Hey, blogspot readers, keep in mind the dates of the following upcoming events rockin' Chicago and elsewhere.
On Sunday 15 April 2012, Reggie's Rock Club will host Hell On Earth Metal Fest 2 present by Deadcenter Entertainment in partnership with Wassup Xtra Chicago Magazine, Audiokult Radio, The Kat 105.5 FM, Midwest Merch and Neil Wonnell's Metal Mouth Radio. It's a 17 and older show - doors will open at 5p and advance tickets are $10 ($15 at door on April 15). Hosted by "The Siren of Sound" Nicki Noise this Metal fest will feature performances by SouthSide's friends Fashion Bomb, Skinwalker, Impale, and Bleed For The Fallen with A Born Plague, Orion Nine,and Miles From Exile.
For more information, visit http://www.DeadcenterEntertainment.com.
On May 18 thru 20, Create-A-Vibe presents their 5th annual Mighty High Mountain Fest which will feature THREE nights of Dark Star Orchestra and TWO nights of Railroad Earth happening in Tuxedo Ridge in Tuxedo, NY. Also included in the fest lineup included rockin' performances by Cornmeal, Purple Sage, Pink Floyd Tribute Band The Machine, McMule, Brother Joscephus and the Love Revival Orchestra and many more. Fans can expect full site camping, food vendors and full service bar (just be 21 and older with valid ID).
For more information and tickets, visit http://www.createavibe.com.
Wormtown Trading presents its 10th annual Strangecreek Campout happening May 25 thru 27 at Camp KeeWanee in Greenfield MA. This All-Ages boosts a solid music lineup featuring Ryan Montbleau Band, Dopapod, Adam Ezra Group, Cabinet (plus more) with Max Creek, Strangefolk, and friend Donna the Buffalo headlining. Several other bands have been added after winning their battle of the bands - Rebel Alliance, The Jauntee, and Relative Souls. And besides the music, there's also camping, lots of food and crafts vendors, community bonfires, cabin jams, the River Worm Café, and a great family atmosphere with entertainment for kids. This event is known to sellout, it's advisable to snag your tickets now - $95 advance ($110 week of)
For more information, visit http://www.strangecreekcampout.com.
The Southwest Michigan Symphony Orchestra Announces its 2012 Water’s Edge Summer Music Series Lineup! This summer's Music Series will feature the most diverse lineup in the series’s history, including The Reel Score, a concert featuring the orchestra performing memorable scores from popular films; a semi-stated production of Music Man directed by Paul Mow; and a performance by Jeans ‘n Classics featuring the music of Queen. Tickets go on sale May 1st.
For more information, visit http://www.smso.org.
Guten Tag, my German blogspot readers, SouthSide's knows you viking/heathen Metalheads are probably excited for this event happening in October - Heidenfest 2012! And she recently received word that KRAMPUS is joining the lineup that will feature other top-notch metal acts like headliner WINTERSUN (from Finland), KORPIKLAANI, TROLLFEST and VARG. Plus there will be special guests added to the lineup rockin' venues near you in Stuttgart, Bologna, Hamburg and Berlin. So check http://www.heidenfest.eu regularly where you can also order your tickets!
ALSO - KRAMPUS is scheduled to rock the stage at MetalCamp 2012 which will happen in Tolmin, Sovenia on August 5 thru 10, 2012. Billed at the most beautiful festival in Europe, MetalCamp is presented by Noizeletter, laut.de, metalitalia.com, cmar-net.org, Stormbringer.at, Hard Rock, BLAST! and will feature performances by KORN, KORPIKLAANI, TROLLFEST, HEIDEVOLK, THE BLACK DAHLIA MURDER, KATAKLYSM and many more.
For more information and tickets, visit http://www.metalcamp.com or http://www.hardticket.eu
Until next time, support your local scene,
SouthSide
Friday, March 30, 2012
Thursday, March 29, 2012
April 2012
Hey, blogspot readers, don't let rainy showers stop your from rockin' this April calendar full of events, tours and shows happening around Chicago and elsewhere. All shows/events listed are automatically presumed 21 and older unless duly noted.
April 1st - Listen to friend Sid Yiddish on WGN AM radio between 7a - 7:30a or online at http://www.wgnradio.com.
Check out this video - Trailer for Sid Yiddish doc
http://vimeo.com/39018543
SouthSide officially starts the month at Red Line Tap to celebrate with friend WhiteWolfSonicPrincess at their 10 + 1 CD release party! The fun begins early at 4p. FREE
Then head to Double Door with SouthSide for April Fool's Day Fan Appreciation Show! For a small cover fee of $1, you can check out friends The Walking Shadows, Veritae, and Paragon along with The Persistence Memory, Still Searching and The Chinese Professionals rockin' the stage.
Everyone's A DJ featuring Anthony Cozzi (of Radar Eye) rocks Empty Bottle. FREE
Turqoise Jeep and The Rectar Crew will be at Reggie's Rock Club. 8p
April 2nd @ Martyrs', Vic's Drum Shop hosts Virgil Donati Drum Clinic. All Ages / 6p / tickets are $12 - http://www.vicsdrumshop.com
.
@ Bottom Lounge - Kid Savant rocks the stage. 8p
@ Hard Rock Cafe - singer/songwriter showcase featuring SouthSide's friend Matthew Alfano (of Mason's Case). $5 / All Ages
@ Uncommon Ground (Devon location) Geri X and Leslie Hunt will be performing there. 8p
April 3rd @ Reggie's Rock Club - friend Cyanotic rocks the stage opening for Faderhead.
@ Metro - Ting Tings return to Chicago to perform
April 6 @ Reggie's Rock Club - friend Ovrevolt will be rockin' the stage with new material at a late show with one of the most ferocious pioneers of industrial metal comes back to Chicago - BILE! 10p
@ Bottom Lounge - Live Salsa World Series featuring Angel Melendez. 8p
@ Elbo Room - Beneath The Stares will be headlining the lineup that will feature Labirinto (from Brazil) opening.
@ Club 38 (243 W. Roosevelt RD, West Chicago) - it's Kriz's Hollywood Sendoff /EP release party! Help SouthSide's friend get a good start on the road to Whiskey A Go Go where he'll be performing on April 21st!
April 7th @ Double Door - it's Spaghetti Wrestling and Chicago Outfit Fundraiser! The Chicago Outfit Roller Derby team will be hosting this event to raise money for their opening season as well as collecting non-perishable (canned) food for Chicago Food Bank. doors 9p / $7 ($5 with food donation)
@ Elbo Room - friend 20 Mark Helga rocks the stage along with The Unemployed Architects, The Heroic Charade and Brother Nature.
@ Goose Island - The Banana Convention with The Ewing Theory, Audio Content, and Adrian Krygowski will be performing.
@ Underground Lounge - Thunderunderus performs with Lords of the Trident.
@ Empty Bottle - Mannequin Men will be sharing the stage with Outer Minds and Summer Girlfriends featuring DJs Tood Hozac and Sriracha. 10p / $8 (FREE with RSVP)
@ Bobby McGees - friend Pipedream rocks the stage.
@ The House Cafe - friend Old Shoe with Bonzo Terks and Sneaky Gene will be performing.
@ Club 3160 (3160 N. Clark) friend Jesse Charbonier will be making his northside debut with two solid shows celebrating Billie Holiday's birthday and her legendary music. RSVP 1-773-327-59-69 or http://www.3160chicago.com.
April 8th @ Mellow Yellow restaurant (Hyde Park) enjoy a special Jazzy Easter brunch with Jesse Charbonier.
April 10th @ Double Door - Raspuntina and Daniel Knox will be rockin' the stage. $15 adv / $17 dos
@ Mojoes (of Joliet) friend A.D.D. will be rockin' the stage.
April 12th @ Smart Bar - Wolfpack presents April Showcase featuring Silkie (live) and debut of Space Race aka Nameloc, Zebo Bandit and more. $5
@ Ultra Lounge - We Killed The Lion (read their debut review from March 16th at Elbo Room) featuring The Blind Pets (from Austin, TX) and The Mantras (from Greensborough, NC) will be sharing the stage.
April 13th @ The Rave - friend Losing Scarlet shares the stage with Shinedown and Adelitas Way. All Ages show
@ Canoe Club Lakeside Grill (Summit, Mo) friend Oakhurst will be there performing live.
@ The Q - friend Once A Pawn along with Pharmacy Spirits featuring Lil P and Sharen Cox will be performing on stage.
@ Schubas - friend Mr. Gnome (Ohio) returns to Chicago.
@ Metro - friend Trampled By Turtles (MN) returns to Chicago featuring These United States in the lineup.
@ Neo - it's Amnesia - Remember party
@ House of Blues (Chicago) - How Far To Austin will be rockin' the stage.
@ Shark City (Glendale Heights) it's the Battle of the Effin Rock Semi-Finals! Cheer on friends The Steep Chops and Illusions Fate as they battle each other and Negative One for the spot in the Finals.
April 14 @ Metro - friend Adora has their CD release show.
@ Empty Bottle - it's the Windy Soul Club. Chicago's rare soul dance party. $5 / 10p
@ SubT (Subterranean) - Artist Growth Presents "Celebrate The City" featuring Secret Colors, Go Long Mule, Red Tail Ring and Deserters.
@ The Burgundy Room (215 E. Washington ST, Waukegan) friend Thunder Driver will be sharing the stage with Felony 4 and Luciferum.
@ Reggie's Rock Club - come to Gearbox Fantastique II with SouthSide and see some amazing, death-defying feats and villainy by friend V Is For Villains!
@ Abbey Pub - Kid A returns to the stage!
@ Founders Brewing Company Tap Room - friend Furious Frank will be sharing the stage with Poor Ol' Jim and Northern Skies.
April 15th @ Elbo Room - check out SouthSide's friend from UK Capelle as they share the stage with Maris Maeve and Thick Leather Brick.
April 17th @ Double Door - your last chance to see friend from UK Capelle rockin' the stage with Cheer Up Moon Cat at this $1 show.
@ Mojoes - friend Blood On The Dance Floor will be entertaining their legion of fans at this All Ages show along with Broken Clyde and Deuce.
April 18th @ Double Door - friend Bambi Raptor with Chains of Love will be rockin' the stage.
April 20 @ Elbo Room - friend On Your Marx will be rockin' the stage with Empire Lines.
@ Goose Island - sing Cherry Cherry and Sweet Caroline with friend Neil Diamond Philips as they return to the stage with Visionaire.
@ Bottom Lounge - it's the monthly meeting of Nocturna with a special band performance at midnight featuring friend DJ Scary Lady Sarah!
@ Double Door - Soul Summit presents FREE dance party with Soul Summit DJs and special guests.
@ Joe's Bar on Weed ST (940 W. Weed ST, Chicago) friend The Steel Chops will be opening for Country rocker John Eddie.
April 21st - Besides it being SouthSide's birthday, it's also Record Store Day! Visit and support your local record store today.
@ Elbo Room - friend Luring Thieves headlines this lineup featuring Cobra Lanche, Thieves & Rivals and Fox Deluxe.
@ Old Town School of Music - CHIRP Radio presents Ami Saraiya and The Outcome.
@ Mojoes (of Joliet) - friend Skinwalker opens for Sepultura at this All Ages show.
@ Cubby Bear (Wrigleyville) - friend Bootsy Collins will be brinin' the funk, y'all.
@ Cubby Bear (Lincolnshire) - friend Losing Scarlet will be performing with Cold Steel (NE) and Arcane Framework.
@ Old Settler's Music Fest (Driftwood, TX) - friend Gaelic Storm will be performing new material from upcoming album Chicken Boxer (due out July 31).
@ Whiskey A Go Go - check out friend Kriz performing at this legendary venue.
April 22nd @ Empty Bottle - it's Books, Booze and Brunch (not necessarily in that particular order).
@ Ace Bar - friend Kelsey Montanez along with Adam Faucett, K. Serra and Thee M.T.'s will be be performing.
April 25th @ Double Door - friend Mos Scocious will be sharing the stage with Maitri, Deep Fayed and Fadrbooste (headliner).
April 27th @ Glencoe Union Church - attend an evening of classical guitar featuring the works by such composers Bach, Debussy, Mertz and more performed by friend Ben McMunn, Jesse Langen, Ron Stark and others. The event is FREE but donations to help benefit the People's School will be accepted.
April 28th @ The Viper Room - check out friend 28 North performing on stage there.
@ The Mutiny - it's Chicago's Punk Night featuring Dick Finger and The Larroquettes at this FREE show.
@ Reggie's Rock Club (late show) Last Rites present Earthen Grave with violinist Rachel Barton Pine on stage along with Question of Madness and Deep Space Riot at this 17+ show. http://www.ticketfly.com/events/105883
April 29th @ Soldier's Field - SouthSide will be participating with many others at the American Cancer Society's Walk and Roll raising funds to fight all kinds of cancer. Will be posting more information soon on how to support her and/or donate to this cause.
@ Dirtroom (located inside Double Door) - Akasha presents Simmer Down Sunday with DJs The Graduate of Illuminati , Rad Brian of Impala Sound and special guests TBA at this FREE show.
April 30th @ Elbo Room - I AM Fest Battle of the Bands begin!
Also happening this month:
Every Wednesday at Elbo Room, it's The Local Music Showcase - Free admission
Damaged Thursdays rock Ultra Lounge on April 12th featuring Matt Szlachta (of Chimera) and Tom Richmond (of In The Weeds) and on April 19th featuring DJ Erik and Bobby Miller (of Black Actress). RSVP at http://www.do312.com for no cover
Intelligence Squared US Debates will be posing the question - "WHEN IT COMES TO POLITICS, THE INTERNET IS CLOSING OUR MINDS" on April 17th. FOR - ELI PARISER
Author of The Filter Bubble & MoveOn.org Board President and JOSEPH TUROW
Professor of Communication, Annenberg School, University of Pennsylvania. AGAINST - JACOB WEISBERG Chairman & Editor-in-Chief, The Slate Group and EVGENY MOROZOV
Internet Scholar and Author, The Net Delusion. TICKETS ARE $40($12 for students) and can be purchased online at http://www.iq2us.org.
The Claudettes will be making rounds this month:
April 5 @ Founders Brewing Company (Grand Rapids, MI)
April 6 @ Papa Pete's (Kalamazoo, MI) with The History Channel House Band
April 7 @ Inside Out Gallery (Traverse City, MI)
April 19 @ The House Cafe (DeKalb, IL) with The Mutts
April 20 @ The Livery (Benton Harbor, MI) with Chuck Jagers
April 21 @ Flint Local 432 (early ALL AGES show) and Churchhill's (late show) with DJ Michael A.
April 26 @ Cowboy Monkey (Champaign, IL) with Temple of Low Men and Cameron McGill
April 27 @ Black Sparrow (Lafayette, IN)
April 28 @ Plurals (310 E. North ST, Lansing, MI) party and show with Hat Madder
friend Great Barrier Reefs will be performing on April 5th at Honest Pint (Chattanooga, TN) and on April 8th at Huey's Midtown (Memphis, TN).
friend VOA (Voice of Addiction) will be rockin' the Pickups Bar (Lynwood, IL) with The Royal Sons of a Guns and The Ruiners on April 20th and on April 28th will be performing in Sheldon, IL with Mitress and The Haunts.
UPDATE:
Friend Phantom Tails will be touring this spring too!
