A night of drinking, dancing, socializing, networking and non-stop music since 1991. For die hard rockabilly devotees and civilian music fans. Over the last decade, this highly organized vibrant jam session, held the first Thursday of every month at Martyrs', has become rockabilly central for many of the musicians & fans of Chicago's American roots scene. Although the monthly jam is devoted to rockabilly, the Big C Jamboree has also offered the span of '40's-'50's Amereicn roots music from Hillbilly Boogie to Western Swing, Jump Blues and 1st generation Rock-n-Roll. The night is run swiftly and simply: a host band performs a short set, followed by a myriad of roots musicians who do 3 songs each. The party like atmosphere includes socializing, drinking & dancing galore while the rotating line-up onstage usually features the raucous sounds of pompadoured rockabilly musicians wailing away on upright basses and hallow-bodied electric guitars; and there's NEVER a cover! It's one of the most dedicated evenings of music in the city. -Chrissie Dickinson, Chicago Tribune
WORLD WIDE RIOT's music is informed by an intelligence that is self-aware rather than self-conscious, The Monkees without the slapstick. Let us take the melodious and rocking heft of The Guess Who, 13th Floor Elevators and The Flamin' Groovies. Wrap them in a feather boa, add a Huck Finn hat, push them down a long flight of bouncy rubber stairs past The Ramones and tell them to stand up when they see cornfields and nuclear stacks. The band’s timeless garage sound instantly connects with multiple generations. The spontaneity of their recordings is infectious, always an exquisitely chosen, swaggering drum part or a vocal refrain that’s just the right side of wrong. But there is more. Rising mightily from the depths, a musicality and knowingness that give the listener pause. There are enough talented 21 year olds go around in rock and roll, but they don’t always have this heart and spirit.
Based in Chicago, Illinois, Black Umbrella Brigade takes its influences from New Orleans brass bands, Chicago Blues guitar riffs, and New York City Cabaret shows. Band Leader and mad scientist, Chris Zonada, carefully and sometimes recklessly assembles together an array of songs that are easily recognizable and infectious to the listener. On stage, this crew of musicians contributes their combined experiences as stage actors, orchestra members, marching band directors, and grunge rockers into every song. According to Zonada, "When we play shows, the last thing I want to be to anyone in that room is just some guy screaming about his feelings over a distorted guitar...what we do is humanitarian work. We show up to blow people's minds and give all their functioning senses something that they're never going to get from sitting at home with an iPod on their head". At most local shows, they invite their fans to dress in "themes" alongside the band who may be dressed up in matching vintage athletic wear, overalls, military thrift store finds, or formal evening wear. "It like going to a Rocky Horror Picture Show, really. For the regular fans, it becomes this 'thing' where you start to remember parts of the songs where you're supposed to scream things back at the band, or raise your hands in the air and start praising Kenny G".
The 29th Of February is a collection of sounds from various genres, taking cues from progressive rock, alternative, experimental, indie, and more. A difficult project to categorize, its sound is flanked by epic harmonies and arrangements driven by a rhythmically and harmonically diverse backdrop.
Its been a few years since we last had the band together, but now we're having a blast being back out there and showing people what having a good time is all about. The line up has changed and we've picked up a few people on the way: John Gaska on guitar and Todd Easler on drums. The sound of Wyatt is definitely hard to describe. All of our musical styles are from different corners of the spectrum and we all come together somewhere in the middle, thanks to the musical genius of Samuel Wyatt. Make sure to catch one of our shows as we make our away around Chicagoland this fall and winter.
Incredible Shrinking Boy is the story of a young man coming to grips with the frightening reality of the world he was born into. Originally, a song written by singer/songwriter Paul Taneja on a hot summer afternoon in 2003, Incredible Shrinking Boy is about a journey and the road he continues to travel down today. What separates Incredible Shrinking Boy from many rock bands today is Paul’s willingness to wear his heart on his sleeve, combining clever lyrics with catchy pop music. Sometimes storyteller, other times impulsive thoughts turned into music, there is no denying a talent that spawns unforgettable modern pop/rock songs.
contribution to the local music scene delivers a great deal of big city soul and a far-from-amateur interpretation of rock and blues, in contrast to the angst-driven and sometimes self-piteous Emo and Pop-rockery that suburbia often breeds. It's the kind of music you're damn proud to listen to, with hot-blooded solos that command respect and contagious riffs that are sure to stick in your head well after the show is over.
Thousands of fans and three releases into their career, KATIE TODD BAND continues to shine. Having shared the stage with such music scene luminaries as Juliana Hatfield, 10,000 Maniacs, Steve Winwood, and The Wallflowers, the Chicago Arts and Entertainment Magazine has recognized Katie Todd Band “a breath of fresh air that the Chicago music scene has been waiting for.”
The Jesters have a varied repertoire of original songs and covers that are guaranteed to move the most stubborn and jaded crowd onto the dance floor. They released their second full-length CD, Everybody Loves a Chimp, in September of 2002. They continue to perform at a variety of venues around Chicago and the Midwest including the Double Door, the Elbo Room, Otto's (DeKalb), Lakeview Links, as well as numerous colleges.
Ryan Bingham has spent most of his life on the road, first on the rough-and-tumble rodeo circuit, then moving from town to town on the equally volatile roadhouse musical circuit. Those travels have given him plenty of material to draw from - and plenty of reason to stop for a moment to dig in his heels and take a stand. That's exactly what the Texas-bred troubadour does on his second Lost Highway album, Roadhouse Sun, a hardscrabble collection that's at once unblinkingly personal and unapologetically political - the latter a new and bracingly vivid addition to Bingham's palette. The expanded consciousness bursts to the surface of several cuts on Roadhouse Sun - nowhere more movingly than on "Dylan's Hard Rain", a stark look into the darker corners of an America in which the storm its namesake sang of has blown through.
A lot of people have called Jesse Dayton a lot of things. When he was the guitarist in country legend Ray Price's orchestra, Price affectionately called him "Beaumont." After hearing Dayton run through a few songs in a Nashville studio, Johnny Cash respectfully called Dayton "different." After injuring his picking thumb, Waylon Jennings called Dayton to play Waylon's guitar parts on Right For The Time. Seattle rockers The Supersuckers called Dayton North to help them record what has become an alt-country classic, Must've Been High. The Austin American-Statesman simply but quite accurately called Dayton "turbo-country."
A graduate of the Northwestern University School of Music, Kevin O'Donnell has been the composer for nearly 30 pieces of theatre since 2002, and over 40 dance pieces, receiving 4 Jeff Nominations for Original Music and 2 nominations for Achievement in Dance from the Chicago Music and Dance Alliance. He has worked extensively with The House Theatre of Chicago, The Hypocrites, Redmoon Theatre, and the choreographer Molly Shanahan, for whose Mad Shak Dance Company he was composer-in-residence from 1996 to 2004 as well as being a dancer from 1994 to 2000. Perhaps never a great dancer, he tried very hard, and definitely improved over the six years. Additionally he has worked with Lookingglass Theatre Company, ATC, Collaboraction, Strawdog Theatre, and the choreographers Julia Rhodes, Margi Cole, Shirley Mordine, and Jan Bartozek.
Steve Smith and VITAL INFORMATION The all-star Soul/Jazz/Funk/Fusion super-group featuring: TOM COSTER - Keyboards (Santana) BARON BROWNE - Bass (Billy Cobham/Jean-Luc Ponty) VINNY VALENTINO - Guitar (Bill Evans/Jimmy McGriff) STEVE SMITH - Drums (Journey/Steps Ahead) Now in their 26th year since their initial 1983 release, Steve Smith and Vital Information has become a formidable jazz/fusion juggernaut whose longevity surpasses all of the major fusion groups. The all-star lineup of Tom Coster (keyboards), Baron Browne (bass), Vinny Valentino (guitar) and Steve Smith (drums) serve up a veritable banquet of sounds, from slamming funk and syncopated second line grooves to seriously swinging, uptempo B-3 burners, South Indian Carnatic inspired jams and sizzling fuzoid romps. The group's founder and drummer, Steve Smith, has a resume that stretches from Ahmad Jamal, Zakir Hussain, The Buddy Rich Big Band and Steps Ahead to Andrea Bocelli and Journey. It is no surprise that he won Modern Drummer Magazine's #1 All Around Drummer award five years in a row and was voted one of the Top 25 Drummers of All Time in a recent Modern Drummer readers poll, in 2002 Smith was voted into the Modern Drummer Hall of Fame. In the last ten years, Smith has led, or co-led, fifteen different jazz or jazz/rock projects for the Tone Center label. His educational Hudson Music DVDs Steve Smith - Drumset Technique/History of the U.S. Beat and his latest DVD Drum Legacy-Standing On The Shoulders Of Giants are best sellers in the music educational market. Steve Smith is one of the most constantly evolving drummers on the scene today.
