GRAND ATLANTIC are an alternative rock band from Brisbane, Australia. They blast out a stunning mixture of melodic, hard-hitting rock, often compared to Oasis and Jet but recalling the powerpop sensibilities of Redd Kross or Teenage Fanclub. This band is all about immediate hooks, modern production and a swaggering rhythm section. Their new album, titled ‘How We Survive’ was released in July 2009 by Laughing Outlaw Records in Australia.
GIDGETS GA GA is a high energy Chicago-based powerpop trio, crafting their own unique blend of galloping guitars and smoky, grungy allure to create timeless songs with an irresistible jangle. The Big Bong Fiasco is a rock and roll feast for the ears to make you sing along and shake your ass!
AUTUMN OWLS formed and began preparing their sound in September 2006. The four-piece from Dublin, Ireland had already made music and gigged around the local circuit in their teenage years but dissolved the band in order to find their own unique sound. After a two year hiatus which resulted in relentless song writing by Gary McFarlane, the same four members reformed, converted a shed into a recording space and began writing and recording. Autumn Owls were one of the ten bands selected from thousands of entries to represent Irish Music in the New York Tisch School of Arts 2007 Music Video Project. The song became successful, going on to feature on Irish TV show "The Last Broadcast". The band will be touring the USA in March , finishing in Texas to play the renowned SXSW Festival.
DASTARDLY is an Americana group from Chicago in its infancy, taking the songwriting mentality of George Jones and Hank Williams Sr. while also taking influences from modern indie bands such as Grizzly Bear and the Dirty Projectors. Humorous, confessional, literate, whiskey soaked lyrics mesh perfectly with the natural sound evoked with banjo, accordion, pedal steel and lush vocal harmonies.
In January 2009 LORELEI & THE TROUBLEMAKERS recorded their 4 track EP, "We Gotta Run". Since then, they've come up with different material - reaching out to classic pop/rock roots as well as the blues.
THE TREE was formed in 1999 to perform at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Chicago, for their "the Art of Film in the 20th Century" exhibit. In 2004, Robb contacted the nascent rhythm section (Mark & Sam) with a concept and proposition: "Since we enjoy playing music together so much, why don't we develop a "language" and "history", and then start to record this musical unfolding?" That was the start of the tree. They do it because it enriches their lives. They do it because they're fascinated with the process of making music, are in it for the "Long Haul", and now feel compelled to SHARE IT WITH YOU!
THE WEBELOS were formed in 2009 when four of Chicago's pop rock veterans tucked away in the studio to create something truly unique. At the time, Brendan of The Ivorys and Danny of The Foster-Walker Complex were disillusioned with the scene's dispersal towards music that was inaccessible and meandering. They knew they had songs with jangle power; songs with hooks that were destined to nest themselves in the minds of the masses. With a mixing and production team that included Bill Prokopow of I Fight Dragons, they emerged with their debut EP, Model Citizen. Soon after, The Webelos welcomed Lennie of The Ladies and Gentleman on lead guitar and Neil of The Clergymen on bass to secure a true supergroup. Thanks to their infectious hooks and raucous live show, The Webelos have been garnering acclaim from scouts in Chicago and all across the world.
PUSH: Four percussionists from Illinois State University got irritated at the pompous nature of institutional music and decided to do something more "pop" with their percussive instruments, though one member copped-out and decided to write/sing and play synth.
Since 2006, THE OUTBREAKS have been music magnets that attract not only each other’s spirits, but also the audience’s. This Chicago-based band evolved from a 4-piece rock band that sought a piano player to accompany the rabidly infectious sound on their first album (EP) to a 5-piece unclassifiable band that is finalizing their first full length album (LP). This “rock band” rhapsodizes on soulful singing, truthful lyrics, poignant keyboard lines, punchy guitar licks, and driving back beats – a simple formula that produces memorable and unique songs.
With a sound that walks the line between today's singer-songwriters and painful, emotional rock like Ryan Adams, The MICAH WALK BAND is poised to make a run to the top of Chicago's music scene. Having first planted his roots in weekly open-mic nights and solo shows, Micah has managed to grow a respect and admiration within the city's vast underground songwriter circles. With guitarist John Cardoni, drummer Darin Holthaus and bassist Dan Hartman, the band have established themselves as a credible member in the music scene. Their most notable show so far being at Martyrs opening for Blue Rodeo (one of Canada's most popular and successful country-rock bands).
"SHELLEY MILLER binds her ragged tales of urban life in lines of unflinching truth. She's one of those rare songwriters you might rightfully call a poet." - Andrew Calhoun, Waterbug Records With a poet's eye for detail and a heart as warm as it is worn, Shelley Miller writes songs that stick with you long after a show is done. A versatile guitarist and intensely emotional performer, Shelley has turned ears at venues and festivals across the country. Her blend of soulful folk, rock and Americana is at home in rock clubs and intimate cafes alike.
STEVE DAWSON grew up in small town Idaho during the dark ages of Ronald Reagan and the Urban Cowboy soundtrack. Critics from Rolling Stone, Mojo, and the Village Voice, among others, have praised Dawson's gift for melodic, evocative songwriting. His songs have been compared to the short stories of Raymond Carver for their use of language and dark introspective subject matter.