April 6 @ Frank's Power Plant Milwaukee, WI
April 7 @ Crown Tap Room (Logan's Square) Chicago, IL W/ Los Vigilantes
April 10 @ Silk City Philadelphia, PA
April 11 @ XPO 929 Broadway Brooklyn, NY
April 12 @ Trash bar, Brooklyn, NY
April 13 @ Springfest WSBF Tiger Park Clemson, SC
April 14 @ Flatiron Greensboro, NC w/Fort Wilson Riot
April 17 @ Melody Inn, Indianapolis, IN
April 21 @ Kitty Kat Club - MPLS, MN w/ Dial-up, Buffalo Moon, Slapping Purses
Until next time, support your local scene,
SouthSide
April 1st - Listen to friend Sid Yiddish on WGN AM radio between 7a - 7:30a or online at http://www.wgnradio.com.
Check out this video - Trailer for Sid Yiddish doc
http://vimeo.com/39018543
SouthSide officially starts the month at Red Line Tap to celebrate with friend WhiteWolfSonicPrincess at their 10 + 1 CD release party! The fun begins early at 4p. FREE
Then head to Double Door with SouthSide for April Fool's Day Fan Appreciation Show! For a small cover fee of $1, you can check out friends The Walking Shadows, Veritae, and Paragon along with The Persistence Memory, Still Searching and The Chinese Professionals rockin' the stage.
Everyone's A DJ featuring Anthony Cozzi (of Radar Eye) rocks Empty Bottle. FREE
Turqoise Jeep and The Rectar Crew will be at Reggie's Rock Club. 8p
April 2nd @ Martyrs', Vic's Drum Shop hosts Virgil Donati Drum Clinic. All Ages / 6p / tickets are $12 - http://www.vicsdrumshop.com
.
@ Bottom Lounge - Kid Savant rocks the stage. 8p
@ Hard Rock Cafe - singer/songwriter showcase featuring SouthSide's friend Matthew Alfano (of Mason's Case). $5 / All Ages
@ Uncommon Ground (Devon location) Geri X and Leslie Hunt will be performing there. 8p
April 3rd @ Reggie's Rock Club - friend Cyanotic rocks the stage opening for Faderhead.
@ Metro - Ting Tings return to Chicago to perform
April 6 @ Reggie's Rock Club - friend Ovrevolt will be rockin' the stage with new material at a late show with one of the most ferocious pioneers of industrial metal comes back to Chicago - BILE! 10p
@ Bottom Lounge - Live Salsa World Series featuring Angel Melendez. 8p
@ Elbo Room - Beneath The Stares will be headlining the lineup that will feature Labirinto (from Brazil) opening.
@ Club 38 (243 W. Roosevelt RD, West Chicago) - it's Kriz's Hollywood Sendoff /EP release party! Help SouthSide's friend get a good start on the road to Whiskey A Go Go where he'll be performing on April 21st!
April 7th @ Double Door - it's Spaghetti Wrestling and Chicago Outfit Fundraiser! The Chicago Outfit Roller Derby team will be hosting this event to raise money for their opening season as well as collecting non-perishable (canned) food for Chicago Food Bank. doors 9p / $7 ($5 with food donation)
@ Elbo Room - friend 20 Mark Helga rocks the stage along with The Unemployed Architects, The Heroic Charade and Brother Nature.
@ Goose Island - The Banana Convention with The Ewing Theory, Audio Content, and Adrian Krygowski will be performing.
@ Underground Lounge - Thunderunderus performs with Lords of the Trident.
@ Empty Bottle - Mannequin Men will be sharing the stage with Outer Minds and Summer Girlfriends featuring DJs Tood Hozac and Sriracha. 10p / $8 (FREE with RSVP)
@ Bobby McGees - friend Pipedream rocks the stage.
@ The House Cafe - friend Old Shoe with Bonzo Terks and Sneaky Gene will be performing.
@ Club 3160 (3160 N. Clark) friend Jesse Charbonier will be making his northside debut with two solid shows celebrating Billie Holiday's birthday and her legendary music. RSVP 1-773-327-59-69 or http://www.3160chicago.com.
April 8th @ Mellow Yellow restaurant (Hyde Park) enjoy a special Jazzy Easter brunch with Jesse Charbonier.
April 10th @ Double Door - Raspuntina and Daniel Knox will be rockin' the stage. $15 adv / $17 dos
@ Mojoes (of Joliet) friend A.D.D. will be rockin' the stage.
April 12th @ Smart Bar - Wolfpack presents April Showcase featuring Silkie (live) and debut of Space Race aka Nameloc, Zebo Bandit and more. $5
@ Ultra Lounge - We Killed The Lion (read their debut review from March 16th at Elbo Room) featuring The Blind Pets (from Austin, TX) and The Mantras (from Greensborough, NC) will be sharing the stage.
April 13th @ The Rave - friend Losing Scarlet shares the stage with Shinedown and Adelitas Way. All Ages show
@ Canoe Club Lakeside Grill (Summit, Mo) friend Oakhurst will be there performing live.
@ The Q - friend Once A Pawn along with Pharmacy Spirits featuring Lil P and Sharen Cox will be performing on stage.
@ Schubas - friend Mr. Gnome (Ohio) returns to Chicago.
@ Metro - friend Trampled By Turtles (MN) returns to Chicago featuring These United States in the lineup.
@ Neo - it's Amnesia - Remember party
@ House of Blues (Chicago) - How Far To Austin will be rockin' the stage.
@ Shark City (Glendale Heights) it's the Battle of the Effin Rock Semi-Finals! Cheer on friends The Steep Chops and Illusions Fate as they battle each other and Negative One for the spot in the Finals.
April 14 @ Metro - friend Adora has their CD release show.
@ Empty Bottle - it's the Windy Soul Club. Chicago's rare soul dance party. $5 / 10p
@ SubT (Subterranean) - Artist Growth Presents "Celebrate The City" featuring Secret Colors, Go Long Mule, Red Tail Ring and Deserters.
@ The Burgundy Room (215 E. Washington ST, Waukegan) friend Thunder Driver will be sharing the stage with Felony 4 and Luciferum.
@ Reggie's Rock Club - come to Gearbox Fantastique II with SouthSide and see some amazing, death-defying feats and villainy by friend V Is For Villains!
@ Abbey Pub - Kid A returns to the stage!
@ Founders Brewing Company Tap Room - friend Furious Frank will be sharing the stage with Poor Ol' Jim and Northern Skies.
April 15th @ Elbo Room - check out SouthSide's friend from UK Capelle as they share the stage with Maris Maeve and Thick Leather Brick.
April 17th @ Double Door - your last chance to see friend from UK Capelle rockin' the stage with Cheer Up Moon Cat at this $1 show.
@ Mojoes - friend Blood On The Dance Floor will be entertaining their legion of fans at this All Ages show along with Broken Clyde and Deuce.
April 18th @ Double Door - friend Bambi Raptor with Chains of Love will be rockin' the stage.
April 20 @ Elbo Room - friend On Your Marx will be rockin' the stage with Empire Lines.
@ Goose Island - sing Cherry Cherry and Sweet Caroline with friend Neil Diamond Philips as they return to the stage with Visionaire.
@ Bottom Lounge - it's the monthly meeting of Nocturna with a special band performance at midnight featuring friend DJ Scary Lady Sarah!
@ Double Door - Soul Summit presents FREE dance party with Soul Summit DJs and special guests.
@ Joe's Bar on Weed ST (940 W. Weed ST, Chicago) friend The Steel Chops will be opening for Country rocker John Eddie.
April 21st - Besides it being SouthSide's birthday, it's also Record Store Day! Visit and support your local record store today.
@ Elbo Room - friend Luring Thieves headlines this lineup featuring Cobra Lanche, Thieves & Rivals and Fox Deluxe.
@ Old Town School of Music - CHIRP Radio presents Ami Saraiya and The Outcome.
@ Mojoes (of Joliet) - friend Skinwalker opens for Sepultura at this All Ages show.
@ Cubby Bear (Wrigleyville) - friend Bootsy Collins will be brinin' the funk, y'all.
@ Cubby Bear (Lincolnshire) - friend Losing Scarlet will be performing with Cold Steel (NE) and Arcane Framework.
@ Old Settler's Music Fest (Driftwood, TX) - friend Gaelic Storm will be performing new material from upcoming album Chicken Boxer (due out July 31).
@ Whiskey A Go Go - check out friend Kriz performing at this legendary venue.
April 22nd @ Empty Bottle - it's Books, Booze and Brunch (not necessarily in that particular order).
@ Ace Bar - friend Kelsey Montanez along with Adam Faucett, K. Serra and Thee M.T.'s will be be performing.
April 25th @ Double Door - friend Mos Scocious will be sharing the stage with Maitri, Deep Fayed and Fadrbooste (headliner).
April 27th @ Glencoe Union Church - attend an evening of classical guitar featuring the works by such composers Bach, Debussy, Mertz and more performed by friend Ben McMunn, Jesse Langen, Ron Stark and others. The event is FREE but donations to help benefit the People's School will be accepted.
April 28th @ The Viper Room - check out friend 28 North performing on stage there.
@ The Mutiny - it's Chicago's Punk Night featuring Dick Finger and The Larroquettes at this FREE show.
@ Reggie's Rock Club (late show) Last Rites present Earthen Grave with violinist Rachel Barton Pine on stage along with Question of Madness and Deep Space Riot at this 17+ show. http://www.ticketfly.com/events/105883
April 29th @ Soldier's Field - SouthSide will be participating with many others at the American Cancer Society's Walk and Roll raising funds to fight all kinds of cancer. Will be posting more information soon on how to support her and/or donate to this cause.
@ Dirtroom (located inside Double Door) - Akasha presents Simmer Down Sunday with DJs The Graduate of Illuminati , Rad Brian of Impala Sound and special guests TBA at this FREE show.
April 30th @ Elbo Room - I AM Fest Battle of the Bands begin!
Also happening this month:
Every Wednesday at Elbo Room, it's The Local Music Showcase - Free admission
Damaged Thursdays rock Ultra Lounge on April 12th featuring Matt Szlachta (of Chimera) and Tom Richmond (of In The Weeds) and on April 19th featuring DJ Erik and Bobby Miller (of Black Actress). RSVP at http://www.do312.com for no cover
Intelligence Squared US Debates will be posing the question - "WHEN IT COMES TO POLITICS, THE INTERNET IS CLOSING OUR MINDS" on April 17th. FOR - ELI PARISER
Author of The Filter Bubble & MoveOn.org Board President and JOSEPH TUROW
Professor of Communication, Annenberg School, University of Pennsylvania. AGAINST - JACOB WEISBERG Chairman & Editor-in-Chief, The Slate Group and EVGENY MOROZOV
Internet Scholar and Author, The Net Delusion. TICKETS ARE $40($12 for students) and can be purchased online at http://www.iq2us.org.
The Claudettes will be making rounds this month:
April 5 @ Founders Brewing Company (Grand Rapids, MI)
April 6 @ Papa Pete's (Kalamazoo, MI) with The History Channel House Band
April 7 @ Inside Out Gallery (Traverse City, MI)
April 19 @ The House Cafe (DeKalb, IL) with The Mutts
April 20 @ The Livery (Benton Harbor, MI) with Chuck Jagers
April 21 @ Flint Local 432 (early ALL AGES show) and Churchhill's (late show) with DJ Michael A.
April 26 @ Cowboy Monkey (Champaign, IL) with Temple of Low Men and Cameron McGill
April 27 @ Black Sparrow (Lafayette, IN)
April 28 @ Plurals (310 E. North ST, Lansing, MI) party and show with Hat Madder
friend Great Barrier Reefs will be performing on April 5th at Honest Pint (Chattanooga, TN) and on April 8th at Huey's Midtown (Memphis, TN).
friend VOA (Voice of Addiction) will be rockin' the Pickups Bar (Lynwood, IL) with The Royal Sons of a Guns and The Ruiners on April 20th and on April 28th will be performing in Sheldon, IL with Mitress and The Haunts.
UPDATE:
Friend Phantom Tails will be touring this spring too!
April 6 @ Frank's Power Plant Milwaukee, WI
April 7 @ Crown Tap Room (Logan's Square) Chicago, IL W/ Los Vigilantes
April 10 @ Silk City Philadelphia, PA
April 11 @ XPO 929 Broadway Brooklyn, NY
April 12 @ Trash bar, Brooklyn, NY
April 13 @ Springfest WSBF Tiger Park Clemson, SC
April 14 @ Flatiron Greensboro, NC w/Fort Wilson Riot
April 17 @ Melody Inn, Indianapolis, IN
April 21 @ Kitty Kat Club - MPLS, MN w/ Dial-up, Buffalo Moon, Slapping Purses
Until next time, support your local scene,
SouthSide
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
23 Mar 12 - The Hunger Games
"...may the odds ever be in your favor..."
There's something so sinster and wrong about that catchphrase whenever someone says it throughout the hottest movie of 2012 - The Hunger Games. You sometimes get the distinct feeling the odds may never be in the main character's favor ...especially if that character is Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence), cinema's newest teen heroine.
For those not in the "know" about what The Hunger Games is about, here's a brief synopsis of the first book (without giving too much information away). In a distant (or perhaps near) future, after many wars and devastating natural disasters, the US is no more and is now called Panem splitting it into thirteen districts and a capitol simply known as The Capitol. Yet there was another uprising between the inhabitants of District 13 and The Capitol in which the outcome birthed the annual bloodbath - The Hunger Games according to the peace treaty formed with the other 12 Districts. This televised sport (think American Idol, Olympics and Survivor sans the tribal council meshed into one) to the death pits one boy and one girl from each district to fight each other until one is left standing. Actually, The Games themselves is merely a government tool to remind the lowly 99% who controls them and their lives - cleverly used in the propoganda video shown during The Reaping (when the names of the "lucky" tributes are pulled out of a fishbowl) at District 12 during the movie version - the poorest out of all districts within Panem where Katniss lives with her semi-catonic mother (still mourning over the death of her husband) and sister Primrose (Willow Shields). Yet there's no excitement or support for the Games in this district no matter how hard Effie Trinket (Elizabeth Banks), one of the many fashionably colorful characters who work and reside inside The Capitol (where most of Panem's 1% call home) tries to instill the fake hope that someone from their district will win.
This reviewer liked how the screenwriters Suzanne Collins (who wrote the popular triology series) and Garry Ross (who also directed this movie) along with Bill Ray wonderfully capture the tense moments (especially during the scenes before The Reaping when Katniss and Prim are getting ready for it and at the start of the game) without any (or with a few words) of dialogue. Reading the blankless, silent facial expression from Katniss's mother as she helps her oldest daughter prepare was gutwrenching. As a mother of two daughters, SouthSide completely understood the pain and heartache this character was feeling about having to send one of her daughters to fight despite hoping they wouldn't be chosen ...knowing there would be a slim chance of returning alive. This reviewer also liked how they captured the differing reactions from District 12 to The Capitol as well as the twenty-four tributes on the playing field during the countdown. One could easily sense the range of emotions from Katniss' nervousness (especially after being sealed inside the tube to reach the arena) as she stares at Cinna (Lenny Kravitz), her stylist to the celebratory party mood within The Capitol for the 74th running of The Hunger Games that leaves a bitter taste with Haymitch (Woody Harrelson) - District 12's only past winner and mentor to Katniss and Peeta Mellark (Josh Hutcherson). The scene when he's observing the little boy excitedly chasing his sister with a sword clearly displays his distaste for the murderous spectacle even though he himself has to assist Katniss behind the scenes to survive.