KICK THE CAT is quartet of diverse musicians who compose, produce and perform all original fusion music; a progressive blend of jazz, funk, rock and world music with unique arrangements and interplay.
Hyper - [hayp-ur]: overexcited, overstimulated, keyed up; fanatical or rabid. Modal [mohd-l]: noting or pertaining to mood or musical scales; exhibiting or expressing some phrase. Hypermodal is the brainchild of Chicago Producer/Songwriter Daniel Durrett (aka Jimmy 2 sticks) in collaboration with Chicago Singer/Songwriter Nicholas Davio. Together they create songs/music influenced by electronic, rock, folk, and minimalist sounds.
FARKUS: Drummer Dave Durdov entered a Champaign Illinois college party as a stranger when he happened upon Tony Maguire and Brian Gillham jamming together on acoustic guitars. Intrigued by the unfamiliar songs the duo was performing, Durdov had to inquire who they were 'covering'. His question remained unanswered until the three were able to regroup in their hometown of Chicago years later to form the beginningss of Farkus. The final piece of the puzzle, Kevin Coyne, was no stranger to the band. However, Maguire and Gillham were unaware that since they last saw Coyne in high school he was busy honing his musical talent by touring Europe as a bass player. Today Farkus has a catalogue of material, and have released their first record 'Thought You Should Know' which includes "Windsor Noose", the very first Farkus song Durdov heard that night in Champaign.
"Farkus shows two very distinct sides on Thought You Should Know. One is the compelling, thoughtful singer-songwriter; the other is the big, arena rock star band with impressive hooks, strong melodies and a sense of pop timing. Both hearts beat within this band..." Wildy's World Review
ZING! was originally assembled for a gig on one of the band member's birthday on May 22, 2006. Some of the music that night was composed beforehand, and some was not. Much fun was had that first night, and more performance opportunities arose. The group is: Caroline Davis - alto sax, James Davis - trumpet, Dave Miller - guitar/effects, Matthew Golombisky - electric bass/likable noise, and Quin Kirchner - drums/tapes. They blend free jazz and drum'n'bass music that ignites into a fury of textures and hypnotic grooves.
Upon releasing their debut album in the fall of 2008, Family Order has been playing around Chicago, searching for those who crave to hear something different. Comprised of keyboardist Eitan Bernstein, drummer Charlie Dresser, and bassist Chris Faller, Family Order adds an element of raw, unbridled funk and soul to the carefully produced compositions featured on their record. The result is their live show, and its something quite unique. "Their songs combine a wide variety of genres and influences, from the psychedelic/progressive rock of Pink Floyd and King Crimson to the urban grooves of The Roots." -Junior's Cave Online Magazine
BEATEN BY YURI by THAX DOUGLAS: burblings released by the oven mitt's clumsy love pat like kittens you didn't know were developing under your porch shooting through the neighborhood, premature emissaries that'll sprout into huge trees before the love has even been processed.
Country rocker Robbie Fulks likes to tick people off. He wears a baseball cap emblazoned with the National Review logo because he thinks it'll disturb liberals. And he's got a sweet-as-Mountain Dew anthem on his major-label debut, Let's Kill Saturday Night, that taunts organized religion. Which is strange, because the calm and skinny Fulks doesn't look to be itching for a fight. Fulks's hell-raising began in his hometown of York, Pennsylvania, a former industrial city that he says smells "like crack cocaine, Peppermint Patties, and bluegrass music." After high school came a child out of wedlock, followed by his girlfriend leaving town with the kid. He was 24 and he could see his future all too clearly: "a fat middle-age guy in a trailer with a mortgage." That's when he got serious about songwriting. On his last two records on Chicago's independent Bloodshot label, Fulks has shown just how interesting country can be with songs that range from a George Jones or Hank Williams influence to something along the lines of the Blue Sky Boys or the Louvin Brothers. Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth, TX by Dave Ferman April 8th, 2001 FORT WORTH - Last year, Robbie Fulks closed his show at the White Elephant with a version of ABBA's Dancing Queen. Thursday night, at the same venue, his next-to-last song was a cover of Billie Jean - yes, Michael Jackson's Billie Jean. If you didn't know Fulks better, you'd think these were goofs, a smarty-pants alt-country dude again having a little ironic fun at the expense of pop culture. It didn't play that way, though: Fulks, a shamefully underappreciated Chicago-based singer/songwriter, retooled the song to give it a Tex-Mex flavor, found the emotional core of the storyline and basically sang the holy hellfire out of it. Just as he did with Dancing Queen last year. For this reason, and several others, Fulks is a true find amid the legions of too-serious/too-hip for their own good alt-country artists.
JENNY SCHEINMAN is a singer, violin player, composer and arranger. She grew up in the sticks playing folk music with her family, went on to study at Oberlin Conservatory, and has been performing as a violinist/fiddler since she was a teenager. She has taken the #1 Rising Star Violinist title in the Downbeat Magazine Critics Poll and has been listed as one of their Top Ten Overall Violinists for the last five years. In addition, she has garnered numerous high-profile arranging credits with artists such as Lucinda Williams, Bono, Lou Reed and Sean Lennon, and has toured and recorded with Bill Frisell, Norah Jones, Madeleine Peyroux, Nels Cline, Vinicius Cantuaria, Jimmie Dale Gilmore, and Mark Ribot. She has four releases of original music under her belt, the last of which, 12 Songs, was named by the New York Times (Ben Ratliff) as one of the Top Ten Albums of 2005. She will be releasing her next two on May 27, 2008 on Koch. The eponymous Jenny Scheinman, produced by Tony Scherr, is her debut recording as a singer and it focuses on the American folk/country/rock music of her childhood. Crossing The Field is her fifth instrumental release and features Bill Frisell, Jason Moran, Ron Miles, Doug Weiselman, Tim Luntzel and Kenny Wollesen (who also appear on Jenny Scheinman), plus a string orchestra led by Eyvind Kang and Brooklyn Rider.
"Half boogie piano, half Memphis soul, plus another half of folky swing . . .The trick that JT & THE CLOUDS pull off is putting soul into the white roots sound, and being as talented at both sides of the equation.Taking vintage grooves and filtering them through scintillating instrumentation . . . they weave some fine, lilting country tunes just as easily as they rustle up some confident blues stomp. JT Lindsay has a bit of Willie Nelson meets Jack White in his storytelling vocals.
A unique rock band that combines various elements of blues, folk, funk and bluegrass throughout their entire repertoire. From their gritty and grand live performances, as well as through their poignantly hand crafted albums, THE BRIDGE has become one of the most popular bands to hail from the Mid-Atlantic region. Featuring guitar, mandolin, saxophone, bass, drums and vocal percussion, THE BRIDGE offers up a sophisticated yet approachable musical experience, one that is sure to move your feet, as well as your soul.
The humid streets of New Orleans served as Cotton’s proving ground and personal classroom for mastering the Piedmont style of picking (playing the bass line, melody and all the chords in between concurrently) with the help and mentorship of more seasoned musicians. Cotton also channeled the jug band style used by the Mississippi Sheiks and the Depression-era hoedown technique favored by the Skillet Lickers. He studied early country musicians such as Jimmy Rodgers and Hank Williams, Sr., and combined their primitive, frenetic methods into his own singular, rootsy approach. After further honing his craft, Cotton returned home to California, where he formed his first band, The Blue Eyed Devils. In early 2004, Cotton again ventured south to Clarksdale, Mississippi to record his solo debut at Jimbo Mathus’ Delta Recording Studio. Cotton self-produced The Big Sea recording it live in a Palo Alto analogue recording studio. He is excited to debut some new material during his July 2009 tour slated to appear on an upcoming release.