TRAINWRECK has been rocking the LA (and more recently national) scene since August of 2002. The ‘wreck includes Darryl Donald (a.k.a JR Reed) on vocals, Klip Calhoun (Kyle Gass of Tenacious D) on guitar, Boy Johnny (John Spiker) on bass, Shreddy Krueger (John Konesky) on electric guitar, Lance Branson (Chris D’Arienzo) on the keys and Kenny Bob Thornton (Kevin Weisman) on drums. Trainwreck hails from Texas and has quite an eclectic sound. Klip describes it as Grand Funk meets the Allman Brothers, or as Darryl would say, “Chicken-Fried ROCK”. The ‘wreck has written a wide variety of originals and covers some very special tunes, from Kenny Loggins to Eminem. Each show, the band performs in appropriate full Trainwrecked, red-neck attire. Many a special guest has graced the stage with the boys, from Jerry McCraken (John C. Reilly) to Tuffy McFuckalby (Jack Black) to Slim Ribbins (Tim Robbins). The band is currently touring both coasts, gaining fans and new wranglers along the way.
This week's Onion has a nice writeup here: http://www.avclub.com/chicago/articles/kyle-gass-mock-rocks-with-his-wig-on,38510/
GHOST SHIRT hails from Columbus, OH. Branden Barnett, lead vocalist and lead guitar player is the primary songwriter. Samantha Kim, small in stature but huge in sound plays violin and sings, Ryan Haye Plays bass guitar and David “Murph” Murphy plays drums and sings. They create giant, sweeping, epic pop songs about love and love lost with a layer of melodic, soaring violin and harmonies. Don’t be fooled though… live they play like the Who or the Stooges, banging out each song like it’s their last.
ALL AGES Sunday, Mar 14 - 7pm - No Cover 2nd Story
The Columbia College Chicago Fiction Writing Department presents its 14th Annual Story Week Festival of Writers from Sunday, March 14, through Friday, March 20. Affectionately known as the “Lollapalooza of literary events,” Story Week 2010 offers a feast of free readings, conversations with authors, panels, performances, and book signings at venues across the city. Co-sponsored in part by the Chicago Public Library and Metro, this program is made possible in part by a grant from the ILLINOIS ARTS COUNCIL, a state agency. The Sunday-night kick-off is 2nd Story at Martyrs’—a high-energy show of stories and music. On Monday, we will offer two events featuring Joyce Carol Oates at the Harold Washington Library. Tuesday evening, we’ll present Genres from Afar with readings/conversations with Aleksandar Hemon, Achy Obejas, and John Dale. On Wednesday, we’ll focus on our Genre-Bending theme with an afternoon panel hosted by Joe Meno, The Great Perhaps, and evening readings by Mort Castle, On Writing Horror, Maggie Estep, and David Morrell. Two of Story Week’s most popular events take place on Thursday—a morning publishing panel hosted by Booklist Associate Editor and Chicago Public Radio Book Critic Donna Seaman at the Harold Washington Library, and in the evening, Story Week’s celebratory Literary Rock & Roll at the Metro, featuring readings by Aleksandar Hemon, Bonnie Jo Campbell, and Marcus Sakey, followed by a rousing performance from Vermont’s Bread & Puppet Theater and DJ music from Joe Shanahan and Don De Grazia, American Skin. On Friday night at Smart Bar, the Chicago Tribune’s Rick Kogan hosts a Story Showcase of Columbia College Chicago Fiction Writing Department authors with new books.
Who was singing vocals for Jeff Beck's Les Paul tribute at the Grammys? None other than IMELDA MAY! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UdcUvhq_3do
Imelda May: the sound of 2010. Having fallen in love with rockabilly and blues as a nine-year-old in Dublin, Imelda May has fused them together and given them a modern twist to create the most exciting and original sound you’ll hear this, or any year. With her unique style, sexy look and raw energy, Imelda is taking the music scene by storm. Her latest album ‘Love Tattoo’ recently knocked ‘Bruce Springsteen off the number one spot in Ireland and she will be promoting it by touring the country with her talented band of renowned musicians ; Steve Rushton on Drums, Al Gare on Bass, Darrel Higham on guitar, and Dave Priseman on trumpet.
The DEL MOROCCOS are a powerful 8 piece Rock n' Roll band (guitar, bass, drums, piano, tenor/bari sax, and 3 sexy frontwomen) who put out an awesome full-length show of dirty R'N'R, R&B material with girl group vocals. Knock the Ray-ettes and Link Wray together, with a blast of garage, a hit of late '50s black rock n' roll, dress 'em up like Johnny Cash, and you get a raucous, mean mix of "'50s garage". The members are veteran Chicago musicians from the rockabilly, surf, ska, jazz and R & B scenes, from bands including: Mighty Blue Kings, Jimmy Sutton's Four Charms, Deals Gone Bad, Cave Catt Sammy, The Stranger, Kevin O'Donnell's Quality 6, Reluctant Aquanauts and The Stacks.
RICO! creates an immense fiery soulful sound through bass, congas, percussion, drums, timbales, keyboards, guitar, and pure passion. Rico! will move you physically and mentally with their hypnotic blend of afro-cuban rhythms, or purge deep into your soul with their eminent sense of melody. They are influenced and inspired by all the innovative rock, soul, jazz, afro-cuban, blues, funk, reggae, and hip-hop pioneers.