Ah yes - survival - the keyword thoroughly interjected Katniss' mind from the time she volunteers as tribute to take her sister's place to through the entirity of the games where her skills as a hunter (when hunting with best friend Gale Hawthorne - Liam Hemsworth) truly become handy especially against District 2's killing machines Cato (Alexander Ludwig) and Clove - career tributes specially trained for The Hungers Games. And even though Effie emphatically states tributes from Districts 1 and 2 don't get any special favors and/or treatment during the competition, you can tell she's lying. Districts like 10 - 12, the odds are certainly set against them to win ...and that's how President Snow (Donald Sutherland) in a subtle way informs Head Gamemaker Seneca Crane (Wes Bentley) after telling Snow "...everyone loves an underdog..." Cheating does take on a whole new form during this movie as dangerous obstacles as tossed at Katniss' every direction ...whether it's Cato and his lethal band of bloodthirsty cohorts (in which includes Peeta) or The Capitol's genetically enhanced things (ie wild berries or tracker jackers) - all designed to wipe out her and the weaker gamers. True the scenes are somewhat violent throughout the actual Hunger Games itself yet in the movie, it's rather tame compared to what Suzanne wrote in her book. Still you get an idea of how grusome these Games are from the intense scenes when tributes race to the cornucopia to quickly grab weapons and/or packs as fast as they can before someone kills them in the process. Without giving away the ending, yes it does hint towards a sequel.
SouthSide, at first, was quite wary upon hearing there would be a movie adaption of Suzanne Collins' The Hunger Games since Hollywood has the tenacity for chopping books to add and/or delete material as it sees fit for the audience (see review for the americanized version of The Girl With The Dragon Tatoo for more clarity). After seeing this movie, this reviewer thoroughly enjoyed how the screenplay was wonderfully crafted so that if you didn't get a chance to read the book (and SouthSide highly recommends that you do read the entire Suzanne Collins' series - way better than Twilight), you won't get lost during the nearly 2hr and 30 minute run time. Yes, some minor characters and/or details were either omitted, meshed together or added for this movie however the main important details still remained to easily follow as if you're reading the book itself on the big screen. Special kudos to the set, art and cinematography direction of The Hunger Games for translating the opulent look and splendor of what this reviewer imagined The Capitol would look ...more kudos to costume designer Judianna Makovsky for raiding Lady Gaga's closet and cosplay wigs to flamboyantly dress the 1% of Panem in the most outrageous clothing designs from Effie's powdered face and expensive dress suits to making Cinna's fire costumes (in which Katniss and Peeta wear during the opening ceremonies) come to life.
SouthSide also noted the cast was carefully selected for their roles for this movie especially Lenny Kravitz with his gold dust eyeshadow as Cinna the stylist (do not scoff at the title - being a stylist can equate to being costumer/publicist/confidant/cheerleader/advisor/friend and more wrapped into one person) and Stanley Tucci looking handsomely wild with blue hair as Cesar Flickerman, The Hunger Games version of Ryan Seacrest. There's one thing more why SouthSide recommends seeing The Hunger Games. Besides the strong female character portrayed by Jennifer Lawrence, the story's love triangle (between Peeta-Katniss-Gale) doesn't weigh down the movie (and book) so heavily compared to the other popularized teen series - Twilight. Here, there's NO brooding over "whom do I love the most" or creating conflict between Gale and Peeta to have them fighting over her ...and definitely NO "team" to choose because there's only one team to root for in this movie - Katniss (or District 12) - to win. To be honest, love is the farthest thing on our heroine's mind. She's only determined to survive and (hopefully) win The Hunger Games ...not for herself or the honor of representing her home district but for her sister. Love subtly comes into play between Katniss and Peeta yet the emotional feelings like he has for her really aren't there ...or are they since she was unwillingly forced into the "star crossed lovers" scenario.
Overall, The Hunger Games - a very good adaptation of Suzanne Collins' book ...worth the price to see it on the big screen before it hits the DVD / Blu-Ray. SouthSide cannot wait to see the sequel - Catching Fire.
Highly recommended
Until next time, support your local scene,
SouthSide
There's something so sinster and wrong about that catchphrase whenever someone says it throughout the hottest movie of 2012 - The Hunger Games. You sometimes get the distinct feeling the odds may never be in the main character's favor ...especially if that character is Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence), cinema's newest teen heroine.
For those not in the "know" about what The Hunger Games is about, here's a brief synopsis of the first book (without giving too much information away). In a distant (or perhaps near) future, after many wars and devastating natural disasters, the US is no more and is now called Panem splitting it into thirteen districts and a capitol simply known as The Capitol. Yet there was another uprising between the inhabitants of District 13 and The Capitol in which the outcome birthed the annual bloodbath - The Hunger Games according to the peace treaty formed with the other 12 Districts. This televised sport (think American Idol, Olympics and Survivor sans the tribal council meshed into one) to the death pits one boy and one girl from each district to fight each other until one is left standing. Actually, The Games themselves is merely a government tool to remind the lowly 99% who controls them and their lives - cleverly used in the propoganda video shown during The Reaping (when the names of the "lucky" tributes are pulled out of a fishbowl) at District 12 during the movie version - the poorest out of all districts within Panem where Katniss lives with her semi-catonic mother (still mourning over the death of her husband) and sister Primrose (Willow Shields). Yet there's no excitement or support for the Games in this district no matter how hard Effie Trinket (Elizabeth Banks), one of the many fashionably colorful characters who work and reside inside The Capitol (where most of Panem's 1% call home) tries to instill the fake hope that someone from their district will win.
This reviewer liked how the screenwriters Suzanne Collins (who wrote the popular triology series) and Garry Ross (who also directed this movie) along with Bill Ray wonderfully capture the tense moments (especially during the scenes before The Reaping when Katniss and Prim are getting ready for it and at the start of the game) without any (or with a few words) of dialogue. Reading the blankless, silent facial expression from Katniss's mother as she helps her oldest daughter prepare was gutwrenching. As a mother of two daughters, SouthSide completely understood the pain and heartache this character was feeling about having to send one of her daughters to fight despite hoping they wouldn't be chosen ...knowing there would be a slim chance of returning alive. This reviewer also liked how they captured the differing reactions from District 12 to The Capitol as well as the twenty-four tributes on the playing field during the countdown. One could easily sense the range of emotions from Katniss' nervousness (especially after being sealed inside the tube to reach the arena) as she stares at Cinna (Lenny Kravitz), her stylist to the celebratory party mood within The Capitol for the 74th running of The Hunger Games that leaves a bitter taste with Haymitch (Woody Harrelson) - District 12's only past winner and mentor to Katniss and Peeta Mellark (Josh Hutcherson). The scene when he's observing the little boy excitedly chasing his sister with a sword clearly displays his distaste for the murderous spectacle even though he himself has to assist Katniss behind the scenes to survive.
Ah yes - survival - the keyword thoroughly interjected Katniss' mind from the time she volunteers as tribute to take her sister's place to through the entirity of the games where her skills as a hunter (when hunting with best friend Gale Hawthorne - Liam Hemsworth) truly become handy especially against District 2's killing machines Cato (Alexander Ludwig) and Clove - career tributes specially trained for The Hungers Games. And even though Effie emphatically states tributes from Districts 1 and 2 don't get any special favors and/or treatment during the competition, you can tell she's lying. Districts like 10 - 12, the odds are certainly set against them to win ...and that's how President Snow (Donald Sutherland) in a subtle way informs Head Gamemaker Seneca Crane (Wes Bentley) after telling Snow "...everyone loves an underdog..." Cheating does take on a whole new form during this movie as dangerous obstacles as tossed at Katniss' every direction ...whether it's Cato and his lethal band of bloodthirsty cohorts (in which includes Peeta) or The Capitol's genetically enhanced things (ie wild berries or tracker jackers) - all designed to wipe out her and the weaker gamers. True the scenes are somewhat violent throughout the actual Hunger Games itself yet in the movie, it's rather tame compared to what Suzanne wrote in her book. Still you get an idea of how grusome these Games are from the intense scenes when tributes race to the cornucopia to quickly grab weapons and/or packs as fast as they can before someone kills them in the process. Without giving away the ending, yes it does hint towards a sequel.
SouthSide, at first, was quite wary upon hearing there would be a movie adaption of Suzanne Collins' The Hunger Games since Hollywood has the tenacity for chopping books to add and/or delete material as it sees fit for the audience (see review for the americanized version of The Girl With The Dragon Tatoo for more clarity). After seeing this movie, this reviewer thoroughly enjoyed how the screenplay was wonderfully crafted so that if you didn't get a chance to read the book (and SouthSide highly recommends that you do read the entire Suzanne Collins' series - way better than Twilight), you won't get lost during the nearly 2hr and 30 minute run time. Yes, some minor characters and/or details were either omitted, meshed together or added for this movie however the main important details still remained to easily follow as if you're reading the book itself on the big screen. Special kudos to the set, art and cinematography direction of The Hunger Games for translating the opulent look and splendor of what this reviewer imagined The Capitol would look ...more kudos to costume designer Judianna Makovsky for raiding Lady Gaga's closet and cosplay wigs to flamboyantly dress the 1% of Panem in the most outrageous clothing designs from Effie's powdered face and expensive dress suits to making Cinna's fire costumes (in which Katniss and Peeta wear during the opening ceremonies) come to life.
SouthSide also noted the cast was carefully selected for their roles for this movie especially Lenny Kravitz with his gold dust eyeshadow as Cinna the stylist (do not scoff at the title - being a stylist can equate to being costumer/publicist/confidant/cheerleader/advisor/friend and more wrapped into one person) and Stanley Tucci looking handsomely wild with blue hair as Cesar Flickerman, The Hunger Games version of Ryan Seacrest. There's one thing more why SouthSide recommends seeing The Hunger Games. Besides the strong female character portrayed by Jennifer Lawrence, the story's love triangle (between Peeta-Katniss-Gale) doesn't weigh down the movie (and book) so heavily compared to the other popularized teen series - Twilight. Here, there's NO brooding over "whom do I love the most" or creating conflict between Gale and Peeta to have them fighting over her ...and definitely NO "team" to choose because there's only one team to root for in this movie - Katniss (or District 12) - to win. To be honest, love is the farthest thing on our heroine's mind. She's only determined to survive and (hopefully) win The Hunger Games ...not for herself or the honor of representing her home district but for her sister. Love subtly comes into play between Katniss and Peeta yet the emotional feelings like he has for her really aren't there ...or are they since she was unwillingly forced into the "star crossed lovers" scenario.
Overall, The Hunger Games - a very good adaptation of Suzanne Collins' book ...worth the price to see it on the big screen before it hits the DVD / Blu-Ray. SouthSide cannot wait to see the sequel - Catching Fire.
Highly recommended
Until next time, support your local scene,
SouthSide
Saturday, March 24, 2012
22 Mar 12
Hey, blogspot readers, SouthSide got a little funky to kick off her weekend! This On The Town adventure brought the roving local scene queen back to Lakeview's hippiest music venue, Elbo Room for a battle of the bands. Local bands were competing for the chance to join a lineup of others at the Whippersnap Music & Arts Festival rockin' Stonehouse Park (located in Earlville, IL) happening in July. The Whippersnap Music & Arts Festival is three (3) days of music featuring over 50 acts on 3 stages, family camping and fun. This year's fest will also include a pre-party, an illuminated forest, craft beers made available at the Main stage and Party Barn (must be 21+), late night movies and more. For more informatin about this summer festival, visit http://www.whippersnapfestival.com.
Among the four competing tonight was SouthSide's friend Digeometric who not only electrified but funkified the basement lounge amidst its intense rock fusion of soul/R&B/psychedelia. This band's spontaneous flow of energy felt throughout had many instantly groovin' to the pulsating melodic beat within the many intricate and intertwining rhythms going at so many different directions yet always on the same accord. At times there was a boisterous blast of music vibrating across the stage meanwhile in others the hot horn section provided the energizing spark of Digeometric's instrumental pieces to counter the cool guitar riffs for that trippy psychedelia feel. What SouthSide saw in this band was the local version of 70s funk masters Parliament and Earth, Wind and Fire combined especially the way they would rock the stage with one fiery hot jam after another. For instance, blogspot readers, Digeometric had many feeling that ska-funk fusion with its dreamy island breeze before suddenly upping the funk sound with some guitar-led Stax rhythms giving the lounge a soulful vibe to groove amidst a dizzy height of crescendos. During that particular song, the band took everyone higher until ending our psychedlic trip with a rockin' landing. Or how about a little electric rock to get the blood cuddling as the horn section spicing up the energy in another epic instrumental piece before taking both energy and music down to a cool jazzy breeze ...SouthSide loved the poetic floetry and subtle excitement wavering within the melodic vibe. This reviewer highly recommends getting your funikied rock groove on at Digeometric's next performance but in the meantime, visit Digeometric at http://www.facebook.com/digeometric and listen to songs WuDawg and Pseudo.
Until next time, support your local scene,
SouthSide
Among the four competing tonight was SouthSide's friend Digeometric who not only electrified but funkified the basement lounge amidst its intense rock fusion of soul/R&B/psychedelia. This band's spontaneous flow of energy felt throughout had many instantly groovin' to the pulsating melodic beat within the many intricate and intertwining rhythms going at so many different directions yet always on the same accord. At times there was a boisterous blast of music vibrating across the stage meanwhile in others the hot horn section provided the energizing spark of Digeometric's instrumental pieces to counter the cool guitar riffs for that trippy psychedelia feel. What SouthSide saw in this band was the local version of 70s funk masters Parliament and Earth, Wind and Fire combined especially the way they would rock the stage with one fiery hot jam after another. For instance, blogspot readers, Digeometric had many feeling that ska-funk fusion with its dreamy island breeze before suddenly upping the funk sound with some guitar-led Stax rhythms giving the lounge a soulful vibe to groove amidst a dizzy height of crescendos. During that particular song, the band took everyone higher until ending our psychedlic trip with a rockin' landing. Or how about a little electric rock to get the blood cuddling as the horn section spicing up the energy in another epic instrumental piece before taking both energy and music down to a cool jazzy breeze ...SouthSide loved the poetic floetry and subtle excitement wavering within the melodic vibe. This reviewer highly recommends getting your funikied rock groove on at Digeometric's next performance but in the meantime, visit Digeometric at http://www.facebook.com/digeometric and listen to songs WuDawg and Pseudo.
Until next time, support your local scene,
SouthSide
19 Mar 12
Well, blogspot readers, all good times must come to a rockin' end (for now). And it did on Monday night when SouthSide's St. Paddy's day weekend concluded at Double Door. There, she attended an extra special rock show (featuring live video streaming for the online audience) that included quirky tunes amidst a catchy pop/rock sound by The Family Dynamic and a whacky mix of off Broadway stage theatric/vaudeville like feel within a lively whimsical pop sound by Elvis Bride. This reviewer highly suggests checking out the instrumental guitarist extraordinaire Rob Scallon for his amazing display of intricate fingerwork amidst the selection of passionately intense strummed compositions. During his set, Rob electrified the stage with such emotional depth and fierce tone that SouthSide felt the music come to life under a soulful, breathtaking sound while being mesmerized by the soothing tempo. Within this artist's fingerwork intensity (especially along the guitar neck), one could hear the beautiful lyrics sung whenever he combined the intricate melodies and rhythms to harmonize as one voice. Visit Rob Scallon's Facebook page - Rob ScallonMusic - for more information and music.