T-Model's credentials are impeccable; if anything he's over qualified. He was born James Lewis Carter Ford in Forrest, a small community in Scott County, Mississippi. T-Model thinks he's seventy-five but isn't sure. He was plowing a field behind a mule on his family's farm by age eleven, and in his early teens he secured a job at a local sawmill. He excelled and was later recruited by a foreman from a bigger lumber company in the Delta, near Greenville, and eventually got promoted to truck driver. During the time he spent driving and working in a log camp, T-Model ran into trouble, and was eventually sentenced to ten years on a chain-gang for murder. He lucked out and was released after serving two. He says, grinning, "I could really stomp some ass back then, stomp it good. I was a-sure-enough dangerous man." When asked how many times he'd been to jail, T-Model responded, "I don't know. How many?" He seemed to think it might be a trick question. Upon realizing it wasn't, he answered to the best of his ability. "Every Saturday night there for awhile." As disheartening as this is, it's also a refreshing reminder of how ridiculous the present image of a bluesman is. Nothing could be more twisted than the romanticized and picturesque standard...an old black man devoid of anger and rage happily strumming an acoustic guitar on the back porch of his shack "in that evening sun". T-Model couldn't be further from this fabricated image. At 3/4 of a century old and with a dislocated hip, hes still cussing, fighting, and outdrinking men a quarter his age. Spam to his friends,Tommy Lee Miles to the authorities, he has been T-Model's A-number-one drummer for the past eight years. T-Model and Spam are the only men still playing on Greenville's Nelson Street. Most of the audience has scattered due to violence from the crack trade, and with the exception of T-Model, the street that once boasted Booba Barnes and others is dead. On a typical night Spam and T-Model will arrive at the club and unpack T-Model's guitar and amp, and the bass drum and snare he allows Spam to use. When T-Model feels there are enough people, they start banging away in their own post-war Peavey-powered hill stomp. It's nothing unusual for T-Model to play eight hours a night. They keep going until no one's left standing. After his equipment's packed up T-Model will coat himself with Off and climb into his van to crash.
Formed in Chicago in 1990, Dhamba 8 spent the next ten years pioneering the global funk sound that has seen a resurgence in recent years in many young bands around the world. Although never really breaking up, life scattered the members to various corners of the globe. They have reconvened infrequently over the last decade, and this will be their first show at Martyrs (their favorite old stomping ground) since 2001. Dhamba combines a wealth of musical influences, including African, Latin, New Orleans funk, jazz, soul, and, of course, rock and roll into an organic original sound that's intelligent, danceable, nasty and fun! It's a big band with a big sound, combining guitars, bass, drums, percussion, keyboards, and a steaming horn section. Everyone contributes to the songwriting process and there are three lead vocalists. For this show, both Tunji Heath (first drummer and originator of the band, now living in Hong Kong) and Bill "The Myth" Smith (later drummer extraordinaire) will be on hand to provide double firepower. The rest of the lineup in alphabetical order: Dave Adler- keyboards/vocals/lunacy Jeff Hill- guitar/vocals/old age Lisa Hill- congas/fancy percussion/beauty Dave Moore- bass/really good bbq Mike Nicholls- alto sax/guitar/vocals/blueprints Dave Stahlberg- trombone/manly presence, ladies.... Kathyjo Varco- vocals/percussion/barefoot loveliness Dave Zielinski- tenor sax/lascivious glances There's no telling when this might happen again (once a year? once a decade?), so it would be wise of you not to miss this night- you have been warned..... Peace Of The Puzzle was formed in 2007 by veterans of the northwest-side Chicago music scene. They deliver a deep catalog of songs influenced by late-60s/early 70s rock, funk, soul, New Orleans r&b and even a touch of samba blended into a guitar-powered original sound that will end all wars and cure all diseases. They're taking a break from recording their first album to play their debut gig at Martyrs' with their pals, Dhamba 8....expect the unexpected.
For those of you who grew up in Ireland, Thin Lizzy led by Phil Lynott, were the greatest rock band of all time. For everyone else they were the band that made the summer of '76 memorable with their radio hits "Jailbreak" & "Boys are Back In Town". Although many may think of Thin Lizzy as a hard rock band, Critic John Dugan writes that "As the band's creative force, Lynott was a more insightful and intelligent writer than many of his ilk, preferring slice-of-life working class dramas of love and hate influenced by Bob Dylan, Van Morrison, and virtually all of the Irish Literary tradition. Van Morrison was a major influence, as well as American groups Little Feat, Bob Seger and Bruce Springsteen. Their music covered much territory including hints of country and traditional folk music." Though others had earlier used similar techniques, Thin Lizzy is widely recognised as one of the first rock bands to employ double lead guitar harmony (the twin guitar clash) - a technique pioneered by Wishbone Ash in the U.K., whilst independently in theUSA by Lynyrd Skynyrd & The Allman Brothers Band. This style was later refined and popularised by bands of the emerging New Wave of British Heavy Metal, Judas Priest & Iron Maiden especially. The latter group in particular has praised Thin Lizzy extensively and even covered the song "Massacre" from Lizzy's popular Live & Dangerous album. Come celebrate Ireland's greatest rock band & their leader, Phillip Lynott. Tin Lynott digs deep into the catalogue playing tunes from every record from the band's 1971 debut to Phil's solo pop releases of the '80's. Hear why " IN PHIL WE TRUST"
In the wide world of American music, certain bands have a way of building an exciting life for themselves away from the glare of national attention. Much of that is because of the relationship the group has with its fans. It usually starts in small clubs or even backyards in their hometown, then spreads to nearby cities, neighboring states and soon across entire regions, until the band finally comes into its own as a national presence.
The Benjy Davis Project is poised to take on that presence. They’ve spent the past seven years building fan strongholds around the U.S., releasing three albums that capture their unique force. Davis’s songs speak to the ability of music to move an audience, as seen in countless nights of touring and performing. There comes a point in a breakthrough band’s career where they finally turn that corner into greatness. With the release November 4th on Rock Ridge Music of the Benjy Davis Project’s album, “Dust,” this Baton Rouge, Louisiana-based band now moves into that moment.
“I want to reach people and hopefully touch them in some way.” That’s how Benjy Davis describes his mission, and music is his medium. It’s always been that way for him, since he was a young teenager in Louisiana, listening to everything on the radio, taking it all in until it would be his time to step up and become an artist. He formed the Benjy Davis Project in 2001, which began as a simple folk-rock duo but soon grew into one of the most popular bands in Baton Rouge. Eventually expanding into a six-piece group, the Project has recorded three albums prior to “Dust,” each a big leap from the one before, and played across the country as headliners and support act on shows with John Mayer, Better Than Ezra, North Mississippi All-Stars and others, as well as events like the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival. All this experience has brought them to that place where they can become the next band to take their Southern-based sound to a new level of national popularity.
Many artists have taken to the stage and studio with nothing more than a guitar and a handful of heartfelt songs. Fewer have managed to do so without being pigeonholed, or worse, lost in the shuffle of a seemingly endless parade of so-called singer/songwriters. TONY LUCCA has not only managed to stand out as an original artist in defiance of genre classification, he's done it diligently for close to ten years, constantly honing his craft and cultivating an extremely enthusiastic following every step of the way.
Martyrs' is excited to welcome back Adrian Belew with the Adrian Belew Power Trio featuring Julie & Eric Slick.
You may know Adrian Belew as singer, songwriter & guitarist with King Crimson & The Bears, or his brilliant & creative guitar work with David Bowie, The Talking Heads, Nine Inch Nails, Frank Zappa, Paul Simon, Laurie Anderson, Mike Oldfield & many others. In 1990, Belew won Guitar Player magazine's Experimental Guitarist award for the fifth time in a row. Although Adrian Belew's guitar work is legendary, songwriting may very well be his greatest talent, and never has it been brought to a live setting better than now with Julie & Eric Slick. The trio, who have been touring internationally together since July of 2006, recorded their live show for the album "Side Four," which was released on November 20, 2007. The show features songs from Belew's 25 year solo career as well as King Crimson & other surprises.