HYPERPOTAMUS makes a'cappella music with four microphones, a loop station pedal and gallons of water. After being involved in a number of bands as a drummer and piano player, he decided to ditch musical instruments altogether and go his own way. What he left behind were bloodsucking labels, abusive rehearsal space rent, impossible transportation of bass drums and cymbals in unwelcoming geography. Freed, he started to rehearse his vocal compositions in the undgerground metro stations of Madrid; just 6 months later he was opening for bands in front of 1400 people. In March 2009, Hyperpotamus self-released his debut album "Largo Bailón", a sonic-artisan craft in which the only instrument he uses is his own voice. The following tour took him all around Spain and led him to play festivals such as SXSW (Austin), Wilsonic (Bratislava) or Crew Hassan (Lisbon). He just completed a month-long tour of California and will continue to play the US in the following months. And all this with hardly any promotional fanfare other than good old word to mouth.
The MUCK BROTHERS craft a unique style of rock music steeped in the traditional Irish sounds of their native country, Ireland. Their music, which ranges from traditional Irish tunes to contemporary rock, showcases the diversity of the band member’s talent. During the past 10 plus years, The Muck Brothers have been a staple performance at Chicago’s top venues, attracting hundreds of loyal fans from all over the midwest. With two albums out, hopefully a third will be in the works soon. This Chicago based band features vocalist Frank Quinn on guitar, Mike Buckley on fiddle, Aidan O’Toole on vocals, bodhran, bass and guitar, and Joe Fitzgerald on Drums.
The VICTORY AUTO ROCKERS was formed by seasoned rock drummer Sonny R. Vitkauskas in 2008. With a vision of starting a Ramones-esque band, various players came and went until Vitkauskas met vocalist Brian Rix. In May of 2009 Vitkauskas and Rix met guitarist Brandon K. Reed and his friend Patrick Kough who plays bass guitar. Instantly there was common ground and the songs started coming together with energy and sweat equity. The band chugged on and began playing a catchy sound that can best be described as Punk & Roll, a blend of 60's garage/pub rock meets late 70's English punk rock. All influences and labels put aside The Victory Auto Rockers are devoted to playing as hard and steady as they can, night after night. All of the members are blue collar boys who love Rock & Roll and manage to sell a lot of beer where ever they may play.
SLOWHAWKS is an indie blues/folk rock band formed in Chicago, Illinois, U.S.A in early 2010. Frank E. Dank, a Chicago suburb born singer/songwriter, compiled demo home recordings done throughout 2009 to form the band. In other projects and as a solo artist, Frank E. Dank has played many venues in and around Chicago. (Aragon, Subterranean, Martyrs', etc.)
NELKEN formed in Cleveland, Ohio in 2009. Hiding away in their home studio, founding members Cyndy Fike and Wes Lambert decided to take their show on the road and return to the big city. Now based in Chicago, their folk infused rock and roll sound is quenching thirsty ears far and wide. Be on the lookout for new recordings and live shows in 2010.
AYANAMI is a rock band from Chicago, Illinois started by singer/guitarist Jason Gallagher, soon joined by guitarist Gari Hart and bassist Mary Rose in his relentless pursuit of rock and roll. Their sound is a melange of 70's metal, 80's goth, and 90's alternative rock and shoe-gaze that recalls all the honesty and workmanship sorely lacking in modern rock music.
FIFTH STORY is an indie rock band consisting of three friends that have developed an adventurous approach to songwriting. Formed in Chicago in early 2007, Richard (guitar), Jason (Bass/Vocals), & Michael (Drums) have spent much of the past two years rendering their music into a live atmosphere and developing a loyal fan base along the way. Drawing upon the melodies of J.Mascis of Dinosaur Jr., experimental guitar styles similar to Lee Ranaldo and Thurston Moore of Sonic Youth, and coupled with the melodic undertones comparable to Ben Bridwell of Band of Horses, Fifth Story have established a catalog of well crafted, powerful songs.
Assembling a setlist comprised of Drew’s ragers and Brent’s bizarre post-ragtime jams (in addition to a few covers, including a suite of “Good Golly Miss Molly” and “Molly’s Lips”), THE HEAVY BOMBERS debuted at the Mutiny on July 3rd 2009. "Garage rawk raunch, stories of love lost and money stolen, overdriven guitars, fuzzed-out bass, and double-kick pummeling drums. Darned if you can't dance to it!"
EVA is a Chicago based rock outfit blending different production styles, a flirtation with electronics and psychedelic atmospheres. Combined with their admiration for glitch and laptop electronica, EVA seemlessly blends these genres into songs of lilting, ethereal music and crushing discordance. EVA is Alex Dzamtovski (Vocals), Jason Militante (Guitar), Justin Schmidt (Bass) and Mike DeLeurere (Drums). They recently released their debut full-length album (Race for Space) and are now touring in support of the new record.
