The Meat Puppets have had their share of ups and downs, breakups and makeups, triumphs and tragedies (including the disappearance and reemergence of one brother Cris Kirkwood) since they started making music in 1980, but now they are riding high on an upswing in their roller coaster story. Their second hiatus ended in 2006 when original members and brothers Curt and Cris Kirkwood reunited, and between tours in 2008 they wrote and recorded their latest album, Sewn Together (Mega Force) which was released earlier this year.
The trio is on tour again (this time with Shandon Sahm replacing original drummer Derrick Bostrom) and this Thursday will begin a three night stand at Schubas, and we are giving away a pass for all three nights plus a Meat Puppets shirt. The first to email us at contests@gapersblock.com with the subject line "Meat!" gets a Meat Puppets shirt and two three-day Meat Puppets passes courtesy of Schubas. Update! We have a winner! Congrats to Mark!
Given their large catalog, you're sure to hear lots of old as well as new (and yes, I'm sure they'll play "Backwater").
Who doesn't like Led Zeppelin? My own memories of friends belting out "D'yer Mak'er" on a high school camping trip will never be forgotten. Led Zeppelin Tribute Band--Heartbreaker--is coming to The Center for Performing Arts at Governors State University on Saturday, November 14th and you could go for free! They are holding a contest for the best rocker photos, videos, songs or whatever you've got for your own hair band tribute. The best part is, even if you don't win, all entrants receive $10 off the regularly priced $35 tickets. To enter email your material to tickets@govst.edu or become a fan of their Facebook page and post to the wall. Deadline for entries is November 11.
Maybe you and a friend will be belting out "D'yer Mak'er" yourselves in front of the ultimate tribute band.
Tickets can be purchased by going to centertickets.net or calling 708.235.2222. Governors State University is located at One University Parkway in University Park, IL 60466.
The UK electronic/house duo Basement Jaxx hasn't played the US in many years, but a short North American DJ tour to promote their new album Scars visits the Congress on November 6. As is the case with Basement Jaxx's schizophrenic electronic albums, their DJ sets tend to be on the wild side. From reggae classics to their own remixes to the latest bangers, it doesn't really matter what they play because it's all for the sake of a party. And you can be part of that party because Transmission's giving away a pair of tickets for it, courtesy of Cold Grums. Be the first to email contests@gapersblock.com with "RAINDROPS" in the subject line and you'll could be our winner.Update: We have a winner! Congrats to Tracy!
Toronto's MSTRKRFT and Berlin's Modeselektor open with live sets. A cavalcade of Chicago DJs will also be performing. The show is November 6th, doors at 7PM, 17+, and $26.50. The Congress is at 2135 N Milwaukee.
Halloween weekend is fast approaching, and the folks over at The Congress are making sure you kick off the festivities on Friday with a huge dance party. With a bill offering up the likes of Chromeo, Crystal Castles, and Boys Noize, it's shaping up to be just that. And the folks putting on this massive party are awesome enough to offer a Gapers Block reader a pair of tickets! Just be the first to email us at contests@gapersblock.com with the subject line "BOO" and you and a friend will be on your way for free. Update! We have a winner! Congrats to Matthew!
Headlining the show are the funk infused electro beats of Chromeo. The Brooklyn duo offer up synth heavy beats that are bit campy in delivery and lyrics, but infectiously danceable and fun. Also on the bill is Crystal Castles, the electro punk duo that are known for insanely loud show and fierce attitude from singer Alice Glass. And Boys Noize whipped Perry's Stage into a frenzy at Lollapalooza this year, so with these three acts on the bill bring your best pair of dancing shoes and make sure to wear some Speedstick. It's about to get very sweaty Halloween weekend at The Congress.
Chromeo, Crystal Castles, and Boys Noize play The Congress Theater, Friday October 30th. The show is 17+ and doors open at 7pm. Tickets are $35.
On Friday, our friends over at HEAVEmedia have a rock solid line-up of a show at The Empty Bottle, and they've been nice enough to give us a pair of tickets to giveaway to a lucky Transmission reader! Just be the first to email us at contests@gapersblock.comwith the subject line "Hay!" and you'll be on your way. Update! We have a winner! Congrats to Tara!
Headlining the show is local post-punk outfit Haymarket Riot. The band clearly draws influence from Shellac and Fugazi to At The Drive-In, creating a heavy and forceful yet catchy sound. This is the last hometown show listed for the band before they head over to tour Europe at the end of the month, so stop by the Bottle and wish the boys well as they head overseas.
Also playing is Portland-based band System and Station, who have a bit more of a pop-punk edge, but still incredibly noisy and fun. According to their press release, they've torched computer monitors while on tour and saw a man dressed as a nun defile someone in New York. Clearly these guys know how to have a good time.
HEAVEmedia presents Haymarket Riot, System and Station, We Make Thunder, and Black Attic Friday October 9th at The Empty Bottle. The show is 21+, tickets are $5 in advance and $8 at the door. The show starts at 9:30pm.
For the last 20-(cough) years, Ian Svenonius has been an underground mainstay. His music, from early-'90s Dischord-era punk (Nation of Ulysses, Cupid Car Club) to mod garage-gospel (The Make-Up) and even modder psychedelica (Scene Creamers/Weird War), always features the elements of conspiracy rhetoric and ants-in-the-pants dancing.
Svenonius' latest project, Chain and the Gang, is no different, though it sounds far more subdued (no James Brown screaming here, folks) -- more "Folsum Prison Blues" than "N-Sub Ulysses." The band's first album, Down With Liberty... Up With Chains!, is mainly a Svenonius gig, but collaborators include the who's-who roster from K Records, including Calvin Johnson and other members of Dub Narcotic Sound System, Sarah Pedal, Brett Lyman, Karl Blau, Lizet and Veronica Ortuño, and about half of Old Time Relijun.
Catch Chain and the Gang at the Beat Kitchen on Monday, Sept. 28. I'm not sure just who will be in the touring band, but suffice to say it'll be a good ol' down-with-the-Man time. Playing with them is locals D. Rider and The Love of Everything. The show kicks off at 9 p.m., and it'll set you back $10. That is, unless you are the winner of a pair of tickets to the show, courtesy of Gapers Block. Just send an e-mail to contests@gapersblock.com with "Chain and the Gang" in the subject line and your first and last name in the body of the e-mail.Update: We have a winner! Congrats to Eric!
I have to admit, I was only faintly familiar with Os Mutantes before they headlined The Pitchfork Music Fest in 2006. I had heard the name, but never ventured in to the realm of '60s Brazilian Psychedelia. Everyone was freaking out over this band and I knew that I had been missing something wonderful. Kurt Cobain begged them to open for Nirvana in the early '90s. When Beck released Mutations in 1998, the title was in ode to this band. Os Mutantes' influence was slowly brought in the mainstream and the term Tropicalia became part of the indie rock lexicon. It took the band reuniting to get them all over mix CDs and to my ears.
I was at Pitchfork three years ago with my friend who knows music like no one's business. She set me straight on what a powerful band they are. In addition to making some of the most amazing experimental music of the '60s and '70s the band has survived imprisonment, artistic oppression, and exile during a military coup. Yet though all this turmoil, they produced joyous music matching the anger and passion that stemmed from the Tropicalia movement. They just released their first album in 35 years on Anti Records entitled Haih or Amortecedor and play this Sunday at the Subterranean. They have proved themselves as music legends whose stories are gifts to be heard.