Originally from Iowa City, IA, recently relocated to Fort Collins, CO, Eufórquestra (pronounced "yoo-fohr-keh-struh" -euphoria+orchestra) has been touring more than ever and is continuing to take its progressive, genre-crossing afro-jazz-funk fusions to new horizons. Emerging as a musical powerhouse, Eufórquestra is quickly spreading its self-proclaimed “Afro-Caribbean-Barnyard-Funk;” a unique, rhythmic blend, integrating such genres as Afrobeat, Reggae, Afro-Cuban, Samba, Soca, Funk, Salsa, and Dub. Eufórquestra’s music appeals to anyone and everyone, with a sound that “explodes, dances and melts in your ear with sheer bliss” (Chris M. Slawecki; AllAboutJazz.com). As percussionist and lead vocalist Matt Grundstad puts it, "Eufórquestra just wants to make people dance.”
STRANGE ARRANGEMENT, a Chicago based Quartet, is a band combining a wide array of musical styles, from jazz to rock; raggae and funk to bluegrass; as well as Afro-Cuban and West African Music. Their high energy performances bring a fresh sound to the stage and always draw people in to experience something different. They have been reaching new audiences across the Midwest, playing venues in Illinois, Wisconsin, and Michigan. In January 2008, they released their debut record, Side by Side, which combines their unique musical landscapes into tightly knit, well-crafted songs that somehow go from Folky/Indy to Progressive Funk Fusion, meeting in the middle somewhere to create a new path.
GREG LASWELL is already a critic's darling, and with the right marketing his second album will give him a proper shove into the mainstream. Through Toledo is an impressive collection of densely lyrical, deeply melodic indie pop that refuses to settle into predictability. Laswell -- on guitar, piano, drums, and production -- is clearly more than just another singer-songwriter. - Jonathan Zwickel - rhapsody.com Greg's music has been placed in several TV shows including "Grey's Anatomy", "True Blood", "Shark", "The Hills", "Without a Trace", "Damages", "Cold Case", the season finale of "NUMB3RS", "90210", "Smallville" and "One Tree Hill" . "What a Day" is featured in the 2006 film "Danika" starring Marisa Tomei.
BREAKERS BROKEN is a young Chicago-based original pop/rock band that takes pride in having both exciting and energetic live shows as well as catchy recordings. Taking advantage of having two lead singers, Breakers Broken is able to recreate the strong harmonies and well placed countermelodies of their music on stage.
The group was formed from a mix of best friends and brothers while studying at the highly regarded Frost School of Music at University of Miami in Florida. The power trio of Tim Yamaya (vocals/guitar), Herf Yamaya (vocals/bass), and Neal Wehman (drums/percussion/vocals) have been performing their original shows consistently since their formation in December 2006. After graduation in May of 2007, they relocated back to their hometown city of Chicago where they continue to experience success. Breakers Broken has played venues spanning South Beach, Miami, Chicago and its surrounding suburbs, Minneapolis and St. Paul. They also have performed at several colleges and their associated venues such as University of Illinois, Northwestern, Indiana University, University of Minnesota, Loyola Chicago, and University of Colorado in Boulder. Breakers Broken has just finished their first album, "Other Places to Search," (now available at breakersbroken.com) featuring eleven original songs written by brothers Tim and Herf Yamaya. The group did the majority of recording at their home studio (thanks to Tim's Music Engineering degree and a Shure Microphones internship), and with Craig Williams at Dr. Caw Studios, located in Northbrook, Illinois. The very experienced Craig Williams' has worked with what seems like every local Chicago musician, as well as artists such as Styx, Freddie Jones Band, Fareed Haque, and Kurt Elling. The album was also mastered in Miami by Michael Fuller of Fuller Sound who has worked with artists ranging from Eric Clapton to Shakira. It is hard to argue with family, and with the two brothers combining their unique experiences and tastes in music, Tim and Herf Yamaya have created something special. However, they are only completed when in the presence of their very experienced, explosive drummer - and good friend, Neal Wehman. With their first full length album finished in August 2007, Breakers Broken is taking to the road, and planning on winning over listeners from Miami to Chicago and beyond.
LOVERS IN ARMS (LIA) was formed by Caroline Yohanan(lead vocal) and Armando Perez(vocal/production)in early 2006 to create an inspired emotional album of down-tempo and dance tracks. Receiving acclaim and positive reviews from the local underground scene and the Chicago Sun-Times, the couple independently released their debut disc "Belmont Electric" in local music shops and over the Internet providing digital distribution for national and international support. Writing and recording as a duo led to the experimental and progressive formation of a five-piece live band including Ryan Schoen(bass), Dan Lieber(drums), and Juan Lugo(percussion). The music can be identified by its funky soulful rock, jazzy beats, and soaring vocal melodies and harmonies. Their new record "Strength For The Weary" embraces the live band's performance approach, showcasing their ability to write poignant love songs, as well as upbeat party tracks. Songs such as "Love Me Still" and the new single "Oh My Brother" demonstrate the strengths of this Chicago based trip-hop rock band.
Having met while studying abroad in Rome, Italy back in 2005, Johnny Robinson and Robbie Mueller began their music career playing at local Italian bars mainly just to say, "yeah, we gigged in Rome." However, since being reunited in Robbie's hometown of Chicago, Illinois, they decided to try their luck in the windy city. Without a demo, myspace page (until now), or any real proof that they were any good, this duo was able to finagle their way into a gig at a bar in the famous Wrigleyville area. As a result of that fateful night, Johnny and Robbie have been able to secure monthly gigs at some of Chicago's most prominent venues. With the aid of their study-abroad following, family, and local friends they have been able to consistently draw big crowds that defy the laws of an economic recession. This laissez-faire attitude has worked well for them so far, but because of their success and ability to make new fans wherever they play, they have decided to take their craft more seriously and plan on recording an EP sometime this spring/summer. With the strength of Johnny's vocals/guitar play and Robbie's tasteful guitar accompaniments and occasional successful harmony attempts, this band is bound for big things.
The Chicago Zappa Collective presents: BILLY THE MOUNTAIN & JOE'S GARAGE FEATURING: Colby Beserra, Matt Reed, and Ben Wilson -- vocals Chris Siebold and Mike Pinto -- guitars Paul Mutzbaugh -- keys Chris Clemente -- bass Rick Vitek -- drums Special guest appearance by Amanda Berg Wilson as Mary "I bring you now a special presentation to show what can happen to you if you choose a career in music. The White Zone is for loading and unloading only." -- The Central Scrutinizer, JOE'S GARAGE "A mountain is something, you don't wanna f--k with..." -- from BILLY THE MOUNTAIN Eight of Chicago's finest musicians host a mind-blowing musical summit to bring you a double dose of Frank Zappa's theatrical and musical genius. Why? Well.......because it was there. BILLY THE MOUNTAIN is Frank's scrappy, hard-hitting, and subversively hilarious take on American culture, commerce, government and warfare, set in Vietnam-era Southern California and featuring everyone's favorite cuddly mountain, Billy. An early warning of the musical screeds to come, BILLY THE MOUNTAIN finds Frank at his most irreverent and his most creative as he balances his rock and his roll, his point and his perversions, his music and his message. JOE'S GARAGE is a fully-realized musical journey that follows the adventures of Joe, an everyman who's hopes and dreams are continually crushed by the Orwellian machinations of a world in which music is illegal. It is alternately brilliant and base, beautiful and disgusting, sidesplittingly funny and a little too close to reality for comfort. Nothing is sacred and no one is immune from FZ's scorching satire, and his musical brilliance is on full display for all to experience in what is arguably his finest recording achievement. A passion project 12 years in the making, the CHICAGO ZAPPA COLLECTIVE features members of Kick The Cat, Maggie Speaks, The Renegades, Crawl, Auraphone, Jack Straw, The Listening Zoo, and The Party Faithful; in addition, our performers have worked with such musical luminaries as Faith Hill, Seal, Jennifer Hudson, Hiram Bullock, Randy Brecker, Umprheys McGee, Ann Harris, Howard Levy, and many more. Don't miss the musical tribute event of the year! Special appearance by The Central Scrutinizer. Not your parents' rock and roll -- or maybe it is.......