PAUL SANCHEZ was born in New Orleans two blocks from the Mississippi River. He was awarded Songwriter of the Year, Best Song of The Year for Hey God and Best folk/rock album of the year for Stew Called New Orleans at the Best Of The Beat Awards in New Orleans this January. In May of 2009,Threadhead Records released a book of essays written by Paul, Pieces Of Me, about life, love and music in the new New Orleans. Paul's latest release of songs, Farewell To Storyville, is on Threadhead Records. Having worked with and learned so much from the great jazz and brass band players in New Orleans, Paul brought those influences into the studio but this time it's just Paul, strumming his guitar and telling stories as he has done on stages all over the world. He has recorded and performed with New Orleans musicians John Boutte and Shamarr Allen, has appeared on Ellen Degeneres show, and his music has been heard on the television series Homicide: Life on the Street and in the films The Accused, starring Jodie Foster and in the independent film At Last. He spent fifteen years on the road with the rock band Cowboy Mouth as main song writer, guitarist and vocalist leaving the band after the flooding of New Orleans in 2005. Paul resides in the Treme' section of New Orleans now. He continues to write, sing, live and breathe New Orleans.
A Jubilee from the lions’ point of view: The African Jubilee is a year - long multi-arts and humanities celebration of the 50th anniversary of independence for eighteen different African countries produced by portoluz. Special thanks to: the Illinois arts council, a state agency- The Essex Inn, for their support of this concert
OMAR PENE (born 1956 in Dakar) is the emblematic lead singer of the Super Diamono. He was born in the working class neighborhood of Derkle. In the mid seventies he joined the Super Diamono, one of the longest running Senegalese popular bands- similar to Orchestra Baobab and the Super Etoile of Dakar. Recruited by Bailo Diagne, the first bass-player and a founding member of the group, Omar Pene stood out as the most natural fixture in the band. Along with his band members, Bassirou Diagne- Bob Sene- Aziz Seck- Lapa Diagne- Adama Faye- Abdou Mbacke and, later, Ismael Lo - already known as “l’homme orchestre” (one man band) due to his solo performances, they helped shape Senegalese contemporary music. During the eighties, in Dakar, there were two dominant types of melomanes, the ones bitten by the frenetic and highly syncopative Mbalax of the Super Etoile, who frequented Djender and later on Thiossane night club, and those who religiously consumed the progressive bluesy-funky- soulful brand of local fusion of Super Diamono. Omar Pene established himself as a “conscious singer,” instead of indulging in praise songs- as many of his contemporaries did in honor of the riches and famous, he maintained a repertoire of socially engaged and sensitive songs. To this date, he has released dozens of hits in more than thirty albums and cassettes.
Rooted in the tradition of bluegrass, the music of HEAD FOR THE HILLS is a vibrant mixture of homegrown compositions, traditional harmonies, and an innovative approach to improvisation. In the live setting, Head for the Hills can venture into a myriad of musical styles while staying in a context that is still widely respected by the traditional bluegrass community.
PERT' NEAR SANDSTONE came out of the great Minneapolis folk scene. Gathered round a single microphone, these boys play well crafted original stringband music, as well as being stewards of the old-time tradition. Their high-energy and gritty brand of stringband music is sure to get you outta your seat and keep you dancing...
The gentlemen of CITY STATES are a slow bunch. Not dim-witted, mind you, but gradual, careful, deliberate. Case in point: following the dissolution of the Modern Temper in spring of 2008, keyboardist Steve Lund and vocalist/bassist Joel Ebner disappeared for a solid eighteen months, writing, demoing, rehearsing, evolving. Results were hard-won but well worth the wait, and fans of their former band will certainly recognize the qualities that made them such a compelling local act.
With haunting vocals, lush guitars and climactic percussion all set against a dramatic ethereal electronic soundscape, GLINT, the groundbreaking new electro-art-rock act from Nes York City, is nothing short of compelling. Live, the band mesmerizes with their flawless execution and transfixing performance as they create layer upon stunning layer of sound. Pianos and cymbals battle it out in the musical solar sytem of Glint's open and glimmering sound, as the vocals pull elements from Muse and a little bit of Bowie here and there.
ANITA TIJOUX became famous in Latin America as the female MC of the late 90s hip-hop group Makiza, a group that received wide appoval from audiences not associated in just hip-hop culture due to their evolved production and lyrics, more in line with the New York underground of the Native Tongues, and far from the machisimo and violence prevelant in the rap of the times. In 2006 she crossed over to the Latin mainstream pop after a collaboration with Mexican songstress Julieta Venegas in the radio hit "Eres para mí", while at the same time releasing her first solo album, Kaos. She was nominted to the 2007 MTV Latin awards for Best New Artist and Best Urban Artist. Her latest work, 1977, will be her first album released in the US, this April on Nacional Records.
ALL NATURAL (DJ Tone B. Nimble and MC capital D) has become a legend in the hip-hop underground. Respected as one of the most solid and consistent hip-hop acts of the late 1990s and early 21st century, All Natural has raised the bar with every release. Their third album, "Vintage", certified them as hip-hop icons. Featuring the lyrical skills of The Jungle Brothers and El da Sensai, as well as the production work of Dug Infinite (Common), Andy C (Mary J. Blige) and newcomers Kenny Keys and Stoney Rock, the album exhibits modern hip-hop at its finest.
