "Guerilla Guide to Festivals" in and around the city.
Hypefest
Tom Breihan of Status Ain't Hood has declared Chicago to be the future of hip-hop (again), this time manifested in the imposing form of Rhymefest. Take this praise with a grain of salt: in the same breath, he's dismissing Common as "an insufferable granola-munching pseudo-boho."
Book Your Own Indie Life
Local bar band Beatnick Turtle is in the news for something other than their music: they've written an e-book, "The Indie Rock Survival Guide, intended to help bands who're just starting out on the scene. Mighty helpful of them; even got them namechecked by Lawrence Lessig. Download the PDF here.
Arrivederci, Chicago; Ciao, Italia
Milan's La Scala announced yesterday that the Chicago Symphony Orchestra's soon-to-be-erstwhile music director Daniel Barenboim will become its principal guest conductor beginning next season. Later this month, the last operatic performances of Barenboim's tenure will feature Wagner and Boulez. So long, farewell, auf wiedersehen, goodbye...
Rate This Poster
Sound Opinions wants your help with a little project: email them the location of a record release poster or upcoming concert, and give'em a review -- along with a buy it, burn it or trash it rating -- and they'll slap a sticker on the poster and post your review on their site. Power to the people!
A Sudsy Cause We All Can Support
The future of communities of Chicago is a topic that's on my mind lately, and one place that certainly creates community is a pub, a local tap, or any source of draught beer. Fortunately for us, many community organizers have banded together to create Bring Back the Draught, a loosely-affiliated bunch of groups focused on consuming and preserving draught beer in Chicago's neighborhoods. They have a new website -- join a group, or start a new one in your neighborhood.
Your Live Music Fix
Feelin' the need for live music but can't make it to the club? Here are some mp3s of Feist at the Park West, and Neko Case on NPR a month ago, in three parts: I, II, III.
Camera Police, Arrest This Man
Thax Douglas may be taking a break from his poetic stylings, but he's not going gently into that good night; rather, it seems, he's raging at the flashing of the light.
Parsing Pitchfork
Cleveland blog goodhodges runs a statistical analysis of Pitchfork reviews and finds that, big surprise, they tend to review albums they like. The follow-up breakdown of scores is interesting, too. [via] This all brings to mind Pitchformula, a UofC student's thesis analyzing reviews and writing songs that would garner the highest ratings, which we told you about awhile back.
Freshen Your Tracks
FreshTracksMusic.com is a local music sales site that features a more indie selection than iTunes, and for your $5-8 a month you can do just about anything you want with your downloads. A nice profile of the service in the Trib today.
Everything in Its Right Venue
Radiohead loves Chicago, so despite being snubbed by Millennium Park, the band has scheduled two dates at the Auditorium Theatre instead. Tickets for the June 19 and 20 shows go on sale this Saturday at 10am.
Rappers' DIY
After Kanye, Common and Twista have blown up, Illinois Entertainer asks what of Chicago's indie hip-hop labels?
CSO Names New Dirigent
So, the CSO has finally found a new conductor. Dutch-born Bernard Haitink will take up the baton, sharing the duties with Pierre Boulez, who has had a long-standing relationship with the orchestra. While not quite the superstar like Solti or Barenboim, hopefully Mr. Haitink will come to like the city and musicians a bit more than Mr. Barenboim did. And will he meet the CSO's previous requirement of "[increasing] the blend of socializing and community outreach that the CSO will expect of its new music director."
Act now to save 7.14% on Lollapalooza
Red Eye is reporting that Lollapalooza passes will be increasing from $130 to $140 (plus surcharges) on Thursday, when Perry Farrell will hold a press conference to announce even more performers. So if you want to save that $10, buy today.
Bridge Out
It's not a NASCAR crash or a shattered backboard, but if you're Joshua Bell of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, a collapsed bridge on your 1713 Stradivarius is pretty darn dramatic.
Smashing Pumpkins... actually reuniting.
Many moons after Billy Corgan's infamous full-page Tribune ad, Pitchfork is reporting they're back together (well, according to their website). No word yet on which (if any) summer festival they'll grace with their presence.
Leaky Fiasco
Lupe Fiasco is set to become The Next Big Chicago Rap Thing. Or, if he's to be believed, was. His record Food & Liquor leaked over the weekend, and he's awfully upset over it. Upset to the point of saying that, although he reportedly spent five years working on the album, it may now never see official release. Status Ain't Hood ain't buying that and says, get over it, Lupe, 'cause the thing is "just about perfect."
The Festival Buzz Gets Louder
Jim DeRogatis on the latest booking developments at this summer's music festivals. First, there was Os Mutantes at Pitchfork; now, Roky Erickson at Intonation.
Symphonic Pilsen
The Civic Orchestra of Chicago, the training body for the well-known CSO, is holding a community concert in Pilsen next week. Like all of the Civic concerts, it's free and has some tasty tidbits--Bolero among them. And the Grant Park Music Festival has announced their summer program as well, and it's truly exciting--Tibetan singers for Mozart, Carmina Burana.
Buy a Piece of the Velvet
To help raise the funds to reopen the legendary Velvet Lounge at its planned new location, 36 E. Cermak, there's going to be an "artifact sale" at the old location, 2128.5 S. Indiana, this Sunday, April 23 at 3pm. Just about everything you can imagine will be available for purchase — cash only! — including the historic bar top for $1,000 or best offer. You might even get a bit of wallpaper. (Thanks, Sharon!)
A revolution in Brazilian culture... comes to Union Park
The lineup for the Pitchfork Music Festival has just gone from really strong to spectacular: Tropicalia innovators Os Mutantes, who recently announced they'd be performing for the first time in over thirty years, will be headlining the concluding day of the festival.
If you don't know who they are (and missed the Tropicalia exhibition at the MCA earlier this year), David Byrne's Luaka Bop released a decent retrospective a few years back, and they're proiminently featured on a recent Tropicalia compilation. Get listening!
Filtered Music, Fake Babies
Next Tuesday, April 18 at 8pm, Filter Magazine is hosting a "Music Appreciation Night" at Landmark Art Gallery, 841 W. Randolph, featuring The Redwalls and Assassins. It's free, but you've got to RSVP. [via] And speaking of Filter, they've got an interesting story about Sufjan Stevens taking Pitchfork to task via email for posting a story about Sufjan's lovechild with singer Rosie Thomas, which turned out to be a hoax.
Sia on CD
Today, Chicagoist runs a positive "Re-View" of singer Sia's performance at Martyr's. Tomorrow, while it'll be more than a little different from a live show, you can celebrate the release of her CD, Colour the Small One, at Berlin. There'll be giveaways and dancing and stuff.
Your Early Easter Present
Not doing anything on Easter? We'll give you two passes to see Editors at the Metro Sunday night, along with a copy of their new album, Back Room — if you're the first to email inbox@gapersblock.com! Stuck at your parents' that day? You can catch them playing a short set at Tower Records, 2301 N. Clark., between 5 and 6pm Monday the 17th. UPDATE: Ed is our winner!
11 Bloodshot Years, 35 Alligators
Bloodshot Records, Chicago's "insurgent country" label, turned 11 this year, and it's celebrating with a two-CD set of all-new songs by a laundry list of bands. Not to be outdone, blues label Alligator Records is commemorating its 35th year with a compilation of its own, 35x35, featuring such greats as Buddy Guy, Koko Taylor, Son Seals and Albert Collins. WBEZ's 848 interviewed the owners of both labels recently; here are mp3s of Alligator's Bruce Iglauer and Bloodshot's Nan Warshaw and Rob Miller.
Ringleader of the Impersonators
Know a Morrissey look-alike? Does he want to make a cameo in a music video? It's modern-day Mozzers that are encouraged to apply, but Smiths-era throwbacks may be considered. [via]
Tastes Like Some Great Concerts To Me
Even though the official Taste of Chicago website isn't saying anything official yet, the Trib has an early announcement of music booked for the festival this summer. Former Kinks frontman (and recent Chicago visitor) Ray Davies (pronounced like "Daviz") will headline on July 4 along with (get this) My Morning Jacket and former Soul Coughing lead singer (and recent Chicago visitor) Mike Doughty. The rest of the fest lineup includes Chaka Khan on June 30, Glen Campbell and Jo Dee Messina, July 1 and 2 (see more here), India.Arie on July 5, Macy Gray and (local act) Liquid Soul on July 7, and former Styx vocalist and Chicago son Dennis DeYoung and Kenny Wayne Shepherd on July 9. Best part is it's all free. (More to come about July 6 and 8.)
Like a Rhinestone Cowboy
The lineup for one of the City of Chicago sponsored music festivals is posted, and it's boot tappin' good. The Chicago Country Music Festival, held July 1 and 2, will feature none other than music legend Glen Campbell (representing old school country) and Jo Dee Messina (on behalf of modern country). Also performing are bluegrass group the Yonder Mountain String Band and pop/country artists SHeDaisy among others. The festival operates alongside the Taste of Chicago, which has also kind of announced some of its lineup already.
"Drove to Chicago" ...Again
You thought we'd never mention Sufjan Stevens's Illinois again, didn't you? (Check the archive if you somehow missed 2005.) Well, you thought wrong: this summer, the Prairie State epic will be followed up by the sessions' outtakes, 21 songs described as counterparts to the original album's tracks. Details about The Avalanche, as the collection will be called, are at the Asthmatic Kitty website, but know that there will be not one, not two, but three more versions of "Chicago" to get stuck in your head. Look for the requisite acoustic jam, as well as "adult contemporary easy listening" and "multiple personality disorder" renditions.
Touch & Go at 25
Mark your calendars: Touch and Go Records turns 25 this year, and they're celebrating with a big concert at the Hideout September 8-10. Twenty-five T&G bands past and present will perform, including Black Heart Procession, Calexico, CocoRosie, Enon, Pinback, Shellac, Ted Leo/Pharmacists and the original line-ups of the Didjits and Scratch Acid. We'll have more details for you as they become available.
Two More For the PMF
Spoon and the Silver Jews have been added to the lineup at this year's Pitchfork Music Festival, which surprises exactly no one. In other Pitchfork news, they're looking for a local music reporter, and has anyone else noticed that the top Google hit for "Pitchfork Music Festival" is the rival Intonation Music Festival?
AfriCaribe at the Naperville Public Library
Members of the Chicago-based non-profit AfriCaribe will be performing at the Naperville Public Library on Wednesday, April 5, at 7pm. Founded in 2000, AfriCaribe is dedicated to celebrating Puerto Rican and Caribbean cultures through dance, music, theatre and other arts. Tickets for teh event are available at all Naperville Public Library branches. The performance takes place at the 95th Street Library meeting room. Call 630-961-4100 ext. 4941 for more information.
The Modern Sounds Of Today!
Woo hoo! RibFest is coming and boy, are we pumped or what? They just announced the music lineup and I can hardly contain myself. First off, you got R.E.O. Speedwagon (of "Keep On Lovin' You" fame). Secondly, There's Three Dog Night which by now is down to a single dog if I'm getting my math right. So bring your bib, your wetnaps and those ears of yours to the RibFest!
Celebrating the Alternative
Radio Free Chicago offers the details on two entertainment options for fans of old-school alternative tonight: a Morrissey listening party at Delilah's and the cinema debut of Beastie Boys concert doc Awesome: I Fuckin' Shot That! (Or, ya know, come see us.)
Volunteer, See Coldplay for Free
ChicagoFairTrade.org is a great site for information about free-trade issues in Chicago and worldwide. And if you follow this link, you can find out if you volunteer with OxFam at the Coldplay concert you can get in for free.
Jamming Before G-d
He may be more up your kid brother's alley than yours, but if you couldn't find a ticket to last week's sold-out Matisyahu show, Q101 is all about helping you out by streaming the concert in its entirety. If, however, it's the real deal you want, just wait a few months: the newly ubiquitous Hasidic reggae artist was one of the acts announced this morning for Lollapalooza.
Lolla Lineup Loves Chicago
Hey, the Lollapalooza lineup is up, and it includes some fine local acts like Manishevitz as well as some killers from back in the day. Big names include Red Hot Chili Peppers and (also local boys) Wilco, Kanye West and Common (no word from Smashing Pumpkins...yet). Tickets are on sale, and the current price for a 3-day pass is $130 (it will go up, so buy now). That's a buck a band, when all's said and done.
XXX, but SFW
Surely there are some Chicago fans out there? (Chicago the band, I mean.) The long-lived band releases its 30th album (cleverly titled XXX) in one week, but you can hear it right now, thanks to those right neighborly folks at Clear Channel. Will the liner notes include an In Memoriam notice for Demon Dogs? Find out next Tuesday....
Set your alarms
Keeping up with the city's major summer music festivals is becoming a full-time job—not that we're complaining. No, we're here to help, so if you missed out on yet another presale yesterday (those $25 Intonation passes are gone, baby), let us remind you to cancel all your appointments for Thursday. That's when the Lollapalooza lineup will be announced (130 bands!) and regular tickets go on sale.
We've Got Tickets for You
Hey, how'd you like to see the Guillemots at Schubas this Sunday for free, courtesy of Vice Records? We've got a pair of guest list spots reserved for the first person to email inbox@gapersblock.com telling us what a guillemot is and a link to a photo of one. UPDATE: It pays to get up early sometimes. Reader Serandip wins!
Yet Another Ticket Race
Intonation Music Festival tickets go on sale at noon today, and the two-day pass will be available for just $25 (as opposed to $35). How long do you think it'll take for those to sell out?
Hanalei All The Way
This week's featured Transmission artist, Hanalei, will be releasing their latest CD Parts and Accessories (of which two tracks are available for download) on March 14th. To commemorate the release, they'll be having a CD release party on Saturday, March 11th at the Beat Kitchen. Support local music and make a point of attending if you can.
Yet Another Festival
They said it couldn't be done without the 'Fork, but it seems the Intonation Music Festival will go on, after all. Set to take place in Union Park the last weekend in June, the Streets and Bloc Party have been announced as headliners. They're keeping the "curated by" terminology; this time it's Vice Records, partnered up with KEXP. Advance two-day passes go on sale Monday at noon for $25. This may be the summer the indie rockers get a tan.
Pitchfork Tickets: Get'em While They're Hot
One- and two-day passes for the Pitchfork Music Festival are on sale now.
Representing the Third Coast
Sure, we've got Pitchfork and Lollapalooza to look forward to later this year, but if you're heading to Austin for South by Southwest, be sure to check in on the numerous Chicago-based acts. (Even if you won't be in Texas, the site has loads of MP3s and streams to prep you for the bands' gigs once they come home.)
Condos Move In, Jazz Moves On
The Velvet Lounge will meet a wrecking ball shortly, as the club is paved in preparation for new housing developments. Friends of the lounge have raised enough funds to move the historic site one quarter of a mile away to 67 E Cermak Road.
Tickets? I love tickets!
So you've been saving up money to pay for all of those music festivals this summer, right? Well, if you weren't one of the lucky 3000 to get cheap Lollapalooza tickets yesterday, perhaps you can get some still-cheaper Pitchfork music tickets on Monday. They've announced 6 of the 36 bands, and it's looking like a strong lineup so far.
Lolla for Less Dollahs
Just announced: Cheap Lollapalooza 3-day pass tickets are available online for $45 (plus $8 in fees). This is a bit of a blind commitment, because the lineup isn't going to be officially announced until March 16. But, if you're willing to make a bet, it's a cheap one. They're going to go fast, and there's only 3,000 available, so hop to it. Update: Sold out in 34 minutes!
Keepin' It Steady on Southport
On the subject of Jason Molina (of Songs: Ohia and Magnolia Electric Co. fame) and his Monday night gigs at Schubas throughout February, Pitchfork says "the month-long residency format is perfect for an artist like Molina." Which suggests to me that maybe you don't want to miss the residency's last installment next week. Heck, it's only six bucks and the only tickets left for the Yeah Yeah Yeahs gig would involve crossing your fingers and queuing up with 14-year-olds. In other words, what's to lose?
Feist-y Opinions
If you hadn't heard "Mushaboom" before, now that the Postal Service remix has shown up among Waxy.org's links, it'll likely be unavoidable on the interweb for the next few days. Hear more as Feist appears on Sound Opinions this weekend (7pm, Saturday, on Chicago Public Radio).
Chris Saathof Benefit tonight
The 2nd anniversary of Chris Saathof's passing was this past Tuesday. A benefit will be held tonight at The Beat Kitchen (10PM, $10, 18+), featuring The Hot Machines whose member Miss Alex White was Saathof's old musical partner. [Thanks Jennifer!]
The Raptor of Live Music
The League of Chicago Music Venues is throwing a music festival this weekend, and you're invited. This Friday through Sunday, The Hawk Winter Music Festival will feature acts of all sorts, from blues to indie to children's, at the group's 11 member clubs. And on Sunday, a $20 wristband gets you into as many shows as you can stand. Worth checking out.
Pontiac says OK GO
Just in case you were considering playing hooky this Friday to go see the Chicago Auto Show, here's an incentive. OK GO is playing a free concert at the Pontiac Garage sponsored by Pontiac and Q101, who happen to be giving away free tickets. Flash animation warning.
AsianMack free mixes
While the mix mp3 project Out of 5 might return in the near future, Jamie and the folks at AsianMack are releasing completely free mp3 mixes each month that come with printable AsianMack cover artwork. Look to the northeast.
More Lolla to Love
The details are slowly oozing out about the return of Lollapalooza to Chicago this summer. Latest in the pipeline is that the festival will be more than twice as big with a jump from 60 to 130 acts, will feature not 4 but 8 stages, and will stretch from Hutchinson Field to the Petrillo Music Shell over the now 3-days of music, August 4-6. Will any of the lineup be recycled from the other summer music fests in the works? Are any of those acts Smashing Pumpkins? We're still waiting to hear.
MDRN Transmission Pt. 2
If you missed this week's Transmission act, the Modern Temper, at their Hideout gig on Wednesday because of the GRAMMYs, the snow or Project Runway, they've been added to tonight's Beat Kitchen bill. Doors are at 7; admission is $8.
Don't Ignore the Man Behind the Curtain
Former WLUW DJ Mike (sans partner Lyssa) interviews Ed Menacho, founder of local label Brilliante Records on his podcast 15 Minutes (the step-child of their longer show 75 Minutes, a GB fav). Hear about how the label got started, and the changing indie record scene, as well as music by local Brilliante artist The M's.
Closing the Book of Daniel
Wynne Delacoma of the Sun-Times outlines the CSO's post-Barenboim strategy, which we can summarize for you: guest conductors, guest conductors and more guest conductors. What might come after the 2006/07 season, no one's saying, but it seems likely that one of those guests may eventually settle in for good.
Perhaps it is the Cat Scratch Fever?
Citing "health reasons" Matador records has announced that the delightfully unpredictable Cat Power (aka Chan Marshall) has cancelled most of her U.S. tour, including her stop in Chicago originally planned for The Vic later this month. If you're desperate for some Cat Power, she's still planning to play Bonnaroo and Coachella Music Festivals...for now. Check the Matador site for updates on refunds.
Nothing To Get Angry About
This week's Transmission artist, The Modern Temper, will blow their stack this Wednesday, February 8th at The Hideout (w/Devin Davis). Get over the "Hump Day" blues and head over to one of the hottest venues in Chicago. Show some love for a local up-and-coming band.
XXX-Rated Chicago
Demon Dogs maybe be gone, but Chicago (the band) is back. The band's 30th album, imaginitively titled Chicago XXX, comes out next Tuesday, and they'll be touring this summer with none other than Huey Lewis & The News.
Summer of Music
Now that it's semi-official that Lollapalooza is returing to Grant Park August 4-6, music fans are looking at a very busy summer. Intonation is scheduled for June 24-25 and the new Pitchfork Music Festival is July 29-30 (both at Union Park) — throw in the city-sponsored Gospel, Blues, Country and Jazz Festivals (not to mention neighborhood fests) and there's a major music fest pretty much every other weekend from June till September.
Last Gasp For The Cotton Club
The Cotton Club will be closing its doors Monday evening after 20 years in business. Surely the place will be packed this evening, but if you're so inclined, drop by and take part in its send-off.
