Stage Buzz
The Devil Wears Prada preview
House Of Blues, Chicago Monday, February 15th, 2010 Though they have a reputation, perhaps well deserved, as dim-witted, vulgar miscreants, few fans get as passionate about their favorite bands as the metal crowd. Vocal style, drop tunings, beat count, and breakdown depth are all considered to determine if a band merits worth. Indie kids […]
Phantogram preview
Schubas, Chicago Wednesday, February 17, 2010 We repeatedly come across — whether coincidental or planned — revived musical styles. It’s not quite at the point of (the erroneously reported) “nothing more can be invented” quote from a 19th century patent-office employee, but bands find remarkable ways to invoke the past.
Concerts For Haiti
Viaduct, Chicago/ Durty Nellie’s, Palatine January 30-31, 2010 Catastrophes are like elections in that most people participate once, if minimally, then begin creating distance. Some local musicians are here to call those folks out.
I Love Cover Bands
Uncle Fatty’s/The Coach House, Chicago January 25 – 31, 2010 We’re a little late getting into it, but here’s how the weekend shapes up for the end of this year’s cover-centric Winter Music Festival.
Pravda Records 25th Anniversary
The Service, The Slugs, Boom Hank Abbey Pub, Chicago Friday, January 22, 2010 Though he’s never flaunted his wares like Touch And Go, Thrill Jockey, Drag City, or Bloodshot, Kenn Goodman’s Pravda Records confidently collected a reputable catalog over the past quarter-century and rightfully celebrates this Friday at the Abbey.
Joan Of Arc’s Don’t Mind Control
Empty Bottle, Chicago Friday, January 22, 2010 Even Tim Kinsella’s many detractors must admit his Joan Of Arc has been progressive. Over the years, he has been the stem of a rapidly regenerating art-rock hydra, shuttling collaborators in and out to suit his unpredictable musical ambitions. And Friday night, they all come home to roost.
Daphne Willis preview
Lincoln Hall, Chicago Wednesday, January 27, 2010 One more youngster with a voice that “belies their years” and we’ll start raiding their lockers for HGH like BALCO and Barry Bonds. Chicagoan Daphne Willis is 22, sounds 22, and writes about 22-centric things.
Tomorrow Never Knows festival preview
Schubas/Lincoln Hall, Chicago January 13 – 17, 2010 Schubas’ annual January to-do in Lakeview has expanded to 40 bands with the inclusion of Lincoln Hall. Strangely, the two rooms aren’t much further apart than the two most distant stages at Lollapalooza.
Jookabox preview
Empty Bottle, Chicago Sunday, January 17, 2010 Nearly everything written about Jookabox (formerly Grampall Jookabox) more than touches on Indianapolis. It’s customary to acknowledge a band or artist’s origins, but in this context it illuminates the music.
Treaty Of Paris preview
Metro, Chicago Saturday, January 9, 2010 Well it’s good to have Treaty Of Paris back home and safe. Last we knew, the Chicago band had been abducted by a pack of fuzzy Flaming Lips companions and forced to play in forests.
Anvil preview
House Of Blues, Chicago Sunday, January 10, 2010 Anvil are fit for the age of Facebook — an old classmate appears before your eyes just the same as they were before (if swelled), giving you a chance to rehash the good times. But the existential crisis is this: Once someone rotates out of your life, […]
The Detroit Cobras preview
Double Door, Chicago Saturday, December 19, 2009 The most recent benefit in a city- and label-wide effort to rehab Scotland Yard Gospel Choir pits Bloodshot Records’ alumni The Detroit Cobras, Dex Romweber Duo, and The Blacks together.
Gold Motel preview
Beat Kitchen, Chicago Sunday, December 20, 2009 What did you expect Greta Salpeter to do? Bake cookies? This is the anticipated debut concert from The Hush Sound’s pianist.
Bluegrass & Blues Festival preview
Congress, Chicago Saturday, December 12, 2009 Last year, the Chicago Bluegrass & Blues Festival turned out The Avett Brothers and David Grisman. Clearly, this thing is anyone’s game.
Janis Ian preview
Wilmette Theater, Wilmette Sunday, December 13, 2009 To the casual fan, noting where Janis Ian will play this weekend might cause a snicker or scoff. “Wow, one of those soft-pop, ’70s singer/songwriters is cashing in on North Shore money for the holidays.” In a sense, you’d be right.
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