Compared to Zack de la Rocha, Talib Kweli and others, OLMECA is ranked as one of the most talented bilingual M.C.s; A talented lyricist that transcends demographics within the music and revolutionary communities “a real MC for real times.” Olmeca is a prime example of an artist with music integrity. He is an artist with both the socio-political awareness and with the skills and musical ability that is undeniably good enough to stand on its own. It is a dual task that is certainly hard to find, but that Olmeca has captured brilliantly.
PHILLIP MORRIS has been described as "one of the ultimate word smiths of hip-hop"according to Skope magazine. He is a revolutionary thinker trapped inside of an emcee’s frame. He is a man whose passion for multi-syllabic rhyming borders on obsession.
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.
"It Shouldn't Work (But It Does)". This is perhaps the unofficial motto of the band. "Let's Try It And See!" might be another. The aspiration of MAGAZINE GAP is to explore musical genres whilst keeping within a consistent and clear overall sound, challenging but delighting audiences by offering songs in slightly different directions, whilst all the time balancing classic and contemporary sounds to create something timeless. Take the folk-rock musings of vocalist and songwriter James Keen, the R&B/Hip-Hop leanings of drumming sensation and producer Brian McCook, add in jazz maestro Alex Ho, blues-rock lead guitarist (and younger brother) Jason Keen and funk bassist Tim Gyton, and you have the makings of one of the most exciting new combinations on the music scene today.
LAST TUESDAY OF EVERY MONTH - TIX AVAILABLE AT DOOR, NIGHT OF ONLY
The Moth StorySLAMs are open to anyone with a five-minute story to tell on the night's theme. Half an hour before the show, we put the names of all the folks who want to tell a story in a hat. At the start of the show, we start picking names. The 10 featured stories are scored by teams of judges selected from the audience. Each Storyslam generates a Storyslam winner. After ten slams, the winners face off in our Grandslam Championships. Come sign up to tell a story, or just to enjoy the show! Chicago Moth StorySLAMs now join weekly StorySLAM events in New York and twice a month StorySLAMs in Los Angeles.
A night of drinking, dancing, socializing, networking and non-stop music For die hard rockabilly devotees and civilian fans since 1991. 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 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!
The GIN PALACE JESTERS are purveyors of the finest in hard hitting hillbilly Honky-tonk, Country Boogie and Western Swing. Infused with a deep and sincere fondness for all traditional American musical styles, the sound of the Gin Palace Jesters could best be described as being akin to the sounds of Country Music's "Golden" age. Although a portion of their live performances come from their vast catalog of the Hillbilly & Country Hit Parade, these boys are not mere followers or imitators. They also posses the talent of 3 songwriters performing original novelty numbers, heartfelt love songs, honky-tonk weepers, drinking songs and dark ballads.
The five-song EP exhibit A, released in digital form on Vanguard, provides a bracing introduction to the rapidly evolving music of Chicago-based quartet DAPHNE WILLIS & CO. Operating within the deft settings created by her Berklee- and Columbia-trained bandmates - lead guitarist John Cicora, bassist Ryan Kolberg and drummer/percussionist Josh Fox - the 21-year-old frontwoman makes supple, soulful music possessing a sophistication that belies her age. Because of the silky, disarming ease of her songs, Willis has been described as a female Jack Johnson, but below the surface this introspective young artist brings a cuttingedge liveliness to the confessional singer/songwriter tradition that recalls the music of Rickie Lee Jones at the same age. The proactive band has been together less than two years, but they've already made deep inroads on the Midwest club circuit.
Since the release of their first 7-inch single, "Bullfrog Boogaloo," in 2001, the DIPLOMATS OF SOLID SOUND have been mining America's vast deposits of soul music to create a sound all their own -- a spare-but-spicy groove sired equally by progenitors such as Booker T., James Brown and The Funk Brothers. Now, after three full-length releases as an instrumental outfit, the Diplomats of Solid Sound have expanded the family for a new set of soul stunners they like to call "The Diplomats of Solid Sound, Featuring The Diplomettes."
Emerging quickly on the Chicago scene and generating substantial Internet buzz, AVIARY GHOST has crafted an earnest but complex kind of music that is difficult to classify. They draw from genres from the world over, including jazz, cabaret, rock and roll, folk, and even bossa nova. It may seem difficult to imagine a cohesive sound coming from such disparate influences, but Aviary Ghost always focuses on one thing over the others: a consistency of songwriting vision and voice. Combining thoughtful, literary lyrics with intricate melodies and harmonies on 2008's album Memory is a Hallway, the band is now working on their second full-length which will be released in 2010.
AUDRA MAE is a natural. Once the Oklahoma native opens her mouth and lets loose with that voice, pure and strong, with a hint of country twang and a twinkle of good humor, you realize this is what she’s meant to do; Stand in front of an audience and entertain, not just with her singing, but a distinctive songwriting voice, one that’s capable of relating fully developed characters and stories.
JOHN LEFLER hails from Dallas, Texas. He writes songs, tries to sing them, and plays them for people as often as he can, usually without them getting mad. John plays guitar and keys in another band as well, Dashboard Confessional. When Dashboard Confessional are not together, he makes records of his own. The latest, "Better By Design," was released in June '09. People have referred to it as, "powerpop'. He loves bands like Jellyfish, XTC, Crowded House, and, of course, The Beatles. He thinks "Ram" is his favourite Paul McCartney record - which is how he wishes he would sound (and sing).