"We Hate When Our Friends Become Successful"
Is Chicago ready for not one, but two Pitchfork-inspired festivals? Inspired by their success last year, various parties who once teamed up are trying to go their separate ways and stage separate events. Which, frankly, sounds like a Very Bad Idea.
The Return of Intonation
Well, you won't hear it (yet) from Pitchfork or the fest's website, but the hit Intonation Music Festival is slated to return to Chicago this summer, July 29-30. While we're eagerly waiting for a line-up announcement (and a weather forecast), let's hope the city gets a call from that other big music festival and doesn't schedule it for the same weekend. We've already been disappointed with scheduling conflicts once this year.
Some Local Music Love
As posted earlier this week, Flameshovel Records is considered one of the Top 10 indie labels in Chicago. Appropriately, we are featuring one of their bands, The Bound Stems, in our Transmission section this week. They are considered by many to be a band on the rise but don't take our word for it - give them a listen and see them live at the Empty Bottle this Friday.
It Feels So Good
The Smoking Popes reunion continues apace... After getting back together in November for the Flower Fifteen gigs, the band is heading out on a tour that's set to culminate March 11th and 12th at the Metro, which, according to its website, is now smoke-free. Tickets go on sale Saturday. (Get a taste of what's to come with recordings of the set that started this whole reunion business: out next month on Victory.)
Chicago Indie Labels
Did you catch the Trib's round-up of the "10 Indie Labels That Matter" here in Chicago? No? Well, here. Go read about Bloodshot, Thrill Jockey, Flameshovel and more.
Even in Europe
This week's Onion alerts us to the fact that Even in Blackouts, the band featuring Screeching Weasel guitarist John Pierson, will be playing Friday night at Beat Kitchen as a warm-up gig for their upcoming European tour. Fans of Pierson's work in the new band, the old band, or even in the Neo-Futurist theater group will definitely want to turn up for this gig. See Slowdown for details.
The Bean by Moonlight
Still pissed at the Park District for denying Radiohead the Millennium Park bandshell this summer? Show up at the Bean Friday night at 6:30pm for a group mooning in protest, organized by Q101's Fook. You'll be among friends... and probably a few dozen policemen. (Thanks, Anthony.)
Jumpsuit Down To The Empty Bottle
This week's latest Transmission artist, Jumpsuit, will be appearing tonight at The Empty Bottle. This is part of the usual Flabby Hoffman extravaganza of which I've taken part in a few times. Should be a great time on hump night.
Fork it
Readers not so enamored with local music reviewers Pitchfork Media can tune in to Tuning Fork, a blog that reviews Pitchfork reviews. (See also David Cross' reviews of music for Pitchfork reviews, or something like that.) Link via Tuning, who offer sound advice for Pitchfork haters: "ignore them completely."
Playing Millennium Park Isn't Easy
Because the Grant Park Symphony Orchestra has a rehearsal scheduled on June 20, you won't be seeing Radiohead play Millennium Park this summer. (The upshot is they're scheduled to play somewhere in town that week, so save those dates!)
Chicago Musicians Show Their Love
Pitchfork brings news of a round of benefit concerts to pay medical bills for Gary Schepers, who's done sound for a number of local venues and artists. Among those scheduled to perform at shows later this month are Edith Frost, Califone, Jay Farrar, Jeff Tweedy and the Blisters (whom you may already know).
A Fine Specimen
Specimen Products is a custom guitar and amp maker on the West Side. In addition to some incredible gear, they run The Chicago School of Guitar Making which offers classes in guitar set-up and maintenance for budding roadies and a fretting workshop for the serious guitar tech.
Last Nite (Four Years Ago)
The Strokes are not dead. In fact, they're going on a mini-tour next week to support their latest, with a touch down planned for Chicago on Tuesday. Q101 will announce all the details tomorrow afternoon, but they're doing a presale in the a.m for subscribers to their email list.
An Obscure Christmas
Would you like to download some of the strangest, most obscure Christmas music available? Thanks to Andy Cirzan; aka DJ LoFi, and Sound Opinions, you can. You can download the full albums along with cover art but you gotta act quickly. It will only be available until midnight, December 26th.
New Year's with Neko
If you're gonna spend the $60 it costs to see the New Pornographers at the Metro on New Year's Eve, you probably want to know whom of the revolving cast you'll see. Or, more to the point, will Neko Case take the stage? From what we hear, yes, she will, along with Carl Newman (of course), Kurt Dahl, Blaine Thurier, John Collins, Todd Fancy and Kathryn Calder. In other words, you're paying less than 10 bucks a band member.
All Things Go for Stevens and West
The Prairie State lands a 1-2 punch on Pitchfork's Top 50 Albums of 2005 chart, with Illinois by Sufjan Stevens leading the pack and Kanye West's Late Registration digging for silver. Several locally based musicians were among those who submitted personal favorites; last week in Fuel, our readers posted theirs.
Top Music Listmania!
Sound Opinions co-host and Trib music critic Greg Kot has revealed his list of top ten albums released this year by local indie bands, which includes local buzz-makers New Black and Pelican. The list also helpfully includes upcoming showdates for the acts that made the cut. Kot's Top Twenty overall for 2005 can be found here, and Jim DeRogatis' Top Thirty are here.
Plastic Coctails
Tonight at 7pm, the Coctails are playing a free set at Rotofugi, 1953 W. Chicago Ave., to celebrate the release of a new line of Coctails action figures by band member and artist Archer Prewitt. Not able to make it? You could go to their annual reunion show at the Abbey Pub on Sunday (see Slowdown). You might also check out this week's Detour, in which Dave Elfving talks with Coctail Mark Greenberg in his home studio.
Getting ASCAP'ed
When I first read some of the posts on Craigslist about ASCAP muscling nightclubs for licensing fees from the performance of cover songs, I shrugged them off. It seems I shrugged too early. New City reports that Chicago area musicians who like to hit the open mics and jam sessions have had to do so incognito or under a cloak of secrecy due to ASCAP's crackdown. Back in July ASCAP filed 30 separate copyright infringement actions against a number of nightclubs. So far, no Chicago clubs on the list.
The Sound of Opinion (2005 Edition)
Greg Kot and Jim DeRogatis of Chicago Public Radio's latest programming acquisition, Sound Opinions, ran their "Best Of" show this weekend. Check out their favorites, and then post your own in Fuel.
Laissez Les Bons Temps Rouler
Here's a New Years Eve bash that'll insure you have a great time for a good cause. The show will be at the Blue Bayou in Wrigleyville and costs $125 (for which you get an open bar, food all night, a champagne toast and music from Dwayne Dopsie & the Zydeco Hellraisers). Most importantly, $50 from each ticket goes to Bear Necessities Pediatric Cancer Foundation's Katrina Relief Fund.
Rock for the Kids
Tonight (Friday) at the Park West, Rock for Kids is holding its annual Rock'n'Roll Auction. Bid on all sorts of autographed stuff, from a Green Day poster to a Phil Collins self-portrait to, uh, an Alec Guinness headshot (how's he rock'n'roll?). Tickets are $20 at the door.
Out of the House, Into the Clubs
Besides the electronic stuff Jes mentioned, there is all manner of music to keep you occupied this weekend, either with or without the relatives. Illinois Entertainer has a run-down.
It's not Thanksgiving without a hangover
Thanksgiving to me means old friends back in town, and everyone wants to party because they have Thursday off work. Fortunately, there are at least three events tonight where you can go dancing and ensure a proper hangover for tomorrow's dinner. First, the annual Superjane Night Before Thanksgiving Soiree at Smartbar, with DJ Heather, Colette, Lady D, and Dayhota. Or, if you want your house music more classic, Derrick Carter is spinning at Zentra. Finally, for something a little bit ravier (and if you're under 21), there's a huge lineup at the Logan Square Auditorium featuring DJ Funk, Paul Johnson, Danny the Wildchild, Delta 9, and more. Full details in Slowdown.
Who's Your New Egg Producer?
Man, I wish I was in town this weekend. Andrew Bird and Sam Prekop are playing an early show on Saturday before Bird's sold-out gig with Head of Femur later in the evening. The show starts at 6:30pm at the Logan Square Auditorium. Tickets are $15 in advance and are expected to sell out — get yours quick!
Score Some Dinosaur Jr Tickets
Want to see Dinosaur Jr next week at the Metro? First person to correctly answer the following question via email to inbox@gapersblock.com wins two free tickets: Before Lollapalooza this summer, when was the last time Dinosaur Jr played in Chicago? UPDATE: We've got a winner! The correct answer was Halloween, 1997, at the Metro.
E. B. Forum
The Empty Bottle has introduced a new online message board. Not much there as yet, but they promise users "all sorts of insider information – giveaways, love letters, philosophical remunerations, show announcements and the like."
It's a CD release party
Singer/songwriter/musician/blogger Edith Frost has been collecting quite a few positive reviews for her brand-new album It's A Game, released this week on Drag City. The Tribune calls it one of the year's best albums, and the Reader refers to the music as "elegantly restrained". Even Entertainment Weekly gave the album a good grade. You'll get a chance to hear Edith's new music tomorrow night at her CD release party at the HotHouse; see Slowdown for details.
Lampo and the Audible Arts
Looking to expand your musical horizons beyond mainstream song structures and into new forms of music? If so, you might be interested in Lampo, a local presenter of "experimental music and intermedia events" that brings in a global set of sound-artists for monthly performances. This weekend Berlin-based artist Stephan Mathieu will be performaing "Radioland", a suite of computer-processed live AM radio, accompanied by a fast, random video flicker of 256 colors. So if you don't mind loud sounds, not so comfy chairs, and a limited color palette, you may be interested in what Slowdown has to say.
Coctails Scoop!
You heard it here first: The Coctails are reuniting again for another show at the Abbey Pub December 18. Tickets on sale now. Even cooler, though, will be the show they play at Rotofugi on December 15 for the release of the new line of Coctails action figures by band member and artist Archer Prewitt.
Just How Many Will West Win?
You've only got until Sunday to vote for the Chicago Music Awards. Best get crackin'!
A Million Words
Music site Coolfer introduced Damian Kulash of Chicago's OK Go as a guest blogger over the weekend. Kulash will be reporting from the road as his band finishes its current tour; today, he takes on DRM. OK Go will play a local show on Friday, with a 7pm signing at the Tower Records on Clark. Fans or the merely curious can email Kulash: damian at coolfer.com.
You + orchestra = Messiah
Handel's Messiah will be performed at the Civic Opera House on the evenings of December 20 and 21. The performance will feature a full orchestra, four soloists, and a chorus made up of the audience. The "do-it-yourself Messiah" is sponsored by LaSalle Bank, and today is the first day that you can purchase tickets for this event. See the LaSalle Bank Website for full details, ticket purchasing, and tips on preparing for the concert.
Live in Chicago, Relived at Home
No need to hold the cell phone in the air to broadcast your live music experience to friends elsewhere: today sees the release of recordings of two major rock concerts that took place in Chicago in the past year. We've mentioned the Wilco CD Kicking Television previously, but there's also U2 on DVD with their Vertigo 2005. "City of Blinding Lights," indeed. And, lest we forget, on a non-musical note, there's the Oprah 20th anniversary collection — although, if you're in the market, you probably know that, don't you?
Dig the Roots
Well, ?uestlove, anyway. Radio Free Chicago has the 411 on his DJ appearance tonight at Sonotheque. The event promises "special guests" and is free, but you've got to get yer name on the list.
I Ain't Saying He's A Gold Digger
Chicago DJ Eric "E-Smoove" Miller has filed a 10.5 million dollar countersuit against Kanye West. The DJ and the rapper are battling over a ten-track album West recorded during the '90s. West's legal team contends that E-Smoove shopped the tracks with a contract featuring a fake West signature. In other Kanye news, this is the 10th straight week "Gold Digger" has topped the Billboard Hot 100.
The Mysterious Production of Lyrics
Joan Anderman of the Boston Globe interviews Andrew Bird and says he sounds "desperate for soup and a nap." For his sake, let's hope Bird gets some rest when he's back in Chicago for the Thanksgiving holiday. For our sake, too: he's set for two shows at Logan Square Auditorium that weekend. Tickets are apparently going fast; might want to order them soon.
Finding the Right Pitch
Are you a member of a band, looking to get hyped in the local media? Check out Scott Smith's helpful write-up of last night's Chicago Music Commission panel on pitching to the press.
All Ages Chicago
Finally, underage music lovers (well, the punk ones, anyway) have a venue to replace the Fireside: The Studio, 7016 N. Glenwood Ave., puts on shows Thursday through Saturday with ticket prices generally $10 or less, perfect for a high school/college budget. The venue also offers $2 off admission if you become a member -- $10 for three months.
Halloween is over, time for NYE plans.
Everyone’s favorite indie-snark news clearinghouse Pitchfork Media will be having a two-night 10th anniversary/New Year’s Eve party at the Viaduct Theater on 12/30-31. Tickets go on sale November 12th, and the NYE show, featuring Wolf Parade, is only $35, which is probably about as cheap as your New Year’s Eve is gonna get unless you stay home, watch New Year’s Rockin’ Eve, and drink Boone’s Farm.
Finally, A Podcast To Love
Finding good new music is always a challenge. After a tip from Eric, I downloaded and listened to the most recent podcast from some former WLUW DJs who staff the 75 minutes website. It's a great site with a weekly podcast filled with lots of independent music - a whole 75 minutes worth. It's like listening to delicious indie radio -- with a fast forward button if you need it.
Chi-Rock Rumble
Twista is in the news again today: This time, members of the Chi-Rock Hip Hop Nation, a South Side hip hop collective founded in 1985, accuse Twista of infringing on their name for his new label, Chi-Rock Entertainment. No litigation yet, but just you wait.
About That Wilco Live Recording
CD? Yes! DVD? Not so much. Meantime, the band are playing a sold-out benefit for Hurricane Katrina victims tonight the Auditorium tonight. As you might expect, the Craigslist action is hot and heavy.
Apparently reggae is the official music of Tuesday.
We just posted about "Chicago's Longest Running Reggae Night" at Darkroom. But if that's not enough reggae for your Tuesday, try the Super Status Crew spinning reggae plus funk and hip-hop at Betty's Blue Star Lounge. The show goes waaay into Wednesday morning, with Lord Dubious, Chuck Sunshine and The Graduate. Go to Betty's web site before 7 pm to put yourself on the VIP list. Get mad props. Pay no cover charge. Every Tuesday night. Betty's Blue Star Lounge, 1600 West Grand Avenue, 21+.
Signed, Cealed, Delivered
Heavy metal band Cealed Kasket will be playing the Cubby Bear on October 31st, which, ironically, happens to be the same day as Halloween. Lead singer, Mortal Death, "spawned from Erik and Emily Duth in the Bristol suburb Abrahmshire", will be joined by bandmates Sarcicus, Maurice, and Scott for a night of... well...something scary I would imagine.
Comin' Home Via CD
Wilco did the live recording thing at their four-night stand at the Vic earlier this year. The two-disc result will apparently bear the title Kicking Television. If you're anxious to hear yourself as a screaming crowd member, though, the online sampler'll have to do until the album drops next month. (You can, however, pre-order it now.)
Thunder Gong. That could have been trouble.
So I'm waiting on my takeout when this dude hands me a flier. Unless I'm at a concert, I've got this thing about taking paper from strangers. Too late though - already took it. Ah, just an invite from DJ Redlox himself to Thunder Gong, billed as "Chicago's longest running Reggae night." I was a little suspicious of the "longest running" claim, as I didn't think Darkroom was old enough to boast such a thing. But apparently this Reggae night migrated from Lava Lounge. Okay, I'll buy it. Anyhow, DJ Redlox and General Pacman man the turntables and apparently the video screens too. Every Tuesday at the Darkroom, 2210 West Chicago Ave. Starting at 10pm. No cover.
The Year in Rockness
The leaves are dropping, and so are the temps. Which prompts one to start looking back on the past year, remembering the good times, forgetting the bad. That's what Oh My Rockness is suggesting, at least, as they seek your submissions of the best and worst shows you've seen in 2005 (so far). (And, for thinking about these things beyond the calendar, there's Fuel.)
Ghostface Drenchah?
"Near-riot" on the Near North Side last Friday night, as Ghostface concert erupts into mayhem. Pitchfork reports.
Fired up by Chicago
Turns out Sufjan Stevens isn't the only big name indie musician turning to Chicago for inspiration on his latest album. No, the Fiery Furnaces' latest, Rehearsing My Choir, loosely recounts the experiences of the brother/sister pair's grandmother, who grew up on the South Side -- witness such tracks as "Garfield El," for example. Kelefa Sanneh checks in with the band in today's Times, and BrooklynVegan compiles a few MP3s and other links.
Flower Power (by eBay)
Hey, indie rockers! CAUSES, a local child abuse treatment center, and P.L.A.Y (Possibilities in Life: Art for Youth) have teamed up with Flower Fifteen for a charity auction of your Pitchforkmedia-lovin' dreams. Starting today and running for another 9d 20h 27m (at the time of this posting), you can bid on such items as a recording session with Ted Leo or my personal favorite, one hour of private science tutoring with Andrew Kenny of American Analog Set. I'm pretty sure that idea's enough to get some of you singing "Hot for Teacher."
Wilco will help
Wilco will be headlining a benefit concert for hurricane relief that's happening on Tuesday, November 1 at Chicago's Auditorium Theatre. Tickets will be on sale in advance through the band's Website tomorrow, and will be on sale to the general public on Saturday. See the Wilco site for the full story.
Gretchen Goes To Martyr's
Illinois native Doug Pinnick brings his criminally ignored band, King's X, to Martyr's on November 18th. King's X, for the uninitiated, are a thinking man's rock band without the prog-rock grandiosity. Oh, and VH-1 voted them one of the Top 100 Hard Rock Bands of All Time. Having been to most of their Illinois shows, rest assured, I'll be camping out to be front and center.
Handmade blues
Rhino Handmade, the net-only side project of Rhino Records, has posted its latest release for sale: a two CD set of the 1972 Atco album (plus unreleased material) recorded by two Chicago blues masters, Buddy Guy and Junior Wells. You can only pick it up at the Rhino Handmade site. But you don't want to dawdle, because there are only 2,500 copies of this release available, and once it's sold out, it's gone.
QOTSA up close and personal
I was intrigued by reports that Queens of the Stone Age would be giving an in-store performance this Thursday night at the soon-to-be-demolished Belmont Army Surplus. I mean, who wouldn't be interested in an, um, intimate experience with Josh Homme? Or is that just me? So I stopped by the store this afternoon and talked to a clerk to get the details. Unlike most in-store performances, this one's not exactly free. To gain admission, you'll need a wristband available at Tower Records—with purchase of QOTSA's "new" album, Lullabies to Paralyze... which dropped in March. Huh. Mr. Homme and co. play the Allstate Arena Friday with Nine Inch Nails.
Annoy Your Friends and Family
Learn Tuvan throat singing! This crash course is by Brian Grover, one of the voice instructors at the Old Town School of Folk Music.
This Just In: Sleater-Kinney Rock
Sleater-Kinney have been scheduled to play the Metro for a few months now, and, unless you have the excuse of having just seen them at the Riviera, you should already have your ticket. After all, the critics have gushed over their latest record The Woods since its release earlier this year, and, if anyone brings the rock, it's these women. If all that weren't enough, though, now you've got another good reason to mark their October 6th show in your calendar: the band and the concert promoters have announced plans to contribute all profits to the American Red Cross Hurricane Relief Fund. Local favorites The Ponys are opening. Just remember your ear plugs.
Selected Ambient Hand-Jive
Local audio artist and electronic composer, Michael Una, has spent the past few years developing the "Sound-Suit", a wearable synthesizer that is controlled with the movement of the body. His website has video of a Sound Suit performance that demonstates the intriguing and engaging soundscapes he can create by literally manipulating music with his hands. If you'd like to hear more about how he created this spatial synth or his plans for public performance, tune in to Eight Forty-Eight on WBEZ this Thursday morning in the 10am hour.
