Stage Buzz: Heaven 17, Prognosis, Ivy Ford Band, Damaged Justice
Heaven 17
Some of the best “new” blues players in the city are now women. You can add Ivy Ford and her band near the top of that list. Her soulful voice matches her abilities on the guitar. Raised in Waukegan, Ford’s self-released albums  (Harvesting My Roots is an in-office favorite) show she’s become one of the cornerstones of the new crop of Chicago-based blues artists. Rosa’s is her home away from home and a great intimate venue to see her (Wednesday, Sept 21) perform.
Local Progressive Rock stalwarts Prognosis (led by guitarist/vocalist Steven Kikoen) bring their all-star band to Arcada Theatre in St. Charles Thursday night, September 22. If you’re a fan of Genesis, Emerson Lake and Palmer, and Yes, these guys are right up your alley. They also throw in a few curveballs from the pop-end of prog-influenced artists (Tears For Fears, 10CC, Supertramp) to make it extra entertaining.  A discount code of DEACON25  (online only) saves you 25% off your ticket at Oshows.com
British dance pioneers Heaven 17 were (absolutely) much more popular than Depeche Mode and New Order when they first broke through in 1982 with their reworked US debut (version) album of Penthouse & Pavement. It was hard to ignore the pulsating beats of the droning electro-dance anthem“Let Me Go” in rotation on WXRT and their crucial anti-Reagan and Thatcher early techno single “(We Don’t Need This) Fascist Groove Thang.” Their follow-up album The Luxury Gap (including singles “Temptation” and “We Live So Fast”) brought them more crossover dance floor fame. Heaven 17 arrive a Park West Thursday, Sept 22nd.
Local Metallica tribute Damaged Justice is unique because they’re Chicago’s longest-running local tribute (led by founder Robert Masliansky) to the “founders” of the big four, but they have a secret weapon: a badass female Vocalist Kristy Tallica that makes their gigs a joyous night in recognition of the music of Metallica. They arrive at Tailgaters in Bolingbrook on Saturday, September 24. Last Rites opens.
– David Gedge
Category: Featured, Stage Buzz
