Recent Articles
Stage Buzz: Deacon Blues, January 21 at Arcada Theatre ⢠St. Charles
Deacon Blues Saturday, January 21 The Arcada Theatre St. Charles, IL If you missed the acclaimed Chicago-based Steely Dan tribute Deacon Blues at Arcada Theatre over the holidays in December, their annual show was delayed because of scheduling conflicts. The band has targeted Saturday, January 21, to treat fans to its celebration of all things […]
Hello My Name is Ian Broudie of The Lightning Seeds
On the surface, itâs difficult to believe that 13 long years have crept by since brainy producer/multi-instrumentalist Ian Broudie released Four Winds, his last picture-perfect pop album as The Lightning Seeds, a dormant period the Brit is finally breaking with the shimmering new See You in the Stars, out last month. And when he […]
January 2023: Media ⢠In Memoriam
As we enter a new year, we do so without a talented group of broadcasters we lost in 2022. I wonât be able to name all of them, but here are a few that passed away from the world of radio and television. It became clear that 2022 wasnât going to be a great […]
Cover Story: Elle King
If youâre craving some homespun wisdom in these complicated, hi-tech times, you need look no further than old episodes of The Beverly Hillbillies, a popular CBS TV series that ran from 1962 to 1971 (and 1993 film) and applied old-saw simplicity to complicated modern society. For any Gen X-, Y- or Z-er who might have […]
Stage Buzz: Whitney, Macabre, Michael McDermott, Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Chante Moore
Award-winning singer/songwriter Chante Moore has always shared her personal journey through her soul-baring songs. Now, you can join her journey live when she brings âAn Evening with Chante Mooreâ to a sold-out crowd at City Winery on Tuesday, December 20. Doors open at 5:30 PM. Acclaimed Chicago-based singer/songwriter Michael McDermott brings his mini-residency to […]
Live Review and Photo Gallery: Andrew Bird with My Brightest Diamond at Fourth Presbyterian Church ⢠Chicago
Andrew Bird with special guest My Brightest Diamond Gezelligheid concert at Fourth Presbyterian Church, Chicago, IL Wednesday, December 14, 2022 Review and photos by Jeff Elbel Absent since 2019, Andrew Birdâs seasonal Gezelligheid concerts returned in grand style this year. The homecoming event sold out a series of seven nights at the stately setting of […]
Feature: From Bauhaus to Love And Rockets, and the new Night Crickets, David J always delivers
Man of many bands, David J, is no stranger to iconic songwriting and inventive bass parts, dating all the way back to post-punk/gothic architects Bauhaus, continuing with alternative rockers Love And Rockets and now starting an entirely new chapter fronting the Night Crickets, all while juggling a slew of solo and passion projects. Along with […]
Live Review and Photo Gallery: The Claudettes at SPACE ⢠Evanston
The Claudettes SPACE, Evanston, IL Saturday, December 10, 2022 Review by Jeff Elbel. Photos by Timothy Hiatt. Chicagoâs genre-hurdling quartet The Claudettes concluded a busy year of touring with a show at Evanstonâs SPACE on Saturday. The air of a special event drifted through the evening from beginning to end. Before welcoming his bandmates onto […]
Stage Buzz: Enforced, Freddie Gibbs, Stephen Pearcy, Psychostick
Richmond, Virginiaâs Enforced quickly become the next metal band to watch thanks to their 2021 album Kill Grid, which blends classic thrash/crossover metal with punk, death metal, and hardcore for their own volatile sound. Now, you can catch them at Beat Kitchen supporting Undeath and 200 Stab Woundâs co-headlining tour alongside Phobophilic on Thursday, December […]
Feature: X-Mas Tidings with Exene Cervenka
Itâs not like Exene Cervenka has suddenly been transformed â through the charming stop-motion animation process of Rankin-Bass â into a warm, fuzzy feel-good protagonist this year. But the formerly feisty X firebrand has chilled out, post-pandemic, and actually become one Humble new Bumble as her four-decade-old combo heads out on its annual X-Mas Tour […]
Stage Buzz: The Soft Moon, Jack White, The 1975
Luis Vasquezâs project, The Soft Moon, started as an outlet for him to work through personal issues and learn more about himself, which never meant seeing the light of day. 12 years later, his music connects millions of people around the world. Touring in support of his latest album, Exister, The Soft Moon will […]
ELP Legacy at Arcada Theatre ⢠St. Charles
ELP Legacy Arcada Theatre Thursday, December 1, 2022 St. Charles, IL Ed Spinelli captured Carl Palmer’s version of ELP at Arcada Theatre in St. Charles, complete with footage of Greg Lake and Keith Emerson in tow. The audience enjoyed a classic night of ELP and a worthy dedication to Palmer’s former bandmates.
Live Review and Photo Gallery: The Smile at the Riviera Theatre ⢠Chicago
The Smile Riviera Theatre Chicago, IL Thursday, December 1, 2022 Review by Jeff Elbel, photos by Curt Baran The Smile has earned praise as the most satisfying among Radioheadâs side projects by many fans, a status that benefits from inclusion of Radioheadâs creative engine. Singer Thom Yorke is joined by multi-instrumentalists Jonny Greenwood and Sons […]
Advertiser Message: Taylor Guitars Find Your Fit at Tobias Music ⢠Downers Grove
Itâs back! Taylor Guitars Find Your Fit returns to Tobias Music Friday, December 2nd, from 7-9 pm – if youâre in the market for a quality acoustic guitar, donât miss this event. Special once-a-year pricing will be offeredâŚan all-day Find Your Fit event follows on Saturday… Taylor Guitars Holiday âFind Your Fitâ Sales Event Weekend. […]
Cover Story: 40 Years of W.A.S.P.
When youâve been consistently composing rabble-rousing metal anthems for several decades â like brainy W.A.S.P. bandleader Blackie Lawless has, to the point where heâs currently on a prestigious 40th Anniversary Tour â it helps to set your standards impeccably high. Which, for this Staten-Island-bred shock-rocker â whoâs not claiming his method would work […]
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