We live in exciting times when a band with such a rich and important history plays an intimate venue. I expect to be there in awe and awaiting an experience 35 years in the making.
Os Mutantes play Sunday, Sept. 27 at The Subterranean, 2011 W. North Ave. Doors at 7:30pm, show starts at 8:30. Brooklyn Spanish-pop band Deleon opens. The show is 17+. Tickets are $25 but we've got an opportunity for you to win a pair of tickets for free! Just email contests@gapersblock.com with "Mutations" in the subject line and your full name in the body of the email. We'll choose one entry at random at 5pm today. Update: We have a winner! Congratulations, Oscar!
I first saw Scout Niblett perform on June 22, 2008. Whatever else I did that day is long gone, but the performance I saw that night will always stick with me. It was a Sunday night and the show was at Schubas. I was there mostly to see Dax Riggs, but Niblett was opening. She began with "Hot to Death" from her album Kidnapped by Neptune, and she got my attention fast. Intense is not a strong enough word for what happened in that room, on that night. I was only slightly familiar with her before she started that first song. By the end of it I was enamored. I knew I was in for a binge. I bought (yes, bought) all her albums that night.
For those unfamiliar with Niblett, allow me a moment to proselytize: She is from Staffordshire, England, but currently lives in Portland, OR. Her music is very minimal, and consists primarily of vocals accompanied by guitar, drums and the occasional piano. Often, only one of these instruments can be heard at a time. She plays them all.
Niblett's singing is unconventional but fervent. She's cited grunge music and astrology as being major influences. She's worked with Chicago's own Steve Albini on multiple albums; her most recent, This Fool Can Die Now, features a hefty four duets with Bonnie "Prince" Billy. On April 14, 2009 she released the 7" single, It's Time My Beloved through Chicago-based indie label, Drag City. Her current tour comes to a close this Friday, Sep 25 at Subterranean: 2011 W North Ave. 9:30pm. 17 & over. Tickets are $12.
But why pay when you could go for free? That would be ridiculous, not to mention wasteful. We're giving away a pair of tickets. Be the first to email us at contests@gapersblock.com with your full name and "Niblett" in the subject line, and they're all yours. UPDATE We have a winner! Congrats to Dan B.
Post-Hardcore/Progressive rockers These Arms are Snakes seem to want to be Chicagoans based on who they have been tour mates with. They are back in town playing the Subterranean Tuesday. This band, who was at the Sub-T last Febuary played what was told to be amazing show, just off the heels of a tour with local instramental rock stars Russian Circles through Europe. They have also spilt EPs with both Russian Circles and fellow locals Pelican.
After releasing the soon to be classic Tail Swallower and Dove last year on Suicide Squeeze, The band decided that Pitchfork didn't know what the hell they were doing and collaborated their own 500 list with what they believe to be the best songs of the past 10 years as opposed to Pitchfork's 30 year exploration. (With of course respective nods to songs they both agreed on.) Anyone who would take the time to compile another list that long is obviously a hard core music fan and TAAS's love of music shows in their thrilling live performances where crowd surfing and stage diving are common. I haven't taken the time to count the number of Chicago based bands on the list.
Act now and get in for free! We have a pair of tickets to give away to the first person to email us at contests@gapersblock.com with the subject "Snakes!". Update! We have a winner! Congrats to Tim!
Experimental Canucks DD/MM/YYYY and Northwest Indiana band Native opens for what is sure to be an intense night of music. The Subterranean is located at 2011 W. North Ave. Doors at 8:30. Show Starts at 9:00.
I first saw Amazing Baby back in June when they opened for Phoenix at Park West. I was there to review Phoenix, but I was so blown away by the opener that when I heard they were returning to Chicago to headline Schubas, I had to give them a shout-out all their own.
Their debut album, Rewild, wasn't out by the time of the Park West show, but you can be sure I picked up as soon as it was available. With such a mature sound, it may come as a surprise that Rewild is their first album. The first half of the album entrances beginning with "Bayonettes" and Pink Floyd-esque drones and swells on "Invisible Place" into persistent drum beats driving the intensity of "Kankra" and breathy desperation (reminiscent of earlier Prince?) in "Headdress." Late in the album is the unassuming "The Narwhal" -- which you have to hear live because the recorded version just doesn't hold a candle. While they may wear their influences blatantly, they mold them well and show much promise of continuing growth and longevity in a time when today's hot thing is tomorrow's ancient history.
Here at Transmission we are so excited about this band that we want to make sure you see them, which is why we are giving away a pair of tickets to tomorrow night's show! Just be the first to email us at contests@gapersblock.comwith the subject "Amazing!" and you and a friend get to go to the show for free! Update! We have a winner! Congrats to Patrick!
Amazing Baby play Friday night at Schubas. The Entrance Band opens. Show starts at 10:30pm. 3159 N. Southport. 18 & up. Tickets are $10.
The Ettes add a sexy '60s swagger to punk rock that sounds like they could soundtrack a Tarantino B-film all on their own. Think of them as a modern version of Nancy Sinatra--with fuzz pedals. The trio started off as an all girl group, but Jem joined the ladies before they put out their first album, Shake the Dust, in 2006. They have a new album coming out next month, but you can see them live here in Chicago on Friday night at Subterranean.
What's that you say? You want to go for free? Well, you're in luck because we're giving away a pair of tickets to Friday's show. Just be the first to email us at contests@gapersblock.comwith the subject line "Ettes!" and you'll be going with a friend for $0. [Update!] We have a winner! Congrats to Emily!
Pearl Jam may have formed in Seattle as part of the '90s grunge scene, but Chicago still makes their own claim since lead singer Eddie Vedder is originally from Evanston. Nevertheless, the group is swinging through town this Sunday and Monday, August 23rd & 24th on their latest tour for their highly anticipated new album Backspacer (to be released next month sans a label). Tickets for the United Center shows are $66, but right this minute we are giving away a pair of tickets to Sunday's show! Just be the first to email us at contests@gapersblock.comwith the subject line "Jam It!" and you'll be headed to the show with a friend. Hold the phone! We have a winner! Congrats to Brad!
And as we told you about yesterday, here is the "Backspacer Short" which takes a look at the making of the band's ninth studio album:
The Breeders are a nostalgic treat for anyone who grew up in the '90s. Anytime I hear the opening riff to "Cannonball" I'm brought back to my high school days watching videos on MTV's "120 Minutes". But they certainly haven't been the easiest band to keep tabs on in recent years. Between the sometimes long gaps in albums, the drugs and the record label issues it is hard to know when the next time we will get to see them will be.
Thankfully, the alternative superstars just kicked off a summer tour, leaving 4AD and self-releasing their newest album Fate to Fatal. This follows last year's Mountain Battles. The twins rockThe Metro this Thursday for the post Lollapalooza show week with with indie soul band Whispertown 2000 opening. Doors open at 8. Show starts at 9.
Lucky for you, we have a couple of pairs of tickets to give away, courtesy of the Metro. Be the first two to email us at contests@gapersblock.com with the subject line "Cannonball" and you and a friend will be headed to the show on Thursday night. [Update: We have our winners! Congrats to Oscar and Sarah!]
The Arctic Monkeys have come a long way from their humble days of Myspace darlings back in 2005. With the rise of their brash and infectious hit "I Bet You Look Good on the Dancefloor," the band found themselves touring around the world, including a plethora of festival dates. The band should feel right at home this weekend when they head into town to play Lollapalooza.
