ilentertainer's Latest Posts
The Storyteller
In an era when blues records lean toward the pseudo-authentic, Keb’ Mo’s Suitcase (Epic) pretty much tells it like it is. Singer-songwriter, poet, and multi-instrumentalist Mo’ combines the traditional with the contemporary employing Dobros, mandolins, and National Steel guitars with Hammond B3’s, Latin percussion, and electric guitars to tell our stories.
Figured Out
Ice skating and recording, two things with little in common. Yeah, you can point to the dedication, hard work, and tenacity it takes to succeed in both, but the same can be said for almost anything you do in life. The fact is, the average person would probably struggle to draw many parallels between the […]
Tribune Tribulations
There’s a heavy dark cloud draping the gothic spires of Tribune Tower these days, making Chicago ground zero for one of the country’s major media sagas.
Island Connection
With just 90 miles between them, the Caribbean’s two most musically prolific islands, Cuba and Jamaica, aren’t far apart. Both have spawned major musical genres that leap over language and geographical barriers, influencing music and fans the world over. Cuban mambo and son underscore countless rhythms from salsa to highlife. Jamaican reggae and ska turns […]
Local CD Reviews
With a name like Arrogant, one would rightfully expect an MC with a much more cocky demeanor than this smooth-talking South Sider. On The Misconception he kicks an abundance of accessibly raunchy raps (e.g. “Bring It Back” and “Spread Ya Legz”) over an assortment of crunky arrangements. If anything, Arrogant definitely has commercial appeal. Just […]
Around Hear Page 2
Page [1] Rapper Marz may have been born and raised in the hostile streets of Croatia, but on his new album, Against All Odds, he divulges more in his respect for gangstas and his love for dough than his childhood struggle. Perhaps the aptly-titled “Thug Vibe” best describes his sound. With a never-ending arsenal of […]
Melissa Etheridge Live!
Melissa Etheridge Auditorium Theatre, Chicago Thursday, July 20, 2006 Chances are Melissa Etheridge wouldn’t have had any trouble selling tickets to three nights at the Auditorium Theatre on her own, though it’s safe to say she found additional leverage from the Gay Games being in town last week. “You have a very gay city at […]
The Sword Live!
The Sword Subterranean, Chicago Monday, July 24, 2006 A funny thing happened after The Sword finished their second song Monday night: An audience member, standing toward the front of a packed Subterranean crowd, yelled “Black Sabbath” loud enough for everyone to hear. Sword frontman/guitarist J.D. Cronise smiled as he quipped, “No. We’re The Sword.”
DeVotchKa Live!
DeVotchKa Subterranean, Chicago Friday, July 21, 2006 When a band arrives onstage bearing a Christmas light-bedecked tuba played by a woman, you know you’re in for a good time.
Ane Brun, The Wood Brothers Preview
Ane Brun, The Wood Brothers Park West, Chicago Friday, July 28, 2006 The biggest Scandinavian singer-songstress you never heard and one half of Medeski, Martin & Wood on the same stage!
Early Man, Bad Wizard Preview
Early Man, Bad Wizard Subterranean, Chicago Tuesday, August 1, 2006 Early Man nearly weren’t going to be part of this package for the Chicago stop. A complete van breakdown left them stranded in Texas for three days and the rest of their tour in question. But, thanks to a gun-toting, beer-guzzling local (not enough room […]
Warped Tour Preview
Vans Warped Tour First Midwest Ampitheatre Sunday, July 30, 2006 Next month’s Lollapalooza features an amazing (overwhelming?) 130 bands in three days. The Vans Warped Tour says big fucking deal.
Honeytribe Preview
Honeytribe Porter’s, Crystal Lake Saturday, July 29, 2006 Devon Allman, scion of Gregg, is most definitely his father’s son.
Phoenix Preview
Phoenix Double Door, Chicago Friday, July 28, 2006 Transforming from Air’s understudies to a French pop band who don’t need to have the “French” part underscored, Phoenix’s transformation turned them into album-of-the-year candidates.
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