Hubble Soon Troubled No More
Troubled Hubble, who for the past six years have rocked over Chicago, are calling it quits after their show at Schubas on Thursday, citing health and personal readings. By tickets here. (via Radio Free Chicago)
No Jandek After All
We reported yesterday that the Adventures in Modern Music concert series would feature reclusive legend Jandek. Unfortunately, due to the Hurricane Rita evacuation, Jandek, who lives in Texas, is unable to make it up here. The Empty Bottle is working on a new date for his show.
Honda Wants You to Listen
The Von Bondies and Hot Hot Heat are playing a show, and you can go for free -- if you sign up for Civic Live, a marketing event. So consider any junk mail/spam the price of entry. The concert's on Saturday, Sept. 24 at the Odeum Sports & Expo Center out in Villa Park. (Thanks, Judd)
Two for the Price of One (Thousand)
You know that Pearl Jam benefit that's set to cost a thousand bucks? It's now a mere $500 to see Vedder & co. Yep, if it makes you feel better, imagine the other half of the ticket as paying for Robert Plant's just announced performance. Seen that way, it's nothin' short of a bargain. (In other Rock for Katrina news, Neil Young's not happy about the way Farm Aid was portrayed by the Trib over the weekend. More at Romenesko.)
Modern music
Sure, the big music story this week is Estrojam 2005, but don't forget that other music festival starting tonight, Adventures in Modern Music, sponsored by the Empty Bottle and The Wire magazine. If names like The Red Krayola, Eats Tapes and Deerhoof get you all excited, check out the Empty Bottle's Website for the schedule and tickets for the five-day-long festival. And get your tickets quickly, because it's been announced that Jandek will be performing at the festival. This is roughly the musical equivalent of J.D. Salinger giving a reading at the Harold Washington Library. Obviously you must attend.
Brazil Saves the Day!
Because of visa issues, flamenco artists Mártires del Compás have had to cancel their World Music Festival shows tonight and tomorrow. While unfortunate, their replacements are exciting for Brazilian music fans. Seu Jorge, best known for his Bowie covers in The Life Aquatic, is playing the Empty Bottle tonight after putting on a great show at the Logan Square Auditorium on Sunday. Tomorrow’s HotHouse show will feature guitarist Badi Assad. Tickets for the Empty Bottle show are available at their website or through TicketWeb at 866-438-3401; for the HotHouse show, call 312-362-9707, ext. 209.
file under: they're still around?
Early 90's grunge torch-bearers Pearl Jam will be playing a show to benefit Hurricane Katrina victims. The show will take place at House of Blues on October 5th and tickets are $1000 (that's one thousand dollars). If you have the dough and it's burning a hole in your pocket(s), this would be a good cause to pony up.
Lots of Music Goings On
It's a busy fortnight for music fans. Thursday through Saturday, the Hip Hop Journalism Summit features not just panels but also a mixtape competition and an awards ceremony -- more details here. This Friday sees the return of the Hideout Block Party. This year's program includes the reunion of the dB's after 22 years, as well as many well-loved local bands. And a week from today, Estrojam kicks off; here's a preview of the line-up from Windy City News.
Hankerin' for some Hank?
HankFest is an annual event that features Chicago's finest country artists performing the songs of Hank Williams Sr. This year's event features its usual stellar lineup and some new country bands you may not have heard of. The event kicks off Saturday, Sept. 17 at noon and goes until Sunday, Sept. 18th at 8pm in the parking lot across from the Wishbone restaurant, 1001 W. Washington Blvd. No line dancing allowed.
Band Nerds Kick Ass
While strolling through Wicker Park this weekend, I ran across a mysterious rag-tag marching band that were dancing through the streets in mismatched thrift-store uniforms and playing everything from gypsy jazz to raucous dixieland. It turns out I witnessed a live performance by Mucca Pazza, Chicago's premiere circus punk marching band. So if you happen to see a motley crew of horns, woodwinds, drums, accordians, a guitar player with a speaker on a hockey helmet, and a sousaphone player with grey porkchops (who also happens to play the melodica and lead the band), you can smile knowingly and join the parade.
Illinois remixed
Sufjan Stevens' "Illinois" album, previously mentioned on GB, has been remixed. Check out "Illin'-Noise!" by mc DJ, currently available only as a BitTorrent link. (tip from Metafilter)
Jazz Fest Benefits NOLA but Doesn't Include It
Jazz Fest gets underway tonight at 5pm in Grant Park. Last night, many of the artists gave benefit performances for New Orleans musicians affected by Hurricane Katrina, but Sun-Times columnist Debra Pickett points out that not a single New Orleans jazz act is on the schedule this year. [UPDATE] Reader Mr. says, "Debra Pinkett doesn't know what she's talking about. Donald Harrison, who is playing at Jazz Fest on Sunday night @ Petrillo as part of the Charlie Parker Birthday Celebration, is from New Orleans. He's a protege of the Marsalis gang and is well known for exploring the music of the city."
Wanna be in a porno?
Or at least have your music in one? Early 2 Bed owner Searah Deysach is filming dyke porn and needs musicians who are willing to lend her original tunes for the movie. If you're interested, drop her an email at movie@early2bed.com. It's supposed to release this fall, so quit typing with one hand and send her an email already!
Balancing the earnest and ironic
It's been downloaded half a million times, but the video for Chicago band OK Go's "A Million Ways" is still awesome. Today, as the band's latest album, Oh No, hits the shops, NPR's Robert Siegel talked to singer Damian and his choreographer sister, Trish, about why zany, ballroom and Matrix-inspired dancing works.
I Love You But I've Chosen Rockness
While we mention a fair number of musical performances in Slowdown, in a city this big, there are tons we just don't have the room to cover. Oh My Rockness has recently landed in town and is taking strides into that gap, providing a comprehensive list of the shows at which you're bound to find Chicago's hipsters on any given night. While the graphics may be uncomfortably reminiscent of Urban Outfitters, the content is pleasantly utilitarian and on-point. Plus, there are contests, and what self-respecting indie rocker will ever pass up free tickets to see a band she's never heard of?
Katie Todd Band on iTunes
Music about Chicago aside, there's quite a bit of national attention on music from current and former Chicagoans these days. Common's new album was one of the major releases of the spring, and Kanye drops his sophomore effort in two weeks. Fall Out Boy is climbing the charts, and bands like the Ponys and the Changes are building buzz. Now longtime local faves the Katie Todd Band are hitting the buzz bin, too: the iTunes Music Store named "Face Down," from KTB's new self-released album Make Some Time For Wasting, their single of the week (link requires iTunes player). Katie Todd plays the Metro August 27.
Hey, have you heard about that Sufjan Stevens album?
Good news for fans of really long song titles: the Metro has just announced a second Sufjan Stevens date September 17, to supplement the sold-out 9/16 show. Stevens is, of course, touring in support of his Illinois-inspired album, which we've told you about over and over.
Rawk! Rawk! Rawk!
Do you pine for the days when Poison was #1 in the charts and you were totally stoked to save up enough cash to pick up Master Of Puppets? Do you miss metal, not brass but loud, hairsprayed, mullet-pounding heavy metal? The Chicago Music Factory keeps track of heavy metal events in and around Chicago, keeping track of bands metal-heads want to hear like Maggot Twat, Whorrid, and the timeless classic, RATT. Tight trousers sold separately.
Shining bright
Last year, with help from filmmaker Christoph Green, Brendan Canty of Fugazi produced a documentary of some DC-based bands playing in a local, soon-to-be demolished home. Soon, the pair will release the second installment of their burgeoning series, this time showcasing acts from (and a house in) Chicago. Burn to Shine 02 features peformances by Wilco, Tortoise, the Ponys and others, and, although it won't ship until next week, it's now available for pre-order. You needn't wait, however, to hook your monitor up with a new desktop image; check out the gorgeous preview photos here.
Read the sites, see the bands
Get the scoop on two Chicago-based bands before they play tonight at the Hideout, 1354 W. Wabansia. The news section of headliner Volcano!’s website features a nice “redneck brawl during a song about college debt” story. Opening is XYZR_KX (pronounced “Scissor Kicks”), a solo project by Jon Monteverde of local bands Smell and What Now, My Love. Monteverde has a long-standing blog, including an insightful post on the bias apparent in major reviews of Intonation. Between these two groups is The Ebb and Flow, a San Francisco-based band.
Metro to sell itself
Rather than let the former Hi-Fi Records space lie fallow, the Metro has decided to cash in on its own brand. The shop will reopen on September 1st as the Official Metro Store, a source for tickets, logo merchandise and sundries. Which is all well and good, but more appealing is that plans also include listening stations, exclusive in-stores and meet & greets. Related: Jay Farrar of Son Volt will be performing songs from his new album, Okemah and the Melody of Riot, tonight at the Borders Uptown.
From St. Rita's to the Music HoF
It's hard to imagine Ray Manzarek, keyboardist for The Doors, as a member of the glee club, but it's true. He's playing tonight at his alma mater, St. Rita High School, 7740 S. Western Ave., at 8:30pm Thusday night. Tickets to the show, which opens at 5:30pm and also features The Larkin and Moran Brothers, are $15. Bring a blanket or lawn chairs (and probably an umbrella); there will be beer and food available, so leave the cooler at home. (Thanks, John)
"Your entire ass is crazy."
So you're having trouble identifying the underlying themes, the character motivations, and the stylistic elements of R. Kelly's "Trapped in the Closet" cycle? SomethingAwful.com has got you covered. (And on a serious note, Salon.com recently published an appreciation of the Chicago native's "TP.3 Reloaded" album. Salon subscription req'd, or sit through the advertisement.)
Mind Your Temper
I saw Temper Temper about a year ago at the Metro and was impressed with their set, so I'm quite excited to see them again tonight as they headline the Empty Bottle's "free Mondays" series. Local band Bound Stems and New York group Rahim will play as well. Rock on over to Slowdown to get the full details.
Goin' to the Show
The Show strikes again: If you attend Thursday night's performance in Millennium Park by Danilo Pérez with Angel Meléndez and the 911 Mambo Orchestra, you can get a professionally produced, limited edition live recording of it for posterity.
Subvert the Dominant Ticketmaster
A couple of days ago, we noted the departure of Hi-Fi Records from the space next door to the Metro. A reader who visited over the weekend wrote in and described its condition as "totally barren, empty to the bare walls, no signage, nada." The store kept erratic hours, but one appeal was its acting as a point of purchase for tickets not marked up by any service charges. Now, post-Hi-Fi closure, the Metro will be handling its own sales, with a box office open Monday through Friday, 10am to 6pm, and Saturday, 12 to 6pm. Although it's always sad to see an independent music store close up shop, this development offers something of a silver lining. (Unchanged: if you wanna spend the dough, you can still go through Ticketmaster.)
Get Yer CDs Before They're Gone
Almost exactly two years ago, we wrote about HiFi Records going into the store next to Metro after Clubhouse folded. Well, now HiFi's folding, too. But you can profit from their failure -- all CDs are currently $2-$5. In related news, our good friends Coudal Partners are turning their studio into a narrow-selection record store today: stop by 400 N. May St. between 3pm and 7pm to pick up live concert CDs from the Pixies and Dead Can Dance. More info on the pixiesdiscs blog. UPDATE: Just called HiFi and confirmed: Saturday is the Metro location's last day in business; the other two locations remain open.
Next up: Heat Stroke for Hottie
Lollapalooza, the second big music festival of July, is soon upon us. In fact, you can beat tomorrow's lines by heading down to Grant Park this afternoon to redeem your tickets for the wristbands that will allow admission. Nevertheless, what may prove unbeatable is the weather. WGN forecasts a high of 100º on Sunday, with a heat index of 114º. So, if you're going, make sure to take along the permitted 2 water bottles, and, if you decide to stay indoors and forgo the Trail of Dead outside, one place you can look for reports on festival goings-on is USA Today. The paper is touring the country on a "summer music road trip" and kicks off its coverage of the weekend with this interview with the soon-to-be-50 Billy Idol.
Found Tapes, Find Tapes
Tape Findings is a collection of found tape recordings, with mp3s of choice bits. And speaking of tapes, there's a treasure hunt of sorts to be had with the Chicago Tape Project -- find a mixtape and exchange it with one you make. Here's a map of some of the locations.
Hardcore Histories
Mess Hall (which deserves an entry of its own) in Rogers Park is hosting a series of events called Hardcore Histories on the 21st, 23rd and 31st of July. Not quite about the sordid pasts of particpants and artists, the series will showcase and discuss hardcore punk and its offshoots from the early 80's to who's shaking things up today. The first day kicks off with a presentation and listening session called "Short, Fast, and Loud: A Seven-Inch Survey" — dig those records out and crank to 11 please.
Funerals for 3 Chicago musicians
Last Friday, three Chicago musicians were killed in a traffic accident. Gone are: Doug Meis, the drummer for Exo and the Dials; John Glick, the guitarist for the Returnables; and Michael Dalquist, the drummer for Silkworm. If you knew these musicians or loved their music, you might want to attend the memorial services being planned for the three.
Spittin' Rhymes
If you're looking for an alternative to the Intonation goings-on, head over to Wicker Park, 1425 N. Damen Ave., on Saturday (7/16) for Rhyme Spitters II, a showdown of local battle rappers. Four stages will feature battles from 1:30pm on; at 9:30pm, the top eight emcees from each stage will do battle at The Note, 1571 N. Milwaukee, with the winner walking away with $2,000. The battles in the park are free; the finals are $10. And the whole thing is being filmed for a documentary.
Hydration, all I ever wanted
Ah, yes. One last Intonation-related post. This to let you know that, opinionated as their reviews may be, the folks at Pitchfork have a heart: contrary to prior word, the concert organizers have now announced you may bring two sealed water bottles into the park. That's a good thing, as both days are currently forecast at 90+. For those excited, there's the countdown or social networking via Upcoming. For those less so, there's Chicagomuzik's clip-and-save map. (Of course, the jokes there are all of the meta, Seth Cohen variety, so maybe best to scroll on past and remember it'll all be over soon.)
Both kinds of music: exotica and folk
Two big music festivals are happening this weekend in the Chicago area, and there's plenty of music to go 'round. First, if you get yourself over to Fitzgerald's in Berwyn tomorrow afternoon, you can experience the main event of the Luau by the Lake festival: a 12-hour show/luau featuring two music stages, over a dozen performances by various exotic artists (such as King Kukulele and Los Straightjackets), an aloha attire contest, and much much more. If you can't make it out to the 'burbs, you can enjoy the Folk and Roots Festival in Welles Park, which will feature loads of musical and dance performers, dance lessons throughout the day, and performances by the staff of the nearby Old Town School of Folk Music. Both festivals run through Sunday; see their respective Websites for full details. (And for you go-go enthusiasts, both festivals will feature performances by the World Famous Pontani Sisters.)
Illinois Delayed
Here we are, with an interview with Sufjan Stevens timed for the release of his new album, Illinois, and it's been delayed by "legal issues with the artwork" for the album. Various music blogs (including Between thought and expression) are reporting that DC Comics has issued a cease and desist order because the album's cover features an image of Superman.
Your Formula Life
This Saturday, July 2, local promotional collectives Meiotic and Koncept team up to present the next edition of their excellent, bi-monthly Your Formula Life series at Chicago's Tini Martini. This installment features performances from BMG of Ectomorph fame and a DJ set from Planet E recording artist Common Factor. In the shameless self-promotion department, I'll be opening up the night. More information is available in Slowdown.
An update on those music festivals
Pitchfork's Intonation Festival is less than a month off, and they're reminding folks that 2-day passes may run out soon. A schedule of the event is now available, meaning you can figure out just how sun-burnt you want to get. As for the following weekend, Lollapalooza has also posted line-ups: day 1, day 2 and a pdf of both. Since it features mutiple stages, Lolla may take some strategy, not to mention negotiation with your friends ("will it be the Walkmen or the Pixies on Saturday at 7:30?," for example), so it's never too early to start planning.
Don't Techno For An Answer
Techno is often synonymous with Detroit, and as such, Chicago tends to be more of a house music city. But tonight, as the excellent SummerDance festival continues, legendary techno DJ Jeff Mills takes the stage in what is sure to be an exciting and historic event. Now a Windy City resident, Mills is one of the genre's most in-demand performers, jetsetting between the continents on what seems like a never-ending tour. Come out and see one of the most inimitable talents in techno play what I assume will be a varied set of classics and personal favorites. Mike Dearborn starts things off at 6 PM in Grant Park.
Elliott Smith Tribute
I wish I had known more about Elliott Smith before his death, to give him more than just posthumous cred, but for those of you who loved him before and for those who love him now, Last Alley Productions is holding a tribute to the late singer tonight. Featured artists include Dick Prall, Dylan Rice and Wonderful Smith. Doors open at 8pm for the 21+, 8:30pm show at the Viaduct Theater, 3111 N. Western Ave. Call 773-296-6024 for more information.
Dolorous Canter has a listening party
Full disclosure: this is shameless self-promotion. This week's Transmission artist, Dolorous Canter also happens to be a band I play in. Our new EP, For What You Thought Was Once Dead (oooh, lengthy title) is now out and we've teamed up with the good folks at Rotofugi to hold a listening party this Friday, June 24th from 8pm till 10:30pm. We're playing the EP twice but also playing the artists and sounds that have influenced us. Free copies of the EP will be given out and beverages will be provided. Consider this sort of a rock lounge happy hour, except later.
What's Next?
It's been hard to avoid the news, but for those that still don't know, Wired Magazine's NextFest is happening this weekend at Navy Pier. In addition to the many technological attractions the event is sure to offer, local arts/cultural publication Flavorpill is hosting a special lounge area at the event, featuring DJ sets from local favorites Kate Simko, Dave Siska, Ken and Karl Meier, Ken Waagner, and Brad Owen. It'll be open from 11-5 on Saturday and Sunday. Stop by and say hello, why dontcha?
The Ballad of Billy Pumpkinhead
Billy Corgan's solo debut, TheFutureEmbrace, hits stores today, and already he's moving on — or backwards, depending on your point of view. He placed a full-page ad in today's Tribune announcing that he plans to re-form the Smashing Pumpkins. Oh, and he plugs his blog. If you're interested, he'll be at the Adler Planetarium tonight from 6:30pm to 10:30pm to celebrate the release; admission is free if you buy the album and bring it with you.
Disco For(n)ever!
Many Gapers Block readers are too young to truthfully comment, but an ISU history professor is asking why disco sucked so bad in the 1970s, as part of research for a book. Help him out if you can.
Next: music. Next, Nextfest
As part of next weekend's Nextfest exhibition at Navy Pier, WiReD has asked a local musician that you may have heard of, Jeff Tweedy, to put together a live concert. Next Music happens next Wednesday at the Vic, and features music by Joanna Newsom and the Handsome Family. Tickets are on sale now through Ticketmaster and the Vic box office.
Local music, out and proud
Northwestern alum and Windy City-based musician Dylan Rice was among the recipients of 2005 Outmusic Awards last weekend. The awards were held at the Chicago Cultural Center, and Rice won Outstanding Debut Recording for his Wandering Eyes. There are several chances to see (and congratulate) Rice this month, including A Tribute to Elliott Smith, Wednesday the 22nd at the Viaduct Theater. Another local winner was Scott Free, who took home song and musician of the year awards. Free's latest album is They Call Me Mr. Free, and he hosts the weekly queer performance series Homolatte at Marrakech ExpressO in Ravenswood.
Double Door propped open
Yesterday afternoon, Double Door owners reached an agreement with their landlord before the two parties were set to start court proceedings over a dispute on the rent for the building. The concert venue will stay open for at least another nine years.
No hammers and/or sickles here, please
The Empty Bottle was set to host a line-up of Canadian, indie rock all-stars tonight: Caribou, Junior Boys, and the Russian Futurists. However, as Pitchfork has just reported, after their detainment by the US Border Patrol on Sunday, there's no immediate future for the Futurists in Chicago. Bummer.
Air Guitar Championship
So if you spend several minutes a day rocking out with your invisible guitar while listening to tunes on your iPod then you need to get your hiney down to Joe's Bar tonight at 8pm to participate in the US Air Guitar Championship. If you win tonight, then you'll get to go on to the finals in LA. You'll be judged on Technical Merit, Stage Presence, and "Airness". Who knew there were rules to playing air guitar?
