23 Dec 12

 ~ Joey and Brad of Your Little Ponies

Hey, blogspot readers, SouthSide's spreading more holiday cheer before taking a break. Tonight, she's attending a very special show hosted at Elbo Room featuring 2/3 (Brad and Joey) of the trio known as Your Little Ponies (http://www.myspace.com/yourlittleponies) rockin' the upstairs acoustic stage. Now normally, a typical Ponies' show would include songs about their favorite (sexual) things and/or activities with a slight bit of humor and wit woven into the lyrics and upbeat rhythms. Sometimes they do tend to get extremely explicit with the words - hey, they're known for being the "raunchiest local band" in town for nothing. However, since it was the holiday season, Your Little Ponies sort of toned down the raunchy act (not by much) but also featured more of seasonal flavor with some Christmas tunes mixed with their standards (ie, Pangea, Dude song and more). The audience enjoyed their version of Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer (in which includes a Rudolph rant) and Feliz Navidad ...YLP style and added lyrics. Plus this special performance featured acoustic honky tonk/country/bluegrass music by their friend, Mark Jordan. Even Joey, Elbo Room's loveable bartender, sololy performed a popular love ballad in which he wonderfully displayed a light-hearted vocal tone while bringing the words to life amidst a pictureseque imagery.

~ Mark Jordan

Besides highly recommending Your Little Ponies (whenever they get the chance to perform together as a band again), this reviewer suggests checking out singer/songwriter Mark Jordan who featured a soulful yet bluesy acoustic set as the Ponies' took an intermission, blogspot readers. Wow - he dynamically popped the acoustic room to life with his strong falsetto voice and intense twitterpating guitar rhythms featured in some of his upbeat style. Whether taking the voice down deep to stir your soul or energizing the room with passion (as heard in his cover version - Don't You Worry About A Thing), Mark definitely had a way of capturing not only the mood but the tone of each song randomly chosen to be performed. SouthSide liked how this cover version was given a bluesy sound off the acoustic guitar though retaining that lively R&B feel. His version of Rockin' Around The Christmas Tree had a lively yet funky country/blues rock sound which made this reviewer want to dance before turning a classic like Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas from a downtempo downer to lively acoustic alternative song to fit the party atmosphere felt within the lounge

~ Brad joining Mark on stage



Until next time, support your local scene,

SouthSide

22 Dec 12

Happy Holidays, blogspot readers! SouthSide's spending some time with a couple of dear friends and her daughter tonight at the legendary Coq d'Or to catch Jesse Charbonier's holiday jazz show featuring Adrian on piano and Alex on bass. Once again, this artist and band brought to life the words and music to some of the most famously (and not so famously) songs by such artists like Chet Baker, Johnny Mathis, Elvis Presley (yes, the King did a jazz song that was featured in the movie Viva Las Vegas) and of course, his favorite, Billie Holiday. Yet, this holiday show also featured two little special guests (Maya and SouthSide's daughter) making their Coq d'Or debut with him on  a couple of songs jingling the bells to tunes Santa Claus Is Coming To Town and White Christmas. Also, the Adrian and Alex performed a lively version of Linus and Lucy before breaking for their first intermission.

~ Jesse chatting with Maya

Still, it was a night for romantics, blogspot readers, as Jesse lovingly crooned the attentive audience to their favorites like Chances Are, L-O-V-E and Don't Explain. Each song featured on his set list (which coincidentially always changes to fit the mood and atmosphere of the room) is treated with the highest respect  and care though Jesse does add a little of spin of his own to either give the song an upbeat feeling or a touch of downtempo sadness. Plus you can hear it the same from the band members as well especially during the instrumental bridges where Adrian and/or Alex add a piece of themselves into the music they're performing. For instance during Can't Take That Away From Me (by Billie Holiday with Count Baise), there was a lively upbeat swing during the bridge featuring Adrian on piano while Nat King Cole's Unforgettable and Chet Baker's Let's Get Lost, you could hear the bass rhythm taking the spotlight a bit.

~ Jesse and SouthSide's daughter, Alexis

SouthSide highly suggests spending a romantic evening with you special someone during 2013 at Coq d'Or listening to your favorite jazz song sung by Jesse Charbonier. His performances run from 9p to 1a certain Saturday nights at The Drake Hotel or attend his Sunday brunch performances at Mellow Yellow restaurant - a good way to introduce your children to jazz music. For more information, visit Jesse Charbonier at http://www.jessecharbonier.com.

Until next time, support your local scene,

SouthSide

14 Dec 12 - Red Mercury Sky

 

Photo0445, a photo by SouthSideChgo on Flickr. Friday Dec 14, 2012 performance at Elbo Room

Hey, blogspot readers, welcome to a photo essay of this hot rockin' local band known as Red Mercury Sky. They recently performed an exhilerhating set at Elbo Room featuring songs like Blood On My Hands, Remains The Same and Greedy Hands. Though missing their set, SouthSide was able to catch the final twenty minutes or so in which Red Mercury Sky performed their new song, Middle Man - a powerful vocal demostration by Dan as he forcefully belted more than just heartfelt emotions on the lyrics ...there was evidence of pain and heartache to which the grit the guitars wonderfully matched. This reviewer highly suggests checking out this band during 2013.

For more information, visit http://www.reverbnation.com/redmercurysky.

Until next time, support your local scene,
SouthSide

Dec 2012 / Jan 2013

Hey, blogspot readers, having survived the Mayan Doomsday “It’s The End of the World” predictions, it’s time to rock out 2012 with a BANG and welcome 2013! The following are shows happening around Chicago as well as other places including a few occurring during the final days of December.


Please note: all shows are 21+ unless stated otherwise.

Dec 28:
Metro – it’s the final Nocturna of 2012! Come out ...be fashionably dressed ...and dance to the best of underground shoegaze, industrial, post-industrial and more music.

Reggie’s Rock Club – Makeshift Prodigy along with William Beckett will performing on stage. In Jan, Makeshift Prodigy will be touring with The Almost and All Get Out along the east coast. Visit http://www.makeshiftprodigy.com for tour information and more.

Elbo Room – Check out The Private Instigators’ Peep Through The Keyhole show
8:30p

Dec 29:
Bottom Lounge – Chicago Music Magazine and Local Music Revolution presents The Holiday Rock Show featuring Trainwreck Symphony

The MID – React & The MID present the Aussie twins NERVO returning to Chicago along with Mid Residents Nathan Scott and Gus Karas supporting the duo. Tix available now at http://www.clubtix.com

Bevy – Porn and Chicken Danceparty presents Porn and Chicken’s XXX-Mas Banger!

Dec 30:
Debonair Social Club – Get your Porn and Chicken on when they present Born To Bang 2.0 party!
18+

Neo Nightclub – attend Carnal – Harem Party

Dec 31:
White’s Bar (Saginaw, MI) – The Banana Convention will be ringing in 2013 but not in a dressy style but in comfort! So break out your favorite PJs at The Banana Convention New Year’s Eve Pajama Party! Plus the band will be premiering a new video – Safe and Sound at midnight.
Fun begins at 9:30p

Penny Road Pub – Chicago Metal Rocks presents the “Rockford Invasion” welcoming 2013 featuring Modfire, Ominous Grey, Fists of Rage and Genus!

Vic Theatre – The Lee Boys will be opening for Leftover Salmon. Tickets are $39 / 18+ show / 9p

Fitz’s Spare Keys – Get your 2013 sauced with The Hot Sauce Committee featuring DJ Jimmy!

Elbo Room – Don’t Speak (No Doubt tribute band) and From Chaos (311 tribute band) will be rockin’ in 2013 at this venue
$65 (open bar with top shelf drinks included from 9p to 1a) / $75 dos

The Exit (on the 1st flr)– rock out your 2012 with Masters of Reality (Black Sabbath tribute), The Snake Oil Salesmen, QuiJote, Danny Boy, Stavros and Adam Black

evilOlive – Porn and Chicken will be rockin’ in 2013 with its NYE 2013 Banger!
9p

Neo Nightclub – spend your New Year’s Eve with RazerX and Jeff Moyer

Every Wednesday at Elbo Room, check out FREE Local Music Showcase featuring Snap Johnson, Eric Quigley, Hotels on Mars, Shareef Ali on Jan 2nd

Jan 3:
Reggie’s Rock Club – Check out Bulletboys, Stone Senate, Vawter, Esh and Ravoma rockin’ this stage

Jan 4:
Lincoln Hall – Todd Kessler and New Folk will be opening for Vintage Blue. Also Todd will be hosting a month-long residency at Uncommon Ground (Clark St location) featuring special guests such as Tom Schraeder (on Jan 9th) and The Lims (Jan 23rd)

Martyrs’ – The Elements of Style featuring Jet W Lee and Josh Catalano will be performing on stage.
9p

Double Door – The Energy Commission will be rockin’ the stage at this venue

Ultra Lounge (basement) - Worship Chicago presents RITUAL with Glass Teeth

Schuba’s Tavern – The Penthouse Sweets will be featured at their “It’s Fine It’s Fine It’s Fine” album release show along with The Safes and Warm Ones

Pianos (New York City) - Moon Furies, Everest Cafe, Basement Batman and Stone Cold Fox will be performing on stage here.

Four Points Sheraton - V Is For Villains will be at AnimeZAP! 2013

Jan 5:
Small’s (Hamtramck, MI) – The Banana Convention party rolls to this venue.
8p

Cobra Lounge – RIOT Fest presents Dead Ending performing on stage.

Lincoln Hall – Terrible Spaceship’s CD/DVD release of Invaders 1938 happens here.

Underground Wonder Bar – SMU presents Fusion Intrusion featuring Fibonacci, Catfish and Dogstars, Digeometric and DFM

Subterranean – rock the new year with Mason’s Case at this venue.

Elbo Room - check out The Studs, The Frantic, The Ridgeland, Breaktime with Breakpoint, The Apuli Brothers rockin' the stage here.

Jan 9:
Oakford Social (Reading, UK) - FEUD will be rockin' the stage.

O'Brien's Pub - HEKTIK SOUND

Jan 11:
Metro – Sons of the Silent Age featuring Chris Connelly, Matt Walker and Shirley Manson will be performing along with Waco Brothers and Death on the Autobahn

The Burlington - it's a Chicago Punk show featuring Still Alive, Break The Cycle, Voice of Addiction and EZ Kebage

Double Door - check out The Real Jane Martin along with Trick Shooter Social Club will be performing
$10 ($7 presale tickets)

Jan 12:
Club Fever (inside Green Room located at South Bend, IN) – DEADNATION, KOR and Radio Creeps will be rockin’ this show
$5 cover / 10p

Double Door - The Locals along with Remember Whens, Last Years Winners and Nina Ferraro will be rockin' the stage. Grab a flyer at https://www.facebook.com/events/394682900606819/ to get in for $5!

Red Line Tap - Husker Du's Grant Hart with Ripley Caine and Jeremiah Webb

Jan 15:
Double Door – It’s the Augustana Acoustic tour.

Jan 16:
SubT (aka Subterranean) – get your funky groove on with Room 11 performing on stage

Jan 17:
Double Door – It’s the annual The Waka Winter Classic. Visit http://www.doubledoor.com for more details and ticket information.

Jan 18:
Mayne Stage – Jess Godwin along special guests Matt Ryd and April Henry will be performing an ALL-AGES show.
AA / $10 / 8p

Liar’s Club – spend an evening with The Cure and Joy Division tributes!
9p

Jan 19:
Red Line Tap – Sam Llanas (formerly of The Bodeans) will be performing on stage.
8p

Phyllis’ Musical Lounge – Jeff Dashbach will be performing on stage
9p

Beauty Bar – Do the Prince and Michael experience, the ultimate tribute party dedicate to the Purple One and King Of Pop featuring DJ Dave Paul (from San Francisco, CA)

Double Door - Soul Summit 3rd Year Anniversary FREE Dance Party featuring DJs Dave Mata, Sloppy White and Duke Grip.

Phyllis' Musical Inn - Jeff Daschbach is scheduled to perform here.

Jan 21:
Metro – check out Femi Kuti while he tours the US with his big band, the Positive Force. SouthSide will be reviewing.

Jan 23:
Cobra Lounge – Castle, In The Weeds, Crusader and Thunder Driver will be performing
9p

Jan 25:
Double Door – Method Man will be rockin’ this venue!

Fitz's Spare Keys - The Scissors with August Premier are scheduled to perform here

Uncommon Ground (Wrigleyville location) - The Real Jane Martin will be performing here

Jan 26 :
Reggie’s - Devon Allman will be rockin’ the stage

The Luxe (London, UK) - FEUD will be rockin' here  



Check back for updates as more shows for Jan come to SouthSide's desk!    



Until next time, support your local scene, SouthSide

8 Dec 12

“...he’s [Adam] cheating on us with another band...” ~ JB of A Friend Called Fire

Hey, blogspot readers, tonight they were rockin' the stage for a good cause. Local musicians and artists as well as fans gathered together at Elbo Room recently for Chords For A Cure IV to raise money for the Leukemia Research Foundation.

This annual event was started a few of years ago by Jon Allegretto (lead vocalist and guitarist of A Friend Called Fire) as way for his band and others to give back to the community and also to bring fans and music together under a relaxing atmosphere while raising funds for a good cause.

“...a lot of stuff [that] we do keeps the community in mind...” according to Jon when SouthSide interviewed him before his set.

After the death of his grandfather and friend to cancer, it seemed like a no-brainer to him in how he and other musicians within Chicago’s local scene take time out from busy schedules and help others. In the past events, half of the moneys raised would go to leukemia research and the rest to someone they knew. Now, all of the proceeds is donated to the Leukemia Research Foundation.

“...it’s a grassroots organization and they’re excited about this event...” Jon stated also adding, “...[it’s] a nice thing to do..."

This event has been staged at the acoustic lounge (upstairs bar floor of Elbo Room) but this year, Jon wanted people and musicians to have more room while listening to hot acoustic/alternative rock performances. Tonight’s lineup featured Xoe Wise, Gunner’s Daughter (check out this band’s electrifying thrill ride of a song title Thunder Road) and John (drummer from Board of Governors) performing on guitar with Robyn Starkey with Jon and JB from A Friend Called Fire. DJ Orange Crush closed out the event with a DJ set.

SouthSide was about to check out the 2/3 version of this local trio known as A Friend Called Fire where this unique performance was made up only a guitarist (Jon) and drummer (JB). Though missing their bassist (Adam Powers also Talent Buyer of Elbo Room), the duo rocked out the stage with a fine yet powerfully energizing set featuring songs like New Shadow, East Town and single The Lightning in which the audience was treated to moving yet heartfelt display of harmonizing vocals as well as lively, upbeat rhythmic tempos and hot drum and guitar solos. For example during the bridge of Drain You, there was a fiery Latin tango between guitar and drums that added a lot of hot, spicy flavor. Meanwhile during The Lightning, there was a moment of calmness to highlight Jon as lead vocalist within this emotionally heartfelt and soul-searching type of song. The song itself was performed dramatically to accentuate the mood and tone of not only the music but the lyrics too. Even its downtempo rhythm, you could still feel the passion and fire within until the very end. AFCF’s performance also included two hot renditions of Dion’s (with The Belmonts) Runaround Sue and Pink Floyd’s Comfortably Numb – one of the best cover versions heard which gave their fans and audience one electrifying finish to their set.

For more information about A Friend Called Fire, visit http://www.afriendcalledfire.com.

Until next time, support your local scene,

SouthSide

07 Dec 12 - Open Dates at Elbo Room

***Sorry about the mis-information listed in this blog***


From the desk of Adam Powers, Talent Buyer of Elbo Room

Attached are the open dates for the MAIN ROOM (downstairs) and LOUNGE (upstairs).

Please e-mail ADAMPOWERS@elboroomLIVE.com for booking inquiry with the following completed information:

ACT NAME:

WEBSITE:

EMAIL:

GENRE:

CITY:

STATE:

CONTACT PERSON:

PHONE #:

DATE YOU ARE LOOKING FOR:

EXPECTED DRAW:

SET LENGTH:

LOUNGE/MAIN ROOM:

OVER 21 YEARS OF AGE (Y/N):

HOW MANY MEMBERS IN ACT:

HAVE YOU PLAYED ELBO BEFORE (Y/N):

IF YES TO ABOVE, WHAT WAS THE DATE?







ELBO ROOM OPEN DATES ARE AS FOLLOWS

(PLEASE NOTE - SOME OF THESE DATES MAY NOT BE AVAILABLE BY THE TIME YOU REPLY)    

Dec:

16 – 9p,10p, 11p

19 

20 – 11pm*

26 - FREE SHOW 2 BANDS (NO COVER)

29 - 8p, 11p*

30 - 11p



Jan:

2 - FREE SHOW 2 BANDS (NO COVER)

3 - 8p
4* - 10p, 11p

5 - 8p
6
9 - FREE SHOW 1BAND (NO COVER)

10
11*
12*
13
16 - FREE SHOW 2 BANDS
(NO COVER)

17
19*
20
23 - FREE SHOW 2 BANDS (NO COVER)

24
25*
26*
30 - FREE SHOW 2 BANDS (NO COVER)

31


Feb:

1

2
3
6 - FREE SHOW 2 BANDS (NO COVER)

7
8*
9*
10
13 - FREE
 SHOW 2 BANDS (NO COVER)

14
15*
16*
17
20 - FREE SHOW 2 BANDS
(NO COVER)

21
22*
23*
24 


27 - FREE SHOW 2 BANDS (NO COVER)


28



DJ OPEN DATES
DJ’s will be compensated with a $50 bar
 tab and 10% of the bar ring from MIDNIGHT to CLOSE in the MAIN VENUE
 where they will be spinning. If a DJ has a good following and can
 combine that with the in-house crowd and get people drinking, they can
 make anywhere from $50-$250 for working 1.5 to 2.5 hours, getting
 the room packed and keeping the party going.

DEC - 14, 22, 28 (punk rock DJ), 29, 31

JAN - 4, 5, 
11, 12, 19, 25, 26



Attached are the open dates for the LOUNGE.

Please email KAYLA@elboroomLIVE.com for booking inquiry with the following
completed information:


ACT NAME:

WEBSITE:

EMAIL:

GENRE:

CITY:

STATE:

CONTACT PERSON:

PHONE #:

DATE YOU ARE LOOKING FOR:

EXPECTED DRAW:

SET LENGTH:

LOUNGE/MAIN ROOM:

OVER 21 YEARS OF AGE (Y/N):

HOW MANY MEMBERS IN ACT:

HAVE YOU PLAYED ELBO BEFORE (Y/N):

IF YES TO ABOVE, WHAT WAS THE DATE?



ELBO ROOM OPEN DATES ARE AS FOLLOWS

(PLEASE NOTE - SOME OF THESE DATES MAY NOT BE AVAILABLE BY THE TIME YOU REPLY)

Dec:

18 9p-11p


23 9p-11p


26 9p-11p


31 9p-12a [Top 40 DJ only]

       


Jan:

3 9p-11p


6 9p-11p

9 9p-11p


10 9p-11p


15 9p-11p


16 9p-11p


17 9p-11p


20 9p-11p

21 8p-10p, 10p-12a


23 9p-11p

24 9p-11p


27 9p-11p

30 9p-11p

31 9p-11p

       



Feb:

6 9p-11p


8 9p-11p, 11p-1a

9 9p-11p, 11p-1a


10 9p-11p


13 9p-11p


14 9p-11p


17 9p-11p

19 9p-11p


20 9p-11p


23 9p-11p, 11p-1a


24 9p-11p


27 9p-11p


28 9p-11p



THANK YOU AND WE HOPE TO HEAR FROM YOU ALL SOON!

07 Dec 12 - Dan Sindel

Hey, blogspot readers, recently one of SouthSide’s good friends from Los Angeles disclosed to her and many other friends of his battle with tongue cancer. Through love, support and prayers, Dan Sindel is now cancer free. However she’ll let him tell you his story...

“...Last June, I was diagnosed with cancer of the tongue. On July 12, 2012, I went in for major surgery and had to have over ½ of my tongue removed to clear the tumor ...then went through 6 grueling weeks of radiation as well as a few chemo treatments. I am steadily recovering and so grateful for life itself, the amazing doctors who saved me and the immense support from family and friends...”

Dan continues by stating “...the rate of cancer cases is growing and affects so many people. I want to make an impact and try to save lives. I can best help by raising money for cancer research through the gift of my music...”

To give back by helping others, blogspot readers, Dan has put together a fine collection of nine (9) experimental / instrumental rock tunes in a unique CD project titled Plateaus which was recorded using his own home studio. This artist wrote all the songs, played all the instruments, and programmed all the drums and synthesizers as well as recorded and mixed the entire project himself.

By visiting his site, http://www.dansindel.us/ , “...I kindly ask [in helping] me in the fight against cancer by downloading a copy of my new release ...and give a small donation using PayPal...” With a minimum donation of $5 to download the album, Dan hopes to raise $500 where it will be donated to The Cancer Research Center to help save (more) lives, blogspot readers. So far, Dan has raised $250 (as of today Dec 10)!

SouthSide also highly recommends check out Dan Sindel’s YouTube page in particularly watching one of her favorite songs included in the CD titled Into The Ether and feel the soothing yet electric rush of flying through the universe with Dan and his instrumental rock sound ...it’s truly poetry in flowing motion, blogspot readers. Visit - http://youtu.be/h1-e45Jzq58 Into The Ether - Dan Sindel - Music for cancer research. Also check out his others like Anitras Dance (another SouthSide favorite) as well as his instrumental interpretation of Beethoven's Moonlight Sonata and the works by John Philip Sousa.

 

 

Until next time, support your local scene,

SouthSide

One On One with Villains Company

Mark Baker 2012

Hey, blogspot readers, SouthSide has recently found more Villains scowering the local music scene ...yet, they claim to be "...hanging out with the company of thieves... " according to JP of Villains Company and are the "...good villains..." according to Johnny (the oldest member of Villains Company and JP's father). This villainous band is quite different in band makeup as well as music style than from what this reviewer has covered over the year. This particular band doesn't come to the stage with any fancy costumes or industrial/hardcore rock music but each member does represent a vast variety of rock genres from Eric Clapton to Coldplay and Soundgarden within their sound and  music which truly makes Villains Company quite unique, blogspot readers. During the frantic frenziness of what's known here in the states Black Wednesday (the day before Thanksgiving), this reviewer not only got a chance to see this Southside band rock the Hard Rock Cafe stage as well as conduct a rather revealing interview with the members of Villains Company.

Mark Baker 2012

Describing the band to SouthSide as "...blue-collared workers having fun..." like ordinary Joes, she asked JP what made Villains Company "ordinary" compared to the other Villain(s) bands out on the scene. For one thing, blogspot readers, they're not rockin' the stage to make money. Perhaps when most of the members were kids, they did have aspirations of making money and traveling the world with their music. However, that was before getting married, starting a family and holding down regular day jobs ...and way before practicing once a week in a month's time with pieces of the band practicing together. Can't dispute, blogspot readers, when priorities and families come first (sometimes) while you are involved with a band.  JP told SouthSide a story about how their bass player (Jon) who works for UPS and resides in Gurnee, IL couldn't make it for their Double Door show at one time supportiing the night's headliner. According to him, "...any band would have let him go ...but with Villains Company, [we're] family..." also adding  "...we have priorities and families now that we're older..." So how did his father, Johnny, end up joining the band? "...we were looking for a guitar player and [him] join the band ...plus I know his work schedule and where he lives..." then jokingly adding "...he thinks he's all that but he is..." And if his dad ruins the show by missing and/or adding a riff or two, the rest of  Villains Company doesn't mind because Johnny has what they call "old man" clause on his side. Meaning, Johnny has classic rock credibility, blogspot readers. He may be the oldest member of this band but you should have seen him acting like a young twentysomething. Rumor has it, he does sometimes attracts the young ladies. "...now he has an 'I was out with your son' excuse [when] coming home late..." Also, on a sidenote, Johnny gives great hugs, ladies.

Oh, by the way at 11:46p, Julie left the interview.

Mark Baker 2012

While wanting to be known that they're "...play for fun...", blogspot readers, Villains Company also wants you to know that they're "...not try to be the most modern band out there..." either. What makes this band stand apart from the other Villains bands is their drive to bring back the crunchy blues with melodic rhythms and emotionally heartfelt vocals besides being the local "...sideshow..." (according to JP) that does "...all of the grunt work..." (according to Junior - he's the "straight to the point" answer man). Yet, musically they draw from many influences like from JP's father - there's Pink Floyd and Journey to Jeff (being the "baby" of the band who's a Taurus and into latex) and his love for the hardcore metal sound. Every member has their own particular taste and genre of music and by looking at each one, you wouldn't think they were members of the same band. (Now we're joined by Jeff's landlord - Augie). Also what makes this band make up even more unique is that each one have their own style while performing on stage. For example, with Jeff being the drummer, he goes for more of the wooly-haired, metal shirt wearing comfy attire compared to JP looking business-casual with a tie and his father, Johnny, going for the "old school" dapper look with his fedora hat. According to JP, if Jeff were to cut his hair and shave, it would be "...like a Samson and Deliah effect on the band..." In the past they did try to adhere to the suggestions given to them for a couple of shows yet it didn't work to the band's liking. Noting that it's hard to compete out there in the local scene, Villains Company aren't really competing. They like to keep it real for themselves and their fans.

Mark Baker 2012

During the course of the Villains Company interview, blogspot readers, (and believe, SouthSide it was sort of a wild backstage interview here with a photographer, disco ball and tubful of Pabst Blue Ribbon), she asked the band which songs said fans check out.  JP replied with three good selections - Feels Good, Momma and I Am You. Those particular songs were also fine examples of Villains Company musical style and sound. For example take Feels Good where JP not only was vocal expressive on the lyrics but his body language enhanced as well as convey the mood and tone of the song especially while becoming more dramatically heartfelt than dynamic under a falsetto range within a semi-downtempo rhythm. Meanwhile I Am You took a more melodic tone than most of Villains' songs while within an alternative/rock style because there's a sense of floetry that highlights JP's voice even though he did get a bit overshadowed by the rest of the band. Still, this reviewer particularly enjoyed how the song was reverently played so their fans and Hard Rock audience could enjoy the beauty and wonderment of all notes as well as the digital programming used. It was quite soothing to hear the vibrant electric wail down to melodic bass and percussion ...for a such a complex tune, there was simplicity to be found and enjoyed. Lastly, (definitely not least), Momma is a rather upbeat rhythmic tune in which JP did outshine the band, blogspot readers yet more than that. He was truly expressive on levels where the band had to keep up with him and his vocal powress to which SouthSide could honestly say Villains Company shined under the Hard Rock Cafe like rock stars before adding another heart-touching moment to their performance. Long story short version, blogspot readers, JP phoned a friend who was miraculously survived being shot 5 times after being robbed of his iPhone at the 47th Street CTA Red Line rail stop. SouthSide still gets teary-eyed thinking about this guy though missing the show was still determined to rock out with his friends soon. Check out the YouTube video done by photographer Mark Baker of Mark Baker Photography of JP calling the shooting victim http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7eZCVVALQbc&feature=youtube_gdata_player.

Mark Baker 2012

In between questions and learning about the band, SouthSide got a crash course about the American holiday, Thanksgiving (which was happening the next day) and the craziness of Black Friday to which it's described as "...an addiction ...[Americans] like rockin' the coupon..." that this reviewer may never understand why anyone would wait in the cold eating a turkey dinner waiting for the mall to open. