Archive for February, 2025
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 […]
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 […]
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