Grant Park Music Festival
Thinking of my favorite outdoor summer places, reminds me that the 2005 schedule for the Grant Park Music Festival is online. Most of this year's concerts will be held at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion in Millenium Park. According to the website, the Grant Park Music Festival is the country's only remaining free outdoor classical music series. The opening night concert is Wednesday, June 15, at 6:30pm with a performance of Mendelssohn's "A Midsummer Night's Dream."
Paging Professor Prekop
Chicagoan Sam Prekop is a jack-of-all-media: you probably know him best as a musician, but he's a visual artist, as well. (And, by golly, did one of his photographs make a gorgeous prize at our recent anniversary party!) Post Sea and Cake, he's gone solo, and his latest, Who's Your New Professor, has managed to get props from Pitchfork. Prekop's out on the road right now, touring behind the record, and he'll be in Boston tomorrow. As such, Beantown's Weekly Dig runs this nice little interview in which he discusses his hometown and transcending its influence on his music. (Updated, because I'm totally daft and forgot: we ran this audio interview just last month.)
"Be" Came Home for Inspiration
Next Tuesday, Common's new album, "Be
It's a Normal Part of Growing Up, Bobby
Chicago Stoner Rock noticed that a whole lot of bands come through Chicago on their way to the Emissions from the Monolith festival in Youngstown, OH. So they've put together the Premature Emissions festival, starting tonight and running through June 5, featuring dozens of local and touring bands. Being stoners, they forgot to put up a schedule, but you can check the listings for the Double Door and The Note for your favorite acts.
It's funny
Local music rag Pitchfork Media asked funny boy David "Tobias" Cross to write up a top ten list for their site. Cross, wondering why Pitchfork asked him to contribute to the site after they roasted his last album It's Not Funny, contributed a hilarious essay that mingles outrageous excerpts from actual Pitchfork reviews with descriptions of made-up CDs to listen to whilst reading those reviews. Tip from Salon.com's Audiofile column (subscription req'd).
Everything you knew before is wrong
Contrary to prior announcements, the Intonation Music Festival, organized by Chicago-based Pitchfork, will be selling tickets in advance. Pre-sales begin this Wednesday, May 18th, at noon via the web. There's a limited quantity of 2-day passes available for $22, or you can purchase single-day admission for $15 (which, we should note, represents another adjustment -- the originally announced price was $10/day). The other major switch is the venue: rather than Pulaski Park, the concert will now be held in Union Park. So basically everything is different, except maybe the acts, and even they are "subject to change without notice."
U2 and You, Too
Those lucky fans who actually got tickets to nights two and three of U2's four-night stand in Chicago have another reason to be happy: Billboard reports that the band filmed the shows for an upcoming DVD. A bit more info is on U2.com. (Those who didn't make it should look on the bright side; the DVD will no doubt be cheaper than those tickets.)
A coming of age story
Tonight marks another installment of Scared to Dance, The Opaque Project's monthly night at Liar's Club. The theme this month is "A coming of age story"; the last theme party they threw at the Jerkstore brought out droves of costumed hipsters. DJ's for tonight are Johnny Love, Joel Brown, and Matt Roan. 1665 W. Fullerton, 21+, 10pm, no cover, $1 PBR.
A not-so-lonely goatherd
From the New Yorker to Nerve, John Darnielle sure has been getting a lot of press lately. And for good reason: critics agree that his latest album, The Sunset Tree, is great. So, when he's playing at Logan Square Auditorium with his Mountain Goats Friday night, you know you should be there to watch. The details are in Slowdown. Just don't forget to holler for his classic paean to wishful thinking, "Cubs in Five."
Boulez á quatre-vingts
Next Monday night's performance of the Berg Chamber Concerto with Daniel Barenboim and Pinchas Zukerman marks the end of the CSO's celebration of Pierre Boulez's 80th birthday. Thanks to the iTunes Music Store, though, the music doesn't have to stop. The complete Deutsche Grammophon catalog is now available, including lots of unreleased and out-of-print material. Boulez's history with the CSO is a long one, and he has been the Orchestra's principal guest conductor for the past 10 years. He's clearly loved in Chicago, but for opinions outside the city, there's this career retrospective in the Guardian.
SummerDance schedule
The schedule for this year's SummerDance series in Grant Park is out, and looks quite promising. Last year's well-received addition of DJ Wednesday's is back, with artists like Paul Johnson, Superpitcher, Jeff Mills on the lineup.
Sufjan's Illinois
Sufjan Stevens' soon-to-be-released album all about the Land of Lincoln gets a big thumbs up from Stereogum today, and we get to hear a couple tracks. I'm looking forward to hearing "Casimir Pulaski Day."
Shhh... Spread the Word
A friend of GB just told us a secret, but he wanted us to tell you: Tonight at the Hideout, The Changes are playing a special set to help celebrate Life During Wartime's second anniversary. And tomorrow night? Supersystem, formerly known as El Guapo. The fun starts after 9pm both nights.
Detroit Artist Makes Chicago Debut
The buzz around town is growing to fever pitch for tonight's Going Forward in Reverse event at Sonotheque. Time Out features headliner Anthony Shakir in their latest issue, and the party's promotional team has received accolades for the lineup from both Flavorpill and UR, among others. Why not stop by the GB get-together for a bit, then head down to Chicago Ave. for what proves to a memorable performance from one of the unsung heroes of Detroit techno? More information, as always, over in Slowdown.
Moving the Velvet Lounge
There's a great post on MetaFilter about the Velvet Lounge's pending move to a new location. There are a couple fundraisers (PDF) coming up in May — can't-miss shows for fans of experimental jazz.
Listen to This
Radio Free Chicago, one of the many fine shows on WLUW, informs us that there are three record listening parties happening tonight: New Order at Smartbar; a whole bunch of CDs -- and ping pong! -- at Shubas, brought to you by Reckless Records; and the new Eels disc at Long Room. And on Wednesday, RFC itself is hosting a listening party for the new Stereolab box set at aliveOne, after which a whole bunch of DJs spin.
The video behind the music
As Wilco tour the country (and get ready for a four-night stand at the Vic next week) they showcase the work of Chicago artist Deborah Johnson, who has created a series of video projections that are shown during the concert. Deborah travels with the band and works with them to create new animations for the music, and "performs" the animations live by computer during the shows. An NPR interview with Johnson is available at NPR's site. (Thanks to k10k.net for the tip.)
Be in a Wilco Concert Video
Wilco is doing a four-night stand at the Vic May 4-7, and the concerts will be filmed for an upcoming DVD. Somehow (at this writing, according to their site) there are still tickets available -- get'em while they last! (via marusin.com)
Chicagopalooza lineup announced
The Chicago-only Lollapalooza announced much of their lineup in a press conference this afternoon. The bigger names include Death Cab for Cutie, Liz Phair, the Killers, the Pixies, Weezer, and a reconstituted Dinosaur Jr(!), plus quite a few of-the-moment hipster music nerd bands. Only 30-odd bands out of a reported 60 were named, so there are presumably more to come (we're crossing our fingers and chanting "beck beck beck" under our breath). Tickets are once again on sale at the site.
Going Forward in Reverse
On Friday, April 29, a diverse array of Chicago promoters and electronic musicians invade Sonotheque to present an evening of abstract techno and forward-thinking house. Featuring performances from globe-trotting artists such as Detroit legend Anthony 'Shake' Shakir (in his first Chicago performance), Residual Records owner Titonton Duvante, and underground electro producer Silicon of Vmax fame, this will be a refreshingly varied dance music showcase. More information is available in Slowdown.
Hyde Five!
Mr Hyde Records will be releasing its fifth compilation of Hyde Park music at tonight at the Subterranean (details in Slowdown). Rumor has it that the compilation record, entitled "Hyde Five," will showcase as many as nineteen active Hyde Park bands. Stop by the Subterranean tonight after 9 pm to get your hands on a copy. If you can't make it, keep an eye on the Mr Hyde website-- like with previous Mr Hyde releases, once the limited-edition discs are sold out, you can download the mp3s for free.
Sting!
Imagine walking into your music composing class at the University of Illinois at Chicago and being told that your class is being filmed for a promotional university project. And then you see Sting walk in followed by an MTV film crew. Not only did he play music and answer students' questions, he also invited them to play along and even picked out some students for solos. The episode will air Monday on MTVu's Stand-In only available on college campuses. The line-up sounds a heckuva lot better than most of the shite they have on regular MTV. (Thanks, Roni.)
A lot of parrotheads in Chicago
Tickets for the Jimmy Buffett Labor Day concerts at Wrigley Field went on sale yesterday. And... both shows are already completely sold out. Wow.
No Goonies, Just Music
DJ Chester Copperpot got a nice write-up in the Reader's "The Meter" column last week. Copperpot's in high demand right now -- he just finished recording an album with rap legend KRS-One, and his own debut LP, Chapter Seven, is getting great reviews. You can check him out for free every Thursday night at the Morseland, 1218 W. Morse Ave.
Lincoln Square Acquires Small Portion of Texas
The transformation of Lincoln Avenue north of Irving Park continues. In addition to the shoddy old Jewel being rehabed, the neighborhood now has a country bar where you can dance dance dance! If you're tired of going to Carol's Pub for your country tunes, you can now give the Horseshoe a shot. (And if you missed Antje this weekend, I hear you missed quite a show.)
Tune In, Turn On, Wake Up
Looking for something low-key to do this evening? Well, look no further. About Sounds and Subsystence bring local DJs Atomly, Ken Meier and Matt Hellige to Wicker Park's very own Subterranean for an evening of abstract electronic music. Despite the location, the night should be surprisingly devoid of jukebox rock and hipster disco. No, honestly. And best of all, it's free. More details over in Slowdown, if you feel the need.
Dax Aid
A number of benefit concerts and club gigs have been announced to help out musician Dax Pierson, who was seriously injured in a car crash in February. There are two Chicago benefits scheduled at Sonotheque, the first of which happens tonight and features editors from Fader Magazine and Pitchfork Media doing DJ sets. Doors open at 9:00, show starts at 10:00. The second benefit is scheduled for June 10, and apparently features a DJ set by none other than David Cross. See the Sonotheque site for full details on tonight's show, and the Dax Pierson site for more info on his condition. (Thanks to Jessica for the tip.)
Asianmack, now powered by Jeepney
Your favorite local-based music filter/reviewer and mine, AsianMack has returned with a fresh, fun and new design. I'm overly fond of bright, eye-catching designs that make me feel all warm inside and this new design makes the good content stand out even more. Nice job Jamie & co. They've also started making free legal mixes available for download -- a great idea. You can start with their latest.
Be HardPressed
Tonight at the Logan Square Auditorium, 2539 N. Kedzie, PISTIL, Venus, Punk Planet and In These Times are putting on HardPressed, a benefit for the Independent Press Association of Chicago. The line-up features Hot Love, Idris Goodwin, Us and the Guns, The Reptoids, The Love Movement and The Royal Scheitzmen, with a late dance party by DJ G8 and DJ how could god let this happen? Plus a raffle with subscription giveaways, gift certificates and more! 18 and over, doors open at 8:30pm. $8 cover.
Get your glowsticks ready
Lollapalooza, the touring summer music festival started in the 1990s, will be back this summer. But there's only going to be one date, and that's July 23-24 at Grant Park in Chicago. The festival's Website will be up on Friday, and the band lineup will be announced in April.
Riviera makes a Glorious Noise
Our close personal friend Jake Brown from Glorious Noise alerted us to the imminent release of the latest CD on Glorious Noise Records: the first full-length album by Chicago band Riviera. The CD is officially released on April 5, but there's going to be a CD release party this Saturday night at Schubas. See Slowdown for full details.
Beyond the Machine
This Thursday, March 24, a diverse array of Chicago promoters team up to present an evening of abstract techno and forward-thinking house. Featuring live performances from globe-trotting artists such as Windsor-based producer Echoplex, German musician and label owner Andy Vaz, as well as Chicago's very own Warmdesk, this will be a refreshingly varied dance music showcase. Local favorites Josh Werner and Dave Siska open. More information is available in Slowdown, or on the Smart Bar website.
I Love Morrissey
If you love him too, come see the concert film Who Put the 'M' in Manchester, playing just one night only on March 28 at 600 N. Michigan Ave. The film, which documents his legendary sold out homecoming/birthday show in Manchester last year, will be shown in Hi-Definition and 5.1 Dolby Surround Sound.
Buddy Guy, legend
The Tribune reminds us that Buddy Guy will be inducted into the Rock'n'Roll Hall of Fame at tonight's ceremonies, which will be broadcast on VH1 Sunday night at 9:00 PM.
Scared to dance?
Tonight sees another installment of Scared to Dance, the Opaque Project's monthly dose of debauchery at the Liar's Club. Expect DJs Johnny Love, Chamberweed, Hunter Husar, and Joel Brown to drop everything from no-wave to rio funk, booty house to disco, hip hop to grime, glam rock to acid house. Liar's Club, 10pm, 1665 W. Fullerton, 21+, no cover, $1 PBR.
The Illinois Album
Pitchfork has the latest details about Sufjan Steven's upcoming album based on our lovely state. Illinois is the lucky second stop on Sufjan's musical tour of the 50 states, Michigan being the first. The final track listing is still to be determined as the album is still in production. But it will feature a track titled "Chicago". Other songs will cover topics such as the Chicago Fire, the Worlds Fair, the Lincoln-Douglas debates, and Wrigley. The album is due out in July.
Influence @ Sonotheque
Tonight is the March installment of the monthly Influence night at Chicago's Sonotheque. Featuring selections from Ethan D'Ercole of the Watchers, Kevin Kujawa from Hi-Fi, and Mike Broers of Ghost Arcade, Influence is a relaxed night of unmixed (and often underappreciated) classics. Locals Jeremy Horst and Aaron Bennett open. More information is available in Slowdown.
Double dose of Tweedy
If you've been looking wistfully at this Friday's sold-out Jeff Tweedy solo show, take heart: a second show at the Vic has been added Saturday. Tickets go on sale 10am Wednesday through MusicToday and 12pm the same day through Ticketmaster—phone and internet sales only for this one, so don't go camping out in front of the Vic Tuesday night. (Thanks, Angie.)
Let's Knife!
Hard to believe that the Osaka, Japan band Shonen Knife have been together for nearly 25 years now. Tonight you can see if they've still got the chops, as SK takes the stage at the Bottom Lounge. See Slowdown for show details. And fans of all-female Japanese rock bands are advise to mark March 20 on their calendars, when the Japanese record label Benten presents Japan Girls Nite US Tour (featuring rockin' ukulele duo Petty Booka), also at the Bottom Lounge.
Tonight in Wicker Park
Looking for something interesting to do after the Oscars? Well, artists from German record label Traum hit Subterranean tonight; expect a relaxed evening of experimental electronic sounds. Label owner Riley Reinhold headlines, with support from Ontario's Jesse Somfay, Kate Simko of Detalles, and Dave Siska of Clinically Inclined. More information is available in Slowdown, or on the Interrupt Media Group website.
Chicago Rocks
And it raps and it breakdances and Molemen Inc. has two days to bring folks from all over the city together to listen to the best hip-hop the city has to offer. The line-up begins tonight at Metro and tomorrow it moves to The Abbey Pub. And just because it's all hip-hop, don't think there's no variety. You'll be able to see street philosophers like Qualo and Earatik Statik, jazzy acts like Typical Cats, gritty rappers like JUICE and Vakill, and culture critics like All Natural. Tickets range from $10-$15 per night depending on whether you get them before the show or at the show, but at prices like this, the beats are a deal.
Somebody Else's Music Festival
WLUW takes over Fitzgerald's this Sunday for a day-long Winter Music Festival, hosted by Tom Jackson and the Somebody Else's Troubles crew. Anna Fermin's Trigger Gospel, Corky Siegel, Nick Tremulis, Jon Langford and many more will perform in a nearly non-stop parade of music from 1:30-10pm. Doors open at 1pm; check out Slowdown for more info. (Incidentally, today is the last day of WLUW's pledge drive -- donate if you can!)
A New Chicago Sound
If you're looking for some nice music to get you through the afternoon, check out the pleasant sounds of Chicago musician Allison Bazarko, which I only found because her site is the only result for a search for pictures of the Golden Angel diner on Google. But her acoustical tunes are good and worth a listen.
Free Music on DVD
Tonight at the Empty Bottle, local conceptual glam pop rockers P1xel & The Chronic Network debut their new concert DVD (here's a Quicktime preview). The doors open at 9:30pm, with Blesses/Curses and The Fancy Lads opening. Best of all, it's free!
Surgeon Live at Logan
Although some people seem upset about the packed lineup, most Chicago electronic music fans are rallying around Saturday's DJ Surgeon show at the Logan Square Auditorium. For those of you unfamiliar with the music of Anthony Child, expect a dense mix of pseudo-industrial club tracks presented in an inimitable, forward-thinking fashion. Local DJs Gabe Palomo of Zuvuya and Frankie Vega of Blueline open the night. More info is, as always, available in Slowdown.
More Comedy Than I Can Process
Tickets to Cher's Farewell Tour go on sale this Monday at 10am. Opening for Cher will be--wait for it--The Village People. For the love of God, will she actually say Farewell this time? (Oh, and while you're checking out Cher's website, be sure click on Postcards and send a friend a Cher e-card to show how much you care.)
This is Only a Tribute
Our very own JMA is a featured artist on a new CD, "The Shari Elf Tribute Album," a must-have for outsider music afficianados. He performs "My Automobile" on the disc, which is available through CD Baby.
Music at Fireside Bowl tonight!!!
After the news last August that there would be no more shows at the venerable Fireside Bowl, you probably thought they meant it. Think again, Clappy! The Reader tips us off that Thursday nights at the Fireside are music nights once again. Tonight's show: the Watchers and the Eternals. Only bad thing about the shows: they're 21+ now. Sorry, little punk rock kids! (And while we're on the subject of the Fireside, check out the new, corporate-friendly Fireside Website. Isn't that Jimmy Fallon on the Office Parties page?)
Modsquare Netlabel Launch
Attention electronic musicians: here is your chance to connect with local artists, chat about gear, and share demos. Join the folks from Modsquare tonight at Sonotheque for an evening of networking and IDM, featuring performances from Miles Tilmann, Justin McGrath, and Liz Revision. Bring at least 10 copies of your CDR to share, and you’ll get in for free. More information is available on the subVariant website.
Influence Just Got Lazier
Since April 2004, this unique Chicago monthly has given local DJs and producers an outlet for their alternative musical interests. Disallowing traditional mixing, INFLUENCE. encourages guests to span multiple artists and genres, and demonstrate the variety of styles that have inspired them artistically. Tonight features performances from some of the city's most dedicated and knowledgeable promoters, such as Erick Material and Rob Hamilton of the famed Lazy FM collective. Zachary Lubin opens. More information is available in Slowdown.
Record Store Reviews
Looking for a good record store? Look no further than RecordStoreReview.com. They've got a listing of nearly every shop in town (including a couple that no longer exist: Crow's Nest RIP), with customer reviews for most.
Monday night rock show
If you haven't been checking out Schubas' Monday night residency program this month, you are missing out. Kevin Tihista plays romantic acoustic songs full of yearning and clever lyrics. Andrew Morgan's densely arranged baroque pop songs got his debut album Misadventures in Radiology named one of the best of 2004 by the UK's Uncut magazine (it gets a US release this spring). They play two more shows together, tonight and next Monday. Details in Slowdown.
Mystery Music Contest
The hip and friendly folks at Hyde Park Records are having a contest! The first person to correctly name the artist and song titles of twelve mystery tracks wins $200 in gift certificates to Hyde Park Records. Rockin'!
Bird, Bird Machine
Andrew Bird has a new album coming out shortly, with cover art by Jay Ryan. To celebrate, there's a listening party and exhibit of original artwork tomorrow night at the Corbett vs. Dempsey Gallery, 1120 N. Ashland (upstairs from the Dusty Groove), 8-10pm. Bring your wallet.
Twang-Off Tonight at Martyrs
TwangOff is a once-a-month battle of the bands show that takes place the third Thursday of every month at Martyrs' (3855 N. Lincoln). As the title implies, the featured bands are folksy, alt-country... in a word, twangy. Tonight's battle features the Mark Sheehy Band vs. The Steepwater Band vs. Duenow. The music starts at 9 pm and it'll cost you $7. Giddy-up.