Tributosaurus?- Scroll down to April 16 & 17 Wednesday, Apr 07 - -
SIX GALLERY formed in the summer of 2005 as a four-piece instrumental act in the small university town of Athens, Ohio. In November 2008, SIX GALLERY changed the direction of their instrumental progressive post rock sound with the addition of vocalist Daniel Francis. Often compared to contemporaries such as Minus The Bear, Maps and Atlases, and Aereogramme, SIX GALLERY will be re-releasing their debut album, "Breakthroughs In Modern Art", on March 22nd in Europe and on March 23rd in North America. The album will be relaunched with a brand-new artwork by the esteemed artist Clinton Reno.
"Stunning" -PASTE "Lush, introspective, elegant" -BOSTON GLOBE "Absolutely gorgeous" -NEW YORK TIMES ONLINE "Heaton's piano melodies and phrasing remind me of Carole King" -NAOMI ARENBERG, NPR "Nothing short of brilliant" - MELISSA FERRICK "Superb" - PERFORMING SONGWRITER
Anne Heaton has amassed awards, praise from critics and fellow artists as well as a loyal cult following with her songs that are by turns "tender, barbed and spiritual" (Washington Post). This year the Boston-based singer/songwriter/pianist releases her most penetrating album to date, 'Blazing Red,' co-produced by Gary Maurer (HEM). "I wanted each song to be like a snowflake, elaborate if you look closely, but overall simple and beautiful."
GREAT AMERICAN TAXI brands their music “Americana without borders.” Taxi definitely knows no boundaries and their 21st century brand of Americana music is sure to get you dancing and singing along. Diving into an ever expanding repertoire of their own carefully crafted electric folk music along with a great catalog of influential Folk, Americana, Bluegrass and Rock songs, all in attendance will find something to latch onto at a Taxi show. Whether you grew up listening to Gram Parsons, the Grateful Dead, the Byrds, Bob Dylan, Bill Monroe, Willie Nelson or Woody Guthrie, plan on taking a great American musical journey. All you have to do is pay the fare, get in the Great American Taxi, and enjoy the trip.
If the B-52's punched Carlos Santana square in the face, the sound of Sergio Mendes re-breaking Santana's nose to help it properly heal would resemble the music of.....SAMBA BAMBA!!
A Jubilee from the lions’ point of view: The African Jubilee is a year - long multi-arts and humanities celebration of the 50th anniversary of independence for eighteen different African countries produced by portoluz. Special thanks to: the Illinois arts council, a state agency- The Essex Inn, for their support of this concert
With his second album, Fondo (the Road), VIEUX FARKA TOURE stepped confidently into the international spotlight with an album that featured everything from gorgeously haunting African blues to scorching, guitar based rockers and African Reggae. Now the tracks on Fondo have been remixed by some of electronica's finest, and the resulting project, Other Roads: Fondo Remixed charts a new course in "Future Afro" sounds. Remixers include Bigga Bush, Bluetech, Yossi Fine, Tamir Muskat (of Balkan Beat Box), Brownout, J-Boogie, Sabbo and many more.
In August 2002 they 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 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. If you're in Chicago on the first Wednesday of the month, look us up - you won't regret it!
In August 2002 they 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 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. If you're in Chicago on the first Wednesday of the month, look us up - you won't regret it!
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. 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"!
"Original", "innovative", "fearless", "ambitious", "propulsive", "a marvel of emotion and razor sharp focus"....these are the words of those that have had a chance to hear the sound that for the past several years has been reverberating out of Texas from one of American music's most compelling bands, CADILLAC SKY. Their music has been coined everything from "experimental acoustic music" to "psychobilly bluegrass" but they themselves, simply hope they just make "good" music. With an admitted dose of naivety, they simply choose to believe that there should be only two categories in which music should be placed: good and bad. "We try to make music we believe in and would like to listen to".
JILL ANDREWS picked up a guitar for the first time when she was 19; armed with only three chords, she had all she needed to create deep and soulful songs with lonesome melodies and haunting lyrics. In 2003, Jill teamed up with Sam Quinn to create the everybodyfields—it was an undeniable musical union. And the face of Tennessee’s roots music would never be the same. Paste Magazine listed them in their “Best of What’s Next” issue in September 2008, saying that they “straddle old and new, bitter and sweet, desperation and transcendence with an arresting command.” Jill’s taking that arresting command into her new solo project, but the themes will be familiar, and fans who’ve fallen head over heels for her material can expect that signature alt-country, roots-rock sound to deliver and grow.
Like most things, KATIE & PAT started in spring, when the world is an ice cream social. Pat—the guy in the grandpa hat— was tired of flying solo. And Katie—with her hot and blue guitar—had some songs that were still half finished. They’d seen each other around their little Ohio town, and they’d played the same stages, but they always seemed to be walking in opposite directions. Then, one day, Katie— with her hot and blue eyes—made contact with Pat-- as he walked right beside her-- and you can guess the rest.