They're also one of the many acts this weekend playing small intimate shows while in town. The band is headlining a show Friday night at the Metro before heading to Grant Park Saturday. Obviously the show is sold out, but Gapers Block has a pair for one lucky winner. Just be the first to email us at contests@gapersblock.comwith the subject line "Monkeys!" and you'll be on your way to the show Friday night at the Metro. Update! We have a winner! Congrats to Gordon!
The band is getting ready to release their third album, Humbug, and have been listening to a lot of '60s psychedelic rock and working with Josh Homme (Queens of the Stone Age), and these factors show in their new dark and lush sound. Check out the first single "Crying Lighting" below.
Lollapalooza means that everyone and their mother is in town, and probably want to make the most of their time here beyond an hour in Grant Park. They boys of Dark Wave Disco host a cavalcade of stars at the Congress on Friday night, with Italian remixers du jour Crookers headlining and a mysterious Major Lazer (Soundsystem) just underneath them (be prepared for an absent Diplo, Switch or both)? Rounding out the bill is buzz-peaking Kanye protege Kid Cudi, Philly rap diva Amanda Blank, Italians Bloody Beetroots and Chicagoan Willy Joy. Tickets run $25 a pop, which if you do the math, breaks down to a mere $3.57 per act (oh this economy!). When you have this many people, your afterparty has to start a little early, so doors open at 8pm.
But that's not all! We have a pair of tickets to give away to the first person who emails us at contests@gapersblock.com with the subject line "Major Fun!". Update! We have a winner! Congrats to Brian.
A few years ago an old friend of mine called me out of the blue and said, "You have to see this band. They're called Saviours." He went on to tell me that they were a metal band from Oakland that had ties to Drunk Horse and Yaphet Kotto. He was completely blown away with their riffs reminiscent of early 80s British metal (NWOBHM), gruff vocals, breakneck speed, and complex arrangements. Their music has a little Iron Maiden, some Melvins, a bit of Motörhead, etc. And with song titles like "Circle of Servants Bodies" and "Holy Slaughter", you know they're paying homage to the occult-obsessed metal bands that preceded them. Tours with Earthless and Mastodon have done much to elevate their status in modern metal circles.
Saviours are road warriors. They've been to Chicago numerous times over the last few years and visit again tonight at Subterranean with Sourvein and Raise the Red Lantern. The show is 21+ at 9PM and runs $10. However, the first to email contests@gapersblock.com with "CRUCIFIRE" in the subject line gets a pair of tickets to the show. Update! We have a winner! Congrats to David!
We had so much fun giving away tickets to Jamie Lidell's show Saturday night at the Congress Theater that we've been given ten more pairs to hand out! Just write us at contests@gapersblock.comwith the subject line "x10" and you just might very well be a lucky winner of a pair of tickets! [Update: And we're done! Congrats to all our winners!]
For more on Jamie Lidell, see Michelle's previous post.
Jamie Lidell is one wild and crazy guy. Having seen him in concert more than a few times, I can say one thing; you never know what's going to happen. Hailing from Berlin, Lidell is a soul crooner, funk aficionado and beatboxing expert. He is known for his lively stage shows which almost always include a break that turns into an electronic one man show with him looping his voice, layering tracks and singing over them. It's actually quite impressive. He had a couple of hits off his album Multiply, including the title track and the groovy bass line behind "A Little Bit More" which was featured in a Target commercial. His newest album, Jim, was released last year on Warp Records.
Lidell is coming to Chicago on Saturday, July 25th to play Congress Theater with special guest Tortured Soul and we are giving away a pair two pairs of tickets! Just be the first two to email us at contests (at) gapersblock (dot) com with the subject "Dammit, Jim!" and you and a friend get in for free! [Update! We have our winners! Congrats to Joel and Alec!]
Congress Theater is located at 2135 N. Milwaukee Ave. This is a 17 & up show. Doors open at 9pm. Tickets are $20.
This Friday night, DJ C and the Mashit crew host their "Bouncement" residency party at Lava in Wicker Park, and they're welcoming a special out-of-town guest to headline on the decks the occasion -- DJ Kingdom from NYC. Hosts DJ C and MC Zulu will also be on hand, and they'll also be welcoming their Windy City confrere Whoa-B aboard to help keep the party on-track. Expect an evening of bassline, Bmore bangers, dancehall, grime, dubstep, and plenty of other styles that'll get the dancefloor jumping. It all gets underway at 10 PM, admission is $7, and it takes place at 1270 N. Milwaukee.
Really quick contest! We here at Transmission have a pair of complimentary passes to give away for the event. If you're 21 or up, just be the first to shoot us an e-mail at contests(at)gapersblock(dot)com with the subject line "Bounce this Friday" and you'll be the winner.Update: And we have a winner! Congrats to Colin.
A few months ago, I had the opportunity to listen to an advance copy of the Dex Romweber Duo's new album, Ruins of Berlin. The album was put out by Chicago's own Bloodshot Records, and it's a great record. Listening to it as often as I have been lately, honestly, I can't imagine a better, more energetic show that I'd like to see. Thankfully, Dex will be in Chicago tomorrow night.
Dex and his sister, Sara will be rocking out the Double Door Wednesday night, May 6th. They won't be alone, either. Also on the bill are the Blackbelts and the always entertaining (and fellow Bloodshot recording artists) Detroit Cobras. If you want in, we've got you covered. We have not one, not two, but three pairs of tickets, and we'd really like to give them to you. Here's what you have to do: Just email us at contests@gapersblock.comwith the subject line "Dex Duo" and you and a friend get to go for free! (21+) The first three get 'em, so email away! The show starts at 9pm, at the Double Door, 1572 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago. Update: We have our winners! Congrats to Matthew, Erin, and Kurt!
Ah, Grand Rapids: native hometown of former President Gerald Ford and the nation's Furniture Capital (of office furniture manufacturing). Mustard Plug proudly claims Grand Rapids as their base of operations, where they've held court over the local ska scene since 1991. That's a whole lotta years of skankin' to offbeats, folks.
The boys are obviously good at the game by now, so do yourself a favor and head to the Beat Kitchen on Friday, May 1 to check them out as they headline with The Pinstripes and Scissors. The show kicks off at 9:30 p.m. and will set you back $12. You can find online tickets here.
The first (and only) time I saw Mastodon was at the Pitchfork Music Fest in 2007. I knew who they were and I'd heard a couple of songs, but I was completely unprepared for the amount of rock that they unleashed. It was one of the highlights of my weekend, way better than Yoko Ono's light show that night. They're heavy metal the way it should be; loud and fast.
If you haven't heard of them yet, you should pick up their newest album, Crack the Skye (you can listen to it here, too). If you have heard of them, then you're probably one of the people that can't get in to their sold-out show this Thursday night (4/30) at the Metro. Lucky for you, we can help. Thanks to the tour's sponsors, ShockHound.com, we have two pairs of tickets to give away. E-mail us at contests@gapersblock.comwith the subject line "Mastodon" to enter. We'll pick two lucky winners on Tuesday morning! It's as simple as that. I assure you, you want to see this show. If you can't make it to the show in Chicago, perhaps you can find another date on their schedule that suits you. Good luck! Update! We have our winners! Congrats to Casey and Ryan!
