Stage Buzz
Stage Buzz: Kris Kristofferson at The Chicago Theatre
It’s like seeing Muddy Waters or Merle Haggard on the back forty of their final farewell tours (even Dylan, The Stones, and Paul McCartney are on those âwhat ifâ touring jaunts these days). Kris Kristofferson is a household name, but it may be as much for his film resume as for his music. True music […]
Stage Buzz and Gallery: The Hu at House of Vans
The Hu Vans Chicago October 31, 2019 Nothing says âHappy Halloweenâ like a morin khuur solo, am I right? What the hell is a morin khuur you ask? Exactly! Anyone who attended the 2019 version of Riot Fest may have encountered such an instrument if they caught the much talked about set from The Hu. […]
Stage Buzz: Michael Franti at Concord Music Hall
In this era of building walls, unsettled government and strife at the border, Michael Franti continues his message of positive vibes and bringing people together. Franti made his mark a decade ago with his massive hit “Say Hey (I Love You).” Mixing rock steady beats, ska, reggae, rock, hip-hop and electronica – Franti has […]
Stage Buzz: Municipal Waste at Metro
Richmond, Virginia crossover party animals Municipal Waste return from a two-year recording hiatus with the raging four-track EP The Last Rager (released on Oct. 11 via Nuclear Blast). Featuring vocalist Tony Foresta, guitarists Ryan Waste and Nick Poulos, drummer Dave Witte and bassist LandPhil Hall, the retro-thrash quintet will be returning to Chicago on […]
Stage Buzz: Art Alexakis at S.P.A.C.E. Evanston
Art Alexakis and Everclear defined the post-grunge ’90s where melodies were king, and dirty guitars were toned downed mercifully down to manageable, yet filthy levels. Singles “I Will Buy You A New Life” and “Santa Monica” are practically genres unto them themselves, which are not only benchmarks for melodic rock in the Friends-era but the […]
Q&A and Live Review: Rick Wakeman
Rick Wakeman Arcada Theatre (St. Charles, IL) October 4, 2019 Celebrated prog-rock keyboardist and raconteur Rick Wakeman visited the Arcada Theatre on Friday night, performing a set of classically oriented solo piano pieces. The songs performed as part of Wakemanâs Grumpy Old Rock Star tour are connected by stories that were equally poignant and ludicrous. […]
Stage Buzz: Riot Fest Undercard Preview
Riot Fest returns this fall for its historic 15th anniversary, once again in Douglas Park (Ogden & Ashland). From its humble beginnings in small clubs to its current incarnation as a classic punk, indie rock, and hip-hop celebration, Riot Fest has a connection to Chicago like no other festival. Now in its 15th year, the […]
Stage Buzz: King Crimson at The Auditorium Theatre
As the godfathers of progressive rock, you won’t find a band with a more dedicated cult following and more influence as King Crimson. Their 1969 debut In the Court of the Crimson King is the benchmark for the prog-rock movement. Led by inventive “quality control” guitarist Robert Fripp, the band’s line-up has been noted for […]
Photo Gallery: Queen plus Adam Lambert at United Center
Eddie Spinelli captured Queen with Adam Lambert in a 2 hour sold-out show at United Center. As expected Lambert channels the ghosts of Freddie Mercury with aplomb, featuring original members Brian May and Roger Taylor running through a set of hits and deep cuts.
Stage Buzz: Jay O’Rourke Band at SPACE
Jay O’Rourke Band Cover Tracks (Self) O’Rourke released one of 2018’s best local albums (Sumthin’ Good), but Cover Tracks mines music he’s loved in his formative and modern years. It’s his labor of love. Longtime IE readers will remember him as the guitarist for the Insiders and BB Spin, and his engineering resume is almost […]
Stage Buzz: Bands in The Sand at Sideouts: New Found Glory and Vince Neil, Island Lake
As summer winds down, some of suburbiaâs larger venues are bringing their A-game to their stages. At Sideouts in Island Lake, the Bands in The Sand event has become one the highlights of the summer in the northern suburbs and commences on Friday, August 16 with Floridaâs pop-punk stalwarts New Found Glory one pop/punk’s most […]
Stage Buzz: Riot Fest Daily Festival Schedules Announced
Riot Fest did it early. They’ve unveiled their daily lineup for the 2019 festival, with a very special deal: single-day tickets will be priced at $49.98 for a very limited time. One-day and 2-day tickets are on sale now. Fridayâs headliners include Blink-182 (performing Enema of the State), The Flaming Lips (performing Yoshimi Battles the […]
Stage Buzz: Pitchfork Music Festival, Chicago: Day of Doom Festival, Metal Monkey Brewing, Romeoville
Pitchfork Music Festival July 19, 20, 21 Union Park, Chicago The 2019 edition of the Pitchfork Music Festival boasts a little bit of everything for both current day AND former hipsters. As an offshoot of the influential website, the line-ups each year continue to champion the artists that have received online exposure. Sundayâs headliner […]
Stage Buzz: Tribute Island Music Festival, Kenosha, WI
Tribute Island Music Festival July 19, 20, 21 Simmons Island Kenosha, WI In one of those âwhy didnât I think of that?â moments, Tribute Island brings together 58 tribute bands from across the Midwest to Simmons Island in Kenosha to perform in a themed setting that mirrors English and American festivals like Knebworth, Ozzfest, […]
Stage Buzz: Geddy Lee – Book Signing at Barnes & Noble, Chicago
Geddy Lee Feeding The Collectorâs Compulsion By Jeff Elbel Rush bassist and singer Geddy Lee is known among fans as a man with passions crossing the line into obsession. Whether itâs fine wine or baseball history, Lee doesnât dabble. He goes full immersion. Following the conclusion of Rushâs R40 tour in the summer of 2015 […]
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