Chicago Rocker and Renaissance Woman CATHY RICHARDSON returns for a hometown show with her powerhouse voice and the psychedelic stylings of her 'San Fran Band and Anne.' Before moving back to Chicago in 2009, Richardson spent three years in San Francisco where she portrayed Janis Joplin in the hit Off Broadway show, Love, Janis, toured the US with Janis’ original band members in Big Brother and the Holding Co and for the past two years has toured the world as lead vocalist with Jefferson Starship (singing the Grace Slick parts with founding members Paul Kantner and David Freiberg.) Richardson used her extra time to put together a divinely wicked new band to cover her own epic musical catalog, featuring Jude Gold on guitar (Director of the Guitar Institute in LA and associate editor at Guitar Player Magazine) Jon Herrera on bass (associate editor at Bass Player Magazine) and rock veteran Donny Baldwin on drums (Richardson’s bandmate in Jefferson Starship and Gold’s former bandmate in JGB), along with longtime friend and bandmate, Chicago fiddle player, Anne Harris.
LYING DELILAH - An unexplainable adventurous sound. Jodi, no doubt, faces comparisons to female songstresses Fiona Apple and Tori Amos with her undeniable piano skills and heart melting vocals, but with the addition of Steve and Andrew and an eclectic combination of influences including Ben Folds, Etta James, and They Might Be Giants, the band has been able to defy such comparisons and combine various musical styles to create a sound unique and refreshing to today's music industry. Lying Delilah was a top 5 finalist, out of over 20,000 entries, in the 2008 Independent Music World Series. Additionally, Lying Delilah's new album "With No Gravity" was voted as one of the top albums of 2008 by the Northwest Indiana Times.
All the members of the INFAMOUS STRINGDUSTERS have had rather illustrious careers as backup and session players. Andy Hall has played with legends like Earl Scruggs and Dolly Parton, Andy Falco's resume includes stints with the Greencards and Levon Helm. Chris Pandolfis background includes a stint with Drew Emmit, fiddler Garrett has played with Bobby Osborne, Jesse Cobb has played with Jim Lauderdale, and bassist Cook has shared the stage with Benny "Burle" Galloway." In other words, by the time they released their 2007 debut Fork in the Road, this group of artists was hardly new on the scene. The album earned them several award and honor nominations, including recognition from the International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA). Since releasing it, they've toured extensively, have starred in a documentary made about their touring experience, and signed a deal with Lion's Gate Films which will license their music for commercials and other media.
In an age of fleeting success and temporary notions, CHRIS PUREKA is an artist of substance, armed with an eye for detail and an emotional intelligence that can switch from withering to compelling with a subtle inflection. Her third studio album, How I Learned To See In the Dark, adds bold new elements to the base she has built over her six-year career. From non-traditional percussion, to lyrical abstraction, to a new unrestrained vocal quality, to Pureka’s choice of co-producer (longtime friend Merrill Garbus of tUnE-YaRds), this record signals an exploration of broader musical soundscapes.
PEASANT (Damien DeRose, guitar/vocals) When Damien DeRose turned eighteen, he dropped out of school, packed up his guitar, and bought a sailboat in California with a friend. The plan was to sail down the coast, live life the simple way, and let the wind dictate the pace. A few years later, DeRose released a captivating home-recorded debut, and began to introduce himself to fans around the globe under the name Peasant. While touring throughout 2008-09, he performed and recorded live sessions for Daytrotter, WOXY, and LaundroMatinee. Also in 2009, he squeezed in a full European tour, releasing "On The Ground" to a new and welcoming international audience. The first single, "The End", was released in August 2009 and was greeted warmly on iTunes, proving that DeRose has the potential to shine into a new light in 2010.
In 2000, SHELBY LYNNE won the Best New Artist Grammy, even though she was 12 years into her career. Country music fans have known her since the late '80s. Raised in Alabama, the outspoken artist was forced into independence at a young age because of family tragedy. She moved to Nashville, sang in local clubs and made demos. Lynne's albums received critical acclaim yet inconsistent radio play, but her Grammy changed that.
The story of Love Will Find You, FINDLAY BROWN's top-drawer US debut for Verve Forecast, begins with the 29-year-old Englishman finding himself on his sister's sofa after being struck by a cab, recuperating from a broken leg. For Brown, alone with a tune-challenged yet stubbornly magical heirloom guitar that had treated him well creatively in the past, this unlikely stretch of time occasioned research as pleasurable as it was enforced.
This Must be the Band is Chicago's only and best Talking Heads Tribute. On May 7/8 they will be performing the famous studio album "Remain in Light" in its entirety, including the 5 bonus songs released in 2006. After that set, it will be business as usual, as TMBTB will play a long second set of all the favorites from the Heads' other albums.
This Must be the Band has been around since May 2006, and highlights all the best of the Talking Heads, from Psycho Killer to (Nothing But) Flowers, and even adds in some of the Heads members' solo works. They have been rapidly gaining momentum since their 2008 recreation of Stop Making Sense at Martyrs, and there are no signs of stopping anytime soon. Come dance your ass off as soon as possible, they'd love to have you.
This Must be the Band is Chicago's only and best Talking Heads Tribute. On May 7/8 they will be performing the famous studio album "Remain in Light" in its entirety, including the 5 bonus songs released in 2006. After that set, it will be business as usual, as TMBTB will play a long second set of all the favorites from the Heads' other albums.