Tsunami Benefit @ Rodan
Please join Subsystence and PISTIL Magazine tonight at Rodan for an evening of good music in support of a great cause. A stellar lineup of DJs including WNUR's Dave Siska and m50 is donating their time to perform, and all the money raised at the door will be split between Oxfam and the International Red Cross. More information available in Slowdown. Hope to see you there!
Excalibur Hook-Ups
The esteemed Excalibur nightclub asks readers of its site, "Did you ever hook up at Excalibur?" The comedy potential for this is virtually unlimited -- think of all the great stories one could make up and submit to this contest. Aspriring writers, get crackin'.
A Newer, Sharper Pitchfork
Pitchfork Media, our local indie music webzine, has finally launched its redesign after some delays. Cleaner design, improved readability, and pretty blue instead of blah brown make it a kinder, more pleasant three-pronged poker.
Tale End of the Tape
Jeff Tweedy and Steve Albini discuss the lengths they've gone to to get reel-to-reel magnetic tape now that the last reputable manufacturer has filed for bankruptcy in this Wall Street Journal article. (If, for some reason, the WSJ link doesn't work for you, the full text is available in this forum discussion on Albini's site.) Interesting read, especially for audiophiles -- and a good opportunity to see a stippled portrait of Tweedy. (Thanks, Dan!)
Dueling Banjos
Ever since the demise of the Boulevard Cafe, bluegrass music has been harder to come by in Chicago. The Chicago Bluegrass website, while surely not comprehensive, has a few links out there to upcoming bluegrass shows, including one this Saturday in Evanston.
Chicago Computing Events
Interested in getting together with other technies for some chit-chat? The Chicago Computing Events home page lists them. (Thanks Eric!)
Funk the Mental...or Something
Do you like going out when it's really unpleasant and snowy outside? Well, if for some reason you do, your best bet is to head on over to Sonotheque this evening for Chris and Don's unfortunately-titled Funk the Mental monthy event. Combining a variety of abstract and danceable electronic genres, Funk the Mental is a consistently-programmed and often enjoyable night out. Tonight features WNUR DJ Dave Siska and Traum recording artist Kate Simko. All proceeds from the $5 cover will go to tsunami relief, so show some support if you can.
Sonotheque Presents Influence
Every month since last April, local magazine Subsystence has organized a unique music event at Chicago's intimate Sonotheque. Dedicated to providing local DJs and producers with an alternative outlet for their musical interests, INFLUENCE. encourages people to play a variety of records that have inspired them artistically. Tonight, employees from of some of Chicago's most well-respected distributors, including Drag City, Southern, and Carrot Top will be on hand to share their personal favorite tracks. More details are available in Slowdown.
Music Lists
Radio Free Chicago is compiling "Best of 2004" lists from all sorts of Chicago music luminaries. Read the lists here and submit your favorites at rfceditor
Coctails Return
To celebrate the release of their box set, "Popcorn Box," The Coctails have reformed for a special show January 15 at the Abbey Pub, 3420 W. Grace. Dump, featuring James McNew of Yo La Tengo, opens. Tickets are just $10 in advance, $12 at the door, available here or 866/777-8932.
Daniel Givens at Sonotheque
Looking for something interesting to do this evening? Well, look no further. Joel Kriske of experimental pop group Pulseprogramming and Suji Lee present another installment of their excellent XOJK series at Sonotheque. Playing in support of his new release on Aesthetics, tonight features local favorite Daniel Givens alongside Josh Abrams of Town & Country, Jeff Parker of Tortoise, and Nikki Mitchell of Black Earth. Should be an excellent night of music. Opening DJ sets provided by Kriske himself and Monday's at Danny's creator DJ Bob. More information available in Slowdown.
Red Hat Societies of Chicago
I noticed preponderance of red and purple at the florist section on a recent trip to Jewel. It turns out that it was for the Red Hat Society, a group for women who are over (or near) 50. They dress up in big red hats and purple clothing before going out and having a good time. Chicago has a number of chapters (well, 47), many with hilarious names. (Purple Passion Majesties makes me thing of something else, but it's a cute name.) So if you see older women out in crazy hats having fun, at least you'll know what they're up to.
Download Rock/Rock the Download
The worlds of downloading and live music collide thanks to Schubas Tavern's new emusic offerings. You can now download songs by tons of bands who've played at Schubas recently. Artists include John Vanderslice, The Handsome Family and Southern Culture on the Skids. In addition, you can download songs from artists on Indy labels like Matador and other venues like The Metro and The Double Door. The best part? The first 50 downloads you make are free.
For Those Who Know
As we've mentioned previously, Chicago is enjoying a bit of a renaissance within its electronic music community. With consistently varied nights happening at spots like Sonotheque, Rodan, and Danny's Tavern, radio shows on WNUR and WLUW, as well as solid press coverage, more and more people seem to be supporting local promoters. But, where does one go for updated information on area happenings? Luckily, the folks at Chi-Tech, Modsquare, m50, Subsystence, Chicago Modular, and Upcoming do a good job of covering these frequently-esoteric events. Also, like we do with Slowdown, most of these sites accept submissions, so be sure to share your listings!
Still Not Posting Bills
Peter Margasak, former music columnist (and still reviewer) for the Reader, has a radio show on WLUW (Tuesdays, 11am), and it's about to get bigger, according to Chicagomuzik. The show, "Mosaic," will double to two hours starting January 3. Margasak also has a blog, Worldly Disorientation, in which he talks about music and doles out mp3s -- for "auditioning purposes only." Right.
Buddy Guy, Hall of Fame inductee
Buddy Guy, the current king of Chicago blues, will be inducted into the 2005 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Also to be inducted: U2; The O'Jays; Percy Sledge; and The Pretenders.
Edith Frost is coming to town
Chicago singer/songwriter and blogger Edith Frost gets a very friendly write-up in this week's Chicago Reader, on the eve of her latest performance in Chicago (tomorrow night at the Empty Bottle, opening for another Chicago act, Manishevitz). Edith is working on a new album for next year, but a collection of demo recordings was released earlier this year on the net label Comfort Stand. (Edith also makes a cameo appearance in the photocollage calendar of Phineas X. Jones, which as far as we know is still for sale.)
Mason Jennings @ Schubas
Singer-songwriter/Minnesotan heartthrob Mason Jennings performs three consecutive shows at Schubas this week with Haley Bonar: Tonight at 9pm, Friday at 10pm and Saturday at 10pm. Mason is earnest, literate, Dylan-esque, and, um, really really cute. Check it out.
Wes Anderson Rocks
You're not a hipster if you're not a Wes Anderson fan. Here's your chance to see some of the lovely music from his films live -- for free. Performers include Andrew Bird, The Safes, The Autumn Defense, and more. Join Metromix and RedEye at the Metro next Wednesday, December 15. Print your free ticket now.
Recorded Live!
I've been digging through the Internet Archive's Live Music Archive, grabbing concerts from my favorite bands. There's around 500 concerts recorded in Chicago -- lots of jam bands, but also local acts (such as Andrew Bird, Local H and Dolly Varden) and out-of-towners of various genres (Southern Culture on the Skids, Hank Williams III, Los Lonely Boys and more).
Looking Back, Looking Forward
Local promotional outfits Interrupt Media and Covalent team up once again to present Going Forward in Reverse, an electronic music series tonight at Chicago's acclaimed Sonotheque. This installment features performances by local house favorite Diz, Gramaphone stalwart and Antennae label head Josh Werner, Crosstalk's Brian Borden, and an opening set by Audiophile of Meiotic. Doors at 9 pm, Tickets are $5 before 11pm. 21+, $2 PBR. Sonotheque is located at 1444 W. Chicago Ave.
Grapefruit, Juicy Fruit, and Old Style?
That might be the menu at Wrigley Field next year if Cubs President Andy MacPhail can bend Alderman Tom Tunney to his will and permit a "big" concert every other year at Wrigley Field. The rumored first act may be Jimmy Buffet which just might attract some Sox fans to the friendly confines.
Music Madness, 15MB at a Time
15 Megs of Fame is a new site from the creators of Threadless, giving musicians 15MB of space with which to promote their work. Visitors to the site can download the music for free (under a Creative Commons license) and leave feedback for the creators. Pretty sweet!
Something to believe in
Bret Michaels' stolen guitar has been returned, thanks to an anonymous Chicagoan. (Yes, the Bret Michaels from Poison. Didn't you know he's on a solo tour right now?)
Old Town Performance Archive
The Old Town School of Folk Music has a video archive of many of the performers and workshops there over the last couple years. They're continuously updating the available performances, so if you missed a show, look for it there. Quicktime is required.
Bpitch Returns to Chicago
Tonight, local electronic gurus Meiotic welcome back Bpitch Control labelhead and Berlin resident Ellen Allien for her debut Smart Bar performance. Unfortunately, some unpleasant Visa trouble prevented her last scheduled tour of the States, but apparently she is in town this time and ready to perform. Expect a set of varied electro, techno and abstract beats, while Chicago's very own Kate Simko (of Detalles fame) warms things up with a live show of dubby, atmospheric IDM. Personally, I'd get there early, as Simko's performance will likely be the highlight of the evening. Meiotic resident DJs Audiophile and m50 kick things off with a tag team set. More info is available here.
Amateur night
The always entertaining Chicagomuzik brings us an early guide to "where not to be" on New Year's Eve.
U-Tuesday on XRT
Do you like U2? If so, tune in to WXRT now. Starting at 9:45 am, the entire new album, How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb, will be played in its entirety. Also, check back throughout the day, the album will be spinning all day. Enjoy!
Felix @ Crobar
Legendary house DJ Felix Da Housecat is spinning tonight at Crobar, 1543 N. Kingsbury, and you and your friends can get in for free: email info@exactevent.com now with your first and last name and number of guests. Show up at the club and tell them you're on the Exact Events list. You're in!
Influence: Election Edition
Are you into music and movies? What about politics? Do you like it when these things awkwardly come together? If so, come out to Sonotheque tonight for a special pre-election installment of Influence, featuring a screening of Kubrick's classic anti-war trilogy (Dr. Strangelove, Paths of Glory, and Full Metal Jacket) accompanied by a handpicked selection of quality protest songs. No cover, 21 and up. More information available in Slowdown.
Next Stop: Palookaville
Norman Cook, aka Fatboy Slim, will be performing at Metro this November in support of his new album, Palookaville. Apparently naming the record after a nonsensical quote from the late Marlon Brando, I imagine plenty of people forsee a parallel fate for Cook — involving an island, piles of money, and creative irrelevance. Regardless, his One Way Ticket to Palookaville tour is remarkable simply because Cook now has a band touring with him this time around, and will be playing on a stage that's been done up to look like his new video. All we need now is a Christopher Walken look-alike and synchronized dancing, and we're set!
It's Like Punk Rock Never Happened
Local experimental rock imprint Kranky is getting a lot of press lately, mainly because one of the label's best-known bands has decided to record their anticipated new album for the venerable Seattle-based Sub Pop instead. This seemingly amicable split hasn't slowed Kranky's release schedule, though: a slew of new releases from Greg Davis, Autistic Daughters and Chicago's very own Pan American are on shelves now, with plans for a 2-disc compilation in the works. Touring in support of his new album, Davis will also perform at the Empty Bottle on November 14th as part of a Carpark Records showcase.
Vote early, then pARTicipate
Schubas has just announced an addition to their election-night programming. "A Night of Apocalyptic Possibilities" will now kick off at 6pm with the premiere screening of "pARTicipation," a documentary filmed during August's Interchange music-and-voter-registration festival, featuring performances by Andrew Bird, Bobby Conn, Tortoise, the M's and more. That's still followed by a screening of "Fahrenheit 9/11" at 7:30 and live band karaoke at 10, and it's still all free.
Rock for Jesus
So you thought only godless, heathen teenagers were the types to hang out in garages and listen to rock'n'roll and play guitar and tape themselves? Well, you'd be wrong. Willow Creek is sponsoring a Battle of the Bands and you can listen to the kids' songs and vote online. The winner gets $1000! Cool, eh? What do you expect from the church that Mr. T attends?
The Asian Mack Daddy
AsianMack Super Filter is a new, locally based site that "sifts through Apple's iTunes Music Store so you don't have to!" Each day another album, old or new, gets posted. Says creator Jamie Dihiansan, "The idea is to add a web recommendations interface into Apple's iTunes Music Store. Hopefully readers might discover something new that they wouldn't have otherwise listened to."
If You Know What Linux Is, Read On
In the heady days of hobbyist computing, installing operating systems on computers was really difficult. People would get together and hold InstallFests - you would bring your computer and some people (possibly nerds) would help you install Linux on it. This tends to happen less these days as most operating systems are lot a lot easier to install. But that isn't stopping the DePaul Linux Users Group from having a meeting this Saturday, which they are billing as the DePaul Linux Expo. (It's open to anyone and hey, they have free food too.) Learn about Linux if you haven't already.
Tru Order at the Darkroom
Love the music of New Order? Then check out Tru Order tonight at The Darkroom. Djs Traxx, Jesse De La Pena, and Trancid will be spinning a set of "their personal favorites, plus their own remixes" of New Order, Joy Division, Warsaw, and other Factory-related music. 2210 W. Chicago Ave., 21+, free till 11p.m. $5 after.
Jerkstore Opening
Tonight is the Jerkstore's grand opening party, stop by the new loft and get down to some great music. International Deejay Gigolo's Plastique De Reve from Geneva is headlining, along with Shitkatapult's Phon.o from Berlin. Hosts Atomly and Johnny Love are also playing, so expect everything from jackin' house to dirty electro to hard acid techno to new wave and more. 1550 N. Damen, $5, all night.
Derrick Carter Shares His Influences
A headliner at this year's SummerDance festival and widely regarded as one of the best DJs in the history of the craft, Chicago's Derrick Carter is an essential part of house music history. Co-owner of the esteemed Classic imprint, Derrick has been touring non-stop for nearly two decades. Tonight presents a rare — and free — opportunity to hear him play in his hometown, especially when you consider that he'll be performing an unmixed set of genre-defying classics. Local favorite J-Dub opens, with support from WNUR's Dave Siska and Karl Meier. More details in Slowdown.
Mountain Goats rock at Open-End
If you've been to Depart-ment then you know that a ton of people can cram into this fairly little space. Through some amazing convergence, Open-End Gallery will be hosting The Mountain Goats, John Vanderslice and Will Johnson in concert Saturday night. Tickets available through Empty Bottle, but you better hurry cause the place is "cozy". But it's got a nice view.
Get High and Get Down
Looking for something different to do this evening? Well, the elusive ambient/downtempo collective Atmospheric Audio Chair has reformed — this time with promotional support from Apple and Wired — and will be holding a post-work (5-8 pm) monthly session on the 33rd floor of Chicago's W Hotel Lakeshore. Led by DJs Ken Waagner and Tom Pazen, enjoy a healthy dose of relaxed music in the only local bar that rotates 360 degrees every hour. Also happening tonight is the third installment of XOJK at Sonotheque, which proudly features John Herndon of Tortoise and Lazy FM's Rob Hamilton. Both events are 21+ with no cover.
Night Moves
Recently profiled [reg. req'd] in the Friday section of yesterday's Tribune, it seems Chicago is enjoying a long-awaited renaissance within its dance music community. Tonight is a perfect example of this resurgence of interest in electronic music, with fantastic lineups at the Empty Bottle, Rodan, Zentra, Cafe Lura, Smart Bar and Sonotheque. I know where I'll be already, but what about you?
Bluegrass Accelerator
You know Fermilab has an arts series, right? The season starts tomorrow with Ralph Stanley and the Clinch Mountain Boys. Reader Tim says, "So as you listen to his lonesome, plaintive voice in this most improbable of places, it may occur to you what particle physics and Ralph Stanley have in common: they both keep asking the fundamental questions."
Bid On Our CD!
Ever wonder what James Van Osdol would put on a mix CD? How 'bout Chris Connelly or Bobby Conn? Well, tomorrow night you can find out, sort of. Rock for Kids, a non-profit that provides support, assistance and inspiration to children that are homeless or in need, holds its second annual Music Mixer, a silent auction of mix CDs created by local musicians, deejays, rock critics and others -- including a double disc mix by Andrew and Naz from GB! -- at Smartbar, 3730 N. Clark, from 6pm to 10pm. The trick is, the track listings are hidden, so you have to win (or stand really close to the person who does) to find out what's on each CD. Suggested donation of $5 at the door. Call 312/255-9454 for more info.
Jay-Z Films Video in Elgin
Production crews for rapper Jay-Z were filming a police chase scene in Elgin last night. The footage will reportedly be used in an upcoming music video. Although fans gathered in hopes of catching a glimpse of the recent MTV Music Awards winner, Jay-Z was not present at the shoot.
Estrojam in Town
Estrojam, a week-long festival of women in music, art, and film, takes over Chicago September 20-26. Events are held at venues all over town, from Schuba's to the Hot House and feature top female performers like Cathy Richardson, Northern State, and the Butchies. Be sure to check out the headlining show: the Gossip with Pretty Girls Make Graves, burlesque divas Hellcat Hussies, and the Lickity Split Radical Cheerleaders. Get more info and check out the complete schedule.
Barenboim to Miss CSO Start
Daniel Barenboim is recovering in Germany from back and neck problems that will force him to miss his first four performances conducting the Chicago Symphony Orchestra this season. Andrew Davis, the music director of Lyric Opera of Chicago, will reportedly be filling in. The new season starts tonight with an event celebrating the 100th season of Orchestra Hall.
Lyric Opera Costume Sale
The costume rooms at the Lyric Opera are any child's Halloween dream. An entire room of fake armor, cannons, giant heads and clothes, clothes, clothes. Word about town is that the opera is having a sale at its warehouse in October. October 9th is reserved for schools and local theaters by appointment only; October 10th and 11th the sale is open to the public from 1-4pm and held at the Lyric's warehouse at 26th and Dearborn (2559 S. Dearborn).
Chicago's Only Rock'n'Roll Publication
The Crutch comes out every other month-ish, and the newest issue just appeared near the door of a record store near you. It's got interviews with the French Kicks, Rogue Wave and the Immortal Lee County Killers, and reviews of all the hip new albums the kids are listening to these days. Oh, and check out the mp3 page, too.
Chicago Jazz Festival opening night
But don't go to Grant Park for tonight's opening show in the festival! It's at Symphony Center, and it's a salute to the Thad Jones-Mel Lewis Orchestra by singer Dee Dee Bridgewater, who performed with the orchestra from 1972 to 1974. Check the Symphony Center site for info on tonight's event, and for a complete Jazz Festival schedule check out the Reader's coverage.
Fox Valley Folk Festival This Weekend
Looking for something slightly different this weekend? Geneva, a picturesque Western suburb, is hosting the Fox Valley Folk Festival. Shows include: Blues Guitar, Strong Women in Folksong, the Joys of Folk Harp, and Varied Banjo Styles.
Chicago Children's Choir works on its Elvish
Thy've sung in Korean, French, Bulgarian and Zulu, and now the Chicago Children's Choir is tackling songs in Elvish! In October, they'll be performing at a concert of music from the three Lord of the Rings films, which will be conducted by the composer, Howard Shore. The show's happening at the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University, and tickets are already on sale. Fans of the films' soundtracks will probably want to check this event out.
Frankie Knuckles Day
Best Chicago holiday EVER. Today is officially Frankie Knuckles Day, in celebration of the Chicago DJ who popularized house music in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Jefferson Street between Van Buren and Monroe will be renamed Frankie Knuckles Way today, and after that Frankie will be honored at Grant Park's Spirit of Music Garden. Tonight from 6:30 to 9:30, Frankie will be spinning house music at one of the final days of the Chicago Summer Dance celebration at Grant Park.
Big Wig Closing
After seven years, Wicker Park's Big Wig is closing its doors. To celebrate (that somehow doesn't seem like the right word), the nightclub is throwing a five-day bash, starting next Wednesday, Sept. 1. Each night will feature an all-star DJ line-up and a raffle of the club's decorations -- including the hairdryer lamps and even the neon sign. Doors will open at 8pm each night, with a $5 cover kicking in at 10pm -- except Sunday, when it's free all night before the doors close for good. Check the site and our calendar for details.