Superdrag returns to Chicago this weekend (Saturday April 25th) to perform at The Metro with longtime Chicago veteran Nicholas Tremulis Orchestra and Van Ghosts. This show is in support of their new album Industry Giants, and follows on the heels of the recording of their Daytrotter session. In sound, this is very much the Superdrag you may remember from the late nineties, but lyrically frontman John Davis is taking the band in new direction. John had a life changing experience in 2001 that eventually sparked the bands four year hiatus and his new found faith is tastefully splattered though out this album. Don't get me wrong, Superdrag is not a Christian band, but there is a positive spirituality that sets a clear and refreshing tone.
Really Quick Contest! We have a pair of tickets to give away courtesy of Superdrag for the first person to email us at: contests (at) gapersblock (dot) com with the subject line "Super!". (FYI: This show is 18 and over.) Update! We have a winner! Congrats to Ryan.
Recently, I was able to ask John a few questions about the direction of band and the new album.
You wanna talk geek cred? MC Chris has it in spades: For years, he served as a writer and voice talent for Cartoon Network, working on The Brak Show, Sea Lab 2021, and notably, on Aqua Teen Hunger Force as MC Pee Pants, the most famous giant spider rapper to wear a shower cap.
Oh yeah, and he raps. In 2001, Chris captured geek hearts far and wide with underground hits including "The Tussin" and "Fett's Vette" (with the excellent hook "My backpack's got jets/ I'm Boba the Fett/ I bounty hunt for Jabba the Hut/ To finance my 'Vette." Many albums later, MC Chris is back on track with his latest CDs, 2008's MC Chris is Dead and 2009's Part Six Part One.
Want to spend an evening rhapsodizing about action figures? Of course you do. Check out the MC Chris show on Friday, April 24 at the Beat Kitchen. He'll be performing with Jacksonville, FL, punkers Whole Wheat Bread. The show kicks off at 7 p.m. and will set you back $14 at the door.
Really Quick Contest! The first one to email us at contests (at) gapersblock (dot) com with the subject "Pee Pants" gets a pair of tickets to the show on Friday night! Update! We have a winner! Congrats to Eric!
I recently reviewed Bishop Allen's latest release, Grr... at another fine music site, and found the latest effort from the Brooklyn band delightful and charming. The album was "bright and cheery, full of multifaceted and catchy sophisticated pop music." Thankfully Bishop Allen is bringing their pop-rock fares to Chicago tomorrow night (Tuesday for those slow to the start of the week) at Subterranean, and Transmission has a pair of tickets to give away for what will surely be a pleasurable show! Just be the first to email us at contests(at)gapersblock(dot)com with the subject line "Free Pop" and you'll be our lucky winner of a pair of tickets to the show! Update! We have a winner! Congrats to Jessica.
The Empty Bottle booked the Mountain Goats and John Vanderslice to perform at Epiphany on April 1 -- and promptly sold the show out, leaving a whole lot of sad fans out in the cold. If you were one of them, here's some news to cheer you up: The show has been moved to the much bigger Portage Theater, 4050 N. Milwaukee Ave., which means more tickets are now available, still at the low $16 ticket price.
Even better, we've got two pairs of tickets to give away! All you have to do is email contests@gapersblock.com with your full name and the subject line "Cubs in Five" by Sunday at 9pm. We'll choose two lucky winners at random from the submissions. Good luck!
UPDATE: We've got our winners! Congatulations to Matthew and Casey!
Philadelphia's The Disco Biscuits got their start playing the party scene at UPenn in the mid-90's. Now over a decade later, they've created a loyal, dedicated fan base of die-hards touring the jam band circuit with their mix of electronica, jazz, and rock, dubbed trance-fusion. You may remember them from Lollapalooza 2006 or touring with the likes of Umphrey's McGee. They're known for their long, intense sets, like all jam bands, and they never play a song in the same way twice - performing parts of their songs at different points throughout their set and even playing songs backwards. Their fans call their unique style for converting studio tracks into groovy live performance as "bisco" — a method that makes each live show by this band a unique experience. In taking such risks, their live act can be hit-or-miss, sometimes a bit self-indulgent but other times you'll leave their show with your jaw on the ground, making it a risk worth taking.
The band had taken a break in 2008 from the constant touring that is their norm to record their first studio album in seven years, release date to be determined. It's been over a year since The Disco Biscuits have played in Chicago, but you can catch them continuing to build the bridge between the jam band and dance world this Saturday at the Congress Theater. Joining The Disco Biscuits on Saturday is Philadelphia's underground hip hop DJ/producer RJD2, who is also putting the finishing touches on a new album, and IDM artist Prefuse 73, who you may remember from Wicker Park Fest this past summer.
Catch all three acts this Saturday, January 24th, at the Congress Theater, 2135 N. Milwaukee Ave. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased here. The show starts at 8 p.m. and is 18+. Stick around after the show for DJ sets by Skyler and Derek Specs in the lobby of the Congress.
Free Tickets Contest! The first two readers who email us at contests (at) gapersblock.com with the subject line "Disco" will each win themselves a pair of tickets to the show on Saturday at the Congress Theater! Update! We have our winners! Congrats to Mark and Dave.
Click below to watch TDB's music video for "World is Spinning" from the album The Wind at Four to Fly.
Chicago's own Scotland Yard Gospel Choir has been making waves opening for the likes of The Arcade Fire, Spoon, The Violent Femmes, and Of Montreal. This chamber pop collective mixes dark humor with an eclectic mix of instruments and styles, at times sounding like The Ramones hired a backing orchestra, and at other times straight-up Belle & Sebastian-influenced folk. They're currently finishing up a new album, due out in the spring, and will be ending 2008 headlining a show at the Double Door tomorrow night. SYGC's shows are always high-energy, which is almost inevitable for a band of this size in an intimate venue like the Double Door but is mostly due to their strong attention to detail and effort put into their live act. This is surely a show you will not want to miss.
Catch SYGC this Friday, December 19th, at the Double Door, 1572 N. Milwaukee Ave. The show starts at 9 pm, but arrive early because the first 100 people through the door will receive handmade buttons and mix CDs from the band. Tom Schraeder and His Ego, The Fabulous Putterbaugh Sisters and DJ Screeble Dee will open. As always, the Double Door is 21+. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased online here or at the Double Door box office.
Really Quick Contest! One lucky reader can win a pair of tickets to the Scotland Yard Gospel Choir show tomorrow, Friday 12/19 at the Double Door. Just be the first to email us at contests (at) gapersblock (dot) com with the subject "La La La" and you and a friend can have sweet night of free entertainment, courtesy of Bloodshot Records. UPDATE: We have a winner! Congrats to Brandon!
What are you doing on New Year's Eve? If you haven't made up your mind, here are two opportunities to have it made for you.
The Dandy Warhols are going to be performing at the Metro's NYE party, with Robert Been of Black Rebel Motorcycle Club DJing to open. The show is 18 and over, and doors open at 9pm. Tickets are $55 in advance ($65 at the door), or $125 for VIP, which get you special seating, four free drinks and limited edition posters.
The Metro is running a contest to upgrade one lucky ticketholder and three of his or her friends to VIP status. All you have to do to enter is purchase your tickets by Saturday, Dec. 20. Winners will be announced on Monday the 22nd.
But that's not all! The Metro has also given Transmission two pairs of tickets to give away! Enter to win by emailing contests[at]gapersblock.com with "NYE" in the subject line; include your full name in the body of the email. We'll select two winners from the entries on Friday, Dec. 19, so that if you don't win you still have time to enter the Metro's contest. Update! We have our winners! Congrats to Kit and Aubrey!