Rob along with The Family Dynamic and Elvis Bride were the opening acts for headlining band, French Wives (from Glasgow, Scotland) who recently made an appearance at SXSW 2012 in Austin, TX. The Scots conquered the Double Door and its audience with a vibrant pop/rock sound that featured energizing momentum (especially the violin when used as a guitar), catchy hooks and dynamic vocal falsettos. This reviewer thoroughly enjoyed the way French's music instantly sprung to life from its distinct intense yet dramatic presence during any song's intro (for example listen to Numbers) in which the sound grabbed your immediate attention. Plus, if listen closely, blogspot readers, you might here the lively Scottish folk rhythms intricately woven around the band's rock base sound. This truly helped sparked the lively feel to the tempo within French's catchy hooks even while in a downtempo groove which wonderfully immersed the ears to their blended pop/rock tone. The combination help spotlight the dynamic vocal falsettos as heard in the opening song The Second when he sololy led the song full of raw heartfelt emotions before the rest of the band gradually joined in. SouthSide's heart was racing from the soft crescendo rise then - POW - a sudden vibrant burst that upped the tempo and sound into something poppy. It was the same explosive burst of emotions and energy felt during Numbers when his voice and music combined was definitely intense but not so much to lose their lively pop sound. This reviewer also suggests listening to the beautfiul acapella trio of harmonizing voices that lit up the stage when performing their hit song (sorry SouthSide missed the name of the title) and Sleep Tight before closing their Chicago debut with Younger (check out it on You Tube). French Wives will be releasing a new EP Dream of the Inbetween in May but in the meantime visit them at http://www.myspace.com/thefrenchwives or http://www.facebook.com/frenchwives for more information and music.
Until next time, support your local scene,
SouthSide
Rob along with The Family Dynamic and Elvis Bride were the opening acts for headlining band, French Wives (from Glasgow, Scotland) who recently made an appearance at SXSW 2012 in Austin, TX. The Scots conquered the Double Door and its audience with a vibrant pop/rock sound that featured energizing momentum (especially the violin when used as a guitar), catchy hooks and dynamic vocal falsettos. This reviewer thoroughly enjoyed the way French's music instantly sprung to life from its distinct intense yet dramatic presence during any song's intro (for example listen to Numbers) in which the sound grabbed your immediate attention. Plus, if listen closely, blogspot readers, you might here the lively Scottish folk rhythms intricately woven around the band's rock base sound. This truly helped sparked the lively feel to the tempo within French's catchy hooks even while in a downtempo groove which wonderfully immersed the ears to their blended pop/rock tone. The combination help spotlight the dynamic vocal falsettos as heard in the opening song The Second when he sololy led the song full of raw heartfelt emotions before the rest of the band gradually joined in. SouthSide's heart was racing from the soft crescendo rise then - POW - a sudden vibrant burst that upped the tempo and sound into something poppy. It was the same explosive burst of emotions and energy felt during Numbers when his voice and music combined was definitely intense but not so much to lose their lively pop sound. This reviewer also suggests listening to the beautfiul acapella trio of harmonizing voices that lit up the stage when performing their hit song (sorry SouthSide missed the name of the title) and Sleep Tight before closing their Chicago debut with Younger (check out it on You Tube). French Wives will be releasing a new EP Dream of the Inbetween in May but in the meantime visit them at http://www.myspace.com/thefrenchwives or http://www.facebook.com/frenchwives for more information and music.
Until next time, support your local scene,
SouthSide
Thursday, March 22, 2012
17 Mar 12
Hey, blogspot readers, SouthSide's partyin' with the leprechauns (again) tonight! After spending part of the day at the "new" Logan Theatre (highly recommended for your cinema enjoyment and fun at a reasonable ticket price), it was time for this reviewer to rock out her St. Paddy's night. And once again, she celebrated with friends at Elbo Room. Yet, this St. Paddy's party wasn't your oridinary Irish celebration that was rockin' this popular Lakeview venue ...this party featured performances by well-known artists - 311, No Doubt and Weezer. Well ...not actually the real ones, blogspot readers. Just three local bands representing them as Homebrew, Don't Speak and Our Name Is Jonas to entertain the crowded basement lounge with lively tribute versions of songs made famous by their original namesakes.
Now, normally, blogspot readers, SouthSide doesn't cover tribute bands as part of her On The Town blog repetoire. However, just for tonight's celebration, she made the exception recommending the following two tribute bands for the way both energized and excited the audience.
Though arriving mid way through the set, this reviewer did catch the final ten minutes or so of Homebrew thoroughly enjoying the energy from the lyrical hiphop/reggae/rock fusion. There were many pockets of excitement amongst the crowd whenever the band turned up the heat on the guitar rhythms or zipped through the fast-paced lyrical floetry. The momentum was so highly infectious that even sound guy Brian Bender (also of The Hot Sauce Committee) got a little sauced from the rockin' music especially during the closing number Homebrew (where the tribute band took its namesake). Each member individually as well as collectively tore down the stage, blogspot readers, with such fierceness and intensity ...plenty of energy that everyone was literally feeling what Homebrew was vibin'. And as an added bonus, the guys electrified the stage with a teaser of traditional Irish music. Visit Homebrew at http://www.facebook.com/homebrew311.
The same could be said of the Weezer tribute band - Our Name Is Jonas, blogspot readers. Here's another local tribute band (Chicago's ONLY Weezer tribute band) that rocked the stage under intense energy while performing such fan favorites Beverly Hills, Troublemaker, and their namesake - My Name Is Jonas (which brought the crowd feverishly to life). Jonas did more than just sing the Weezer songs (without trying to vocally sound like the original artists) but the group put their own spin and fun to collectively dress up their headlining performance. This essentially created the energy throughout their stage presentation as Weezer. From matching clothing ensemble (SouthSide loved the sparkly glasses with the green lights) to engaging the crowd every minute, there wasn't a single moment where the energy had suddenly dulled or found lacking, blogspot readers. You could hear the Weezer fans singing along with Jonas (as heard during Ass Wipe [Parody of Hashpipe]) as well as groovin' to the upbeat tempo while performing Keep Fishing. Visit Our Name Is Jonas at http://www.facebook.com/weezertribute.
Until next time, support your local scene,
SouthSide
Now, normally, blogspot readers, SouthSide doesn't cover tribute bands as part of her On The Town blog repetoire. However, just for tonight's celebration, she made the exception recommending the following two tribute bands for the way both energized and excited the audience.
Though arriving mid way through the set, this reviewer did catch the final ten minutes or so of Homebrew thoroughly enjoying the energy from the lyrical hiphop/reggae/rock fusion. There were many pockets of excitement amongst the crowd whenever the band turned up the heat on the guitar rhythms or zipped through the fast-paced lyrical floetry. The momentum was so highly infectious that even sound guy Brian Bender (also of The Hot Sauce Committee) got a little sauced from the rockin' music especially during the closing number Homebrew (where the tribute band took its namesake). Each member individually as well as collectively tore down the stage, blogspot readers, with such fierceness and intensity ...plenty of energy that everyone was literally feeling what Homebrew was vibin'. And as an added bonus, the guys electrified the stage with a teaser of traditional Irish music. Visit Homebrew at http://www.facebook.com/homebrew311.
The same could be said of the Weezer tribute band - Our Name Is Jonas, blogspot readers. Here's another local tribute band (Chicago's ONLY Weezer tribute band) that rocked the stage under intense energy while performing such fan favorites Beverly Hills, Troublemaker, and their namesake - My Name Is Jonas (which brought the crowd feverishly to life). Jonas did more than just sing the Weezer songs (without trying to vocally sound like the original artists) but the group put their own spin and fun to collectively dress up their headlining performance. This essentially created the energy throughout their stage presentation as Weezer. From matching clothing ensemble (SouthSide loved the sparkly glasses with the green lights) to engaging the crowd every minute, there wasn't a single moment where the energy had suddenly dulled or found lacking, blogspot readers. You could hear the Weezer fans singing along with Jonas (as heard during Ass Wipe [Parody of Hashpipe]) as well as groovin' to the upbeat tempo while performing Keep Fishing. Visit Our Name Is Jonas at http://www.facebook.com/weezertribute.
Until next time, support your local scene,
SouthSide
16 Mar 12
Hey, blogspot readers, there's a psychedelic vibe flowin' within this Irish celebration on Friday night. This On The Town adventure had SouthSide wearin' the green as she kicked off her long St. Paddy's weekend of music and fun at Elbo Room. She along with other prominent members of Chicago's local scene was on tap to officially welcome We Killed The Lion to the music family. So many bands represented under one roof there could have been a once-in-a-lifetime jam session on stage after the show. Also included on the lineup besides WKTL was other opening bands Foolish and Brothers Kung for headliner Luring Thieves.
SouthSide highly recommends checking out her friend We Killed The Lion for their groovi-licious, mind bending trip through modern psychedelia rock. Though minus the fun swirling neon lights and dazzling lava lamps in the background, this rockin' trio lit up the stage with a hot blast of vibrant electro riffs having the tendency of being calm one minute then intense the next (or sometimes both at the same time) and thunderous percussion drumming that had continuous psychedelic combination created unique rhythms to thrill and chill ...soothing melodic grooves intricately woven inside Lion's instrumental bridges and hard hitting rock sound to leave you breathless. Also SouthSide noted the way the band would cross genre within its base psychedelia music such as punk (as heard in the song Joan Jett) as well as inspire the mind with lyrical poetry (as heard in the song 7 Circles). Picking a song or two to suggest as recommended listening while acquainting yourself with We Killed The Lion was met with some difficulty, blogspot readers, since each song during this debut had its own way of engaging the audience into the energizing momentum. However, she did find a few noteworthy gems in which you can feel the psychedelic groove of what this band is vibin'. Listen to Backdown for its hot spitfire tempo which accompanied the rockin' electro riffs (loved the Frampton-like guitar whine) thrilling everyone to the bone until the last note; then, journey through Lion's Blackhole where Brian (front man and guitarist) projected a varying vocal range almost deept and grunge-like in a Kurt Cobain voice) while effectively conveying the one of the lyrics; feel the lull of Somnia amidst the wicked guitar work featuring some harsh riffs at the bridge while being devoid of any psychededlia energy; and check out The Starship and To The Sky together for one incredible trip through the electrifying groove of trippy psychedelia. Grab a free CD (and condoms - just in case of doing you know what after the show, blogspot readers) featuring songs - Joan Jett, Backdown and The Scene. For more information, visit We Killed The Lion at http://www.reverbnation.com/wekilledthelion.
Continuing tonight's psychedelia theme, this headlining trio rocked the late night audience to music from the other side of the spectrum, blogspot readers. Friend Luring Thieves wowed with another stunning performance full of instrumental compositions that featured more energizing sounds of thrilling electro guitar riffs and intense percuession drumming. This reviewer once again enoyed how each Luring member passionately a piece of themselves while performing on stage in which you could instantly feel the flowing vibrations of the strings strummed or the thunderous clash of the cymbals wafting around the basement. That's how intense this band's epic pieces were. Yet that's probably the main reason why Luring Thieves' songs contain no verbal or vocal lyrics. No human voice could match what was being played but still one could vaguely hear the soulful emotions intricately vibing through the guitar chords and drumming thus creating Luring's momentous high of rock sound when combined together at the right moment. At times, the "voice" (ie music) had a vibrant groove where Luring would play within an energizing rock sound meanwhile in others, the psychedelia took over immersing the audience into long trippy movement amongst the neon stage lighting. SouthSide liked how both bands were paired together back to back for tonight's Elbo Room lineup. Those who stayed for both sets really experienced completely two different sides of the same music genre for two solid hours. For more information, visit Luring Thieves at http://www.luringthieves.bandcamp.com.
To view more photos from this show - visit http://www.flickr.com/photos/southsidechgo.
Until next time, support your local scene,
SouthSide
SouthSide highly recommends checking out her friend We Killed The Lion for their groovi-licious, mind bending trip through modern psychedelia rock. Though minus the fun swirling neon lights and dazzling lava lamps in the background, this rockin' trio lit up the stage with a hot blast of vibrant electro riffs having the tendency of being calm one minute then intense the next (or sometimes both at the same time) and thunderous percussion drumming that had continuous psychedelic combination created unique rhythms to thrill and chill ...soothing melodic grooves intricately woven inside Lion's instrumental bridges and hard hitting rock sound to leave you breathless. Also SouthSide noted the way the band would cross genre within its base psychedelia music such as punk (as heard in the song Joan Jett) as well as inspire the mind with lyrical poetry (as heard in the song 7 Circles). Picking a song or two to suggest as recommended listening while acquainting yourself with We Killed The Lion was met with some difficulty, blogspot readers, since each song during this debut had its own way of engaging the audience into the energizing momentum. However, she did find a few noteworthy gems in which you can feel the psychedelic groove of what this band is vibin'. Listen to Backdown for its hot spitfire tempo which accompanied the rockin' electro riffs (loved the Frampton-like guitar whine) thrilling everyone to the bone until the last note; then, journey through Lion's Blackhole where Brian (front man and guitarist) projected a varying vocal range almost deept and grunge-like in a Kurt Cobain voice) while effectively conveying the one of the lyrics; feel the lull of Somnia amidst the wicked guitar work featuring some harsh riffs at the bridge while being devoid of any psychededlia energy; and check out The Starship and To The Sky together for one incredible trip through the electrifying groove of trippy psychedelia. Grab a free CD (and condoms - just in case of doing you know what after the show, blogspot readers) featuring songs - Joan Jett, Backdown and The Scene. For more information, visit We Killed The Lion at http://www.reverbnation.com/wekilledthelion.
Continuing tonight's psychedelia theme, this headlining trio rocked the late night audience to music from the other side of the spectrum, blogspot readers. Friend Luring Thieves wowed with another stunning performance full of instrumental compositions that featured more energizing sounds of thrilling electro guitar riffs and intense percuession drumming. This reviewer once again enoyed how each Luring member passionately a piece of themselves while performing on stage in which you could instantly feel the flowing vibrations of the strings strummed or the thunderous clash of the cymbals wafting around the basement. That's how intense this band's epic pieces were. Yet that's probably the main reason why Luring Thieves' songs contain no verbal or vocal lyrics. No human voice could match what was being played but still one could vaguely hear the soulful emotions intricately vibing through the guitar chords and drumming thus creating Luring's momentous high of rock sound when combined together at the right moment. At times, the "voice" (ie music) had a vibrant groove where Luring would play within an energizing rock sound meanwhile in others, the psychedelia took over immersing the audience into long trippy movement amongst the neon stage lighting. SouthSide liked how both bands were paired together back to back for tonight's Elbo Room lineup. Those who stayed for both sets really experienced completely two different sides of the same music genre for two solid hours. For more information, visit Luring Thieves at http://www.luringthieves.bandcamp.com.
To view more photos from this show - visit http://www.flickr.com/photos/southsidechgo.
Until next time, support your local scene,
SouthSide
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
15 Mar 12
Continuing with tonight's metal/rock theme at Double Door, blogspot readers, SouthSide's friend inside the middle of the opening lineup was Denial Machine as the band started the set with a subtle crescendoo rise before popping the eardrums with a raw blast of primal screaming during Silver Tongue Devil. This local band rocked the stage with more of a melodic sound tangled within the electic riffs and thunderous drum percussion even though there were moments when the intense music overshadowed the non-screamo vocals. It was no fault of the band, blogspot readers - this reviewer noticed there was a couple of minor difficulties with the mic throughout this set. Despite that hampering SouthSide's enjoyment of feeling the animalistic screamo or the tortured soul (during The Burden [Tortured]) a little, still this band performed on stage electrifying the audience within its riffs while wrapping the ears to the vocal angst and frustration (by front man Skube). The emotions in his voice was literally dripping all over the microphone during songs like Idee Fixe and Promises. SouthSide highly recommends getting your metal on when listening to Denial's theme song - The Denial Machine in which you'll hear as well as feel the hardcore guitar riffs being pumped into your ears and then tackle your hand at God Particle where the band takes the energy down for a bit yet keeping that intense momentum going amidst the emotional angst off the lyrics. Watch out for those the chord changes, blogspot readers, at the bridge to get you back into the head-banging spirit. SouthSide highly recommends checking out her friend Denial Machine at their next live show but in the meantime, visit the band on its Myspace and Facebook sites.
