Stage Buzz

Stage Buzz – Liquid Soul at 210 Live

Brassneck | February 7, 2018 | 0 Comments

Highwood’s 210 Live sits on the former Minstrel’s Alley concert space that featured groundbreaking bands including Cheap Trick, Styx and the Ramones in their early years, so they already have a historic vibe in their bones. The venue has already built a good reputation with a variety of acts featuring top-tier jazz, blues, and rock […]

Stage Buzz: Zaius at Reggies Chicago

Brassneck | January 10, 2018 | 0 Comments

Modern prog/post-metal instrumental music has never been stronger, especially in Chicago where bands such as Pelican, Electric Hawk, Russian Circles and Zaius all share a bit of the spotlight. With plenty of venues in the city that welcome acts who play original material, it’s a blessing for a band like Zaius. “There is really […]

Stage Buzz: Todd Rundgren at Park West

Brassneck | December 14, 2017 | 2 Comments

As one of the most prolific and forward-thinking artists/producers of the last 50 years, it’s no surprise that Todd Rundgren would rather keep exploring than nestle into a comfort zone. In fact, that fierce commitment to his current artistic muse over commercialism and a regularly shifting set list is exactly what keeps the faithful coming […]

Stage Buzz : The Jesus Lizard at Metro [Updated with Photo Gallery]

Brassneck | December 8, 2017 | 0 Comments

Though they stopped just short of a “full monty” (as the gallery will atest), Chicago’s Jesus Lizard showed everyone their goodies during a sold-out show at Metro, Friday. Performing in Wrigleyville on only one of only six tour dates, the powerful quartet pulled themselves out of the mothballs, playing with precision and aplomb, and sounded […]

Stage Buzz: [Updated with Gallery] Doyle at The Forge of Joliet

Brassneck | November 8, 2017 | 1 Comment

Under the eponymous Doyle banner, the dominating ex-Misfits axeman has conjured up 13 metallic horror-punk tracks on his sophomore solo effort that was released this past summer, Doyle II: As We Die. Currently on his As We Die World Tour, Doyle (real name Paul Caiafa) and his band – vocalist Alex “Wolfman” Story, bassist […]

[Updated] Live Review/Stage Buzz: The Afghan Whigs at Metro

ilentertainer | September 20, 2017 | 0 Comments

The Afghan Whigs Metro, Chicago Sept. 23 Midway through the set Saturday night at Metro, Afghan Whigs frontman Greg Dulli momentarily halted the band’s momentum after the song “Algiers” to address one particular fan: “Wasted and flipping me off is not going to work,” he said to a woman near the stage. As the crowd […]

Stage Buzz: Bourbon & Beyond

ilentertainer | September 14, 2017 | 0 Comments

Summer is waning, but festies will get their last licks in September 23 and 24 in Louisville. If bourbon, food, music, and camping is appealing to end your summer festival season, then Bourbon & Beyond should be on your radar. With camping gear and a quick 5 hour drive, music fans can sample several renowned […]

Stage Buzz: Riot Fest 2017 Undercard Preview

ilentertainer | September 12, 2017 | 0 Comments

Riot Fest returns to Douglas Park for its 13th year this September. Based on that number, palm–readers may think it’ll be an unlucky year for the festival. But this year’s lineup is arguably the best ever put together by the organizers. With so many great bands and artists performing you might feel overwhelmed. That’s where […]

Updated: Live Review/Stage Buzz – Mastodon at Metro

ilentertainer | September 8, 2017 | 1 Comment

Live Review Mastodon Metro, Chicago Sept. 9, 2017 Mastodon rarely plays an encore. Instead, the band merely thanks the crowd and walks offstage. Saturday night at Metro, though, the band’s parting words carried more weight as they played an intimate benefit concert for Hope For The Day, a Chicago-based mental health education and suicide prevention […]

[Updated] Stage Buzz/Recap/Photo Gallery: Kiss at RiverEdge Park

ilentertainer | August 17, 2017 | 1 Comment

Kiss brought all their pageantry and glory to RiverEdge Park in Aurora, Sunday. Despite the threat of thunderstorms hovering overhead, Kiss took the stage on time and ended just minutes before buckets of rain hit the western suburbs. Three generations of fans were treated to a classic catalog and all the pyro Kiss fans […]

Riot Fest 2017 Single-Day Line-Up, Danzig Performance Announced

ilentertainer | July 20, 2017 | 0 Comments

The wai-it-ing is the hardest part when it comes to Riot Fest’s single-day line-ups, but the wait is over. Riot Fest announced Friday, Saturday and Sunday (September 15-17) line-ups today with a bonus performance from Danzig to the Saturday bill. As expected, Jawbreaker’s historic reunion closes things out on Sunday September 17th. Single Day and […]

Stage Buzz: Pitchfork Music Festival Chicago 2017 at Union Park

ilentertainer | July 10, 2017 | 0 Comments

Now entering its second decade of existence, the 2017 Pitchfork Music Festival has assembled what is arguably one of their finest line-ups yet. The curation has always made an effort to be eclectic, and this year is certainly no exception. This year’s headliners include a newly activated LCD Soundsystem on Friday (July 14), old-school […]

Stage Buzz/Recap/Gallery (Updated): Wolf Alice at Schubas

ilentertainer | July 4, 2017 | 0 Comments

North London’s Wolf Alice completely eviscerated Chicago’s Schubas Tavern Wednesday. The intimate confines at Belmont and Southport proved to be the perfect setting for the quartet to preview songs from their forthcoming release (due this fall). They also tore through fan favorites that included “Moaning Lisa Smile,” “Bros,” “Giant Peach” and “Lisbon.” Curt Baran managed […]

Photo Gallery: Dreamcar at The Vic Theater

ilentertainer | May 31, 2017 | 0 Comments

Take three parts No Doubt (bassist Tony Kanal, guitarist Tom Dumont and drummer Adrian Young), one part A.F.I (vocalist Davey Havok) and you’ve got yourself a new supergroup called Dreamcar. The band, which graced the cover of IE’s April issue, recently hit the road in support of their eponymous debut album. Curt Baran commenced his […]

Stage Buzz: Ratt at Concord Hall

ilentertainer | May 4, 2017 | 0 Comments

Are you ready to Ratt ’N’ Roll again? The recent court battles between former drummer Bobby Blotzer and the rest of the members over the use of the RATT band name has finally been determined. The winners singer Stephen Pearcy, guitarist Warren DeMartini and bassist Juan Croucier, who are now joined by guitarist Carlos Cavazo […]