WelikeJustice at Transmission. (And, for the record, we liked that other Justice too.) They've graced our city a few times and given us some good memories from their thump-driven performances. From Smartbar to Metro to the Riv, they've worked their way up the venue ladder and become better showmen as their popularity has skyrocketed over the years. In a few weeks, the French electro duo will put on their biggest Chicago party yet with a New Year's DJ set at the Congress. It may hark back to a time when their claim to fame was remixing Simian and Britney Spears or it may go in a completely different direction. They probably don't even know until five minutes before they hit the stage.
Their Ed Banger labelmates So Me and local trio Hey Champ will open, as will numerous local DJs. (Oh, and Peanut Butter Wolf too!)
And because we at Transmission appreciate our readers so much, we're giving away a pair of tickets to what'll obviously be one of the most fun ways to bring in 2009. Just be the first to email us at contests (at) gapersblock (dot) com with the subject "Justice!" and you'll be the lucky winner of a pair. For those who don't win, the show runs from 7pm to 3am and tickets are $60. The Congress is located at 2135 N. Milwaukee. UPDATE Hold the phone! We have a winner! Congrats to David.
First impressions are everything. People can decide whether they like you or hate you in a handshake, and the same thought applies to music. In the first ten second an album can be sold or lost. When I received the new ep from Chicago's Loyal Divide I fully expected an assault of garage rock or lo-fi indie tones, but what I heard was atmospheric electronic tones with a solid beat. The remarkable thing is that the beats just kept coming. From the crunchy stomp of "Young Blades" to the squealing electro vibrations of "Labrador" to the angelic shuffle of the closer "Vision Vision", this Ep will move you. Recently featured on RCRD LBL and self-released, the Labrador Ep is now available at CD Baby, but we have a copy that the band is letting us give away to the first person to leave a comment. (Make sure to leave an e-mail address)
Don't listen to the rumor mill on this one — there are definitely still tickets left for the Kid Sister show at the Metro Wednesday night. On your way to the visit with the fam come Thursday? You can head out the night before and head off some of those Thanksgiving calories with some seriously fun dancing. Kid Sister's debut album Dream Date doesn't hit the shelves until January, but her single "Get Fresh" is already blowing up the airwaves (web and otherwise). She'll be celebrating the release of the tune tonight in her hometown. What better way is there to do it? None.
Kid Sister takes the stage Wednesday night, November 26 at the Metro with DJ duo Flosstradamus and mashup kings The Hood Internet opening. It's a trio of Chicago talent! The show is all-ages and the music gets going at 7pm. Tickets are $16, but if you're quick, and email us at contests (at) gapersblock (dot) com with the subject line "Get Fresh" you and friend could be on your way to the show for free! Update: We have our winners! Congrats to Eric and Catherine!
If you're like me, when you hear the term "music festival" you'll automatically think of relaxing on the lawn in a sea of people, lapping on sunscreen as you squint to catch a glimpse of some of your favorite artists. This Saturday, KingTello Presents (a recently formed alliance of Chicago promoters and producers) will integrate elements of the traditional summer music festival into a more intimate setting fit for the winter months as they host the inaugural Chicago Bluegrass and Blues Festival at the Congress Theater. The festival will not only offer 12 hours and 2 stages showcasing two genres of music that have heavily influenced modern indie rock, folk, and Americana, but will also include improv comedy, a live-art exhibition and indoor gallery, DJs, raffles, a marching band, and an indoor smoking lounge. Additionally, the concert will be filmed by Wiggle Puppy Productions for use as a feature concert documentary and live album to be available as a digital download.
With our city's thriving independent music scene and rich history in creating a unique blues sound, the festival would not be complete without some local talent. Chicago-based blues label Alligator Records and roots-rock label Bloodshot Records are teaming up and sharing a bill for the first time at the festival to bring some homegrown flavor into the mix. Bloodshot artists Ha Ha Tonka and Dollar Store will be performing at the fest, while Alligator Records is contributing classic Chicago Blues artist Lil' Ed and the Blues Imperials. Oak Part artist Donnie Biggins, winner of Chicago Bluegrass and Blues Festival's "Last Banjo Standing" contest, will be kicking off the festival's main stage at 12:30 PM.
The Chicago Bluegrass and Blues Festival takes place this Saturday, November 22nd, at the Congress Theater, 2135 N Milwaukee Ave. The music runs from 11am-midnight and tickets are $31 (through Ticketweb). A portion of each ticket sale is donated to the Saving Tiny Hearts Society, which benefits the research of congenital heart defects. The show is all ages.
Keep reading for a full schedule along with our three picks for the must-see artists at the fest, plus a chance to win yourself a pair of tickets.
If you're looking for a view of death in Chicago the industrial corridor that is Elston Avenue is a good place to start. If you're looking to see O'Death you'd be on the right track as well. Just a bit too late.
Rolling up to The Hideout is always a bit of a leap down the rabbit hole. Wandering into the back room for O'Death's set was an introduction to a stage worth of mad hatters. This is not mellow music to fall asleep to. These are not musicians gently caressing songs from precious instruments. This band plays as though possessed by particularly unsavory demons with no regards to how much their strings or vocal cords can withstand.
Brooklyn duo Matt & Kim are headed to Chicago, and they like us so much, they're settling in at Wicker Park's Subterranean for a two-night stint [Update: their Wednesday night show has just been canceled. That means you've only got one chance to catch them this tour. BUT tickets purchased for Wednesday night's show will be honored Tuesday]. That's right, the adorable, electric pair are going to bang around the room upstairs Tuesday and Wednesday, with a sweet gang of openers to boot. Tonight, get there early to hear Chicago's Vyle as well as Hollywood Holt, and Texas' Best Fwends open.
It may be getting dark and cold early now, but Matt & Kim surely won't disappoint the crowd. I don't know where these kids get their energy from, but I want it in my coffee every morning. Their sound is part crash bang, part giddy pop thing. If there ever were a cure for the onslaught of winter weather in Chicago, these two are it.
Tickets are $10, each night. Tonight's show gets going at 9pm (17+) and Wednesday's starts early at 6pm with a special all-ages night. Subterranean is located at 2011 W. North Ave. in the heart of Wicker Park.
Quick like a bunny! If you're the first to email us at contests (at) gapersblock (dot) come with the subject line, "M&K", you'll win a pair of tickets to Tuesday night's show at Subterranean. Update! We have a winner! Congrats to Jeff!
Don't have your tickets to the Pitchfork Music Festival yet? How's a three-day pass for free sound? We've got a pair to give away, courtesy of Boost Mobile -- just email contests@gapersblock.com with the subject line "Pitchfork Booster" by 5pm today. We'll choose a winner at random from the entries received. Be sure to include your name, phone number and an address where the tickets can be overnighted to you if you win. UPDATE: We have a winner! Congratulations to Jen!
For two (that's 2) lucky readers, we've got some sweet sweet Walter Meego swag to give away. Not only will you get a copy of their new album Voyager, but we'll also send you a poster and some killer stickers, courtesy of Almost Gold Records. Just be the first (and second) to email us at contests (at) gapersblock (dot) com with the subject line: I want some Walter! and we'll whisk the goods out to you ASAP. Not sure what's a Walter Meego? Read about this cool Chicago-born dance music duo in our feature to your right. Update: We have our winners! Thanks to everyone who wrote in!
