Recent Articles
Stage Buzz: Hanabie, Gost, Mary J. Blige
Rising metalcore group HANABIE. (pronounced Ha-na-bee-eh) are known for their bright visual aesthetic, love of video games and anime, and their loud and heavy sound. The self-described “Harajuku-core” band blends elements of metalcore, hardcore punk, hip hop, electronica, and nu-metal for a sound that’s both chaotic and catchy. See HANABIE. in action when they […]
Media: March 2025 • Flipside Records Remembered
Flip Side owners Carl and Larry Rosenbaum had three choices they were considering at the beginning of their careers. “Hot dog stand, a dry cleaner, or a record store,” Larry confirms. “And fortunately, we chose record store.” That record store became an empire in Chicago (1970s—1990s), a string of stores throughout Chicagoland, soon to […]
March 2025: CinemaScopes • March Films in Like A Lion
We start the month with the 97th Academy Awards airing on March 2. If you love festivals, the 12th Annual JCC Chicago Jewish Film Festival, running March 1-23, showcases culturally diverse, Jewishly-inspired films that will entertain, educate, and inspire audiences of all generations. A selection of 19 carefully curated films honor Jewish filmmakers, writers, […]
Live Review: Cy Curnin • Belly Up Tavern • San Diego, CA
Cy Curnin Belly Up Tavern, San Diego, CA Tuesday, February 18, 2025 Review and photos by Jeff Elbel “Fixxtures” on the West Coast and American Southwest had a rare opportunity on Tuesday to see Fixx frontman Cy Curnin dig into his solo catalog during a brief sprint that included the Belly Up Tavern in […]
Stage Buzz: Jerry Cantrell, Lucy Dacus, Tiffany
I’m Legendary pop star Tiffany stole the hearts of teenagers with her number one hit single “I Think We’re Alone Now.” Nearly 40 years later, she’s still going strong with her latest album, Shadows, released in 2022. Relive Tiffany’s greatest hits when she brings her “Reflections Tour” to City Winery on Wednesday, February 19th. Doors open […]
Advertiser Message: Wardruna at Auditorium Theatre • Chicago • September 20, 2025
Wardruna, the globally renowned purveyors of Norwegian-tinged post-rock-meets-folk, recently returned with their sixth album, Birna, on last month via Sony Music/By Norse Music. The 10-song collection offers another powerful exploration of, and contemplation on, the natural world, with visionary composer Einar Selvik searching for the voice of the bear. Supporting the new album – the […]
Stage Buzz: Silverstein, Justin Timberlake, Foster The People
Post hardcore rockers Silverstein are on the road celebrating the band’s 25th anniversary. With a setlist full of fan favorites, hit singles like “Vices,” “Smile In Your Sleep,” “The Artist,” and “Retrograde,” and new music from their upcoming albums, it’ll be a night to remember. Thursday and Split Chain join the celebration. It all goes […]
Photo Gallery: Lauren Mayberry at Thalia Hall • Chicago
Lauren Mayberry Thalia Hall Chicago, IL February 5, 2025 Recap and photos by Curt Baran “During sound check, I was amazed by the size of this room. I was terrified that only 12 people would show up. I’m so relieved to see all of you here.” Lauren Mayberry alluded to the inherent risks of going […]
Stage Buzz: Lynch Mob • Arcada Theatre • St. Charles
Lynch Mob Arcada Theatre St. Charles Saturday, February 8. George Lynch made his hay as the guitarist of Dokken in the 80s (the band hit paydirt during the hair band era with Tooth and Nail and Back For The Attack with heavy MTV airplay). By the decade’s end, he had enough, and Lynch Mob was […]
Advertiser Message: Steven Wilson at Auditorium Theatre • Chicago
STEVEN WILSON UNVEILS NORTH AMERICAN LEG OF THE OVERVIEW TOUR FIRST FULL-BAND SOLO HEADLINE RUN IN OVER SEVEN YEARS Arrives September 17 at Auditorium Theatre Tickets on sale now THE OVERVIEW TOUR CELEBRATES UPCOMING ARRIVAL OF WILDLY AMBITIOUS NEW SOLO WORK, THE OVERVIEW THE OVERVIEW ARRIVES IN WIDE ARRAY OF FORMATS VIA FICTION RECORDS […]
Cover Story: Avernus • As Heavy As We Can Be
Twenty-seven years between full-length albums for a band is a long time to wait. But that’s exactly what happened to local doom metal pioneers Avernus. Formed in 1992 by drummer Rick Yifrach and guitarist/keyboardist/vocalist Rick McCoy — joined by guitarist Erik Kikke the following year (who was only 15 years old at the time)—there was […]
Media: February 2025 • 18 Seasons of Steve Wilkos
It’s hard to believe, but Steve Wilkos is now in his 18th season as the host of The Steve Wilkos Show. The show airs in Chicago on WCIU-TV. “18 seasons,” he says. “I wake up every morning, and I say the same thing. I still can’t believe it. I’ve been doing it, you know. I’ve […]
Stage Buzz: Guster, The String Cheese Incident, Marty Friedman
Marty Friedman, best known for his work with thrash icons Megadeth, is a guitar wizard. His improvisation and fusion of Eastern and Western music with elements of prog rock and thrash will leave you in awe. See the guitar virtuoso for yourself when he brings his guitar mastery to St. Charles’ Arcada Theatre on Thursday, […]
Stage Buzz: Frank Black, Psychostick, King Buffalo
Before Metalocalypse showed us just how funny metal could be, there was Psychostick. The band has been using hard rock and metal for their humorous songs that range from celebrating the tastiness of beer and how much doing laundry sucks. The band will bring their unique humor to Beat Kitchen this Saturday, January 25th at […]
Stage Buzz: Tomorrow Never Knows Festival, Joy Oladokun, Myles Kennedy
Brace yourself against the January freeze to check out rising local indie artists with this year’s Tomorrow Never Knows festival. Taking place across various venues throughout the city, this year’s lineup features Half Waif, Airiel, Your Smith, Linda Sol, Maps & Atlases, Been Stellar, Manwolves, and more. Kick off your year by checking out […]
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