The kids got nowhere to go... but they can bowl
This weekend an email informed me that there was "NO MORE FIRESIDE!!!" The all ages venue where many of my favourite bands have graced the stafe and where my own band has played a few times (plug!) is now closed to the songs that make the kids shake their fists to. Instead, there will be bowling. It's making a comeback to a venue that is a bowling alley and with the closing of many fine establishments around the city this year (Marzano's , Marigold) this could be a good thing indeed. And if that fails, well, the shows could always come back. Here's a word from Hammer...
Those Asians About to Rock, We Salute You
Asians in Indie Rock, a tour of Asian-American indie bands organized by Jenny Choi, kicks out the jams at Fireside Bowl tomorrow night. In addition to Choi's band Sanawan, the line-up features Mike Park, Please Please Wait and Wanamaker. The all-ages show starts at 8pm, tickets are $8, available in advance through MP Shows. Read more in today's Trib. (Thanks, Gladys!)
zBands
Are you in a band? (Like I have to ask!) Do you wish you could find an easier way to book gigs and keep track of who else is out there? Word of mouth is great, but it is a lot of work and not always productive. zBands is hoping to change all that. They've started out in Columbus, OH (hi mom!) and Pittsburgh and are going to be launching in Chicago on Monday. Be the first to get your band signed up! Or you could just login on Monday and find out if your favorite local band is as hip as you are.
Yakety sax
This Saturday, scores of students will be taking the MCAT at the city college building at Jackson and Frankin, and school officials are worried that, like the previous two years, there will be a saxophone player stationed outside the building, playing for passers-by and, inadvertently, the test-takers. When confronted about this problem, the unnamed player said he had "a license issued to him to play his saxophone in public" and wouldn't leave. So the college is filing a lawsuit against the player, prohibiting him from playing in a two-block radius around the school building on Saturday. Well, that's one way to solve the problem. Another solution: earplugs!
House music comes home
The Trib has a good article outlining Chicago's (Daley's) growing acceptance of house music, which originated here 25 years ago but was somewhat marginalized in the last five years by a series of anti-rave laws. The inclusion of DJs in the SummerDance lineup on Wednesday nights in Grant Park is a long overdue recognition of yet another of Chicago's gifts to music lovers.
Ç
Ever heard of Cedille Records? They're our local non-profit classical music label, featuring local talents as well as national acts. The label is celebrating its 15th anniversary, and is permanently reducing the price of its first 15 recordings. Here's a brief profile from Billboard.
Glorious Noise is making records!
Over at Glorious Noise, Jake Brown has announced that he's starting a record label, Glorious Noise Records, and the first release will be by local faves Quasar Wut-Wut. To celebrate the release, they're having a party at Beat Kitchen on Saturday, August 28. You should go, because you like noises.
Von Freeman's Smoky Sax
In case you missed it Wednesday, here's a link to Tony Sarabia's excellent profile of Von Freeman, one of the last remaining musicians from the Golden Age of Jazz. At 81, Freeman just released a new album, The Great Divide, and still plays an open jam session every Tuesday at the New Aparment Lounge, 504 E. 75th.
Your City, Your Music
The Chicago Music Guide is exactly what it claims it is: a surprisingly in-depth guide to Chicago bands and music venues. In addition to profiles, pictures and reviews, the site offers a portal page to local bands' sites and also to the concert calendars of dozens of venues. This month they're featuring industrial stalwarts Ministry; sign up to win an autographed copy of their latest album, "Houses of the Molé"
Bad Music News
Looking for all the latest in elevator music? Heard a great song at the dentist's office and didn't catch the title? You're in luck! WNUA, Chicago's home of smooth jazz, aka elevator music, posts their top 10 list online. While I'm on the topic of bad music -- Muzak is hiring in Chicago! Who wouldn't want to work for the premier provider of on-hold music?
Gaelic Storm on WGN
As we expected, Celtic band Gaelic Storm put on a floor-stompin' show at the Abbey Pub last night. Before they breeze through town completely, they'll make an appearance on WGN Morning News tomorrow around 7:50 am (possibly earlier) to promote and play something from their new album "How are we getting home?", the group's 5th—and some say best—album to date.
everybody scream for the 303
Acid house enthusiasts (the music, not the drug or the book) should get down to Smartbar tonight where the lineup is all acid house, all night long. DJ Pierre, the man who discovered that tweaking the bass of the TB-303 drum machine produces the unique squelchy sound that came to be known as acid, is headlining. Adonis, Mike Dearborn, and Tim Baker are also on the lineup. 3730 N. Clark, 21+, 10 p.m., $10.
Can't go to Vermont? See the Movie
Just as we reported a few months ago, Phish aired its first show of the current tour (at Coney Island last month) at many Regal Cinemas. Due to the positive response and high demand, the band decided to air its final two shows at the theatres as well. Tickets went on sale today, and the Regal up in Lincolnshire is the choice again. Both shows cost $20, with admission beginning at 4:30pm CST. Be a part of history, click on over to pick up your tickets.
Get Your Kicks
Alan Jacobson, who wrote a feature on local musicians for us awhile back, has set up a mini webzine of sorts called Modern Kicks. Check it out.
RS100 @ CPL
John at Seaworthy Southeast Thesaurus was curious how many of Rolling Stone's "500 Greatest Albums Ever Made" were available at the Chicago Public Library. So he cross-referenced the top 100 with the CPL's holdings, and came up with some surprising (in a good way) results.
Wicker Park Music
Pitchfork has the soundtrack listing for the new movie "Wicker Park," and there's not a single Wicker Park band on it. Although you're likely to hear The Shins, Deathcab for Cutie, Postal Service or Mogwai blasting out of just about any apartment, coffeeshop or bar in the neighborhood, it would've been nice of them to throw a local act in there somewhere. (Thanks, Craig)
Bored in the Armitage/Kedzie corridor?
Michael Hogan writes in: "...my neighbors have a really good jazz place called 3030, located in an old church on the border of L. Square and Humboldt Park. Every Thurs. and Fri., they usually have something that probably just wouldn't fit in at any other venue. It's not always jazz, hell, it's not always music, but for a anyone living in the attention-starved Armitage/Kedzie Corridor, it's definitely something to check out. Their web address is: www.elasticrevolution.com, they're located at 3030 W. Armitage." That's tomorrow and Friday folks.
Friends of Fran Benefit
On June 19, Francesca Opre, one of the bartenders at Delilah's, was killed in a hit-and-run accident on Western Ave. Tomorrow night, the "Friends of Fran" stage a benefit show at the Double Door, featuring Beer Nuts, The Peelers, Dummy, Vortis and The 8th Grade. Doors open at 8pm, show at 9pm. Tickets are $10, and proceeds will go to the Fran Opre Memorial Fund. You can also help by downloading a flyer (in English or Spanish) looking for information about the accident.
Vive la revolution
The new young theatre company Les Sansculottes are hosting, appropriately enough, a Bastille Day show tonight at the Hideout. Sansculottes and Electrorange present Rock the Bastille, featuring Menthol, The Wes Hollywood Show and the Specs. Proceeds go to Sansculottes' fall production.
Geektronica, Etcetera
Looking for the latest in IDM? Curious about the electronica scene 'round these parts? Look no further than modsquare.com, your local online zine for experimental electronic music.
Electronic Music Festivals
Couple of cool electronic music events that breezed into my inbox this morning: Blueshift, a 3-day camping/electronic music festival in Somewhere, WI with proceeds to go to not-for-profits; and The Caveman Experience, a similar event that takes place in Southern Illinois in a cave. To get a sense of the event, check out last year's "Experience". Blueshift happens Aug 6-8; Caveman Experience is July 16-18.
Freeeee Biiiirrrrd!
Dude, we totally have to head out to the Naperville Ribfest tomorrow! Why? Skynyrd, man! Lynyrd Skynyrd! For five bucks! (Here's the rest of the schedule.)
[Thanks, Heather]
Wilco settles suit
Espionage is alive and well and living on shortwave radio bands. Secret messages are broadcast all the time, using encryption that makes it sound like jibberish to normal folk. It's this jibberish that London's Irdial-Discs has recorded and published in a 4-disc collection called The Conet Project. And it's one of these recordings that Wilco mixed into their track "Poor Places" -- a woman saying "yankee, hotel, foxtrot." Tweedy thought it was an uncopyrighted recording, Inter-Disc thought otherwise, sued, and now Wilco has settled for an undisclosed amount, though it's clear Irdial-Discs will at least get a royalties from that song.
1/5 of the Jackson Five
Poor Tito Jackson. Despite all the weirdness in his family, he's still singled out for having a funny name. Nevermind that he's in the Rock'n'Roll Hall of Fame, nevermind that he's built a successful career in the blues, he's (snicker) Tito! Anyway, you can catch the lead guitarist of the Jackson Five perform at 6:45pm this Sunday at Fitzgerald's American Music Festival, along with Waco Brothers and the Chicago Jazz Orchestra, among others. Check out the full schedule for the four-day fest, which kicks off Thursday.
Mob Takes Over City Music Clubs
Hundreds of music industry folks descend on the city's music venues tonight through Saturday to catch dozens of local and regional acts hoping to hit the big time. That's right, it's Mobfest weekend again. Illinois Entertainer has more info, and The Reader has the schedule; get out there and catch the next Kill Hannah or Disturbed.
Grant Can't Dance!
Rarely do I read a press release and get chills. Of excitement that is. Yes, the city is offering dance lessons Thursday through Sunday in Grant Park again this year. Yes, the music varies from Ballroom to Classic Salsa to Swamp Pop. And yes, most exciting of all, they're going to have actual live electronic music on Wednesdays. No dance lessons though. Things get started on Thursday when the Bandeleros play Mediterranean Rumba music.
Blues Fest Overflow
Blues Fest is underway, but Grant Park isn't the only place you can catch live blues this weekend. The Sun-Times offers a quick list of some of the shows at area clubs, (including pornstar-turned-chanteuse Candye Kane, Willy Kent and the Gents and Jimmy Johnson -- maybe they were going with some sort of sexy name theme).
Pitchformula
Always thought music criticism was formulaic? Loren Jan Wilson wrote a computer program to analyze the frequency of words in positive and negative album reviews published on Pitchfork. He used the data to determine which words and phrases appear most frequently in positive reviews, and wrote songs to capitalize on the reviewers' collective preferences. The paper is Wilson's BA project at the University of Chicago.
Electronic music events
Want to know more about techno and electronic music events in Chicago? Check out Chi-tech, a site that lists upcoming events, or sign up for m50's city-wide techno events list. In addition, you can check out sites for event promoters, such as Meiotic and Ill Measures, and sign up for their lists. And of course, we'll let you know about crucial music happenings on the GB calendar.
Impress Friends and Influence Others
The webzine Subsystence invites you to Sonotheque, 1444 W Chicago Ave., at 9pm tonight for INFLUENCE, a new monthly music series. This first installment features friend-of-GB Atomly, celebrating his record release, along with Snuggles, Matt Hellige and Ken Meier. To sweeten the deal, there's no cover and PBR is $2. Yum.
Dear Mary, won't you come out to play
Dear Mary is a project of DontAmend.com, the national effort against the proposed federal anti-same-sex-marriage amendment. Dear Mary focuses that effort through public letters to Mary Cheney, the vice president's openly gay daughter and campaign manager. Tonight at the Hideout is a benefit concert for Dear Mary, featuring a quartet of queer Chicago musicians. Christopher Becerra, Ellen Rosner, Dylan Rice and Scott Free will perform at 10pm, with DJ hb rayker spinning after midnight. Great acoustic music for a great cause.
A folking good time
The line-up for this year's Old Town School Folk & Roots Festival has been announced. Headlining this year's main stage schedule are Los Amigos Invisibles, The Holmes Brothers and The Subdudes. Even if folk and/or roots isn't your thing, the festivities include lots of other activities -- for the dancer in you and the kids you take with you. Old Town staff will even have a stage of their own. The festival runs all day, July 10 and 11, in Lincoln Square's Welles Park.
City Snob Radio Report
Have you ever felt like you've really been missing out on what's going on in the suburbs? Expect on Tuesday that FM103.9 is going to switch from a Spanish-language format to "Jammin' Oldies", or "rhythmic oldies". Name of the station: Y-103.9: The Beat of the Burbs. (I really hope this isn't their website...)
Irish Fest
Want a Gaelic-tinged Memorial Day weekend? Head down to the Irish Fest at Gaelic Park in Oak Forest. The Fest begins Friday afternoon and concludes Monday night. Enjoy musical acts like the Shannon Rovers and Black 47, Irish dancing, food, rides, and more. Tickets are $12.
See More Phish/We Have No Phish
In the wake of today's news that (for real) the jam band Phish is breaking up at the end of the summer, some folks in Illinois might be scrambling to see the group live one last time. Seems the only chance you'll get in the Chicago-area is on the big screen, on June 17, when Phish will be performing a simulcast show of their concert on Coney Island, N.Y. which will be broadcast live into select Regal, Edwards, and United Artists theaters across the country. Tickets go on sale online and at participating box offices on Friday at 11 a.m. (And, dude, this time, no tapers allowed.)
Destination: Manifest
As the latest class of Columbia students prepares to graduate, the college will be promoting their work during Thursday's all-day Manifest festival. There'll essentially be four festivals running in tandem -- art, music, performance and readings -- all spread out along the South Loop Arts Corridor, with free trolleys running between the five major locations. Among the myriad styles of art on display: photography, puppetry, pop, painting, product design, poetry, papermaking ... and dozens of others. All events are free and open to the public.
Edith Frost demos
Check out today's release over at the net label Comfort Stand Recordings: a collection of demo recordings by Chicago rock'n'roller (and blogger!) Edith Frost.
The Believer comes to town
While not necessarily a literary event, McSweeney's-produced Believer Magazine is holding a show here on Friday, June 4th, at the Empty Bottle featuring indie darlings The Mountain Goats and local favourite Archer Prewitt. $14 gets you in and a copy of the latest Believer -- a great deal. And you just never know, Dave Eggers being from Chicago himself, might just be "visiting" and milling in the crowd...
Jazz Chicago
Jazz, that enigmatic and complex music genre, has a Chicago organization. The Jazz Institute of Chicago presents all things jazz here in the windy city, from legendary veterans to the new crop of sizzling players. The site has a vast wealth of information as well as member benefits if you join them, such as insider info, early show warnings, free tickets to shows and discounts at local jazz-flavored record stores. Watch for the free Jazz City Series and the Chicago Edge Concert Series in What's Happening.
Queer Is Folk
This Saturday, May 22, the Old Town School features the fourth annual Queer Is Folk Festival, featuring music and spoken word performances by LGBT artists. Conceived and hosted by Chicago musician Mr. Scott Free (also sponsor of Homolatte Thursdays at the No Exit Cafe), Queer Is Folk's goal "is to help foster the idea of inclusiveness that has always been an important part of the folk tradition." This year's performance is headlined by Melissa Ferrick.
Chicago Blues Tour
The Chicago Blues Festival is just around the corner, but there's another opportunity for a sort of one-day immersion course ahead of the big event: The Chicago Blues Tour June 7th takes you to five South Side blues venues for some real live music. Tickets are just $30, which includes the shuttle bus, admission to all the clubs and a South Side Chicago blues CD. Reserve your seat now by calling 773-772-5506.
Forever Young
Monday is Bob Dylan's 63rd birthday. Students and staff from the Old Town School of Folk Music will celebrate with a show Saturday at The Hideout, 4-8 p.m. (Unfortunately, Weather.com is expecting rain, and it might be a hard rain.)
Belmont-Sheffield Fest
The lineup for this year's Belmont-Sheffield Music Festival has been announced. The headliners are jam band Umphrey's McGee, the Von Bondies [Flash with sound], and some angst-metal band with the hilariously LiveJournal-esque name Smile Empty Soul [Flash with sound and cliches]. After seeing Interpol for five bucks last year, we find this a little disappointing.
Rehabilitated
Fresh out of a Chicago clinic, Jeff Tweedy is ready to start touring with Wilco. Said Tweedy: "All my best friends now are crack addicts."
All in the family
I heard these guys on WBEZ's 848 show a couple of months ago and fell for their breezy pop sensibilities and intelligent edgy lyrics. They are called the Aluminium Group, two brothers who use an iPod for backing tracks. Saturday they are playing at the Old Town School of Folk Music with actual people! Frank and John Navin will be joined by the Changes, a pianist and a back up singer May 8 at 8p.m. The Old Town School is at 4544 N. Lincoln. And if you can, also catch them at a free show tonight at 8 where they'll be using the ol' iPod at the Borders at 4718 N. Broadway.
Betty Rules!
Betty Rules band members will be sneaking into Women & Children First tonight at 7:30 to play a couple of songs from their off-Broadway musical hit. Alyson Palmer, Amy Ziff and Elizabeth Ziff's show chronicles the trials and tribulations of an unsigned band in a signed-band world and will be running for seven weeks at the Lakeshore Theater beginning May 6.
If you buy a ticket for next Wednesday's (May 12) show, you can pay half price, support Equality Illinois and the Lesbian Community Cancer Project, and get admission to an after-party at Sidetracks where you can hang with the cast and other celebrities. To get your $17.50 or $25 VIP tickets, just call Equality Illinois (773-477-7173) and tell them you're a Women and Children First customer -- but do so before 5pm on Friday, or you'll have to pay full price.
Subsystence v 1.0
subsystence is a new magazine with issue one out now. It offers lots of free downloads of electronic music in addition to articles, with a publishing schedule of every other month. Go for the magazine release party on May 3 at Sonotheque, 1444 W Chicago.
Bad Music News v2 - Disco Brunch
Did you ever think - this brunch is good, but what would make it really good is a little ABBA? The Wicker Park Ann Sather has a new sound system they want to test out and frankly what could be more, umm, Swedish, than some ABBA? According to the person I spoke to at the store, in addition to groovy beats they'll also have prizes and give-aways. A little Fältskog or Lyngstad with your Lingonberries?
Bad Music News, v1 - Hair Metal Lives!
Do you find it hard to drive 55? Did you have it hot for teacher when you were younger? Van Halen tickets go on sale tomorrow for the United Center. You can pick up tickets for the Poison/Kiss tour too. No word on David Lee Roth tour dates (since, well, his website doesn't work), but I'll keep you posted on all the latest hair metal news.
Metro Night Game
Metro has come up with an interesting way to showcase local bands on Cubs game days: This coming Tuesday, watch the game at Metro on the biggest screen Wrigleyville -- the back wall of the stage -- then stick around for a set by Burn Rome Burn. Admission is free during the game, and they're offering $2 Miller/Miller Lite pints. Doors open at 6pm.
MECA Music Conference
Check out the Musician’s Education and Career Advancement Conference this May 12-15. MECA features over 40 panels with topics ranging from Managers 101 to Starting Your First Band, in addition to workshops and performance clinics, mentoring sessions, 250 live music showcases, and other events. Today is the last day to register at a discounted rate of $275, and after that, the fee is $300.
Chess Records studios still active
The Tribune reports that the historic Chess Records studio at 2120 S. Michigan Avenue is still being used for recording, albeit not as frequently as its heyday in the 1950s and 1960s. Yesterday marked the first time since 1989 that artists have recorded in the studio (and the musicians still had to truck in a lot of recording gear, since the studio has not been updated with new equipment). The studio will be refurbished in the coming years thanks to the Willie Dixon Blues Heaven Foundation, a program that provides blues education to children and provides business and medical financial aid to blues musicians.
Wall to Wall Recording
A while ago, I visited a renewed studio that some friends are working at. The place is called Wall to Wall and it's located deep in the bowels of a building downtown. It's a veritable maze of sorts, lined with deep crimson plush walls with recordings rooms and a main room that has history. Almost on this side of a pimp's love den from the 70's, you feel as if either Jimi Hendrix or The Beatles might have cut some tracks here back in the day. The pimp factor is quite high. While the photos on the site are cool, it's amazing in person. If you're interested in tracking and recording some music, this is the place to be. They're quite affordable too.