After her brief chat with Jodi of Losing Scarlet, SouthSide returned to her perch in time to rock out her night at Double Door to some wild hair slinging metal rock by Skinwalker. This band combined the best of the metal world - the hair (on a couple of members), raw screamo power and twitterpating guitar rock especially heard during the instrumental bridge when two out of three tore of the stage. Skinwalker prided itself in allowing each audience member to not only hear but feel the electric riffs off its guitar rock intensity which excited the crowd around the stage throughout each song. And to keep that momentum going, Skinwalker didn't slow down to catch its breath ...they flowed rather easily straight through their set list that sometimes SouthSide had to stop writing to keep in pace with their fast-paced stage tempo. While covering Dio's The Last In Line, Taran (front man) upped the vocal intensity by pouring out the emotions off the lyrics as the band backed him with hardcore electric riffs ...and the finish - whoa ...that's all SouthSide can say. You had to be there, blogspot readers, to hear it. Then it was back to band's well known head-banging metal rock in which filled the venue with more gritty riffs and vocal powress especially when rockin' the stage during Universal Lie (off Skinwalker's first album. This reviewer also highly recommends sinking your metal teeth in the band's other songs like Slave, Swine and Now That The World Is Ending (sort of fitting if the Mayans are right Dec. 21). Don't believe the hype if someone tells you that metal is dead - HA ...not with bands like Skinwalker, Denial Machine and Losing Scarlet keeping it alive and well in Chicago's music scene. For more information about Skinwalker, visit http://www.myspace.com/skinwalkerchicago.
Until next time, support your local scene,
SouthSide
After her brief chat with Jodi of Losing Scarlet, SouthSide returned to her perch in time to rock out her night at Double Door to some wild hair slinging metal rock by Skinwalker. This band combined the best of the metal world - the hair (on a couple of members), raw screamo power and twitterpating guitar rock especially heard during the instrumental bridge when two out of three tore of the stage. Skinwalker prided itself in allowing each audience member to not only hear but feel the electric riffs off its guitar rock intensity which excited the crowd around the stage throughout each song. And to keep that momentum going, Skinwalker didn't slow down to catch its breath ...they flowed rather easily straight through their set list that sometimes SouthSide had to stop writing to keep in pace with their fast-paced stage tempo. While covering Dio's The Last In Line, Taran (front man) upped the vocal intensity by pouring out the emotions off the lyrics as the band backed him with hardcore electric riffs ...and the finish - whoa ...that's all SouthSide can say. You had to be there, blogspot readers, to hear it. Then it was back to band's well known head-banging metal rock in which filled the venue with more gritty riffs and vocal powress especially when rockin' the stage during Universal Lie (off Skinwalker's first album. This reviewer also highly recommends sinking your metal teeth in the band's other songs like Slave, Swine and Now That The World Is Ending (sort of fitting if the Mayans are right Dec. 21). Don't believe the hype if someone tells you that metal is dead - HA ...not with bands like Skinwalker, Denial Machine and Losing Scarlet keeping it alive and well in Chicago's music scene. For more information about Skinwalker, visit http://www.myspace.com/skinwalkerchicago.
Until next time, support your local scene,
SouthSide
15 Mar 12 - Losing Scarlet
Hey, blogspot readers, who's ready to get their metal on? SouthSide was on Thursday night. And she did at Double Door as part of the venue's block of free shows during the St. Patrick's Day weekend. The lineup featured thrilling electric guitar riffs, thunderous head-banging drums and intense music performances by friends - Losing Scarlet, Denial Machine and Skinwalker. These hot rockin' bands on the rise within Chicago's vibrant metal scene opened for headliner - El Diablo (http://www.facebook.com/Eldiablomusic). Besides reviewing the heart-pounding, fist pumping action from her secret perch inside Double Door, SouthSide spent a few moments chatting one-on-one with Jodi, lead vocalist of Losing Scarlet for an exclussive peek inside this local band and its music.
"...Pat Benetar [after having] sex with Sevendust had a baby named Scarlet..." was how Jodi described her band Losing Scarlet as part of SouthSide's quick chat with the vocalist. The band, blogspot readers, literally grew into their name specifically wanting "Scarlet" as a part of it ...the "Losing" according to Jodi meant "...losing any kind of innocence ...overcoming fears and taking chances ...fighting ...sticking together..." Over the years, this reviewer has watched this metal band develop and grow musically "...taking [those] chances..." that no one else would dare thus becoming a rising force amongst Chicago's local scene. And believe SouthSide, it truly has shown what this band accomplished so far. Currently working on their third CD, Jodi and the guys (Scott - guitar, Shawn - drums, and Petra - bass) kicked off the lineup by rockin' the stage and metal enthusisiasts with electrifying riffs, thrilling metal sound and dynamic female vocals that kick some serious arse, fellas. SouthSide enjoyed Losing's brand of mixing energizing momentum packed within each song and powerfully dynamic voice to soulfully emit angst and fiery spirit inside the lyrics. Jodi did admit to SouthSide during the interview that she might be a little bipolar when it comes to Losing's lyrcial and creative process. According to her, she mindfucks on lyrics yet it's all about the band's "...true love for the music ...the passion for what they put into it..."
There's defintiely a strong presence of true love and passion in which Losing is known for not just here locally in Chicago but elsewhere in the Midwest region where they have once performed in front of a crowd of 5,000 (at Eagles Ballroom). For instance, Losing's new songs All Guns Blazin' (summing up what Losing Scarlet has gone through over the years) and Off With Your Head according to Jodi showed the Double Door metalheads that they (Losing Scarlet) meant business, blogspot readers. "...[we're] not messing around ...[have] matured as artists [by] gelling together and taking the stage by the balls..." Hearing those two particular songs live was a fierce intense experience. This reviewer enjoyed the excitable energy immediately felt within All Guns Blazin' intro that's wonderfully coupled to Jodi's soulful yet bitchy raw vocals especially during the chorus. This song packed solid hardcore rock punches amidst gritty guitar riffs and metal sound ...certainly the next Losing Scarlet hit. On the flipside, Off With Your Head took a downtempo route yet retained that metal-tastic rock sound as well as Jodi's angst and fiesty "I'm going to kick your arse" spirit though not as soulfully bitchy compared to All Guns Blazin'. After having opened for natiocal acts like Five Finger Death Punch, Alter Bridge, Godsmack and many more (Jodi sincerely apologizes if she missed anyone), you might she's a little nervous rockin' the stage. Well, that's not the case, blogspot readers - she's more relaxed with that "at home" feeling on stage that off ...believe it or not, this lead vocalist is shy. Before ending the interview, SouthSide for fun asked Jodi, if she had any parting words and/or advice for ex-IL governor Rod Blagojevich (who entered federal prison earlier that afternoon to serve his 14 year sentence). Despite not "doing" politics, she only had one thing to say "...don't drop the soap..."
SouthSide highly recommends checking out her friend Losing Scarlet at the band's next show but in the meantime, visit http://www.losingscarlet.com or their Myspace and Facebook pages for more information and music.
Until next time, support your local scene,
SouthSide
"...Pat Benetar [after having] sex with Sevendust had a baby named Scarlet..." was how Jodi described her band Losing Scarlet as part of SouthSide's quick chat with the vocalist. The band, blogspot readers, literally grew into their name specifically wanting "Scarlet" as a part of it ...the "Losing" according to Jodi meant "...losing any kind of innocence ...overcoming fears and taking chances ...fighting ...sticking together..." Over the years, this reviewer has watched this metal band develop and grow musically "...taking [those] chances..." that no one else would dare thus becoming a rising force amongst Chicago's local scene. And believe SouthSide, it truly has shown what this band accomplished so far. Currently working on their third CD, Jodi and the guys (Scott - guitar, Shawn - drums, and Petra - bass) kicked off the lineup by rockin' the stage and metal enthusisiasts with electrifying riffs, thrilling metal sound and dynamic female vocals that kick some serious arse, fellas. SouthSide enjoyed Losing's brand of mixing energizing momentum packed within each song and powerfully dynamic voice to soulfully emit angst and fiery spirit inside the lyrics. Jodi did admit to SouthSide during the interview that she might be a little bipolar when it comes to Losing's lyrcial and creative process. According to her, she mindfucks on lyrics yet it's all about the band's "...true love for the music ...the passion for what they put into it..."
There's defintiely a strong presence of true love and passion in which Losing is known for not just here locally in Chicago but elsewhere in the Midwest region where they have once performed in front of a crowd of 5,000 (at Eagles Ballroom). For instance, Losing's new songs All Guns Blazin' (summing up what Losing Scarlet has gone through over the years) and Off With Your Head according to Jodi showed the Double Door metalheads that they (Losing Scarlet) meant business, blogspot readers. "...[we're] not messing around ...[have] matured as artists [by] gelling together and taking the stage by the balls..." Hearing those two particular songs live was a fierce intense experience. This reviewer enjoyed the excitable energy immediately felt within All Guns Blazin' intro that's wonderfully coupled to Jodi's soulful yet bitchy raw vocals especially during the chorus. This song packed solid hardcore rock punches amidst gritty guitar riffs and metal sound ...certainly the next Losing Scarlet hit. On the flipside, Off With Your Head took a downtempo route yet retained that metal-tastic rock sound as well as Jodi's angst and fiesty "I'm going to kick your arse" spirit though not as soulfully bitchy compared to All Guns Blazin'. After having opened for natiocal acts like Five Finger Death Punch, Alter Bridge, Godsmack and many more (Jodi sincerely apologizes if she missed anyone), you might she's a little nervous rockin' the stage. Well, that's not the case, blogspot readers - she's more relaxed with that "at home" feeling on stage that off ...believe it or not, this lead vocalist is shy. Before ending the interview, SouthSide for fun asked Jodi, if she had any parting words and/or advice for ex-IL governor Rod Blagojevich (who entered federal prison earlier that afternoon to serve his 14 year sentence). Despite not "doing" politics, she only had one thing to say "...don't drop the soap..."
SouthSide highly recommends checking out her friend Losing Scarlet at the band's next show but in the meantime, visit http://www.losingscarlet.com or their Myspace and Facebook pages for more information and music.
Until next time, support your local scene,
SouthSide
Thursday, March 15, 2012
09 Mar 12
Hey, blogspot readers, let's get physical-ly fit with this local band! And you don't need a gym membership either. Tonight, at Elbo Room, SouthSide joined many other "fitness enthusists" fans to see her friend Workout Music exercise the stage with fun, music and confetti. LOTS and lots of confetti. Also included in this intense music workout was Trash The Dress and The Apollo Effect (from Toronto, Canada).
Though missing Trash's performance, SouthSide did sample a little of Apollo's set and as much as she tried, she couldn't honestly enjoy it. Not saying the band's music wasn't vibrantly bursting at the seams within its intense rock sound but that would depend on which genre Apollo was performing while on stage. One minute this band had a Depeche Mode/The Cure soung before rockin' the stage as a Rascal Flatts country/rock band. Seriously, blogspot readers, all of this cross-genre jumping back and forth during the time this reviewer saw them left her feeling confused. Were they a metal/rock or country/rock band? Who knows ...the stage presentation (front man included) didn't help sell The Apollo Effect to SouthSide. For more information about this band, visit http://www.theapolloeffect.com.
Workout Music - this band will make you sweat by dancing to their rockin' music, blogspot readers. And when a Workout set is done, you'll be drenched in confetti-ed sweat wanting more. That's what happened tonight at Elbo Room as her good friend rocked out the lineup with fun pop/rock sound amidst a flurry of colored paper everywhere. It may have been solely paper confetti this time ...next show - who knows what magical fun props this band will pull out of their hat. After opening with a soulful rendition of Whitney Houston's I'll Always Love You (best heard thus far), Workout quickly had this packed basement lounge sweatin' to some new WOM oldies. Performing songs off Dance.Sweat.Rock., this zany local band didn't allow minor technical difficulties noisly interrupting the beginning of the set to ruin everyone's fun time. This crowd was ready to do more than just "workout" to their favorite song ...they were in a party mood. From Big Booty Jeans and Aint My Jeans to Drop Them Drawers (there's a raunchy theme going on here in case you haven't noticed), WOM fans were getting physical-ly fit to the band's high intensity and octane rock sound which fueled each member to turn up the momentum even more. SouthSide liked how WOM jazzercised each performance with energy from start to finish, blogspot readers. The music's designed not for you to stand around but to snag your entire body into the catchy pop hooks, rockin' pep and nonstop action like when WOM performed Don't Stop Now and Sounds Like Church. SouthSide highly recommends donning your best sweat gear and getting physical-ly fit with her friend Workout Music at a "gym" near you this 2012. For more information, visit http://www.facebook.com/workoutmusicband.
To see more photos from Elbo Room, http://www.flckr.com/photos/southsidechgo.
Until next time, suppor your local scene,
SouthSide
Though missing Trash's performance, SouthSide did sample a little of Apollo's set and as much as she tried, she couldn't honestly enjoy it. Not saying the band's music wasn't vibrantly bursting at the seams within its intense rock sound but that would depend on which genre Apollo was performing while on stage. One minute this band had a Depeche Mode/The Cure soung before rockin' the stage as a Rascal Flatts country/rock band. Seriously, blogspot readers, all of this cross-genre jumping back and forth during the time this reviewer saw them left her feeling confused. Were they a metal/rock or country/rock band? Who knows ...the stage presentation (front man included) didn't help sell The Apollo Effect to SouthSide. For more information about this band, visit http://www.theapolloeffect.com.
Workout Music - this band will make you sweat by dancing to their rockin' music, blogspot readers. And when a Workout set is done, you'll be drenched in confetti-ed sweat wanting more. That's what happened tonight at Elbo Room as her good friend rocked out the lineup with fun pop/rock sound amidst a flurry of colored paper everywhere. It may have been solely paper confetti this time ...next show - who knows what magical fun props this band will pull out of their hat. After opening with a soulful rendition of Whitney Houston's I'll Always Love You (best heard thus far), Workout quickly had this packed basement lounge sweatin' to some new WOM oldies. Performing songs off Dance.Sweat.Rock., this zany local band didn't allow minor technical difficulties noisly interrupting the beginning of the set to ruin everyone's fun time. This crowd was ready to do more than just "workout" to their favorite song ...they were in a party mood. From Big Booty Jeans and Aint My Jeans to Drop Them Drawers (there's a raunchy theme going on here in case you haven't noticed), WOM fans were getting physical-ly fit to the band's high intensity and octane rock sound which fueled each member to turn up the momentum even more. SouthSide liked how WOM jazzercised each performance with energy from start to finish, blogspot readers. The music's designed not for you to stand around but to snag your entire body into the catchy pop hooks, rockin' pep and nonstop action like when WOM performed Don't Stop Now and Sounds Like Church. SouthSide highly recommends donning your best sweat gear and getting physical-ly fit with her friend Workout Music at a "gym" near you this 2012. For more information, visit http://www.facebook.com/workoutmusicband.
To see more photos from Elbo Room, http://www.flckr.com/photos/southsidechgo.