TICKETS AVAILABLE THROUGH: (800) 594-TIXX
Moved from 6/30 Tuesday, Jul 28 - 8pm - $12 Toby Lightman
TOBY LIGHTMAN'S new independently released album, "Let Go" follows her two Atlantic Records releases, 2004's "Little Things" and 2006's "Bird On A Wire". She's toured the country extensively, having appeared with such artists as Rob Thomas, Jewel, James Blunt, Gavin DeGraw, and on one memorable evening, Prince. Toby's national TV performances include the Late Show with David Letterman, Late Night with Conan O'Brien, NBC's Today Show, and CBS' Second Cup, among many others. Toby can currently be seen every week singing the opening theme song for NASCAR on Fox broadcasts and her title track "Let Go" can be heard during the extensive Home Shopping Network TV/Radio campaign. She recently appeared on the HSN network becoming their first featured independent artist.
TELEPATH: Music is a collective language. It can bring a sense of community among strangers, regardless of language, nationality, or beliefs. It can provide the listener an environment for creative thought and unrestrained emotion. It can manifest the beauty of people and cultures who may be thousands of miles apart. The music of Telepath strives to do all of this. Formed in 2006 and hailing from Philadelphia PA via Asheville NC, Telepath is a unique new expression in the current live and electronic music scenes. The 3-piece comprised of Michael Christie (keyboards), Curt Heiny (bass) and Mike B (drums) use a wide variety of self-created samples containing Indian and Arabic singers and musicians, Afrobeat-influenced horn lines, dubbed-out effects, and much more to generate the multi-layered sound that is Telepath. Extensively touring in support of their debut album Fire One (2006), Telepath has played to passionate audiences at theaters, clubs, and festivals around the country. Now, with the September 2008 release of their second album ContactTelepath continues the development of a loyal and ever-growing fan base, as well as their commitment to creating a positive and inspiring environment both on record, and in live performance.
The STEEPWATER BAND's latest LP Grace and Melody represents the evolution of a genuine, hard-working rock n’ roll band unwilling to compromise the integrity of their musical values. The album is vital and optimistic; a fresh sound borne of classic influences but zero nostalgia. The Steepwater Band formed in Chicago in 1998 ignited by a passion for the city's electric blues. The power trio who quickly progressed from covering Robert Johnson, Muddy Waters and John Lee Hooker to writing compelling originals has crafted a rock n' roll sound best described as heavy Americana. For a decade the band has gigged relentlessly, performing nearly 125 shows per year and bringing their songbook of gritty Delta blues, soulful boogie, and backwoods psychedelia to audiences across the States and abroad. The creative energy of the band's live shows has earned them a loyal fan base and critical acclaim. Jeff Massey performs with a passion that can belie his virtuosity. His masterful guitar work, often featuring slide, has won the respect of many modern guitar luminaries. The rhythm section's rock-solid interplay provides a foundation which liberates Massey's lead work: Joe Winters swings beats with total command of his ferocity while Tod Bowers rolls out bass lines with the loose-boogie sensibility of Ronnie Lane and a knack for carrying the melody. Years of musical collaboration allow the band to play together tautly without sacrificing spontaneity. THE LONELY H: With worn out boots and starry eyes, The Lonely H return from the road bearing one thing: Concrete Class. After 200 plus shows in 2008, these knights-in-shining-denim have seen their share of hard-wood floors, hopeless drunks, and enough roadkill to feed Detroit. Following up Kick Upstairs (2006) and Hair (2007) both on The Control Group, Concrete Class, The H’s third full length, reels with the rawness of Bob Seger’s blue collar howl, and rolls with the purity of a “Tequila Sunrise.” But it doesn’t end there -- these 12 tracks, recorded and mixed on miles of analog tape, sweat with the heart and honesty to match. Bearing melodies that pump at the passing of every mile marker, the music radiates a steadfast dedication to not only rock and roll music, but to rock and roll as a way of life. This idea, the boys don't take lightly.
Michael Brandmeier—the LOS ANGELES MUSIC AWARDS MALE SINGER/SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR (2006 Pop-Category) is an authentic, acoustic pop/rock artist whose music is being heard around the globe. His songs have been featured in many Film/TV projects from the hit SHOWTIME series SOUL FOOD to NBC'S hit soap opera, PASSION'S airing in over 30 countries, MTV's "CRIBS", ABC Family Network BEAUTIFUL PEOPLE, QUEER EYE FOR THE STRAIGHT GUY to WB's hit TV series DAWSON'S CREEK, which is now in syndication on TBS, the latest PARTY OF FIVE DVD release due 2008 and many more… His poignant and solemn song “RETURNING HOME” will be featured in the upcoming indie film by COLD SPARK FILMS “THE ADVENTURES OF FOOD BOY” starring Lucas Grabeel of HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL fame. He was named in the prestigious issue of the year of LA’s top music magazine “2007-MUSIC CONNECTION’S TOP 25 Music Demo’s of the year out of thousands of entries.
Raised in Chi-town and born into a musical family, HOLLY LONG needled her parents into piano lessons on her Great-Grandmother’s upright Hamilton at age 7. As a young tyke she was exposed to the likes of Stevie Wonder, Carole King, Elton John, Beethoven and the Beatles. Let us also not forget daily doses of “Free To Be You and Me” via her Dad’s HiFi stereo headphones. Influenced thusly, she spent her youth and early adult years constantly performing in various musicals, piano contests and plays. After high school, Holly moved to California to attend UCLA as a Theater Major. She suddenly found herself scribbling lyrics on bar napkins and call-sheets for various acting gigs in an attempt to bring voice to what Hollywood wasn’t really supporting- her growing creative force. Three demo recordings, one indie record deal gone bust and countless local gigs later, Holly seemed to be just about ready to call herself a songwriter. Then in late 1996, she was unexpectedly rushed to the hospital with what appeared to be an intense case of the Flu, but turned out to be the beginning of a two-year, life-changing odyssey. She fell into a coma and was hurriedly diagnosed with Endocarditis, a severe heart infection that threw her body into massive trauma. After a week of unconsciousness, she was lucky enough to awake and begin a slow process of recovery. She lost her hair, lost function of all her muscles and had to learn to walk all over again. Humbling, to say the least. This severe shock to the system galvanized Holly’s musical focus. Her intense honesty, the feelings of longing and inspiration, and the drive to understand herself were the result of a “broken heart,” and became the seeds for her debut album, City Girl in 2000. Met with acclaim, Holly’s debut CD was created alongside Clio-award-winning producer and arranger Chris Horvath. Lucky Holly was also fortunate enough to enlist the talents of many well-respected musicians and industry veterans for this project. In 2001, Holly again partnered with Horvath and released an EP entitled Six Sided Woman. These two recordings garnered her 3rd place in the John Lennon Songwriting Contest of 2000 and an Honorable Mention in the 2001 USA Songwriting Contest. Additionally, Holly’s songs have received feature film and TV placements including the soundtracks for Warner Bros.’ Winning London, Our Lips are Sealed, and NBC’s Passions. Since then, Holly has given birth to her two children, a beautiful girl named Josephine and sweet baby boy, Truman. Their lives give a resounding sense of closure 10 years after her own brush with death. Fittingly, Jo also provided much of the inspiration for Holly’s third project and critically-received second CD- Every Little Seam- released in 2004. Truman has since been instrumental in molding Holly’s ever-changing voice. Continuing the journey of being a mom and an artist brought Holly to write and record her third full length album, Leaving Kansas, under the astute musical direction of her producer and dear friend, Anthony JW Benson. This latest sweeping effort- two years in the making- was officially released world-wide in April, 2008.
Simply put, The ReBirth Brass Band is an institution. Formed in 1983, the band has long since graduated from the streets of New Orleans to theaters and festivals all over the world. ReBirth is committed to upholding the tradition of brass bands while at the same time incorporating modern music into their show. Their signature brand of heavy funk has placed them among the world’s top brass bands and they are the hands-down favorite among the younger generation. In reference to the sometimes stringent competition amongst brass bands, Offbeat magazine remarked, “…it’s clear that ReBirth, which boasts 10 albums and has traveled the world, is the band to beat (July 2001).”
Más Trueno is a ancient-futurist dancehall party band. They play music for all liked-hearted partyers, rockers and dancers who passionately enjoy reggae, funk, rock and roll, dancehall, house music, dub music, body music, body music and body music.
Formed and forged in Chicago, Más Trueno includes Dina Harrison (vocals) who also plays with Dan Tedesco and used to play in Getaway Cruiser, Seth Hitsky (keyboard, vocals) who has also played with Maschina and the Daniel Givens Age Ensemble, John Maloney (drums and percussion) who also plays with Them vs. Them and the Ghettobillies, Adam Mormolstein (bass, vocals) and Neil Dixon Smith (guitar, vocals) who also plays with Los Guitarristos.