Corgan's New Sound
Monday night, Billy Corgan played his first solo concert to a sold-out audience at Metro. The show was organized around 12 songs about Chicago, an interesting departure from his work with Smashing Pumpkins and Zwan. He discusses this new sound on a blog at Integral Naked, including photos and notes from recent recording sessions, and Greg Kot has a review of the show.
Braid is back
Emo-popsters Braid were mighty popular with the kids a few years back, playing shows everywhere. They were most beloved here in Illinois. While other members went on to start other projects successfully, fans and rumors abound wished for a Braid reunion. It is here. They've rebanded, started to compile and list dates starting with two shows in Champaign (their hometown!) and one in Chicago then going east. If you've been waiting for this, best get your tickets now — they're not doing this again. Keep up to date with the members on their long running weblog, Are You Wearing a Wire? or their new tour specific one.
Chicago Opera Theater
Check out Chicago's other opera house, the Chicago Opera Theater. Slightly cheaper than the Lyric, they're putting on two operas in May. If you're an opera fan and missed your chance to check out the Lyric this year, this is your big chance!
Pop Revolution
International Pop Overthrow starts its run tomorrow. Never heard of it? Well, this touring music festival (named after local band Material Issue's breakthrough album) features more than 100 bands playing over two weeks. The first show is tomorrow night at Beat Kitchen, 2100 W. Belmont, starting at 7:30 with Einstein's Sister. Tickets are $8. Check the schedule for the full lineup.
100 Years of Ravinia
Ravinia, one of the oldest outdoor concert venues in the country, will celebrate its centennial this season. Some concerts of note: Rufus Wainright and Ben Folds June 18, Aretha Franklin August 20 & 21 and the "Jazz in June" mini-festival June 10-13, featuring Medeski Martin & Wood, Roy Hargrove, Oscar Peterson, The Conga Kings, Lincoln Center Latin Jazz Orchestra, Dave Brubeck, Marian McPartland and Ramsey Lewis. And you don't even have to drive -- just get on the Ravinia Special Metra train for $5 round-trip.
This post brought to you by the letter M
If you were disappointed you couldn't get into the sold-out record release show last night at Schubas for The M's, Chicago's latest buzz band, then you're in luck. They've added a second show tonight at the Empty Bottle, playing with the previously scheduled Gris Gris and The Latest. 10:00pm, 8 bucks.
Jeff Tweedy's gonna kick it
In more Wilco news, Jeff Tweedy has checked himself into rehab, cancelling a European tour and postponing A Ghost Is Born by two weeks. Tweedy is battling an addiction to his migraine painkillers. The brief tour starting this month which ends with Coachella may also be cancelled. Get better Jeff. [Hat tip to Dan]
Downloaders with hearts of gold
After Wilco's upcoming album A Ghost is Born was leaked to the Net three months before its release date, some of the band's fans came up with a unique form of "payment." At justafan.org, downloaders can make a donation to the Wilco-selected charity Doctors Without Borders, as a "promissory note" to buy the album when it's released June 22. Over $4000 has been donated since Friday.
Final days for Crow's Nest
GB reported back in January that the Crow's Nest music store at State and Jackson is closing up. Well, this is it, kids; the store closes its doors on Friday, April 2nd. They've been having a massive store-wide sale to get rid of their remaining stock, so if you find yourself near the downtown location, go check it out and say buh-bye to the staff.
Hip-Hop Summit
Head to the UIC Pavilion tomorrow for the Hip-Hop Summit, featuring a blockbuster line-up -- Russell Simmons, Damon Dash, Kanye West, R. Kelly, Common, Ludacris, Foxy Brown, Twista, Raz B, Doug E. Fresh, Layzie Bone, Shawna, Dr. Ben and more -- empowering urban youth and encouraging voter registration and participation. The summit runs from 9am to 3pm; you must register to attend. [via Visit Black Chicago]
What's that Sound?
In case you haven't heard, Sound-Bar is finally set to open this weekend. After a year and a half of licensing delays (perhaps Da Mayor's got something against trance music?), the mega-club promises they're going to open their doors, for real this time, no kidding, Friday night. I was lucky enough to attend the preview night in October 2002(!) and I can tell you it's worth checking out for the space alone; the design is beautiful. So good luck on the opening, but frankly we'll believe it when we see it.
Wander your eyes over here
Like rock n' roll, do ya? Like your singer-songwriter types, and you like 'em local? Then you might want to check out Dylan Rice and the Dynasties Friday at Martyrs'. Northwestern grad Rice headlines a CD release party for his excellent debut album, Wandering Eyes. KB and Bartley Fritzsche also perform. Details in Slowdown.
Seems a little sketchy
Collaboraction's fourth annual Sketchbook opens tonight at the Chopin Theatre. Sketchbook comprises 16 new short plays, performed in a different grouping of 8-10 each night. The theatre will also feature the work of 14 visual artists and 10 sonic artists as part of the sketchbook environment. The show runs 13 consecutive nights; the closing night finale, April 4, will show all 16 plays beginning at 3pm.
Words + Sounds = Rock
Like poetry? Ok, not so fast...Like rock? Yeah, that's what I thought. Either way check out Bob Mehr's article on local bands meet poetry (and poets!) in the Chicago Reader and then attend the Aquacade I show at the Empty Bottle sponsored by Chicago's local record label Drag City and BigSmallPressMall (see the Slowdown, too, for more info).
Chris Saathoff Benefit Show
Tonight at 10pm at the Empty Bottle there will be a special benefit for The Chris Saathoff Foundation featuring: Chris's band, Chin Up Chin Up, New Black, Rollo Tomasi and Paletazo. As previously reported, Chris, a prominent and beloved member of the local music community, was killed on February 13th after leaving a show here at the Empty Bottle. Tickets are $8; the proceeds raised will be donated to a foundation in his name.
The Corgan Rides Alone
Billy Corgan will play his first solo show on April 19 at the Metro, Billboard reports. Tickets are not yet on sale, so if you want to go, you better keep your eye out -- they're likely to sell out in a matter of minutes. Meanwhile, Corgan writes on his blog (3.12.04 entry) that he's planning a unique form of fan appreciation: visitors to his site will be informed of a place and time to show up, present ID that they're over 18, and will then get to sit in on recording sessions the week prior to the premier concert.
Chicago DJ Bumps Britney
Britney Spears was knocked off the top of the UK singles charts yesterday by a novelty song written eight years ago for an aerobics workout. Britney's Toxic was bumped by Cha Cha Slide by Chicago's DJ Casper. Casper -- real name Willie Perry -- climbed one rung to the top slot with a number he first created in the 1990s as a workout for a gym trainer.
Phair Play
Liz Phair will be performing free at the Apple Store, 679 N. Michigan Ave., tomorrow at 2pm. You'll probably want to get there early. (Hey! Parking is free with the purchase of a CPU! What a deal!) [Thanks Nate]
Do you really want to hurt him?
No you don't, and you certainly don't want to make him cry, so you'll show up Friday night when Boy George DJs at Zentra. Mr. O'Dowd was originally scheduled to perform last Halloween, but some Broadway musical got in the way. Presale tickets are available by calling 312-787-0400, or you can add yourself to the second-priority guestlist at the link above.
The Doors not to close?
According to this week's Newcity, rumors of the imminent closing of the Double Door are greatly exaggerated. DD band booker and promoter Phil Kosch, quoted in the article: "Double Door will live on. That's the word from the owners. Nothing is going to change."
Organ failure
Northwestern has cut its organ and church music degree programs due to a lack of interest in the program (a total of 8 students have enrolled in the program in the last 8 years). The cut was criticized by NU music school students, who say cutting the program (which dates back to the 1890s) will harm the school's reputation in the music world.
The Doors to close?
The Double Door that is. This article in the Sun-Times points out a dispute between the owners of the building and the operator of the Double Door. A $9000 dispute -- the difference in their current rent ($3K) and their proposed rent ($12K). [ Hats tipped to Jennifer. ]
Rock the Vote... sort of
Metromix asks: who's the best new band in Chicago? Ten acts are featured on their site (heard of any of them?) with a sample mp3; vote for your favorite and they get a headlining gig at Metro on March 31.
Rive Gauche Free-for-all
Ever been to Rive Gauche? Well, tonight would be the night to do it. Club promoters Hypechicago will get you in for free (everyone before midnight, women all night long) and buy all your drinks, but only if you RSVP.
New musical venues
The folks over at the Empty Bottle are moving some of the live music overflow into some new spots in the city. The Logan Square Auditorium is quickly becoming a new venue for some great touring bands and the ever busy Open End is also opening up their space for some shows as well. Take a look at what's coming up and where. [ Hat tip to Simon ]
Grey Tuesday
Today is Grey Tuesday, an online protest against EMI's censorship of the Grey Album: Danger Mouse's remix of Jay-Z's the Black Album and the Beatles White Album. Participating sites will post the Grey Album today, February 24, for download. If you don't have a copy of the Grey Album, you can obtain it at illegal-art.org.
Give in to your music star fantasies
The first step on the path to the rich and rewarding career in music that you so obviously deserve is to learn how to play something. Lucky for you, Chicago has the Old Town School of Folk Music, which has been teaching music lessons for close to 50 years now. Guitar, bass, fiddle, harmonica, dobro, mandolin, percussion... if you can make music with it, the Old Town can probably teach you how to play it. A new session of classes starts on March 1, and if you sign up for a class by the end of day today, you'll get $15 off your tuition. So peruse the classes, see if something catches your eye, and sign up for something. You can buy your instrument at the school's store, or even rent one, so you don't have to commit to owning a guitar (or bass, or cello, or dobro, or...) And if you do happen to make it big someday, don't forget all us little people here at GB who knew you when you were just starting out.
Corgan Comes Clean
It's been 3 years since the demise of Chicago's own Smashing Pumpkins. At the time, and in the years since, no one really knew why the band ended, but lots of rumors and ideas were hatched by the fans and media. Finally, Billy Corgan wipes the slate clean; he claims the break-up was the idea of the band's guitarist, James Iha. Is Corgan rewriting history? Hopefully not, and maybe he can get back on track in his new endeavors.
Farewell, Chris.
We mentioned earlier this week, that Chris Saathoff was killed on Valentine's Day. His parents have set up a tribute web page where you can leave your comments, see photos of him, and get info if you want to donate to a Chris Saathoff Foundation, as well as get details for the funeral.
Rock Your Way to Riches!
Low on dough, high on...whatever? Head to Excalibur tonight. Everybody's least favorite downtown dance club is hosting the first night of the Malibu Rum $10,000 Entertainer Challenge. This karaoke contest won't be won because one participant sings better than another, no! This is an entertainer contest. So, go, rock hard, and when you win, don't forget where you heard about it.
Sound Canopy at State and Adams
If you're downtown, check out the Sound Canopy at the southwest corner of State and Adams. The installation, which began January 9, is composed of a 32-speaker soundsystem in a construction scaffolding structure. It's being curated by several local art and sound organizations; on rotation this week is "Somebody's Darling" by Jeremy Baguyos.
One year after E2
One year after the E2 nightclub tragedy, the Chicago Tribune and the Sun-Times report on how the Chicago nightclub scene has changed. It appears that lines getting into clubs are longer, club owners are more reluctant to let their places fill to capacity, and the city is conducting more random inspections of venues.
Vehicles of mass destruction
It was not a good weekend to be a pedestrian. One of the weekend's three car-related homicides killed Chin Up Chin Up bassist Chris Saathoff (Friendster profile here). Blogger Mimi Smartypants was there. (Coincidentally, the Tribune's Transportation section on Sunday looked at what's being done to make cars less dangerous for pedestrians. Not enough, obviously. Cars kill more than 43,000 people a year in the U.S., and about 12 percent are innocent bystanders, the equivalent of one Sept. 11 every seven months.)
Mr. Hyde Records presents:
"Going All The Way," a compilation of new music from bands located in Hyde Park. The goal of the compilation was to represent the best recordings of the best tracks of the most active bands in HP. A very limited number of copies are available free at independent record stores all over Chicago. MP3s are available to download for free.
Chicago: Rise Up
Following the #1 debut of Twista's album, Kamikaze, producer-turned-rapper Kanye West drops his new album this week, College Dropout. Super producer to the stars, and creator of Twista's big hit "Slow Jamz", Kanye is heavily favored to drop in at #1 next week - somewhat of a phenomenon for Chicago artists. A product of the South Side, Kanye experienced a life-changing accident in October 2002 which helped him move from beat-maker extraordinaire to a full-fledged MC.
Meet your local music critic
The Village Voice's Pazz & Jop 2003 critics' poll has been released. In the spirit of Brandon's rock crit essay, I thought it might be educational to learn something about the tastes of our local critics by viewing their ballots: Jim DeRogatis and Lloyd Sachs (Sun-Times); Greg Kot (Tribune) and regular Trib freelancers Allison Stewart and Rick Reger; Kiki Yablon, Keith Harris and Peter Margasak (Reader); Keith Phipps (Onion AV Club); and Steve Forstneger (Illinois Entertainer).
Weekend Records is Closing
Weekend Records and Soap is going out of business and will soon be closing their doors for good. Weekend specializes in underground electronic music (vinyl and cd) and handmade natural soaps. They stock an impressive selection of both. The store will remain open until Sunday February 22nd and everything is currently 20% off, that includes fixtures, turntables and computers. Get yourself down to 1919 W. Division for some low priced goodies and to say goodbye to a wonderful shop that will be greatly missed. Store hours are Tues thru Sat 11-8 and Sun 12-6.
The Blues is not a Museum Piece
As part of its Black History Month celebration, the Museum of Science and Industry is presenting Sweet Home Chicago: Big City Blues 1946-1966, a look at the history of the blues in Chicago. The exhibit was developed in partnership with Seattle's Experience Music Project music museum.
Big-time Bucket Boys
Those talented teens who play their makeshift drums along Michigan Ave. are getting their big break: They're heading to LA to perform at the NBA All-Star Game's pre-game event. If they do well, they'll be playing during the game itself. [trib login: gapers/gapers]
Bloodshot Records 10th Anniversary
Local label Bloodshot Records is also marking a milestone as they celebrate their 10th anniversary. Known for putting "insurgent country" on the musical map, Bloodshot Records will kick off the anniversary with a concert Feb. 7 at the Old Town School of Folk Music. Read the full story about the label at Metromix.
Overeager fan ruins show
The Onion reports on a recent show at the Empty Bottle. [ Hats tipped to Fancy That ]
GOODBYE CROW'S NEST
Crow's Nest, the essential record store for DePaul University students everywhere, is in the process of permanently closing its doors. After years of slackening sales and a failed attempt at a Lincoln Park store, the Nest is officially going out of business. Shed a tear, observe a moment of silence, then head over for significant savings on music and movies. Hint: They've excellent classical and jazz selections hidden in the basement.
It's For You
Local IDM duo Telefon Tel Aviv got a great write-up in this week's Village Voice. "Every track on their second album carefully limns the silhouettes' enveloping absence of trust ('I Lied'), love ('Nothing Is Worth Losing That'), and memory ('What It Was Will Never Again')."
Does he drive a minivan now, too?
Meet Chicago's newest suburbanite: Billy Corgan. He paid $7.5 million for a beachfront mansion on the North Shore, the 10th highest price for a Chicago-area home and the most by a Chicago entertainer. [Trib login: gapers/gapers]
Long Lost Fan
Sophie B. Hawkins is hoping to find a fan. Not just any fan, but this particular fan who was filmed on August 5, 2001 at the Northalsted Street Market Days. She wants to use footage of the fan in her "Beautiful Girl" video, but she needs to sign a release. If you know who she is, send Sophie an email.
Authentic Early Music in Hyde Park
Interested in super-authentic early music and chant? Schola Antiqua will be performing a concert of Dunstable, Dufay, and the Notre Dame Organum. A great introduction to Early Music in the beautiful, resonant space of the University of Chicago's Rockefeller Chapel.
Sharon Quattrin in Concert
Sharon Quattrin is one of Chicago's few rising young operatic sopranos who retains a genuinely intimate air in chamber settings. This weekend she'll participate in a concert of Jewish music ranging from Sephardic love songs to Copeland pieces in an inexpensive concert at KAM Isaiah Israel. KAM is the oldest congregation in the midwest, and their beautiful Hyde Park synagogue is a historic landmark worth a visit itself.
Elvis Lives This Weekend
Start your Elvis-themed weekend with a tribute concert to the Elvis of the Seventies, starring Frank LaFon, tonight at 8pm at the Anthenaeum Theatre, 2936 N. Southport. Then head back to the Athenaeum same time tomorrow for Cooking with Elvis, a play about "sex, food and rock-and-roll" by Lee Hall, who wrote Billy Elliot. Thankya, thankyaverymuch.
Emptying the Bottle of Nazis
The Empty Bottle cancelled at the last minute a show by three pro-Nazi/racist bands, after receiving hundreds of angry phone calls and emails. The concert was moved to Déjà Vù, which also ended up cancelling after a similar outcry. But Jim DiRogatis raises some important questions: "Is a band guilty of espousing fascist opinions just because it uses fascist imagery? And, more pressingly, is censorship ever a valid response in protesting objectionable ideas?"
Christmas tunes
One more jazzy rendition of "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" just might send you into a frothing-at-the-mouth tizzy fit. But, if you'd like to listen to really good holiday music and support WLUW, then you should be at Schuba's tonight to sing along with Elizabeth Conant (don't worry, lyrics will be distributed) between sets from some great musical guests. The M's, John Upchurch and Mark Greenberg (two ex-members of the Coctails) with two VERY special guests, Steve & Liam of Frisbie, Grand Lunar (a new project from Charles Kim of Sinister Luck Ensemble), and the Detholz will sing three or four of their favorite carols. $10 will get you in the door; the bands begin the tra-la-la at 8:30.
A day in the laugh
The Times reviews the Second City's 24-hour improv and music marathon, a fund-raiser to buy Christmas gifts for needy children. Billy Corgan, Jeff Tweedy and Robbie Fulks were among the musicians who came to help the 11 all-night actors.
Pitchfork in Print
Our favorite local music reviewers, Pitchfork Media, have put together a book! Thesaurus Musicarium: The Pitchfork Year in Music 2003 is the first of what they promise to be a series of annual yearbooks, "featuring in-depth coverage of each year's greatest albums and singles, as well as the most noteworthy news stories, the site's best writing, and previously unpublished features written exclusively for the series by members of the Pitchfork review staff," with design work by Henry Owings. Preorder yours for only $8.95.
The Gift of Music
For the first time, the Ravinia Festival has put their gift shop online - just in time for holiday giving. Proceeds help support the annual music festival and its community outreach and education programs. Buy posters, clothing, or get a Ravinia gift certificate for the discerning music-lover on your gift list - all at Ravinia Gifts.
Ceremony of Carols
Music of the Baroque is one of Chicago's finest performing ensembles and like every other classical group in Chicago, they'll be doing a holiday concert. But in addition to the usual Baroque pieces by Schutz and Gabrieli, they'll also be performing Britten's beloved Ceremony of Carols - an unusual piece for boys chorus and harp. There are numerous recordings But seeing it live with the processionals is one of the best entrees into the world of 20th century music that you can get.
Getting Your Messiah On
'Tis the season for Christmas music, and if you haven't yet gotten your Messiah on, The Apollo Chorus will be mounting a pretty fierce production featuring uber-tenor Cal Metts and the stellar Ellen Hargis. Written on notoriously short notice, Messiah incorporates several tunes from Handel's Italian period, which are available on a cd featuring hottie baroque coloraturas like Veronique Gens and Patricia Petibon.
Po' Lazarus
In 1959, musicologist Alan Lomax recorded folk songs by inmates in Mississippi's prisons and work gangs. Four decades later, one of those songs, "Po' Lazarus," was selected for the "O Brother, Where Art Thou" soundtrack. When the album became a best-seller, its producers spent more than a year searching for the singer of "Po' Lazarus." They finally found him living in a rundown Chicago apartment. He had never heard of the movie and had forgotten Lomax's visit. They gave him a $20,000 check, the first of several royalty payments, and paid for his first plane trip, to L.A. for the 2002 Grammy Awards. The singer, James Carter, died last week at the age of 77. [Trib. login: gapers/gapers]
It's a wonderful movie
My soft spots for Frank Capra and for group singing intersect each year with the Music Box's Christmas double feature and sing-a-long, Dec. 19-24. Tickets are on sale now. Per tradition, the movies are "White Christmas" and "It's a Wonderful Life," and each showing is preceding by a round of Christmas carols, led by Santa Claus himself. Related: This will be the last Christmas for Music Box managers Chris Carlo and Robert Chane, who after 20 years have handed the reins to their landlord, who promises to maintain the theater's format and physical layout.