Until next time, suppor your local scene,
SouthSide
10 Mar 12
"...good to be back in a real city..." ~ The Grownup Noise
Hey, blogspot readers, it's a special pre-SXSW show in Chicago! Tonight, SouthSide's spending a rare Sunday On The Town adventure at Darkroom to welcome back her friend from Boston, MA - The Grownup Noise. This band was performing a one-night Chicago only show as part of their journey to Austin's SXSW 2012 and other cities along the way ...touring the east coast with Golden Boy (featuring Shon Sullivan-guitarist for Elliot Smith and Neil Finn of Crowded House).
Opening tonight's lineup was Indiana's own Holas (pronounced OH-LAHZ) in which this reviewer found the band's rock sound quite interesting amidst a dramatic yet haunting electric riffs and powerful vocal falsetto. She enjoyed the thundering percussion that created a heart-pounding rush throughout this trio's performance. Holas was big on giving the audience a vibrant variety of music ranging from an upbeat hardcore metal to alt/rock full of imagery and symbolism wrapped inside the lyrical poetry of the words. SouthSide suggests listening to the The Glacial Anthem (one part intense rock music mixed with one part dramatic vocals equaling one awesome epic song) and Blown Speakers (off their Mecca Lecca compliation CD - Magical Mixed Tape). Also check out The Glacial Meltdown (remix) and a live version of the Glacial Flight Song - both featured on their free CD - Holas + Chicago Skyway. Also snag a copy of the Mecca Lecca compliation CD in which features tracks by Unicycle Loves You, Howth, Right On Dynamite and more. Visit http://www.meccalecca.com for more information and music and http://www.holas.bandcamp.com.
Tonight's The Grownup Noise Chicago performance was a little different from their original premiere a while back at Elbo Room. This time, the group performed a semi-acoustic act without their drummer, Aine ...yet the question of the night - could they pull it off? Well, not to worry, blogspot readers and Noise fans back in Boston, they rocked the stage with such intensity and vibrant sound of music which helped Paul's (front man on vocals and guitar) vocals to dynamically pop the lyrics to life. There was more vivid heartfelt expression within his voice that made the lyrics seem so realistic and emotional even while in a downtempo folk/alternative sound during the song Try This Again. Though the intense keyboard rhythms was a little overpowerving at times while performing Artist Type and Astronomy As Therapy, Grownup still entertained the audience with catchy guitar hooks, feel good melodies and harmonizing vocals. The pockets of the band's intense rock sound came with the instrumental bridges which allowed the ears to soak amongst the flow of the music ...so simple and pure that lively tunes such as Astronomy As Therapy and Carnival were a treasure to enjoy. The banjo and dual synth/keyboard rhythms offered the audience a uniquely different elctro folk vibe in which held the many ears captive amidst the tender sentiments until the very end. Yes, blogspot readers, the drummer was missed however The Grownup Noise did prevail by re-inventing itself (a little) by creating intense music and energizing momentum to highlight Paul's vocal style. For more information about this band, visit http://www.thegrownupnoise.com.
Until next time, support your local scene,
SouthSide
Hey, blogspot readers, it's a special pre-SXSW show in Chicago! Tonight, SouthSide's spending a rare Sunday On The Town adventure at Darkroom to welcome back her friend from Boston, MA - The Grownup Noise. This band was performing a one-night Chicago only show as part of their journey to Austin's SXSW 2012 and other cities along the way ...touring the east coast with Golden Boy (featuring Shon Sullivan-guitarist for Elliot Smith and Neil Finn of Crowded House).
Opening tonight's lineup was Indiana's own Holas (pronounced OH-LAHZ) in which this reviewer found the band's rock sound quite interesting amidst a dramatic yet haunting electric riffs and powerful vocal falsetto. She enjoyed the thundering percussion that created a heart-pounding rush throughout this trio's performance. Holas was big on giving the audience a vibrant variety of music ranging from an upbeat hardcore metal to alt/rock full of imagery and symbolism wrapped inside the lyrical poetry of the words. SouthSide suggests listening to the The Glacial Anthem (one part intense rock music mixed with one part dramatic vocals equaling one awesome epic song) and Blown Speakers (off their Mecca Lecca compliation CD - Magical Mixed Tape). Also check out The Glacial Meltdown (remix) and a live version of the Glacial Flight Song - both featured on their free CD - Holas + Chicago Skyway. Also snag a copy of the Mecca Lecca compliation CD in which features tracks by Unicycle Loves You, Howth, Right On Dynamite and more. Visit http://www.meccalecca.com for more information and music and http://www.holas.bandcamp.com.
Tonight's The Grownup Noise Chicago performance was a little different from their original premiere a while back at Elbo Room. This time, the group performed a semi-acoustic act without their drummer, Aine ...yet the question of the night - could they pull it off? Well, not to worry, blogspot readers and Noise fans back in Boston, they rocked the stage with such intensity and vibrant sound of music which helped Paul's (front man on vocals and guitar) vocals to dynamically pop the lyrics to life. There was more vivid heartfelt expression within his voice that made the lyrics seem so realistic and emotional even while in a downtempo folk/alternative sound during the song Try This Again. Though the intense keyboard rhythms was a little overpowerving at times while performing Artist Type and Astronomy As Therapy, Grownup still entertained the audience with catchy guitar hooks, feel good melodies and harmonizing vocals. The pockets of the band's intense rock sound came with the instrumental bridges which allowed the ears to soak amongst the flow of the music ...so simple and pure that lively tunes such as Astronomy As Therapy and Carnival were a treasure to enjoy. The banjo and dual synth/keyboard rhythms offered the audience a uniquely different elctro folk vibe in which held the many ears captive amidst the tender sentiments until the very end. Yes, blogspot readers, the drummer was missed however The Grownup Noise did prevail by re-inventing itself (a little) by creating intense music and energizing momentum to highlight Paul's vocal style. For more information about this band, visit http://www.thegrownupnoise.com.
Until next time, support your local scene,
SouthSide
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
02 Mar 12
"...does this fanny pack make me look fat?" ~ Nick Demske
"...dancing is pure / dancing is a disease..." Christine K
Hey, blogspot readers, SouthSide's joining her rock gig for a book! Tonight, she joined other literary club members at Wicker Park's hippest rock venue for poetry and more that featured live readings from a selected group of authors. Get Lit!, a celebration of the importance of exclamation points, is a joint collaboration between the curators of Brookyln's Mental Marginalia reading series and editors of lit and dewclaw. Throughout this free event, authors such as Darren Angle, Christian Ochoa, Mark Bibbins entertained the audience with their dramatic pieces of words while trying to stay sober.
Upon arriving, SouthSide found the works by Evelyn H very thought-provoking and full of vivid imagery especially while reading one titled, Transitions. Her collection personified inaminate objects amidst real life situations as well as being a bit philosophical too. Meanwhile Christine K and her time on stage featured a poetic floetry in which she wrapped the audience inside a steady vibe of descriptive imagery, blogspot readers. For instance, during the reading of The Denial (a terrible title according to the author), this reviewer got the sense of listening to the lyrics of Pink Floyd's Time from the way she used and described it. Despite this particular piece being a tad confusing, the author did captivate SouthSide's interest. Then, Mark G immediately took the stage with his Verse in 29 Seconds grabbing everyone's attention as the lyrical flow of words popped to life. This author had a dramatic way of stressing the intensity of his voice whenever they flowed out of his mouth. The highlight of his time on stage was when a broadcasted message from his Resistance Is Futile (a series) had encaptured our minds with thoughts of alien abduction.
Jaclyn (from WI) offered a morbid slice of life through realistic descriptions of death within her hunting poems, blogspot readers, especially during one long piece in which a young boy imagines gutting and dismembering his own family. She did assure the audience between breaks that no one really dies despite the heavy descriptors used to personify the buck and doe as his father and mother. It was truly deep and poetically "bloody" for this reviewer's taste. However the author did read one piece that was less scary yet morbidly disturbing on the subject of death in A Boy in the Land of Squashed Kittens. Meanwhile politically dangerous Nick Demske asked the eternal question that's been alluding man for decades - what are hot dogs really made from during his presentation of Hot Dog. What SouthSide liked about this author was the passion he had through his words ...sometimes interjecting whimsical humor as well as himself into the words too. His time on stage concluded with a poem from his Starfucker (about media/celebrity culture) series in which the author absolutely lit up the venue with his sexual heat, energy and fervor of experiencing the best from a starfucker - a high octane lover.
Darren Angle delighted his fanbase with readings off dewclaw.com site - Two Crickets which this reviewer instantly felt the anger of finding a cricket's leg in a cup of coffee. Yet on the flipside, Darren offered a cricket's point of view about the human world in a piece titled 2 that emphatically stated "...if you only have a minute to live ...it's better to be a cricket than a human..." This particular piece had a certain clam, zen-like tone and attitude compared to the first one. The author also entertained the audience with his Meteor Heading to a Town Obeys The Laws of Psychics. SouthSide highly recommdends snagging the mini chatbook by Darren featuring Two Crickets while supplies last. Meanwhile Matt not only popped the stage with the passion of words espeically during his opening piece Poision In My Body Fat but the many f-bombs dropping everywhere. Effectively his poetic style held the audience captive as well as spellbound throughout his time on stage with Shakespearean anologies (Titus Andronicus and Hamlet, Prince of Denmark) before entertaining us with the piece titled Ending With Geranium (dedicated to his friendly heckler Nate). He ended his time with the final piece - Power Is Wrong which was inspired by a message received on his Facebook page from a Christian teen.
After a brief intermission, Christie-Anne delightfully entertained the audience with a reading of actual text messages from her worrisome mother who's determined to have grandkids now. These unedited messages were funny as we listened to her mother's thoughts about her sister and father as well as wanting to meet Christie's boyfriends to disapproving her of keeping chickens as pets. Then Andrew's piece titled Mapquest presented the listening audience an expressive flow of vivid imagery amidst a peak into ordinary life. His other two - Lip Service and Infinity were thought-provoking while speaking calmly to allow our imaginations soar ...get lost amongst his words. Before leaving, Former Lit editor Jackie Clark read to the audience works from her latest chatbook. SouthSide immediately felt the lucid movement of her words flowing like water while reading her pieces in a soothing docile tone. Her usage of imagery on the subjects of love to chemistry equations as well as geometric figures and shapes was wonderfully beautiful to behold, blogspot readers.
SouthSide higly recommends snagging the latest copy of Lit magazine - available now. For more information visit http://www.litmagazine.org or http://www.dewclawjournal.com.
Until next time, support your local literary scene,
SouthSide
"...dancing is pure / dancing is a disease..." Christine K
Hey, blogspot readers, SouthSide's joining her rock gig for a book! Tonight, she joined other literary club members at Wicker Park's hippest rock venue for poetry and more that featured live readings from a selected group of authors. Get Lit!, a celebration of the importance of exclamation points, is a joint collaboration between the curators of Brookyln's Mental Marginalia reading series and editors of lit and dewclaw. Throughout this free event, authors such as Darren Angle, Christian Ochoa, Mark Bibbins entertained the audience with their dramatic pieces of words while trying to stay sober.
Upon arriving, SouthSide found the works by Evelyn H very thought-provoking and full of vivid imagery especially while reading one titled, Transitions. Her collection personified inaminate objects amidst real life situations as well as being a bit philosophical too. Meanwhile Christine K and her time on stage featured a poetic floetry in which she wrapped the audience inside a steady vibe of descriptive imagery, blogspot readers. For instance, during the reading of The Denial (a terrible title according to the author), this reviewer got the sense of listening to the lyrics of Pink Floyd's Time from the way she used and described it. Despite this particular piece being a tad confusing, the author did captivate SouthSide's interest. Then, Mark G immediately took the stage with his Verse in 29 Seconds grabbing everyone's attention as the lyrical flow of words popped to life. This author had a dramatic way of stressing the intensity of his voice whenever they flowed out of his mouth. The highlight of his time on stage was when a broadcasted message from his Resistance Is Futile (a series) had encaptured our minds with thoughts of alien abduction.
Jaclyn (from WI) offered a morbid slice of life through realistic descriptions of death within her hunting poems, blogspot readers, especially during one long piece in which a young boy imagines gutting and dismembering his own family. She did assure the audience between breaks that no one really dies despite the heavy descriptors used to personify the buck and doe as his father and mother. It was truly deep and poetically "bloody" for this reviewer's taste. However the author did read one piece that was less scary yet morbidly disturbing on the subject of death in A Boy in the Land of Squashed Kittens. Meanwhile politically dangerous Nick Demske asked the eternal question that's been alluding man for decades - what are hot dogs really made from during his presentation of Hot Dog. What SouthSide liked about this author was the passion he had through his words ...sometimes interjecting whimsical humor as well as himself into the words too. His time on stage concluded with a poem from his Starfucker (about media/celebrity culture) series in which the author absolutely lit up the venue with his sexual heat, energy and fervor of experiencing the best from a starfucker - a high octane lover.
Darren Angle delighted his fanbase with readings off dewclaw.com site - Two Crickets which this reviewer instantly felt the anger of finding a cricket's leg in a cup of coffee. Yet on the flipside, Darren offered a cricket's point of view about the human world in a piece titled 2 that emphatically stated "...if you only have a minute to live ...it's better to be a cricket than a human..." This particular piece had a certain clam, zen-like tone and attitude compared to the first one. The author also entertained the audience with his Meteor Heading to a Town Obeys The Laws of Psychics. SouthSide highly recommdends snagging the mini chatbook by Darren featuring Two Crickets while supplies last. Meanwhile Matt not only popped the stage with the passion of words espeically during his opening piece Poision In My Body Fat but the many f-bombs dropping everywhere. Effectively his poetic style held the audience captive as well as spellbound throughout his time on stage with Shakespearean anologies (Titus Andronicus and Hamlet, Prince of Denmark) before entertaining us with the piece titled Ending With Geranium (dedicated to his friendly heckler Nate). He ended his time with the final piece - Power Is Wrong which was inspired by a message received on his Facebook page from a Christian teen.
After a brief intermission, Christie-Anne delightfully entertained the audience with a reading of actual text messages from her worrisome mother who's determined to have grandkids now. These unedited messages were funny as we listened to her mother's thoughts about her sister and father as well as wanting to meet Christie's boyfriends to disapproving her of keeping chickens as pets. Then Andrew's piece titled Mapquest presented the listening audience an expressive flow of vivid imagery amidst a peak into ordinary life. His other two - Lip Service and Infinity were thought-provoking while speaking calmly to allow our imaginations soar ...get lost amongst his words. Before leaving, Former Lit editor Jackie Clark read to the audience works from her latest chatbook. SouthSide immediately felt the lucid movement of her words flowing like water while reading her pieces in a soothing docile tone. Her usage of imagery on the subjects of love to chemistry equations as well as geometric figures and shapes was wonderfully beautiful to behold, blogspot readers.
SouthSide higly recommends snagging the latest copy of Lit magazine - available now. For more information visit http://www.litmagazine.org or http://www.dewclawjournal.com.
Until next time, support your local literary scene,
SouthSide
Friday, March 9, 2012
01 Mar 12
Hey, blogspot readers, SouthSide's marchin' back to Reggie's Rock Club! She returned to this rockin' southside venue to join other fans in seeing the legendary punk rockers and pioneers Glen Matlock (Sex Pistols, Rich Kids) and Hugh Cornwell (Stranglers) featuring Blondie's Clem Burke on drums and Mitch on bass. Opening for these legends of rock-n-roll history was Chicago's own local legends, The Handcuffs. SouthSide highly recommends catching this rockin' punk/glam act their next scheduled show which consisted of a bit of Brit pop amidst a lively electric and keyboard rhythms. She enjoyed the band's witty yet simplistic lyrical style while groovin' to the flowing energy and momentum that kept many (especially those closest to the stage) within that vibrant vibe song after song. Perfoming songs off new album - Wating For The Robot, The Handcuffs dedicated their set in memory of The Monkee's Davy Jones ..."...the most punk rocker of them all..." according to lead vocalist/guitarist Choloe. This reviewer had a fun time listening to songs like I Just Wanna Be Free Man, Gotta Problem With Me (which required some audience participation when she sang "...you gotta problem with me...") and Electroluv. SouthSide also says watch the drummer, Brad, in the back - he's quite a character while performing with the band. For more information, visit http://www.thehandcuffs.com.
