Tag: featured
Photo Gallery: Nessa Barrett at Thalia Hall ⢠Chicago
Nessa Barrett Thalia Hall April 7, 2026 Chicago, ILÂ Recap and photos by Curt Baran On her Tuesday return to Chicago, Nessa Barrett chose to host a black-tie affair. As guests assembled for her performance at Thalia Hall, the Pilsen venue greeted arrivals with an air of sophistication. Gentlemen clad in black tuxedos and white […]
Stage Buzz: BoDeans at Art Theater ⢠Hobart, IN
While attending Waukesha South High School in Wisconsin in 1977, buddies Kurt Neumann and Sam Llanas planted the seeds that would soon germinate into Americana roots-rock band BoDeans in 1983. After the release of its 1986 debut album, Love & Hope & Sex & Dreams, the years of slugging it out in the Milwaukee clubs […]
Live Review: Billy OâNeill ⢠Liarâs Club ⢠Chicago
Billy OâNeill (of oh my god) Liarâs Club Chicago, IL Friday, April 3, 2026 Live Review and photos by Jeff Elbel Good Friday saw the welcome return to Chicago of erstwhile local hero Billy OâNeill. The singer and bassist visited Liarâs Club to reacquaint his former hometown audience with songs by theatrical post-punk band […]
Cover Story: Trouble – Headlines Legions of Metal Festival
Chicagoâs beloved doom metal legends, Trouble, will be headlining the second night of the eighth annual Legions of Metal festival at Reggies on Saturday, May 2. Incidentally, itâs the bandâs first-ever appearance at the famed Chicago rock club. Initially conceived in May of 2017 by Reggies owner Robby Glick, along with longtime local promoter Shane […]
Media: April 2026 ⢠100 Years of Sirens In The Loop
The journalism business has obviously changed dramatically over the past few decades. The latest book about the history of the Chicago News Bureau (Sirens in the Loop), written by Paul Zimbrakos and Jim Elsener, really shines a spotlight on just how much it has changed. Â The City News Bureau was a news cooperative, meaning […]
Photo Gallery: The Format ⢠April 2 ⢠Chicago
The Format The Salt Shed Chicago, IL April 2nd, 2026 Recap and photos by Curt Baran Nate Ruess FINALLY made it back to Chicago. His band, The Format, announced in 2020 that they would once again hit the road as a live touring band. They booked shows in New York, Phoenix, and the previously […]
Stage Buzz: GWAR, Ashnikko, Poison the Well
Intergalactic shock rockers GWAR are chaos incarnate. The only thing they love more than blood, sex, and violence is rock and roll. The otherworldly beings promise to bring carnage and kick ass music when âThe Gor Gor Strikes Back Tourâ rolls into town. Catch GWAR with special guests Soulfly and King Parrot at Concord Music […]
Photo Gallery: The Hives at The Salt Shed ⢠Chicago
The Hives March 26, 2026 The Salt Shed Chicago, IL Recap and photos by Curt Baran Since their inception back in the early ’90s, Swedenâs The Hives have consistently proven to be one of the most dependable live acts in the Rock pantheon. To the unsuspecting, their matching suits (which included illuminated hemlines this time […]
Live Review: Lamb of God at Aragon Ballroom ⢠Chicago
Lamb Of God Aragon Ballroom Chicago March 25, 2026 It only took three songs for frontman Randy Blythe to express an overt and timely political message during Lamb Of Godâs all-ages headlining show at the Aragon on March 25: âNo more war for oil, motherfuckers,â Blythe spat out as an introduction to âBlood Junkie.â Otherwise, […]
Stage Buzz: Descendents, Action/Adventure, Michael Shannon and Jason Narducy
You may know Michael Shannon as a two-time Oscar-nominated actor. But now, itâs time to get to know Michael Shannon the musician. Shannon and his longtime musical collaborator Jason Narducy are teaming up to celebrate the 40thanniversary of R.E.M.âs Lifes Rich Pageant. Hear cuts like âFall on Meâ and âSupermanâ when the two perform at […]
Stage Buzz: Testament at The Rave/Eagles Club ⢠Milwaukee & Ramova Theatre ⢠Chicago
Bay Area thrash titans, Testament, will be ripping across the US on their 20-date âThrash of the Titansâ US leg of their 2026 world tour. The trek begins in Portland, OR, on March 14 and runs through the beginning of April, including stops at the historic Rave/Eagles Club on Friday, March 2o, and at Ramova Theatre, Chicago, on […]
Cover Story: Lilâ Ed and The Blues Imperials ⢠Blues in our Blood
Chicago Blues guitar icon, Lilâ Ed Williams, has been churning out his brand of classic yet contemporary Blues compositions for over four decades. Williams has played the renowned Chicago Blues Festival multiple times, and on Friday, February 27, 2026, at FitzGeraldâs in Berwyn, Lilâ Ed & The Blues Imperials will be playing a âhometownâ record-release […]
Media: March 2026 ⢠National Radio Hall of Fame Chicago Nominee Suggestions
The National Radio Hall of Fame is located right here in Chicago, in the Museum of Broadcast Communications (440 W. Randolph).* This is a National Hall of Fame, but Chicago is well represented. For instance, among the inductees youâll find Chicago radio greats like Dick Biondi, Jonathon Brandmeier, Jack Brickhouse, Harry Caray, Bob Collins, Steve […]
Spins: Ratboys ⢠Singin’ to an Empty Chair
Ratboys Singin’ to an Empty Chair (New West) Chicago-based indie-rock veterans Ratboys are back with their sixth full-length album and first for New West. Singer and guitarist Julia Steiner has revealed that creating Singin’ to an Empty Chair was a way to work through the difficult experience of estrangement from a family member while […]
Stage Buzz: Brit Floyd at The Venue at Horseshoe Casino
By Kelley Simms After leaving one successful Pink Floyd tribute act to start another one, musical director/guitarist/vocalist Damian Darlington saw his vision come to fruition 15 years ago. Brit Floyd was formed in 2011 in Liverpool, England, by Darlington, who left a 17-year tenure with The Australian Pink Floyd Show, believing he could build […]
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