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Media: April 2025 • Road to Rock Class of ’24 and ’25
If you were wondering what happened to the 2024 Class of the Illinois Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, which was supposed to be inducted on March 30th, the answers were revealed last month. The Illinois Rock & Roll Museum on Route 66 has rescheduled its annual Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony to Sunday, […]
CinemaScopes: April 2025 • 20 Years of The Revenge of the Sith
If you somehow lived under a rock or were not old enough (or born enough) to see this in theaters, Disney is re-releasing Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith, the final film in the prequel trilogy, in celebration of the 20th Anniversary. Starting April 25th, the film will be shown in select theaters […]
Stage Buzz: Kraftwerk, Deftones, Baths, Refused
Refused are fucking dead. This time, they mean it. After 34 years of raging and screaming, the seminal punk band is calling it quits. But of course, they need to go out with a band. Before you mourn the loss of Refused, join them for one last hurrah at the Salt Shed with Quicksand this […]
Stage Buzz: Bishop Briggs, Iggy Pop, Poppy, j-hope
BTS member j-hope debuted as a solo artist back in 2022. Now, he’s finally embarking on his first-ever solo tour. The “Hope on the Stage” tour sees the rapper/singer performing songs from his 2022 album along with BTS favorites. j-hope brings the tour to Rosemont’s Allstate Arena for two nights on March 17th and March […]
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 […]
Advertiser Message: Experience Hendrix • March 21 at Chicago Theatre • Chicago – Tickets start at $39
Experience Hendrix is back Friday, March 21, at Chicago Theatre featuring Kenny Wayne Shepard, Marcus King, Eric Johnson & more! On sale now, https://www.ticketmaster.com/experience-hendrix-chicago-illinois-03-21-2025/event/07006155AE1E1CA0?utm_campaign=Adv-3032242&utm_source=illinois+entertainer&utm_medium=other_med_ln_digital The Experience Hendrix Tour evokes the era when artists treated each performance as a unique interaction with their audience. Jimi Hendrix called this his ‘Electric Church.’ The Experience Hendrix Tour fully […]
Cover Story: Smoking Popes • For The Love of the Game
When Smoking Popes entered Solid Sound Studios in Hoffman Estates in 1994 to record the follow-up to their debut album Get Fired, there were no expectations. There was no pressure from the label to deliver a “hit record.” They just had a bunch of songs they wanted to record. So, they made a record […]
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 […]
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