SouthSide had a thrilling rush, blogspot readers, when Glen Matlock stepped onto the stage as she prepared to relive great memories with this legendary punk guitarist. And she wasn't the only one ready to rock, so were the many cross-generational age range of fans who packed the venue for this show. It was totally awesome to hear such timeless songs like God Save The Queen, Ambition, White Knuckle Riot, Yeah Right and more during his hour-long performance. Glen kept the crowd in a frantic frenzy especially during God Save The Queen (SouthSide's first introduction to Sex Pistols) and Yeah Right but did display some powerful falsetto vocals for Ambition amidst a blues riff. As a fitting tribute to his friend, Davy Jones, Glen and the band performed a punk version of The Monkees' I'm Not Your Stepping Stone ...another time in which many in the crowd were in a complete dancing frenzy.
Meanwhile during the Hugh Cornwell performance, this legend rocked the stage with a combination of his hits which included a rare blues break featuring his deep vocal style, blogspot readers. Compared to Glen's performance, SouthSide enjoyed the switch of hardcore rock for twitterpating Brit-blues driven melodies and riffs. Plus the crowd was treated to extended instrumental bridges to truly immersed their ears into Hugh's pulsating yet intense rock sound. Performing a couple of Aussie songs and one about Berlin, this reviewer was moved by the song titled Guilty that featured a thundering drum intro while encompassing a groovy dance vibe. There were moments during this portion of the show when the bass was somewhat overpowering off the monitors but it didn't take away from Hugh's blues sound and electric riffs.
Until next time, support your local scene,
SouthSide
29 Feb 12
After hanging out with Shawn Kellner (who was sporting his Employees tie) and friends at Rock For Kids charity event, it was time to make SouthSide's infamous mad CTA dash to rock out the Southside, blogspot readers. Despite missing the opener, Faver, this reviewer arrived in time check out the rest of the night's lineup featuring friends - Sioum and The Dead Superheroes Orchestra with Bridges of Konigsberg. SouthSide highly recommends rockin' your eards to the haunting symphonic Goth/ambient rock sound by Bridges of Konigsberg. This reviewer instantly liked this band's instrumental energy which was quite vibrant despite the vocals being somewhat overshadowed throughout portions of this performance. Each member of Konigsberg performed on stage under such intense passion full of melodic rhythms and heart-pounding crescendo rises especially as heard during the second song. The climatic finish left SouthSide feeling she had runned a hard race. She also enjoyed Konigsberg's fusion of different digital programming and keyboard effects thus giving each song its own unique tempo, sound and rhythm ...definitely creating at times a haunting air of mystery inside Reggie's Rock Club. For more information about this band, visit http://www.reverbnation.com/bridgesofkonigsberg.
Continuing with tonight's central music theme, SouthSide was excited to see her friend Sioum rockin' the stage again. This local band opened their set with a rousing yet haunting crescendo before wowing the audience's ears to an energetic pulse of dark symphonic music. Blogspot readers should note Sioum is a trio though each member rocked the stage as if they're part of a quintet (or more) band. This band prides itself in thrilling their fans amidst its intense pockets of momentum to climatic and thunderous endings throughout their epic pieces. Sometimes you might feel a rush from the guitar riffs as well as rhythms turning abruptly into a haunting lull surrounding the venue. Each Sioum song is devoid of lyrics for a good reason - human vocals against this music might convey the wrong mood or tone ...plus the voice would certainly be overshadowed by the instrumental sound. And with Reggie's lighting fx, the music perfectly ran in sync to the lighting directions in which illuminated the passion and mystery heard within Sioum's music. This reviewer enjoyed how the music could be gentil but then emotionally dramatic to heart-breaking at the same time amidst its hidden poetic vibe, blogspot readers, that one can feel the floetry inside the melody. The "vocals" per se are "sung" between Sioum band members if listened closely to the vibrant sound before leaving you breathless for more at the conclusion. It's highly recommended in seeing Sioum at their next scheduled performance. Be prepared to soak yourself inisde this band's dark epic mysteriousness. Visit http://www.sioum.com for more information.
The Dead Superheroes Orchestra - one part Goth rock band and one part CSO (Chicago Symphony Orchestra) lite meshed togethered on one stage, blogspot readers. SouthSide's friend headlined the Rock Club lineup with another show-stopping musical which this reviewer first witnessed last summer at The Abbey Pub. However this version of the group's Reggie's show was less grandioso than the debut but still retained that grandeur sound and thrilling suspense of a Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber musical (i.e. think Phantom of the Opera). Performing songs off the TDSO's red and grey (self-titled) CDs, the late night audience was treated to a musical spectacle full of emotional heartache, death, grief and love from composer Mark (also vocalist and guitarist) and his orchestra which combined the haunting orchestral rhytms and powerful Goth rock. So is it a rock show or a classical themed musical? Well, after seeing her friend twice, blogspot readers, SouthSide can concluded that it's the best of both worlds wrapped up into one. You have a hero who doesn't want to be a superhero anymore questioning why he should save an unappreciative world (i.e. think Jesus in Webber's Jesus Christ Superstar questioning why he should die) and an angel after locking herself in a room for years ready to change to it. Broadway musical fans will enjoy the sweeping overtures and signature songs like The Last Superhero and I'll Spend My Nights In The Graveyard in which Mark might be singing in third person or as himself (as he did during Vexed) which vocally and emotionally popped the lyrics to life with such fervent intensity. Though missing the Russian choir, Golosa, on backing vocals during this performance, the female soloist performing with TDSO was an excellent addition to counter Mark's falsetto voice. She added the right amount of emotional dialect and tone to the musical in which her voice made you feel the pain and sadness wonderfully conveyed via the composer's orchestral arrangement. SouthSide highly recommends catching the next (hopefully) Broadway-bound musical by Chicago's own The Dead Superheroes Orchestra. Visit http://www.thedeadsuperheroes.com for more information.
Until next time, support your local scene,
SouthSide
Continuing with tonight's central music theme, SouthSide was excited to see her friend Sioum rockin' the stage again. This local band opened their set with a rousing yet haunting crescendo before wowing the audience's ears to an energetic pulse of dark symphonic music. Blogspot readers should note Sioum is a trio though each member rocked the stage as if they're part of a quintet (or more) band. This band prides itself in thrilling their fans amidst its intense pockets of momentum to climatic and thunderous endings throughout their epic pieces. Sometimes you might feel a rush from the guitar riffs as well as rhythms turning abruptly into a haunting lull surrounding the venue. Each Sioum song is devoid of lyrics for a good reason - human vocals against this music might convey the wrong mood or tone ...plus the voice would certainly be overshadowed by the instrumental sound. And with Reggie's lighting fx, the music perfectly ran in sync to the lighting directions in which illuminated the passion and mystery heard within Sioum's music. This reviewer enjoyed how the music could be gentil but then emotionally dramatic to heart-breaking at the same time amidst its hidden poetic vibe, blogspot readers, that one can feel the floetry inside the melody. The "vocals" per se are "sung" between Sioum band members if listened closely to the vibrant sound before leaving you breathless for more at the conclusion. It's highly recommended in seeing Sioum at their next scheduled performance. Be prepared to soak yourself inisde this band's dark epic mysteriousness. Visit http://www.sioum.com for more information.
The Dead Superheroes Orchestra - one part Goth rock band and one part CSO (Chicago Symphony Orchestra) lite meshed togethered on one stage, blogspot readers. SouthSide's friend headlined the Rock Club lineup with another show-stopping musical which this reviewer first witnessed last summer at The Abbey Pub. However this version of the group's Reggie's show was less grandioso than the debut but still retained that grandeur sound and thrilling suspense of a Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber musical (i.e. think Phantom of the Opera). Performing songs off the TDSO's red and grey (self-titled) CDs, the late night audience was treated to a musical spectacle full of emotional heartache, death, grief and love from composer Mark (also vocalist and guitarist) and his orchestra which combined the haunting orchestral rhytms and powerful Goth rock. So is it a rock show or a classical themed musical? Well, after seeing her friend twice, blogspot readers, SouthSide can concluded that it's the best of both worlds wrapped up into one. You have a hero who doesn't want to be a superhero anymore questioning why he should save an unappreciative world (i.e. think Jesus in Webber's Jesus Christ Superstar questioning why he should die) and an angel after locking herself in a room for years ready to change to it. Broadway musical fans will enjoy the sweeping overtures and signature songs like The Last Superhero and I'll Spend My Nights In The Graveyard in which Mark might be singing in third person or as himself (as he did during Vexed) which vocally and emotionally popped the lyrics to life with such fervent intensity. Though missing the Russian choir, Golosa, on backing vocals during this performance, the female soloist performing with TDSO was an excellent addition to counter Mark's falsetto voice. She added the right amount of emotional dialect and tone to the musical in which her voice made you feel the pain and sadness wonderfully conveyed via the composer's orchestral arrangement. SouthSide highly recommends catching the next (hopefully) Broadway-bound musical by Chicago's own The Dead Superheroes Orchestra. Visit http://www.thedeadsuperheroes.com for more information.
Until next time, support your local scene,
SouthSide
Thursday, March 8, 2012
29 Feb 12 - Rock For Kids
Hey, blogspot readers, let's leap for a good cause! Tonight, SouthSide took some time out to lend her support at a charity event held recently inside the new Highball Lounge (located in the River North area). The goal of this event was to raise donations to return the power of music back to many underserved Chicago Public Schools.
Whether you live in Albany Park or Bucktown ...Roseland or Hegewisch neighborhoods, Rock For Kids through generous support has helped bring music to life by providing free music instruction to elementary school students throughout Chicago. No matter the neighborhood, music access is needed, blogspot readers, despite it being the first program (besides foreign languages, art etc) to get cut from school budgets due to hard economic times. First starting out as an after-school program, each Rock For Kids participant can take classes like choir to songwriting and production or blues workshops and performance choir - all during normal school hours. And according to this non-profit organiztion, the end result has positively transformed lives in which participants unleash their creative potential, turn into better students, musicians, and role models in their schools.
Yet this program does a lot more than have students receiving music instruction, blogspot readers. Each Rock For Kids student also receive a valuable lessons to boost their critical thinking skills, school attendance, grades and social interaction amongst the other students. "...music is a good motivator..." and studies support that statement since its shown children who participate in music education develop more quickly - physically, academically, emotionally and socially. Through the help of donations, this non-profit organization has provided the necessary tools, materials and funds for field trips and instructors. Kids within this program have performed at many public events and venues such as Millennium Park, Park West Theatre, Lollapalooza - just to name a few.
"...March is Music In Our Schools month..." and this organization's goal is to sponsor 30 new students, blogspot readers, by raising $350. That's where you, the readers, join in the fundraising process. What SouthSide found very interesting about Rock For Kids was the way they want to involve not only the members of the local scene ...but ordinary people as well with fun ideas of raising donations. Besides holding monthly events like the one at Highball Lounge, they also offer suggestions of getting friends, family, co-workers etc involved with your own mini Rock For Kids charity events. Ideas that include creating a mix CD ...donations instead of birthday or wedding gifts ...giving up smoking or shaving yourself bald and more. $350 doesn't seem much but that's how much it does take to sponsor a student for a year ...approximately less than $30 a month.
Please help SouthSide's new friends with their goal of teaching the joy and love music to more Chicago Public Schools students. For more information about Rock For Kids, visit http://www.RockForKids.org.
Until next time, support your local scene,
SouthSide
Whether you live in Albany Park or Bucktown ...Roseland or Hegewisch neighborhoods, Rock For Kids through generous support has helped bring music to life by providing free music instruction to elementary school students throughout Chicago. No matter the neighborhood, music access is needed, blogspot readers, despite it being the first program (besides foreign languages, art etc) to get cut from school budgets due to hard economic times. First starting out as an after-school program, each Rock For Kids participant can take classes like choir to songwriting and production or blues workshops and performance choir - all during normal school hours. And according to this non-profit organiztion, the end result has positively transformed lives in which participants unleash their creative potential, turn into better students, musicians, and role models in their schools.
Yet this program does a lot more than have students receiving music instruction, blogspot readers. Each Rock For Kids student also receive a valuable lessons to boost their critical thinking skills, school attendance, grades and social interaction amongst the other students. "...music is a good motivator..." and studies support that statement since its shown children who participate in music education develop more quickly - physically, academically, emotionally and socially. Through the help of donations, this non-profit organization has provided the necessary tools, materials and funds for field trips and instructors. Kids within this program have performed at many public events and venues such as Millennium Park, Park West Theatre, Lollapalooza - just to name a few.
"...March is Music In Our Schools month..." and this organization's goal is to sponsor 30 new students, blogspot readers, by raising $350. That's where you, the readers, join in the fundraising process. What SouthSide found very interesting about Rock For Kids was the way they want to involve not only the members of the local scene ...but ordinary people as well with fun ideas of raising donations. Besides holding monthly events like the one at Highball Lounge, they also offer suggestions of getting friends, family, co-workers etc involved with your own mini Rock For Kids charity events. Ideas that include creating a mix CD ...donations instead of birthday or wedding gifts ...giving up smoking or shaving yourself bald and more. $350 doesn't seem much but that's how much it does take to sponsor a student for a year ...approximately less than $30 a month.
Please help SouthSide's new friends with their goal of teaching the joy and love music to more Chicago Public Schools students. For more information about Rock For Kids, visit http://www.RockForKids.org.
Until next time, support your local scene,
SouthSide
Friday, March 2, 2012
March 2012 - update
Hey, blogspot readers, March has barely begun and SouthSide has received MORE notices about upcoming shows rockin' stages near, far and around Chicago and the burbs. Until allowed to clone herself (waiting for that Obama approval), she highly recommends checking some of the shows also happening this month.
Tonight @ Multi Kulti (located 1000 N. Milwaukee)
Rock out while helping a cause (keeping Illinois NORML's lobbying efforts up with a tiny donation). Friends General Patton and His Privates and Monk 9 will be performing along with Paper Trail, The Widgets and Fates, Furies and Men. Donation is $5 and show starts at 8p.
@ Silvie's Lounge
Mayo, Nicky and the Growlers, and High Action $5 door cover
21+ show
March 3 @ Beat Kitchen
Molehill's "Equinox" Release show featuring friends Band Called Catch and Jackpot Donnie.
8:30p / 17+ show
@ Ultra Lounge
SMASH Saturday - Girls Take Over ...plus a G.U.N.S. video shoot will be taking place in the basement
@ AMORE
Safe Haven will be rockin' the stage there
@ Hell's Kitchen (in MN)
Good friend, Big Strong Men, will be performing their last hurrah, blogspot readers. The show will feature other MN friends Pennyroyal, Bethany Larson and The Bee's Knees.
$5
March 4 @ Mellow Yellow restaurant (in Hyde Park)
It's another jazz brunch show with good friend Jesse Charbonier - it's ALL AGES so take the kids for a wonderful music experience. Reservations not necessary unless parties of 5 or more. SouthSide will be there for his Easter Sunday brunch show to also celebrate her daughter's (Sunday - not her real name) birthday.