I imagine it all comes down to why you listen to music. Do you want to dance around the living room? Are you looking to relax and hear a tale of someone else’s troubles and successes? Do you want to sing along while driving to work? You might have a different mix (or playlist) for each mood. Well, what if you wanted to do all three? If that’s the case then Minnesota’s The Battle Royale has the answer.
On their latest release from Afternoon Record’s, Wake Up, Thunderbabe, John Pelant (vocals, guitar), Grace Fiddler (bass, vocals), Sam Robertson (organ) and Mark Ritsema (synth, vocals) shift styles and genres with ease. In fact, the way they have designed the album it is formatted in a classic Side A/Side B style. The first half of Thunderbabe is full of throbbing floor shaking dance tracks like their indie hit single “Racecar”. The second half of the album runs at a slower pace, but is flush with sing-a-long near campfire tracks starting with the gentle “Scream, Scream”. So regardless of your mood, and regardless of what you think a “Thunderbabe” is, The Battle Royale have what you are looking for.
You've already read about Head of Femur's new album Great Plains over in the Transmission Feature this week, then you know that they're excited to play Schubas Friday night in celebration of the album's release. Be a part of that number (along with a friend) and be the first to email us at contests (at) gapersblock (dot) com with the subject line "thighbone" and you and a friend (sorry kids, you must both be 21+) will get to see the show for free! [Update:] We have a winner! Congrats to Shira!
If you've read our feature this week (to your right), you know that the Scotland Yard Gospel Choir is all set to rock Schubas all month long. Thanks to the kind folks at Bloodshot Records, we've got a pair of tickets to give away to the first of their four Monday night performances in April. Just be the first to give us a shout at contests (at) gapersblock (dot) com with the subject "SYGC!" and you'll win a pair of tickets to the April 7th "Friends with Benefits" show which will also feature the band Cabin, WBEZ's Ben Calhoun, Comedian Jena Friedman and WLUW's Think Pink's DJ Stinky Pink alongside SYGC. UPDATE: We have a winner! Congrats to Joseph!
Not since Uncle Tupelo helped coin the term "no depression" and the resulting alt-country/americana movement of the 80's have there been so many great bands emerging that rely on a sound rooted in the folk songs of Woody Gutherie, the near jam band grooves of The Band, and the literary songs of Bob Dylan. Off the top of my head I'm thinking of Chatham County Line, The Avett Brothers and AA Bondy.
In the case of The Felice Brothers the boys in the band (actual brothers) even have a shared geography with The Band. They're natives of upstate NY; a stones throw from both the Hudson River and the Catskill Mountains. To say they've absorbed and been influenced by this region is to undersell the importance their rural background has on their everyman tales of lovable losers. The Felice Brothers' American debut has just been released by Connor Oberst's Team Love Records and this is their first headlining tour of the states.
Sure he's Steve Earle's kid and yes he's been saddled with a tough middle name to live up to. But on his new record for BloodshotJustin Townes Earle makes a fairly clean break from his family ties and delivers a record that's more diverse than anything his two namesakes ever recorded.
You can hear one of the directions that he heads in on the breeezy, 1920's-jugband-meets-speakeasy tune "Hard Livin'". Meanwhile on “Who Am I To Say” JT does sound like dear old dad at times, but before drugs, middle age, smoking and a hard living altered his voice to the point that it’s now just a low growl. The song itself is an autobiographical tale that attempts to deal with his dad’s myth and his flawed relationship with him. This is one hell of a lineup for a Tuesday night in Chicago.
Catch both bands at Schubas Tuesday night starting at 9pm.
P.S. The Felice Brothers are busking fools, so if you see a group of scruffy cats set up on some street corner on the northside of Chicago you can bet it's them getting a quick set in before or after their Schubas gig.
BONUS: We've got an autographed copy of the brand new Justin Townes Earle album The Good Life (thanks to the nice folks at Bloodshot Records) to give away to one lucky reader. Just be the first to email us at contests (at) gapersblock (dot) com with the subject "The Good Life" and you're the lucky duck! [UPDATE: We have a winner! Congrats to Cassi!]
Hey, want to have some fun this Saturday for free? Well, we're happy to oblige. Just be the first to email us at contests (at) gapersblock.com with the subject line "St. Vincent" and you'll win a pair of tickets to see this great orchestral pop experience (read our full review here) at Schubas, Saturday night 2/23. [Update: We have a winner! Congrats to KT!]
Gather round, listen up. Want to go see Spoon on New Year's Eve but can't afford the ticket price? Fear not, Chicago Innerview to the rescue. In exchange for taking a reader's survey, you will be automatically entered to win two free tickets plus VIP passes to see Austin's favorite indie rockers blow the pants off the Metro on December 31st. Press here, answer questions, wait patiently. Now you have plans for New Year's.
In honor of its 15 years, Thrill Jockey has gladly donated a fabulous grab bag of goodies for us to give away to one lucky Transmission reader. It includes:
Just be the first to email us at contests (at) gapersblock.com with the subject line "What a Thrill!" and it's yours! Update! We have a winner! Congrats to Jessica!
That's right, we're giving away a pair of tickets to one of the hottest shows in Chicago come December 31st. You and a friend will get to hear the legendary producer and musician Jon Brion (& Friends!) play a special two-set show at Harris Theater in Millennium Park.
You get:
- two sets of music,
- an open bar (!)
- plus, plenty of chances to dance and be entertained during pre- and post-event parties in the lobbies of Millennium Park's Harris Theater.
More details here. If you're over 21, just be the first to email us at contests (at) gapersblock (dot) com with the subject "Happy New Year!" and you're the lucky winner. Update! We have a winner! Congrats to Gena!
This week alone the Metro will play host to Menomena, Rx Bandits, and Circa Survive. Next week it could be you! (If you play in a Chicago-based band, that is.)
The Metro and Skybox are offering one local band the chance to play on the second day of their three-day “Home for the Holidays Weekend”, a collection of local shows featuring such home-grown acts as Mannequin Men, Holy Roman Empire, and The Audition.
Home for The Holidays Weekend arrives Dec 21-23, but the contest deadline is next Sunday, November 25.
Check out the Metro’s blog for contest details and how to enter.
Got a hankering to see some legends of proto-punk play Friday night for free? Well, we've got your hook up, right here. The first to email us at contests (at) gapersblock (dot) com with the subject "I'm on a Mission!" gets a pair of tickets to see Mission of Burma at the Abbey Pub this Friday. What a great way to end the week, eh? Update! We have a winner! Congrats to Ingrid!
The press kit for the North Carolina outfit The Annuals would have us believe that the band is of the "should appeal to fans of Arcade Fire" stripe. Such reductivism and coattail-riding is the bread and butter of music industry blurbsters and hype merchants. Granted, there's plenty on the band's latest EP, Frelen Mas, to give teeth to the comparison. But fortunately, the Annuals know to pare back on the storm and stress and end-of-the-worldness much of the time, allowing more space for the listener to cozy into. And they prove that they're (thankfully) capable of bringing a little much-needed humor and whimsicality to the table.
On Frelen Mas, instruments and leads get passed around quite playfully, and the Annuals actually sound like they know how to enjoy themselves and keep the caterwauling and histrionics within reasonable limits. While their version of "Swing Low Sweet Chariot" doesn't really do the band or the songbook staple any great favors, there's still a fair amount of lush and capacious prettiness to be found throughout. Not to mention that they manage to pull together something that's damned near sexy with “Such a Mess.”