LAND OF LINCOLN is a four man band hailing from Chicago. They create original music that shapeshifts from bright contemporary indie pop to a darker, more gritty classic rock. It’s at once energetic and approachable – always melodious, and often inviting and inciting crowd participation in a live setting. On occasion, the diversional whine of lap steel and horns give way to an alt-country melancholy. Call and response backing harmonies lend a conversational nuance to each song’s story. Unmistakably from Chicago, with references to both loving it too much and wanting to escape its trappings for greener pastures. Specialties include short, tasty rock songs but the boys have been known to pull up a hungry chair to an entree of sweeping epics. With close to two dozen top shelf original tunes under their belts, land of lincoln can aptly play a 30 or 90 minute set (or anywhere in between) – whatever the bill calls for. Always amicable, professional and above all ready to melt faces.
"Fifty Pence Piece of Mind" is the debut disc by Waiflike, the brainchild of Rich Miller, a Chicago-based singer-songwriter/multi-instrumentalist. Rich writes moody music that is catchy and clever and lyrics that are both interesting and intense. "Fifty Pence Piece of Mind" was recorded and mixed in late 2004-early 2005 in Northbrook, IL in the home studio of exceptional engineer & creative co-producer Andy Lagis. The songs were mastered at Signal Sound Source in Chicago by George Langis. While "Fifty Pence Piece of Mind" is a solo album, Rich had help from graceful guitarist Robert Palos (Ode), soulful saxophonist Jason Keppe and bassists Kevin Becker & Avi Kopernik. By listening to the melodramatic "Money & Movie Stars" the gritty "Glass of Something" the whimsical "Why is the Bed so Wet" the weighty "What Are We Waiting for Now" the pensive but polished "Plastic Pigs" the narcoleptic "Not At All Alone" the moody "My Baby Backed Over My Heart Again" and the cathartic "Cabbage & Cadavers", it is clear that Rich is capable of crafting compelling compositions.
"When the band is having as much fun on stage as the crowd, you know you're in for a special night!"
Lou Acevedo - JSJBF Jazz & Blues Notes
The Gas House Gorillas often bring the show into the audience spurring fans to sing, dance and get wild. Cutting up with each other and the crowd, the Gorillas are more than a great band, they are great entertainers as well.
The band's repertoire encompasses a broad range of styles that include Jump Blues, Gypsy Swing, early Rock & Roll, Cajun Music and even the occasional funk groove. Artists as diverse as Wynonie Harris, Groucho Marx, Sam Cooke, Fats Waller, and Albert King all coexist in the Gorillas' musical vernacular.
The Gas House Gorillas are fearlessly uninhibited performers and a sure fire guarantee for a rippin' good time!
In August 2002 we became The Who. September was Sly & the Family Stone, followed by CSNY and then The Police. TRIBUTOSAURUS is not just a band…it is a musical event, a happening. Tributosaurus is the Jurassic beast of multiple musical faces, and every month, the beast morphs into a different rock group. Every set is tweaked with the lineup essential to accurately re-create the recorded material of an amazing array of artists. This mandate draws the finest musicians from Chicagoland and beyond to join the core group to sit in…to sing and play songs they’ve wanted to cover all their lives. For Paul McCartney, we had members of the CSO and 30 people on stage, for Ray Charles we had a full big band, for Paul Simon we had an ensemble of native South American flutes -- whatever it takes. If there's a song that requires 2 keyboard players, 3 guitarists, a mandolin and a 6 piece horn section -- you can bet we'll have 'em. The Tributosaurus Core is comprised of 4 of the top musicians in Chicagoland. These players consider themselves the Civil War re-creationists of rock and roll, as they skillfully learn a brand new set of material every month, note for note. The shows have developed into a unique scene — hipsters and musicians mingling with fans in the sell-out crowds, enjoying a one-night experience that will never be performed again. For over 50 bands, we have been joined by members of The Rolling Stones, Umphrees McGee, Mister Blotto, Anita Baker, The Band, Poi Dog Pondering, Local H, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, and the list goes on and on. If you're in Chicago on the first Wednesday of the month, look us up - you won't regret it!
In August 2002 we became The Who. September was Sly & the Family Stone, followed by CSNY and then The Police. TRIBUTOSAURUS is not just a band…it is a musical event, a happening. Tributosaurus is the Jurassic beast of multiple musical faces, and every month, the beast morphs into a different rock group. Every set is tweaked with the lineup essential to accurately re-create the recorded material of an amazing array of artists. This mandate draws the finest musicians from Chicagoland and beyond to join the core group to sit in…to sing and play songs they’ve wanted to cover all their lives. For Paul McCartney, we had members of the CSO and 30 people on stage, for Ray Charles we had a full big band, for Paul Simon we had an ensemble of native South American flutes -- whatever it takes. If there's a song that requires 2 keyboard players, 3 guitarists, a mandolin and a 6 piece horn section -- you can bet we'll have 'em. The Tributosaurus Core is comprised of 4 of the top musicians in Chicagoland. These players consider themselves the Civil War re-creationists of rock and roll, as they skillfully learn a brand new set of material every month, note for note. The shows have developed into a unique scene — hipsters and musicians mingling with fans in the sell-out crowds, enjoying a one-night experience that will never be performed again. For over 50 bands, we have been joined by members of The Rolling Stones, Umphrees McGee, Mister Blotto, Anita Baker, The Band, Poi Dog Pondering, Local H, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, and the list goes on and on. If you're in Chicago on the first Wednesday of the month, look us up - you won't regret it!
A night of drinking, dancing, socializing, networking and non-stop music since 1991. For die hard rockabilly devotees and civilian music fans. Over the last decade, this highly organized vibrant jam session, held the first Thursday of every month at Martyrs', has become rockabilly central for many of the musicians & fans of Chicago's American roots scene. Although the monthly jam is devoted to rockabilly, the Big C Jamboree has also offered the span of '40's-'50's Amereicn roots music from Hillbilly Boogie to Western Swing, Jump Blues and 1st generation Rock-n-Roll. The night is run swiftly and simply: a host band performs a short set, followed by a myriad of roots musicians who do 3 songs each. The party like atmosphere includes socializing, drinking & dancing galore while the rotating line-up onstage usually features the raucous sounds of pompadoured rockabilly musicians wailing away on upright basses and hallow-bodied electric guitars; and there's NEVER a cover! It's one of the most dedicated evenings of music in the city. -Chrissie Dickinson, Chicago Tribune
After a one-way Greyhound bus ticket landed Joe Firstman in L.A. in 2000, the tireless self-promoter took the city for all it was worth. "We had it down," he says. "We sacrificed every bit of door money, any money we'd get to keep, to put people on the guest list. I would go out to the bars seven nights a week, shake hands, meet girls, and say 'My band's playing tomorrow night at the Whisky, I'll put you on the VIP list.' They'd tell their friends, 'This kid is putting me on the list, let's go to the Whisky.' I'd end up with a guest list full of young, pretty girls, and where there's girls, there's going to be guys. Where there are guys, there's going to be drinking. And when you're selling drinks, the club owners love you. So every time we played, the place was packed. And once we got people in the room, we won them over with the music." Firstman's emotional sound and powerful performances soon became the buzz around town. In 2001, he was named Singer/Songwriter of the Year at the Los Angeles Music Awards. Signed to Atlantic in early 2002, Joe went to work with producer Rick Parker to record his debut album. Paving the way for a full-length premier was an EP called "Wives Tale" released in 2003 which Firstman called "just a collection of music recorded in a nonchalant fashion during the making of the LP." Later that year, came "THE WAR OF WOMEN" which put him on AAA radio with "Breaking All The Ground", gave him the chance to explore and mold all sides of his musical personality with a terribly vast array of materials from piano-driven ballads to sophisticated pop to rollicking roots-rock, and was a fitting premiere of an exceptional new American artist. He was quickly featured in the Sundance Channel's original documentary series "Keeping Time: New Music from American Roots". His segment, a personal exploration of the creative songwriting process, is part of the episode entitled "Art of Song" It also put Firstman on the road for the next five years, both playing his own shows, and supporting everyone from Jewel to to Willie Nelson to Sheryl Crow. "His brief, eight-song set earned him a standing ovation - unheard of for a warm-up act," enthused the New York Post in its review of Firstman's Radio City Music Hall performance. "His 40-minute set walloped the audience with its energy and its promise of what this young singer-songwriter may accomplish," said the South Bend Tribune; while The Des Moines Register lauded: "The band vibrated with the sense that they had something to prove… Firstman appeared every ounce the promising star. The audience hung on his every word." The Ft. Myers News-Press described Joe's set as "amazing… Firstman's bluesy voice worked perfectly with the roots rocker numbers, and, when he shifted to piano, the band sounded like a mix between Lowell George-era Little Feat with a dash of The Band and a touch of the Black Crowes." While not touring, Firstman's also been collaborating with other songwriters including his hero Bernie Taupin with whom he penned "Tin Cans and Tear Drops" for a recent Willie Nelson project. He co-wrote a tune for Jewel's up-coming release and He's also been spending time between writing for his next album as the "house band" on "Last Call with Carson Daly" on NBC.