Jazz Record Mart
Jazz Record Mart is one of the treasures of this city: the world's largest record store devoted to jazz and blues music. Wander its rows and discover the new soundtrack to your life, or take a look at this list of "killers" -- the albums JRM considers essential to any collection.
Tell Us The Truth!
Billy Bragg, Tom Morello, Lester Chambers, Mike Mills, and quite a few other musicians will be playing in town on Monday, November 10th, for the Chicago date of the Tell Us The Truth tour making its way across the country. According to the Website, the tour is to promote "the discussion of media consolidation and how it has affected the music industry. Common Cause [a group formed to reform government ethics -ed.] will be on hand with information about how to fight media consolidation in Chicago." The show is Monday night at the Park West (322 W. Armitage). Tickets available at ... Ticketmaster?!?!?!
Ned Rorem in Chicago
Chicago is currently in the grip of its annual Humanities Festival and the city is awash with lectures, dance, music, and art. The highlight of the festival will be a conversation with Ned Rorem, America's greatest living composer (and, incidentally, an award winning author). Afterwards there will be not one but two concerts featuring Rorem pieces. If you never went to go see Celia Cruz because you thought she'd live forever, this may be the opportunity you've been looking for to balance your karmic debt.
Noise Chicago
Another show resource, this time from the folks at No-Nothing Rock, which features some of ther goodies. Noise Chicago is a database of shows in the city, moreso of the independent variety. The site has a list of all shows happening on the day you visit, with a recommended list on the side.
See shell?
The new band shell at Millennium Park will be named after the Pritzkers, Chicago's wealthiest family, according to the Sun-Times. The Petrillo family, whose name adorns the current band shell, doesn't feel too good about the change, and is warning the city that they might take the matter to court. The Pritzkers, who gave $15 million for the building of the $50 million shell, benefited from being able to have naming rights for donating a big wad of cash, a rule which is also apparently going to give us such lyrically named places in the park as the McCormick-Tribune Ice Rink, Bank One Promenade and BP Bridge.
Hoot Night is back
Thomas Dunning's Hoot Night -- many bands, one theme -- returns tonight to Schubas, 3159 N. Southport, after a seven-month absence. The theme: "1969 vs. 1989." $10, 8 p.m.
Neo's Far Out Costume Contests!
I like totally know you've still got your pegged jeans and plastic bangle bracelets from the '80s and Neo like totally is giving away $250 to the most rockinest '80s/New Wave costume this Thursday. Fer sure!
DC Video Shoot / Halloween Party
Chicago band Dolorous Canter is filming a music video and because one of the main scenes requires a party of sorts, the band has decided to hold a Halloween party. The party will be held this Friday Oct. 31st at a secret location in the city (think large warehouse). There will be good times, some food & beverages and you'll be in the video. Because of the nature of this project, dislosure of location, time and details will be via e-mail. If you're interested, drop a line to naz at absenter dot org.
Asian American Jazz Festival
Hothouse is hosting the Asian American Jazz Festival this Friday and Saturday night. Catch some great performances at a great price -- $18 for each day's line-up ($15 for students over 21).
Elliott Smith RIP
Sadly, they've been dropping like flies lately. While not from Chicago, Elliott Smith is a beloved indie music icon to many a music appreciator in this city, and we're sad to say there won't be anymore music coming from his way.
311 at Block 37
A tipster has informed us that 311, the raggae/metal/rappish party band, are playing a surprise free after-work live performance at Block 37 (State St. between Washington and Randolph) tonight at 5:30pm sharp. Be there at 5 or even a little earlier if you want to get close.
Early Music in Chicago
Chicago's thriving Early Music scene now has a web presence. Early Music Chicago may not be the most snazzily-laid out site, but it is the only comprehensive site on the web about people in Chicago who make music of the Baroque and Renaissance. With everyone from Bella Voce to the University of Chicago Motet Choir, the site has got the scene covered.
Billy Corgan lost his keys
Comedian Stephen Lynch does a similar thing to Weird Al/Adam Sandler on SNL by using songs and a guitar for his comedic routine. And in the funniest thing I've heard all morning, Lynch sings the tale of "What If That Guy From Smashing Pumpkins Lost His Car Keys?". [Hat tip to ex-Chicago brethren Jason]
Bands Against Bush
The Chicago chapter of Bands Against Bush presents the "THIRD PARTY" party as part of today's International Day of Action. Performers include DJ Brock, Tobias, and DJ Transid. 1538 W. Chicago Ave., 10pm-2am, $7 suggested donation. You must RSVP through bandsagainstbush@your-house.com.
Said Memorial Concert
Literary critic and Palestinian political activist Edward Said died recently to the dismay of scholars and activists world wide. Israeli Daniel Barenboim, grand maestro of the CSO was a close friend of Said and they worked together to examine how art could overcome the Palestinian-Israeli divide. This weekend Barenboim will lead an orchestra of Arab and Palestinian musicians in a free concert in honor of Said in Hyde Park. This unique event will be musically and emotionally extraordinary. Definitely my pick of the month.
Chicago House
The Second City has been the home of many a musical movement over the years, from blues to jazz to Chicago House. Many credit the Chicago House sound as the beginning of the modern electronic dance. Learn a bit about the history of the Chicago House here and here. You might also tune your radio or computer to WIIT, the Illinois Institute of Technology's student radio station, which programs probably more electronic music than any other station in the city.
Greatest Living American Blog Satirist
Former Reader and McSweeney's writer Neal Pollack returns to town to promote his latest book, "Never Mind the Pollacks." Thursday, Oct. 16, there will be a free reading at Quimby's (1854 W. North) at 7:30, followed by a 9:30 show at the Subterranean (2011 W. North) with his band, The Neal Pollack Invasion ($8). Friday at 12:30 he'll read at Borders (150 N. State), then at 9 open for comedy troupe Schadenfreude at the Athenaeum (2936 N. Southport; $20).
God Bless Chicago and Hot Kielbasa.
Marshall Field's is sponsoring an absolutely kick-a$$ day of music this Saturday. Marshall Field's Day of Music offers a wide range of symphonic music (including an appearance by Mr. Barenboim), soul, blues, and world music performers. To top it off: the Polkaholics are headlining Symphony Center. Download the pdf schedule and check it out.
The Texas Ballroom
I found myself at this amazing art/music/living space on the southside yesterday called the Texas Ballroom. I caught some amazing music there last night — it blew me away — and if you're at all interested in something fresh, grab-you-by-the-throat and with the underground flavour, you should keep an eye out for events there.
50 Most Common (?) Used CD's
Pitchfork has a new feature up, the 50 Most Common Used CD's. I'll count this as indigenous to Chicago, as I"ve scoured bargain bins elsewhere with different results. While it brings back memories of many hours spent at the old Dr. Wax with about half of these discs, the other half I hope are true, as I need to go and find some of the better ones on the list.
Rock on Chicago!
In memoriam, have fun with the Wesley Willis song generator (via Coudal.)
Aesop Rocks Thursday
Off to the left coast this weekend so I'll miss the Aesop Rock show this Thursday. Lyrically he's consistently been one of the most promising things about hip hop for the past four years - sort of a cross between The Goats and Allen Ginsburg : Now it's an honor and I spell it with the 'H' I stole from heritage / Marry crutch stolen wretched refuge refuse my teaming resonance / I promise temperance storm breed with a leaning conscious / In a credence relax responsive with my sports outsource the wattage... (more from Definitive Jux)
Bach Mass in B Minor
I ran into someone singing in Music of the Baroque's upcoming performance of Bach's Mass in B Minor, which is arguably the greatest piece of choral music ever written. She says its exhausting but the piece is coming along well. In order to really get it, you should read up a bit first before you get on over to a performance.
Chicago Music Scene dot com
Chicago Music Scene has a comprehensive music listing and calendar. Their Clubs section is large and vast and their site covers all kinds of music. Not the prettiest site but makes for fast loading.
It's a Small World....
The World Music Festival is on right now through September 21. Enjoy music from Greece, Argentina, Ghana, and just about everywhere else at a variety of venues around town. Most events are $15 or less and many are free.
Yo DJ!
Hit the Decks is a new inner city youth program giving kids a creative outlet in the form of DJ lessons. On October 3, they'll be throwing a benefit at Metro/Smartbar, pitting four DJ teams against each other. Looks like a swell time.
Fade to Black
Johnny Cash is dead [Tribune: gapers/gapers]. And we are worse for it. Exactly three months after losing his longtime partner, June Carter Cash, Johnny Cash succumbed from complications of diabetes at 71. "As sure as night is dark and day is light / I keep you on my mind both day and night." Amen.
Hideout Block Party
Summer may be unofficially over, but there's still some outdoor fun to be had! This weekend, the 7th Annual Hideout Block Party features a heapin' helpin' of great local (Andrew Bird, Waco Brothers, Kelly Hogan, various Poi Dogs) and imported (Erase Errata, Demolition Doll Rods, the Dirtbombs) musical entertainments. There's even a kids' stage with Twang Bang! Proceeds benefit Tuesday's Child, PLAY, and Alejandro Fund. Festivities occurring in and around the Hideout, 1354 W. Wabansia, Chicago.
The Last Seminar
Seminar, Chicago's longest-running drum & bass weekly, has its final rinse out tonight. Join the Bass by the Pound crew and the junglist massive for the last session, with Shy FX and an open bar from 9-10. Big Wig, 1551 W. Division, 21+, $10.
Rebel Sigh...
Years after Generation X, "White Wedding" and all that jazz, everyone's favorite smirker, Billy Idol, is in town tonight (08/27/2003) at the House of Blues. Go and feel angry, spiky and nostalgic all at once.
Wesley Willis RIP.
Alternative Tentacles is reporting that perennial Wicker Park rock'n'roll star Wesley Willis passed away on Thursday, August 21. Rock over London, rock on, Wesley. We'll miss you. Give God a head-butt for us. (Note: the AT server seems to have gone belly-up, no doubt because a million bloggers linked to the story. I've got the full text of their announcement on my blog.)
Giant Blue Sopranos
Remember in The Fifth Element when that huge blue woman sings that awesomely beautiful opera aria and then does the running man? While Diva Plavalaguna's body may have been Maiwenn Le Besco and her voice was Inva Muler-Tchako, the music was pure Donizetti. This year the Lyric Opera will be staging Lucia de Lammermoor, the opera from which Plavalaguna's aria was taken. And singing it will be none other than uber-coloratura Natalie Dessay who should blow the pants off of Plavalaguna. Meanwhile, those of you interested in the electronica/opera aspect of Serra's music would best be served checking out Eric Whitacre's new opera Paradise Lost.
Elvis Lives!
The 26th anniversary of Elvis's "death" is Saturday, and to celebrate, Mark Hussman, Chicago's number one Elvis impersonator (and AOL's too!), is performing at Navy Pier's Skyline Stage with a cavalcade of stars, including the Ann Margrock Dancers and Barefoot Hawaiians. Show starts at 7:30 -- get there before Mark leaves the building!
Fab Four Freakout
The Fest for Beatles Fans (formerly the more snappily named Beatlefest) drags itself to the Hyatt Regency O'Hare this weekend with bootlegs, collectible kitsch, and a desperate celebration of all things Fab. Barrel-bottom scraping special guests include Donovan (who wrote an unreleased song with Paul McCartney), Denis O'Dell (who was mentioned in a Beatles song), and Larry Kane (I have no idea). Expect a tribute band.
Sex and Beer
Pat McCurdy is a funny, funny guy. You can hear him play (and marvel at the rabidity of his loyal fans) at the Beat Kitchen Monday night for the next two weeks. $5.
Beer and Music, Music and Beer
Sure, there's the Goose Island Fest starting this Friday at the Finkl Steel plant, and sure they've got some hott acts like Guided By Voices and the Psychedelic Furs. But just imagine all of those... people! For the demophobic who'd like some live music and local brew, may I suggest singer-songwriter and Chicago magazine Hot Single Dylan Rice, performing at the Wrigleyville Goose Island brewpub Friday night.
365 Day Project
Otis Fodder's fantastic 365 Days project posts daily MP3s that fall within the Dr. Demento/Ironic Hipster spectrum of novelty tunes. While my favorites include The Chromalox Song and the masterful Orson Welles frozen pea out-takes, there are some there are some wonderful Chicago-centered ones, including Chicago Policeman and a transvestite-centered calypso tune sung by Louis Farrakhan.
Ashtray Boy on the Air
Those of you who can't wait 'til Sunday to hear Ashtray Boy at the Empty Bottle, don't forget that you can tune in today (8 Aug 03) to WHPK at 88.5 on your FM dial. They'll be doing a live show at 9pm this very evening. Who says the stars never shine in Hyde Park?
Tony Bennett @ Ravinia
Just a reminder/head's up that Tony Bennett will be performing at Ravinia on August 30 at 8:00 PM. Tickets are $65 - Pavilion and $15 - Lawn. (Lawn seats are expected to sell out, so get yours today!)
Carillonathon!
Come down to Hyde Park Sunday at 6pm for a carillon concert at Rockefeller Chapel. The carillon is a huge, ancient instrument which appears to be made out of bells of varying sizes. Expert players from around the country and the world will be taking turns playing the insturment every Sunday this summer. The concert is free, and immediately before the concert guests are invited to climb the bell tower to see the instrument (and the stunning view) firsthand.
Nomy Lamm
Nomy Lamm the self-described "badass fatass jew dyke amputee, performance artist, writer and activist" is going to be in town Sunday, August 3rd, performing with Chicago Kings and several other bands at the Bottom Lounge. She'll also be part of Estrojam on August 7.
Patricia Barber in Town
Patricia Barber is one of Chicago's most talented jazz exports. But she's been exporting herself so often she's almost never in town. Luckily for us she'll be at Green Mill playing Monday night gigs for all of August. Check out her a/v page if you've not yet been turned on.
Limp Bizkit Bombs
Limp Bizkit was essentially booed off the stage at the Summer Sanitarium concert this weekend after concertgoers threw bottles, coins and at least one well-aimed lemon at the band. Fred Durst apparently through a fit and offered to take on "anyone within earshot" before leaving the stage 20 minutes into their set, leaving a 90-minute blank space between Bizkit and headliners Metallica.
Ashtray Boy Returns
Ashtray Boy w/ Ludenschied ...a world premier of NEW CD! 'The Euro' Part-time Chicago band, Ashtray Boy, returns to Chicago on Saturday August 2 at 9pm at the BYOB club run by Elastic Revolution Productions commonly known as 3030: 3030 W. Cortland -- 1 block south of Armitage (2000 north) & 1 block west of Humboldt Blvd. (3000 west). Maybe if we're lucky, Dave Winer (formerly from The Baltimores and The Howards) will be playing with them that night. Be there or be square!
Estrojammin'
Remember how much fun you had at Ladyfest Midwest? Relive the magic at Estrojam! The four-day festival features DIY workshops, the premier of the documentary Coup d'Etat, and a whole purse-load of performances by Cat Power, Lydia Lunch, Princess Superstar, Panda Panda, Big Smith, the intriguingly named Bleeding Hickies and more more more! Proceeds will benefit the financially embattled Women in the Director's Chair. August 7-10 at the Vic, Subterranean, and other North Side venues.
The Ragtime Ephemeralist
For those of you with a soft spot for ragtime music, The Ragtime Ephemeralist may be of keen interest. The publication digs deep into the history of the genre, and the site offers additional resources, including some sample recordings. First rate!
Atomly and Eye-D at Rotation
Atomly, who entertained the Gapers Block party with his mellow techno, will be performing music tonight from the other end of the electronic spectrum: some rough drum&bass, and possibly breakcore. Rotation, the jungle weekly at Cafe Lura, will also host DJ Eye-D from the Netherlands, who pioneered the gabberjunglewar style. 11pm, $7, 3184 N. Milwaukee Ave.
American English
American English, the Chicago-based Beatles tribute band considered the best in the world (they're promoted by the Beatles' former manager) will be playing at Oakbrook Fest tomorrow. The show will feature a guest appearance by Louise Harrison, George's sister. A must-see for any hardcore Fab Five fan (keep your eye out for Terry Hemmert). See their schedule for more info.
Prince Club
Do you like Prince? A lot? Then show up at Berlin, 954 W. Belmont, Sunday night for Chicago NPG Music Club's monthly shindig and party like it's 1999 to Prince's music and nothing but, all night. More info on the club here.
New Kurt Elling Album
Hyde Parker Kurt Elling has a new album, Man in the Air that goes on sale today. It can be difficult to get past his unironic hipsterism, but Elling is a fantastic vocalist and his collaborator Laurence Hobgood is even more devastatingly talented. You can hear clips of the album and even buy tickets for the record release party late on in August.
Tuesdays on the Terrace
The Museum of Contemporary Art presents live jazz for free every Tuesday from 5-8pm. Tuesdays on the Terrace run from June 3 through September 2, and catering is available by Wolfgang Puck. Tonight's musician is Kahil El’Zabar.
Chicago Audio Society
Consider yourself an audiophile? Are you the type to spend hours tweaking your stereo system to get the surround sound perfect? Can you argue the merits of vacuum tube amplifiers over solid-state? Well then, you're ready to join the Chicago Audio Society.
HiFi Records
When The Clubhouse record store next to Metro closed, word was something would take its place as the source for Metro and SmartBar tickets without a surcharge. That something turns out to be a new branch of Lincoln Park's HiFi Records.
Interpol PRE-SALE "Secret"
I'll let you in on a little secret. Interpol pre-sale tickets for fan club members go on sale today (on sale Saturday for the general public). To purchase tickets go to their website and when prompted enter the following info - USERNAME: Interpol PASSWORD: Tickets. If that doesn't work, you will have to sign-up right then and there, and it only takes a second. My darlings (and by "darlings," I mean Carlos D.) will be playing September 19th, at the Riviera. Don't say I never did anything for ya!
Blur at the Congress
Last minute date? Go and catch Blur at the Congress Theater, tonight July 14th. Yeah, you remember Blur, right? The doors open at 6:30.
Pink Bloque Rock Lotto
Wanna be in a band without making the commitment? Sign up for the Pink Bloque Rock Lotto on Sunday, July 13 at the Empty Bottle. Participants are randomly placed in a band, and then have two weeks to practice for a July 27 performance at the Bottle. This Sunday's registration event also features DJs, videos, and a bake sale. 1035 N. Western, 9:30pm.
Cex at Fireside
Rapper Cex will be performing at the Fireside Bowl on Wednesday, July 9th at 10:00 p.m. along with Dakota, Dakota and The Thing That Always Explodes.
Jim & Jennie:
There's nothing better than a dose of high frequency nasal singing. Everyone's favorite bluegrass band, Jim and Jennie & the Pinetops will be performing at everyone's favorite bar, The Hideout. Friday, July 11th @ 6:00 PM.
New Music of the Baroque Season
Well lookee here! Chicago perennials Music of the Baroque have ended their search for a new musical director and have anounced their new season. It looks fantastic. Choc-a-block with great stuff including the baroque bubble-gum-pop of Purcell's Come Come Ye Sons of Art and the drink-the-kool-aid counterpoint of Bach's B-Minor Mass. And all served up by world-class musicians like Chicago's own Ellen Hargis. Oh yes.
Pointless celebrity gossip
Allow me to bring the level of discourse down a few notches—it's a holiday week, why not? I hear that Renee Zellweger was in attendance at last night's White Stripes show at the Aragon. Zellweger is rumored to be dating Jack White, who played a bit of "Mister Cellophane" from Renee's movie Chicago.
WLUW Record Fair
Would your small business benefit from having a table at the WLUW Record Fair? There will be about 50 vendors selling wares that range from used vinyl, posters by Screwball Press, and designer fashions. And, WLUW is hoping to expand their offerings by a