And, oh yeah, Sneak Attack Media is currently hosting a contest where fans and listeners are welcome to mashup an Annuals’ tune with some material by labelmates The Manchester Orchestra. Which, given the similarity between the two artists, ain’t exactly like mixing anchovies and ice cream. (Check the links below to hear the two bands covering each other's songs.)
The Annuals will be playing at Subterranean this coming Tuesday evening. Manchester Orchestra and The Nevers are also on the bill. 2011 W. North Ave. Doors open at 6;30pm, show starts at 7; and tickets are $10 in advance, $12 the night of.
Just a tick below, Nicholas makes some pretty convincing arguments as to why you really should head out to the Hideout Monday night to see Madison-based Pale Young Gentlemen rock their indie pop out at a special RadioFreeChicago.org-sponsored show. And now you have no excuse not to go, as we're going to send one lucky reader (and their BFF) to the show for free, yo. Just be the first to email us at contests (at) gapersblock (dot) com with the subject "Pale Rider" and you're in it to win it.Update! We have a winner! Congrats to Taylor!
Just a couple of ticks below, we put the word out about a double shot (that's two nights worth!) of local label action at the Abbey Pub. Well, as a reward for starting your day with Transmission, the first to email us at contests (at) gapersblock.com with the subject "BOO"gets a pair of tickets to a night of their choice (this Friday or Saturday) full of music by Octopus Project, Appleseed Cast, Dreamend, and Enon. Bonus: You'll also get your very own extra special gift bag with some Halloween goodies, some albums and other extra special Graveface swag! You have to be 18+ to go, and they are encouraging the heck out of costumes. Update! We have a winner! Congrats to Sharada!
Patrick Wolf plays The Metro tonight, and you could be there for free! Email contests@gapersblock.com with the subject line "Who's Afraid?" -- the first to respond wins their name plus one on the guest list. UPDATE: We have a winner! Congrats, Bob!
This Saturday, August 25th, Queer Fest Midwest arrives in Chicago at the Pulaski Field House in Wicker Park. It's Chicago's first ever music, visual and interactive arts festival celebrating the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered community. With a lineup including visual and interactive art, performance, and music ranging from indie to hip-hop to trans-hillbilly, it's sure to be a fun-filled day of outstanding artistic expression. The musical lineup includes national artists Katastrophe, The Ex-Members, Johnny Dangerous, Chris Garneau, Katz, Gina Young and Team Gina. There will also be performances by midwest musicians Office, Hey There Cowboy, 8 Inch Betsy, Opportunity School and Actor Slash Model. The fun starts at noon and runs until 8pm. More details here and in Slowdown.
Sound like fun? We want to get you there, for free! Just email us at contests {at} gapersblock.com with the subject line "Free Fest" and we'll give away a pair of tickets to the first three readers who give us a shout. Update: We have our winners! Congrats to Ron, Eric and Brendan!
If you're into great Chicago indie bands (and if you're reading this, you probably are), but maybe don't have the cabbage to head out to the Double Door to see Canasta play a benefit show for the Chicago Independent Radio Project, then you're in luck. Just be the first to email us at inbox (at) gapersblock (dot) com with the subject "I Play Canasta" and we'll hook you up. You'll get two tickets to the show tomorrow night, plus a copy of Canasta's album and a tshirt, all courtesy of the band. UPDATE: We've got our winner. Congrats, Tim!
Chicago rap artist Rhymefest, who put on quite the show for the hometown crowd at last year's Intonation Festival, is running a contest through his MySpace page that may just be your ticket into Lollapalooza (um, literally). Just give 'Fest 100 words (or less) by midnight Thursday on his MySpace page profile that tells what a revolutionary means to you and by Friday morning, you could have tickets to this weekend's music destination in Grant Park.
Paste magazine is hosting an exclusive pre-Lollapalooza concert, Live in Chicago! at Subterranean (2011 W North Ave, 9pm) this Thursday. Surprise guests featured in Paste as well as artists from the Lollapalooza stages perform; the lineup is undisclosed before the event. The secret guest list should be nothing less than spectacular, as Paste, recently featured in the Chicago Tribune's list of "50 Best Magazines," certainly knows how to choose their pickings with care. Enter the contest for your chance to win two free passes; this pre-Lolla event is not to be missed!
Hey music-lovers! What's not to love about a free EP and free tickets to a show? (Nothin', that's right.) Just be the first to email us at inbox (at) gapersblock.com with the subject line "My IQ is Hot" and you'll get the Hot IQs' latest release (read what we have to say about them a little bit below or right here), as well as a free chance to see them at the Kinetic Playground Thursday night. It's just that easy! [Update:] We have a winner! Congrats to Kristen!
Hey, as you've no doubt read in our feature this week, CIP Records is putting out some amazing experimental rock, right here in Chicago. As a bonus to you, dear reader, just be the first to write us at inbox (at) gapersblock.com with the subject line "I'm Down with CIP" and you'll be the lucky recipient of not one, not two, but three CDs from the label. Sent right to your mailbox, the albums include Alu Autismenschen, Vertonen Stations, and Leticia Castaneda On The Verge of Redundance (all of which you can read about here). [Update: We have a winner! Congrats to Zach!]
(Oh, get your mind out of the gutter!) What we're giving away, courtesy of Thrill Jockey and Nicola Kuperus of ADULT. (who's quite the artist) are two handmade iPod cozies (one red, one brown) made by none other than the lead lady of the band herself!
You can't buy these in stores, nor can you pick one up at the band's show on Friday, so consider yourself lucky if you're one of our two winners. Just be one of the first two to email us at inbox (at) gapersblock.com with the subject line "warm and cozy!" and you're a winner winner winner! (While you're here, make sure to check out our band preview/review of ADULT.'s latest album Why Bother?.) [Update: We've given away the brown cozy, but we still have the red one available (like the one above). If you want it, email us!] {Update Update We've got our winners! Thanks}
Just another friendly reminder that we're having this little ole design contest, and we need your...well...designs. Help us create the first ever Gapers Block: Transmission 1-inch buttons and super cool stickers! Details n' stuff are here. Deadline is Friday.
Time's ticking away, and we're just 1 week away from the deadline for our first ever Transmission button and sticker design contest. Details details details are here.
Wanna impress your water cooler homeboyz back at the office? Check this insta-cred: Hosted by Chicago breakdance crew Brickheads, the 3rd Circle Killaz breakdance competition at Alternatives rec center (4730 N. Sheridan). It all goes down at 7:30 p.m., on Saturday, April 7. Doors are a mere $5 for all the popping and/or locking you can possibly handle.
More interested in participating than spectating? All skill types and age levels are welcome to compete. Breakdance teams are also encouraged, as well as breakdance battles, featuring anywhere from one-on-one action to five-on-five. The Brickheads themselves will decide the best dancers to move on to the next level of the competition. The the winner of the final battle stands to win mad ca$h, y'all.
We mentioned awhile back that The Metro turns 25 this year, and that they're kicking off a year-long series of celebrations with a huge show at SXSW. Well, if you can make your way down to Emo's in Austin on March 14, we have a pair of VIP laminates for you. The first person to email inbox{at}gapersblock.com with the message "I'm a jet-set rocker" gets them. (We just checked and Southwest can get you there for as little as $220 round-trip. Just sayin'.) UPDATE: We've got our winner! Congatulations, Bianca!