THE AUGUST'S members include a dog walker, a substitute teacher, a South African professional arm wrestling champion, and the great-great-grandson of a deep-sea Arctic fisherman. Everyone brings something different to the band's laid-back mix of roots rock, folk and country. "We all have different styles and tastes, but our differences are complementary," says the band's singer and rhythm guitarist, Jacky Dustin.
The Midwest quartet - Dustin, Wojtek Krupka (guitar/vocals), Petey Kapp (bass/vocals) and Tim Good (drums) - came together in a northern suburb of Chicago, where they developed their sound in a local bar filled with a mix of hard-to-please regulars who weren't afraid to speak their minds. Within these walls, The August perfected its distinctive folk-rock songs tinged with a Nashville patina. Within the year, the band was playing to capacity crowds in some of Chicago's most famous venues.
The August's debut, Thistle, Sparrow, and the Tall, Tall Grass, unwinds gracefully through an emotional, 12-song journey colored by bittersweet three-part harmonies and timeless songwriting resonating with heartache and desire.
DAN HUBBARD is a singer/songwriter from central Illinois. He was the lead singer and main songwriter of The Hubbards from 2000 to 2006. The band released two full length albums: "No Worries" in 2003 and "I'm Still Here" in 2005. Both records can be purchased from CDbaby at cdbaby.com/cd/hubbards, and they are also now available throught the iTunes music store!
MOVED to PARK WEST - tickets honored Sunday, Aug 09 - - The Script Parachute
THE SCRIPT are an Irish trio whose music boasts the kind of artful twists sure to turn all preconceptions on their head. This is a whole new brand of Celtic Soul, blending hip hop lyrical flow with pop melodiousness, state-of-the-art R'n'B production with anthemic rock dynamics, classic song construction with gritty contemporary narratives. It's got all the emotion and passion you would expect from across the Irish sea, but it is glittering in its modernity, universal in its singalong addictiveness and global in its syncopation, music for the feet, heart and head. Think U2 versus Timbaland, Van Morrison remixed by Teddy Riley. "Irish people have soul," according to Danny. "It comes from generations of pain, and generations of understanding emotion to be able to physically get that in a solid sound."
With infectious vocal melodies and refreshing pop swagger, Parachute are a band to watch. Signed to Mercury / IDJ in 2007, Parachute have spent the last 2 years touring with such acts as O.A.R., Switchfoot, Duffy, Matt Nathanson, and Jon McLaughin. New Year's Eve 2008 saw the band perform with the Jonas Brothers and Taylor Swift on the NIVEA Stage in NYC's Times Square. Currently their song "She Is Love" is featured in a national NIVEA tv campaign, with the song available on ITUNES starting Feb 10. Their debut album, which had the band working with such producers as John Shanks, John Fields, Dan Wilson and Chris Keup, is scheduled to be released Spring 2009.
Combine the smooth, sensual vocals of David Ryan Harris, the clever turn of phrase of Dar Williams, and the engaging, fan-centric personality of Matt Nathanson and you have Ernie Halter. With mature, controlled phrasing that showcases his Berklee education while never overshadowing the intense emotion infused into each note, Halter has mastered a mellow, groove-laden sound so reminiscent of old-school soul that it causes the listener to forget for a moment that they are listening, not to a vinyl LP, but an mp3.
If you could harness the power in Gareth Asher’s music you’d have enough hi-octane passion to fuel a Ferrari. Born and raised in the small town of Bowdon, GA, Gareth was exposed at an early age to the music of iconic artists like Jackson Browne, Don Henley and The Eagles, groups he now counts as some of his biggest influences. But everything changed one day in 1987, when, at the age of seven, Gareth woke up one morning to the sweet sounds of Otis Redding flowing through the rooms of his childhood home. Since then, Gareth has been addicted to the sweet grooves of the late 60s and early 70s, especially those emanating from Motown, and has made it his undertaking to channel many of those sounds in his music today. " I just want to make people feel something, the way I do" says Asher.
Says Miggs: Raise your hand if you're sick of band bio's.....OK, I see many hands in the air. Me too. It worked, we stayed together. Just like you and whats-her/his-name do. We grew up playing music like other musicians. One day we realized we'd like to give it a go as a living and, would you look at that, people paid to see it/hear it/own it so we quit day jobs and one day Rock Ridge Records out of New York came calling. We answered and we had the coveted RECORD DEAL! Now we tour and make music and with stickam, youtube, myspace, miggsband.com, twitter and a zillion other sites you can know way more about us than our families care to.... We plan to be doing this until Michael's cancer comes back to haunt him or Don obsesses himself to death. So stick around, it just may get interesting.
Bringing the New back to New Wave, the sickness back from The Cure, the noise from Sonic Youth, AIRLINES-X hails fron Chicago and has already taken the city by the pants. Well, Lauren has anyway -- quite a rep on that girl. The rest of the guys, well, they just make 'em dance. Airlines-X formed in June 2008. Andy and Ramsen went to the same junior high (in Skokie, IL) and played in a high school band together. Andy and Lauren went to the same high school (also in Skokie). Lauren also sings with The Artist Formally Known as Vince & the Nuclear Power Pants and The Vince and Lauren Revival. Andy and Ramsen play in another band called Split. Ramsen is an Esquire. Joe is a Gemini.
TAxi is Rock n’ Roll. Soulful Guitars, smooth bass lines that hit upfront, all held together by tight earth roots drumming. TAxi writes about Love, Life, and most importantly perseverance over anything and anyone. Hailing from Chicago, TAxi is a three piece band comprised of Brian Petzel (guitar and lead vocals), Toby Merrick (bass, percussion, and backing vocals), Jacob Fawcett (drums, backing vocals, percussion, and harmonica), and Paul Solans(Keyboards and Vocals). TAxi plays music that is guaranteed to get your soul moving. Combining their musical influences such as Spoon, Janes Addiction, Wilco, the Rolling Stones, Muddy Waters; TAxi makes music that produces rhythms and riffs that will get your soul shaking and your feet movin. In October 2007 TAxi recorded “the Stray Dog Demo” simply named after the studio that the three song demo was recorded in. In the spring of 2008 TAxi went into the studio to record there first EP “One Night with ME”. The 5 song EP was recorded in Rantoul, IL at Pie Holden Studios with Engineer Matt Dewine. TAxi has just recently released “One Night with ME” in July of 2008. During the winter months of 08/09 TAxi spent their weekends working on their second EP(TAxi). Once again TAxi decided to work with MAtt Dewine at PieHolden Studios. The EP was released in the spring of 09' with a celebrated show at the Bottom Lounge. Shortly before this EP was released TAxi added the keyboarding styles of Paul Solans to the mix. The have already begun laying some tracks down on what is expected to be their first full length CD.
chicago dweller NATALIE BERGMAN developed her desire to indulge in music vocally and rhythmically at a young age. she grew up singing hymns in her church and was surrounded by strong musical figures including her mother, a multi-instrumentalist who fostered and inspired natalie’s creative growth. bergman started exploring the joy of lyricism and began writing songs in her early-teens on her older brothers’ Wurlitzer. she started recording them on her tape recorder and appreciated the raw tones that the device captured. bergman has acquired some of her musical influences by traveling with her family to different countries of the world, each with its distinct sounding music. collecting 45’s and cassette tapes from street venders, she explored the rhythms and vocal styles of musicians such as Mahmoud Ahmed and Tlahoun Gèssèssè, Fela Kuti & Bob Marley and once she started studying at Berklee college of music, she plunged more in depth into the musical cultures of east and west Africa, and middle eastern regions while privately studying jazz vocals with her Lebanese teacher Christiane Karam. with all of her musical influences fused together, bergman audibly displays her music as a unique blending of sultry bass and drum grooves with an acoustic flair and a refreshing timbre of voice. recently natalie has toured the U.S. and Canada with Nomo and played on their last few albums but has branched off from her older brothers’ music (heavy horns and alluring bass lines with two drum sets and funky dance grooves) and started a group in the boston area with three of her classmates each with his own radiant style and color that is tightly synchronized with the other musicians in their group, producing a seductive sound that leaves you hungry for more.