This Must be the Band has been around since May 2006, and highlights all the best of the Talking Heads, from Psycho Killer to (Nothing But) Flowers, and even adds in some of the Heads members' solo works. They have been rapidly gaining momentum since their 2008 recreation of Stop Making Sense at Martyrs, and there are no signs of stopping anytime soon. Come dance your ass off as soon as possible, they'd love to have you.
Long a cult favorite on the East Coast jam-band/avant-jazz circuit, 31-year-old keyboardist/"sound sculptor" MARCO BENEVENTO has been building a nationwide following for some jaw-dropping improvisational skills, a no-genres-barred approach and a globe-trotting touring schedule. His first studio release, the spacey yet approachable "Invisible Baby," landed Benevento’s trio at the 2008 JVC Jazz Festival, and there’s no limit to where his next album will take him. Built around Benevento’s shape-shifting acoustic piano and backed by an adventurous rhythm section of Matt Chamberlain and Reed Mathis, the record offers deconstructed reinterpretations of indie favorites such as My Morning Jacket, Beck and Deerhoof while flirting with straight-ahead jazz on his own compositions, like the lovely "Mephisto." Seemingly incapable of resisting an unexplored musical direction, Benevento can, essentially, do just about anything, which makes him exactly the kind of force that deserves notice in today’s contemporary jazz world.
Poland in October will mark the debut of STICK MEN - a new progressive band created from musicians with extensive experience playing together. Pat Mastelotto and Tony Levin are the rhythm section of the legendary band King Crimson. Mastelotto is in demand all over the world as the premier drummer for progressive rock. Levin plays the unusual instrument, the 12 string Chapman Stick, in Crimson, and with Peter Gabriel and others. Michael Bernier is also a Chapman Stick player - one of the leaders in the field, and has played in combination with Levin, among others.
Pat Mastelotto: Very rarely does a drummer go on to forge the most successful career on the demise of their former hit band. Phil Collins and Don Henley have managed it, so too has Pat Mastelotto, a self taught drummer from Northern California, who has also been involved with pushing the envelope of electronic drumming. Pat has spent a lifetime jumping genres from pop, to prog, to electronica to world music with – among others – Mr. Mister, XTC, David Sylvian, The Rembrandts, Kimmo Pohjonen, and for the last 15 years with King Crimson.
Tony Levin: Born in Boston, Tony Levin started out in Classical music, playing bass in the Rochester Philharmonic. Then moving into jazz and rock, he has recorded with John Lennon, Pink Floyd, Yes, Alice Cooper, and many more. He has also released 5 solo CDs and three books over his career. His website, tonylevin.com (having over 3 million hits) features one of the web's first road diaries, and behind-the-scenes photos of many tours he has done. In addition to embarking on recording and touring with Stick Men, he is currently a member of King Crimson and of the Peter Gabriel Band.
Michael Bernier: Born and raised on Long Island, New York, Michael Bernier began his music career with the Violin at the young age of 10 before gravitating to drums, guitar, tabla, cello, bass and Chapman stick. Since relocating to the Hudson Valley a decade ago, Bernier has met and played with local luminaries Sonny Rollins, Natalie Merchant, Paige Hamilton, Jack Dejohnette and Tony Levin, to name a few. He also recorded his first solo album entitled "Solo Fugue" in his home and with all instrumentation performed entirely by him. Bernier credits his multi-genre approach to bands like Mahavishnu Orchestra, King Crimson, Gong with the ethereal beauty of Slowdive, My Bloody Valentine and Lush.
MOONALICE: The tribe – or band, as it is known in Moonalice culture – plays traditional Moonalice music, an intoxicating brew of roots, blues, psychedelia, and strange but kind folk. In Moonalice tradition, the musical ceremony – the gig – is a fusion of sound, lights, and refreshing beverages that improves reality for people who get too much of the real thing during the day time.
Barry Sless - Phil Lesh, David Nelson Band Pete Sears -Rod Stewart, Jefferson Starship, Hot Tuna John Molo - Bruce Hornsby, Other Ones, Phil Lesh & Friends Ann McNamee - Ann Atomic, Flying Other Brothers Roger McNamee - Flying Other Brothers
"For us, ALO is more than just a band and we're more than just a group of great friends making music together… ALO is our lifestyle."
With this simple aphorism, keyboardist/vocalist Zach Gill sums up the unique dynamic that defines ALO (Animal Liberation Orchestra). Born from a friendship nurtured during their days at the University of California Santa Barbara, the four-piece collective includes Steve Adams (bass/vocals), Dan Lebowitz (guitars/ percussion/vocals) and David Brogan (drums/vocals).
Part musical explorers, part pop songsmiths, all-around dynamic performers, ALO made waves in 2005 with their soulful California style and feel-good, danceable grooves, prompting influential Triple A radio station WXPN to call them an "Artist to Watch." Convinced that the band could be huge if they got in front of the right audience, college buddy Jack Johnson brought ALO on his successful summer tour and asked the band to sign to his own Brushfire Records so they could release a reworked version of Fly Between Falls, which the band put out independently last year. The CD will be out to all major retailers on April 18, 2006.