Hey, there. Just in time for the cold, couch-filled nights to return, Transmission's gonna offer you a chance to win some stellar Chicago jazz and blues you can enjoy from the comfort of your own DVD player. The folks over at Delmark want you to see and hear what we've been raving about in our feature this week. So the first to email inbox (at) gapersblock.com with the subject line "I can see the music!" wins a pair of DVDs of Jimmy Burns Live at B.L.U.E.S.and The Ethnic Heritage Ensembe Hot N' Heavy: Live at the Acension Loft. Hop to it, and start your week off right! [Update!] We have our winner! Congrats!
I just know our feature today on Chicago performer Bobby Conn has totally piqued your interest in seeing him live, and now, thanks to Chicago label Thrill Jockey, you've got your chance, for free. The first to email us at inbox (at) gapersblock.com with the subject line "It's good to be the king!" gets the "King for a Day" package, which includes a pair of tickets to the CD release party this Saturday at the Empty Bottle and a copy of Conn's new album and an autographed poster! Five other runners-up will get their own copy of the album and an autographed poster too. Keen! Email now now now! [Update!] We've got our fill of winners! Congrats to you all!
If you've read our feature this week on The Eternals and Skybox, you know that these bands are really worth checking out. We're going to help you hear one of them for zero clams this weekend. Just be the first to email inbox(at)gapersblock.com with the subject line "Arco Iris" and you'll get a pair of tickets to see Skybox headline at Subterranean this Saturday, Feb. 3. One lucky runner up will get the brand new Skybox CD! Hop to it! [Update: We have our winners! Congrats!]
As Graham tells you below, Friday night's show at Sonotheque is sure to bring the groove to your booty with a hot dj lineup including Daedalus, Atomly and Plus Device. If you want to get your dance on for free than just write us at inbox (at) gapersblock.com with the subject line "I've Got Rhythm" and you and a guest will get to go for absolutely zero dollars. Runners up will get a free copy of Plus Device's debut album courtesy of Chicago's own Hefty Records. [Update!] We've given them all away! Congrats to the winners!
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.
As promised, here's another chance at free goodness, from your pals here at Transmission, and the Chicago History Museum. In honor of our feature (up there) on the new exhibit "Chicago Roots Music", one lucky reader and a friend will receive free VIP pass to the Chicago History Museum! We're going to make you work a bit more than usual though. The first to email inbox (at) gapersblock.com with three people discussed in the exhibit, as detailed in the feature this week and the subject line "Deep Roots!" will get the passes. Update: We have a winner! Congrats to Jennifer.
Here's another chance to win during your pre-holiday week! About a month ago, we told you all about some stellar recordings by Chicago jazz musicians Ken Vandermark, Tim Daisy and Robert Barry called the Sound in Action Trio and their album Gate as well as Vandermark and Daisy's other (other) side project Bridge 61 with includes Nate McBride and Jason Stein and their album Journal. Both these albums are put out by Chicago jazz label Atavistic, and both can be yours if you're the first to write us at inbox (at) gapersblock.com with the subject line "Jazz Hands!". We've only got one pair, so be quick about it! UPDATE: We have a winner! Congrats to Eric.
If you still want to hear some jazz by Ken Vandermark tonight, head on down to the Hideout at 9:30pm with $8! And keep reading this week for more free stuff!
Remember a couple of weeks ago when we gave away a whole baker's dozen of the snappy albums by Chicago duo Utah Carol? Well, the band was so jazzed about their album releasing today, that they want to do it all over again. The first to write an email with the subject line "Yee Haw!" to inbox (at) gapersblock.com wins the mega prize pack: 1 copy of their newly released album Rodeo Queen, 1 copy of each of their previous albums Wonderweel and Comfort for the Traveler and a copy of their limited edition press pack, all of which will be signed personally by JinJa and Grant. The next dozen emailers get a copy of each of the previous two albums! Yippie Yi Yo! (Oh, and if you won last time, please give others a chance to win.) Update: Hold your horses! We're out! Congratulations to all the winners! Keep an eye out this week for more free fun!
In an interesting turn of events, you can head out tonight to The Hideout and get a chance to win tickets to the sold out New Year's Eve show at The Metro with Smoking Popes and Alkaline Trio. Josh Caterer of the Smoking Popes will be performing an acoustic set of George Jones tunes as a part of the venue's special tribute to the legendary musician. Everyone who shows will receive a raffle ticket and the winner will be announced tonight! The fun starts tonight at 10pm at The Hideout (1354 W. Wabansia) with Special Guest Rachel Ries. Tickets are just $8!
Our feature this week, on Utah Carol, has the duo really itching to let you get a listen of their sound, so we have a big stack of their past two albums to give away! The first to write an email with the subject line "Stampede!" to inbox (at) gapersblock.com wins the mega prize pack: 1 copy of their forthcoming album Rodeo Queen, 1 copy of each of their previous albums Wonderweel and Comfort for the Traveler and a copy of their limited edition press pack, all of which will be signed personally by JinJa and Grant. The next dozen emailers get a copy of each of the previous two albums! Yee Haw! UPDATE: We're all out! Congrats to those who won.
If you waited to buy tickets to the Metro's New Year's Eve bash featuring Alkaline Trio and Smoking Popes, well, you're S.O.L. 'cause it's officially sold out. Not to fear, though, as they're having a groovy contest that can still get you in the door. They want to hear the best mash-up featuring at least one song by Alkaline Trio and one song by Smoking Popes. You don't have to use the entire songs or just one song by each band, but you know, creativity counts big time. Here's the prize breakdown: 1st Place, One pair of tickets to the NYE show and a limited edition NYE silk-screened poster (All ages are welcome to enter, but you must be 18+ to attend the show); 2nd Place, Limited edition silk-screened poster and a copy of the limited edition 7" featuring unreleased material from both bands; 3rd Place: Limited edition silk-screened poster. Deadline is Tuesday, December 26 at noon. Details, including the Metro blog post you have to post your entry on, are online.
Music, at its heart, is poetry, right? And Joe Pernice, our featured artist this week, our favorite soulful troubadour, has written a beautiful book of honest-to-God poetry. Wouldn't you love to get your mitts on one, for free? First to email inbox {at} gapersblock.com with the subject line "Pernice Poetry" gets Joe's book Two Blind Pigeons delivered right to your door. [Update!] Congrats to Michelle, our winner! Keep on reading for your chance to win cool stuff on Gapers Block: Transmission.
When talking musical influences with Helen Money, it's easy to forget her instrument of choice: cello. She references Bob Mould's Beaster, with its wall of sound and intense, thought-obliterating guitar work. She speaks of The Who and all the crazy rock bands she was exposed to in the '80s. "The stuff I like sounds like life or death," she reasons. And this coming from a woman with a picture of Jimi Hendrix taped to her cello case like he's a saint.
Transmission is the music section of Gapers Block. It aims to highlight Chicago music in its many varied forms, as well as cover touring acts performing in the city.
Editor: Anne Holub, ash@gapersblock.com
Transmission staff inbox: transmission@gapersblock.com
The Meat Puppets have had their share of ups and downs, breakups and makeups, triumphs and tragedies (including the disappearance and reemergence of one brother Cris Kirkwood) since they started making music in 1980, but now they are riding high on an upswing in their roller coaster story. Their second hiatus ended in 2006 when original members and brothers Curt and Cris Kirkwood reunited, and between tours in 2008 they wrote and recorded their latest album, Sewn Together (Mega Force) which was released earlier this year. 
What are you doing on New Year's Eve? If you 