I FIGHT DRAGONS is Chicago's finest (and quite possibly only) NES-Rock band. They have very detailed delusions of grandeur, most of which include gross misuses of Nintendo products in combination with music in the Popular Rock genre. This February, they sold out Chicago's Elbo Room as they released their debut EP, "Cool Is Just A Number." They use a talking computer a lot, or possibly a talking computer uses them a lot. All in all, there are 6 of them, and at least one of them is really really cool, but they haven't figured out which one yet. It's Hari. A guy once told me that they periodically send $1000 checks to people who sign up for their mailing list, but that guy was a liar. Still, wouldn't you feel stupid if it turned out to be true and you didn't sign up? I would.
For those of you who grew up in Ireland, Thin Lizzy led by Phil Lynott, were the greatest rock band of all time. For everyone else they were the band that made the summer of '76 memorable with their radio hits "Jailbreak" & "Boys are Back In Town". Although many may think of Thin Lizzy as a hard rock band, Critic John Dugan writes that "As the band's creative force, Lynott was a more insightful and intelligent writer than many of his ilk, preferring slice-of-life working class dramas of love and hate influenced by Bob Dylan, Van Morrison, and virtually all of the Irish Literary tradition. Van Morrison was a major influence, as well as American groups Little Feat, Bob Seger and Bruce Springsteen. Their music covered much territory including hints of country and traditional folk music." Though others had earlier used similar techniques, Thin Lizzy is widely recognised as one of the first rock bands to employ double lead guitar harmony (the twin guitar clash) - a technique pioneered by Wishbone Ash in the U.K., whilst independently in theUSA by Lynyrd Skynyrd & The Allman Brothers Band. This style was later refined and popularised by bands of the emerging New Wave of British Heavy Metal, Judas Priest & Iron Maiden especially. The latter group in particular has praised Thin Lizzy extensively and even covered the song "Massacre" from Lizzy's popular Live & Dangerous album. Come celebrate Ireland's greatest rock band & their leader, Phillip Lynott. Tin Lynott digs deep into the catalogue playing tunes from every record from the band's 1971 debut to Phil's solo pop releases of the '80's. Hear why " IN PHIL WE TRUST"
HOLLUS is a Chicago-based Soulful Rock n' Roll experience that pairs post-british invasion blues and raw stomping choruses with a love-induced romantic adoraton for the new wave of lank-haired, stary-eyed girls and boys of the revolution who don't want to know any better. Heavily influenced by the Delta blues of the 20’s and 30’s, the Chicago Blues of the 50’s, and the Rock n’ Roll heroes of the late 60’s, BLACKDOG's youthful energy delivers a strong mix of spirituality and sexuality that electrifies audiences, giving fans the opportunity to sit back awe-struck, or get on the dance floor to completely lose themselves. Their raw talent and explosive stage presence gives them the reputation of creating “mind-blowing adventures of passion and joy”. With exceptional originals and resurrected covers by Jimi Hendrix, Led Zeppelin, Dire Straits, Ray Charles, Fleetwood Mac, Chuck Berry, and many more—Blackdog’s ambitious repertoire is something few can pull off so brilliantly, putting on 4 hour shows that are extraordinary front to back.
A live concert appearance by iconic musician Eddie Jobson is a rare event. As keyboardist, electric violinist, co-founder, producer, and principal writer of 'UK' [a group he co-formed in 1977 with drummer Bill Bruford (Yes, Genesis, King Crimson), John Wetton (King Crimson, Asia), and then-unknown guitar phenom Allan Holdsworth], Jobson's studio and live concert performances were described as "stunning" and "dazzling.' The Boston Globe called him "a music pioneer," Emmy magazine called him "a genius." Eddie was previously well known as the teen 'rock prodigy' with the early Roxy Music (1973-76), and as Frank Zappa's right-hand-man on both keyboards and electric violin (1976-77)—replacing both Jean Luc Ponty and George Duke at the age of 21. After appearing on some 60 albums with many of the rock/fusion genre's top musicians, Mr. Jobson retired from both studio and live performance for more than 20 years until a recent unannounced appearance in Russia with King Crimson. Now, Eddie has formed two new projects based on his original 'UK' concept: 'UKZ' - a five-piece contemporary rock band, currently receiving rave reviews for their debut concert at Town Hall, New York with guest musicians Tony Levin and Pat Mastelotto (from the current King Crimson); and the soon-to-be-announced 'U-Z Project' - an instrumental band of extraordinary virtuosos from around the world, with special guest musicians and, occasionally, 'name' guest singers.
Born out of cramped dorm rooms 8 years ago A Wu Li Conspiracy began making music among high stacks of amps and books. What has evolved is an intelligent, touching blend of folk and rock. They are a band of musicians who aren't concerned with the latest arm band donning, cover playing, eye liner wearing trends. This group is more focused on performing great songs that can be believed in and playing with passion and honesty - important songs that are of a deeply personal nature. Originally a five member musical incarnation called The Dancing Wu Li Masters, current musicians include guitarist/vocalist Jeff Breakey, guitarist/harmonica player/vocalist John Elstad, vocalist Andrea Restivo, and percussionist Stephanie Levi (also know for her work with 8 Inch Betsy). Through the years Jeff and John have exchanged the clever bounce that characterized their early work for deeper, more tender music. The result is a concoction of influences stretching from Townes Van Zandt to the Black Keys to Mazzy Star to Radiohead and beyond. They continue to balance Jeff's acoustic guitar and songwriting ability with John's blues inspired riffs to create songs with both heart and teeth. Add in Andrea's beautiful, weightless voice and A Wu Li Conspiracy gives the audience something truly original.
TMBTB, a Talking Heads cover band, brings the heat... every show. Since forming in May 2007, TMBTB has been "Burning Down The House" (playing to packed audiences) throughout Chicago. With a rapidly expanding repertoire from the Talking Heads' catalog of countless hits, TMBTB is a dynamic group of 5 energetic, young, talented Slippery People that will leave you "Crosseyed and Painless" (begging for more).
Chicago based, Vocal Stylist, Typhanie Monique known for her power throat days fronting, Peking Turtle, Improv outfit - SUMO, and gracing the stages of Chicago's top jazz venues had an itch to get back into the "big band" improv funk scene. So, who is this Booty? This booty is phat, funky, beat-droppin, improv stylin, horn wailing, low-end bumpin', power throatin, tribal groovin, never knowin what's coming out next. The Coalition is Chicago. Musicians who have hit every stage in & out of the city. Performing with talent like: Destiny's Child, Boz Scaggs, Mike Manson, Poi Dog Pondering, SUMO, Mr. Ali, Mr Egg Germ, Peking Turtle, Joss Stone, Rapheal Sadiq, Brian Culbertson, EXO, Tributosaurus, Jazz Mata, Cassuis Clay, 911 Mambo Orchestra, Fareed Haque Group... On last Monday's, they come together not to blow over your head, not to bore you with ballads, but to spontaneously combust with "us"... as we funk it out, you shake it out.
On THEN THERE'S NOW, the second album from Kyle Hollingsworth of The String Cheese Incident, the renowned keyboardist extends his reach into areas that will excite longtime admirers yet inspire countless new ones. With his signature grooves and deep musicianship intact, Hollingsworth delivers a breakthrough album, with songs that are purposefully lyric-driven, and filled with emotion and catchy hooks. With THEN THERE'S NOW, Kyle Hollingsworth unveils his new musical soul, and marks his true emergence as a solo artist.