March 8 @ Phyllis' Musical Inn
It's the Flabby Hoffman show! Who knows what craziest will abound while being taped for his cable access show...
@ Otto's Nightclub (in DeKalb)
Friends Helium Fuse and Funktion will be rockin' the stage there.
@ Abbey Pub
Friend Kelsey Montanez will be rockin' the stage along with Dinosaur Party, Drama Junkies and Soundwalls.
@ Double Door
Friend Baseel and the Supernaturals will be premiering two new band members - Jeremy (on keys) and Cameron (on drums)
$5 w/flyer
March 9 @ 12p
Tickets go on sale for Pitchfork! The festival dates for this year are July 13 thru 15 ...3 day pass $110.00. The lineup will feature Vampire Weekend, Feist, Grimes, Black Emperor, Hot Chip, A$AP Rocky - just to get you pumped up for summertime fun, blogspot readers. Organizers will be releasing more linuep names as soon as it becomes available.
@ Cubby Bear
Friend Matt Robinson's band Old Shoe will be sharing the stage with Jack Straw during their 12 year anniversary show.
@ Stage Bar (corner of Montrose & Cicero)
Friend Andy Metz and those Meddling Kids will be rockin' the stage.
$7 / 8p doors open / 21+
@ Abbey Pub
Friend Fifth World will be rockin' everyone's groovilious electro/funk/world fusion vibe.
@ Metro
Friends Company of Thieves and Bailiff will be rockin' the venue along with Sidewalk Chalk at this ALL AGES show.
7p
March 10 @ J J Kelly
Rock Scarz Magazine presents Road to Inkfest
9p
March 13 @ Elbo Room
Friend The Real Jane Martin will be sharing the stage with Matthew Morgan and the Lost Brigade at the upstairs Acoustic Lounge.
$5 / 21+ / 8p showtime
@ SubT
Friend Digeometric will be sharing the stage with Shapes & Colors and Jimkata.
March 16 @ Beat Kitchen
Friend Verona Red will premiere new music during their 1st show of 2012! Also featured on the lineup - Inspector Owl, Volcanoes Make Islands and Channel Four
$8 / 21+ / 8:30p
March 17 @ Reggie's Rock Club
It's the St. Paddy's Day Massacre ...no Irish eyes will be smiling when it's over, blogspot readers.
@ Ace Bar
Live Irish music featuring Red Rebel County.
March 19 @ Double Door
French Wives (from Scotland) will be touring the US via SXSW before heading to north for Canadian Music Week. But in between Austin and there, the band will be making pit stops along the way which includes a show in Chicago. They have just finished recording their debut album "Dream of the Inbetween" - release date is May 7.
March 20 @ Reggie's Rock Club
The Company We Keep, Stay Golden, Adora and Late In The Playoffs will be performing.
March 22 @ Phyllis' Musical Inn
Friend Jeff Daschbach will be rockin' the stage.
8p / 21+
March 23 @ Elbo Room
Friend Digeometric will be performing with DJ Adamosity
9p
March 24 @ Martyrs'
Jennifer Hall will be performing (debuting new material) along with Geri X and O Giant Man.
$10 / 21+ show / 8p
March 29 @ Vision Nightclub
Dome-Apollo House, Sons of the West and The Lucky Dutch will be rockin' the stage there.
March 31 @ Cobra Lounge
It's a Saturday Rock show featuring Shawn Kellner rockin' with his band - Top Self Lickers (and SouthSide has heard from reliable sources that they can ROCK the stage!) along with The Run Around, Katz Company, The Exoskeleton, Brains Brains Brains and The 9 Spot.
21+ / $5 (online) / $8 at door / 8:30p show time
Until next time, support your local scene,
SouthSide
Tonight @ Multi Kulti (located 1000 N. Milwaukee)
Rock out while helping a cause (keeping Illinois NORML's lobbying efforts up with a tiny donation). Friends General Patton and His Privates and Monk 9 will be performing along with Paper Trail, The Widgets and Fates, Furies and Men. Donation is $5 and show starts at 8p.
@ Silvie's Lounge
Mayo, Nicky and the Growlers, and High Action $5 door cover
21+ show
March 3 @ Beat Kitchen
Molehill's "Equinox" Release show featuring friends Band Called Catch and Jackpot Donnie.
8:30p / 17+ show
@ Ultra Lounge
SMASH Saturday - Girls Take Over ...plus a G.U.N.S. video shoot will be taking place in the basement
@ AMORE
Safe Haven will be rockin' the stage there
@ Hell's Kitchen (in MN)
Good friend, Big Strong Men, will be performing their last hurrah, blogspot readers. The show will feature other MN friends Pennyroyal, Bethany Larson and The Bee's Knees.
$5
March 4 @ Mellow Yellow restaurant (in Hyde Park)
It's another jazz brunch show with good friend Jesse Charbonier - it's ALL AGES so take the kids for a wonderful music experience. Reservations not necessary unless parties of 5 or more. SouthSide will be there for his Easter Sunday brunch show to also celebrate her daughter's (Sunday - not her real name) birthday.
March 8 @ Phyllis' Musical Inn
It's the Flabby Hoffman show! Who knows what craziest will abound while being taped for his cable access show...
@ Otto's Nightclub (in DeKalb)
Friends Helium Fuse and Funktion will be rockin' the stage there.
@ Abbey Pub
Friend Kelsey Montanez will be rockin' the stage along with Dinosaur Party, Drama Junkies and Soundwalls.
@ Double Door
Friend Baseel and the Supernaturals will be premiering two new band members - Jeremy (on keys) and Cameron (on drums)
$5 w/flyer
March 9 @ 12p
Tickets go on sale for Pitchfork! The festival dates for this year are July 13 thru 15 ...3 day pass $110.00. The lineup will feature Vampire Weekend, Feist, Grimes, Black Emperor, Hot Chip, A$AP Rocky - just to get you pumped up for summertime fun, blogspot readers. Organizers will be releasing more linuep names as soon as it becomes available.
@ Cubby Bear
Friend Matt Robinson's band Old Shoe will be sharing the stage with Jack Straw during their 12 year anniversary show.
@ Stage Bar (corner of Montrose & Cicero)
Friend Andy Metz and those Meddling Kids will be rockin' the stage.
$7 / 8p doors open / 21+
@ Abbey Pub
Friend Fifth World will be rockin' everyone's groovilious electro/funk/world fusion vibe.
@ Metro
Friends Company of Thieves and Bailiff will be rockin' the venue along with Sidewalk Chalk at this ALL AGES show.
7p
March 10 @ J J Kelly
Rock Scarz Magazine presents Road to Inkfest
9p
March 13 @ Elbo Room
Friend The Real Jane Martin will be sharing the stage with Matthew Morgan and the Lost Brigade at the upstairs Acoustic Lounge.
$5 / 21+ / 8p showtime
@ SubT
Friend Digeometric will be sharing the stage with Shapes & Colors and Jimkata.
March 16 @ Beat Kitchen
Friend Verona Red will premiere new music during their 1st show of 2012! Also featured on the lineup - Inspector Owl, Volcanoes Make Islands and Channel Four
$8 / 21+ / 8:30p
March 17 @ Reggie's Rock Club
It's the St. Paddy's Day Massacre ...no Irish eyes will be smiling when it's over, blogspot readers.
@ Ace Bar
Live Irish music featuring Red Rebel County.
March 19 @ Double Door
French Wives (from Scotland) will be touring the US via SXSW before heading to north for Canadian Music Week. But in between Austin and there, the band will be making pit stops along the way which includes a show in Chicago. They have just finished recording their debut album "Dream of the Inbetween" - release date is May 7.
March 20 @ Reggie's Rock Club
The Company We Keep, Stay Golden, Adora and Late In The Playoffs will be performing.
March 22 @ Phyllis' Musical Inn
Friend Jeff Daschbach will be rockin' the stage.
8p / 21+
March 23 @ Elbo Room
Friend Digeometric will be performing with DJ Adamosity
9p
March 24 @ Martyrs'
Jennifer Hall will be performing (debuting new material) along with Geri X and O Giant Man.
$10 / 21+ show / 8p
March 29 @ Vision Nightclub
Dome-Apollo House, Sons of the West and The Lucky Dutch will be rockin' the stage there.
March 31 @ Cobra Lounge
It's a Saturday Rock show featuring Shawn Kellner rockin' with his band - Top Self Lickers (and SouthSide has heard from reliable sources that they can ROCK the stage!) along with The Run Around, Katz Company, The Exoskeleton, Brains Brains Brains and The 9 Spot.
21+ / $5 (online) / $8 at door / 8:30p show time
Until next time, support your local scene,
SouthSide
Thursday, March 1, 2012
24 Feb 12
Hey, blogspot readers, it's a "double shot" of Elbo Room! Tonight, SouthSide returns again to get a rockin' jump start to her weekend with long time friend, Alaya Conscious along with other bands - Artists vs Athletes and Chicago Thrash Ensemble. Though missing part of Artists vs Athletes' premiere performance, this reviewer recommends checking out this up-n-coming rock act for the band's emotionally charged yet intense melodic rock sound and vocals in which rocked the stage. She liked how each member of this quintet group poured spontaneous energy and momentum into each song performed even while projecting a subtle downtempo rhythm at times. You could literally feel the instrumental vibrations i.e. from the guitar riffs to drum precussion (especially during the closing song) rockin' your soul. SouthSide was impressed by the emotional angst vocal style that accompanied Artists' lyrics popping the words to life ...indeed feeling the emotional sentiments not just simply hearing them. Blogspot readers should expect a full review on this band in the near future. For more information, visit Artists vs Athletes at http://www.myspace.com/rockava.
SouthSide wishes she could recommend checking out the headbanging thrash/metal sounds of Chicago Thrash Ensemble, blogspot readers, despite enjoying the hardcore rock this lively group presented to the crowded basement lounge. This reviewer did like the thundering riffs and highly charged energy off the drums yet she couldn't fully get into the band's front man. Though liking his emotional angst in the voice, she couldn't actually feel that ram primal sound whenever he popped the words to life ...plus the flannel attire wasn't really helping to promote the band's metal/thrash image when everyone else was wearing t-shirts. And judging by some of the crowd's reaction to Ensemble, not many heads were banging to the harsh music but it did spark a few brief moments of moshing and slam dancing near the front of the stage, blogspot readers. SouthSide does recommend rockin' your head to the song about being f-upped by the shrooms while at the Morton Arboretum. SouthSide does recommend that band work on keeping that energy and momentum going between songs - the long breaks in between did help lose the crowd a little thus somewhat slowing down the set. Also, suggests working on ending the performance better than abruptly ending it which in turn left the room confused and cheated out of a huge finish. Finally - the switching the band name (from Contact High to Alaya Conscious) throughout the set - not really funny. It may not be SouthSide's rockin' kind of band however she knows there are fans who would be interested in Chicago Thrash Ensemble. For more information, visit this band at http://www.myspace.com/chicagothrash.
Long time friend, Alaya Conscious, got down to the immediate business of rockin' out this crowded basement lounge by pumping melodic yet intense guitar rock music. SouthSide enjoyed how the musicians incorporated wicked aria-like instrumental sound within the bridges to literally soak the ears (as well as soul) into each vibrating rhythm and note immersed into each song. Coupled with Elbo Room's lighting fx, this truly enhanced the crowd's Alaya experience doublefold, blogspot readers, especially during the band's opening song - the intense sound and lighting ran in sync with the pulsating vibe of this melodic yet very energized tune. Besides wowing their fans with Screaming Still (another example of how Alaya combines the melodic sound with intense energy and poetic lyrics projected wonderfully together within both music and vocals), the band introduced new song - Thrones (title track, maybe, off upcoming new album). Immediately this reviewer felt the fiery spite, blogspot readers, laid deep within guitar's riff intro ...this truly captured the audience's attentive ears. The music during this particular song absolutely highlighted the powerful falsetto vocal style by front man Evan (also on guitar) while amidst the thunderous riffs and percussion. This was one song in which SouthSide highly recommends enjoying the Alaya energy and momentum while banging the head to the music. Throughout Alaya's headlining set, the crowd was treated to intense yet soulful sparks of fiery sound and rhythms ...lyrics containing heartfelt floetry and emotions (check out the song Grace) amongst the twitterpating guitar riffs and energy that left the crowd wanting more by this band. Sadly, blogspot readers, The Alaya Conscious did leave everyone hanging until their next show scheduled for March 3rd at Brauerhouse (located in Lombard).
For more information about this band, visit The Alaya Concious at http://www.myspace.com/thealayaconscious.
Until next time, support your local scene,
SouthSide
SouthSide wishes she could recommend checking out the headbanging thrash/metal sounds of Chicago Thrash Ensemble, blogspot readers, despite enjoying the hardcore rock this lively group presented to the crowded basement lounge. This reviewer did like the thundering riffs and highly charged energy off the drums yet she couldn't fully get into the band's front man. Though liking his emotional angst in the voice, she couldn't actually feel that ram primal sound whenever he popped the words to life ...plus the flannel attire wasn't really helping to promote the band's metal/thrash image when everyone else was wearing t-shirts. And judging by some of the crowd's reaction to Ensemble, not many heads were banging to the harsh music but it did spark a few brief moments of moshing and slam dancing near the front of the stage, blogspot readers. SouthSide does recommend rockin' your head to the song about being f-upped by the shrooms while at the Morton Arboretum. SouthSide does recommend that band work on keeping that energy and momentum going between songs - the long breaks in between did help lose the crowd a little thus somewhat slowing down the set. Also, suggests working on ending the performance better than abruptly ending it which in turn left the room confused and cheated out of a huge finish. Finally - the switching the band name (from Contact High to Alaya Conscious) throughout the set - not really funny. It may not be SouthSide's rockin' kind of band however she knows there are fans who would be interested in Chicago Thrash Ensemble. For more information, visit this band at http://www.myspace.com/chicagothrash.
Long time friend, Alaya Conscious, got down to the immediate business of rockin' out this crowded basement lounge by pumping melodic yet intense guitar rock music. SouthSide enjoyed how the musicians incorporated wicked aria-like instrumental sound within the bridges to literally soak the ears (as well as soul) into each vibrating rhythm and note immersed into each song. Coupled with Elbo Room's lighting fx, this truly enhanced the crowd's Alaya experience doublefold, blogspot readers, especially during the band's opening song - the intense sound and lighting ran in sync with the pulsating vibe of this melodic yet very energized tune. Besides wowing their fans with Screaming Still (another example of how Alaya combines the melodic sound with intense energy and poetic lyrics projected wonderfully together within both music and vocals), the band introduced new song - Thrones (title track, maybe, off upcoming new album). Immediately this reviewer felt the fiery spite, blogspot readers, laid deep within guitar's riff intro ...this truly captured the audience's attentive ears. The music during this particular song absolutely highlighted the powerful falsetto vocal style by front man Evan (also on guitar) while amidst the thunderous riffs and percussion. This was one song in which SouthSide highly recommends enjoying the Alaya energy and momentum while banging the head to the music. Throughout Alaya's headlining set, the crowd was treated to intense yet soulful sparks of fiery sound and rhythms ...lyrics containing heartfelt floetry and emotions (check out the song Grace) amongst the twitterpating guitar riffs and energy that left the crowd wanting more by this band. Sadly, blogspot readers, The Alaya Conscious did leave everyone hanging until their next show scheduled for March 3rd at Brauerhouse (located in Lombard).
For more information about this band, visit The Alaya Concious at http://www.myspace.com/thealayaconscious.
Until next time, support your local scene,
SouthSide
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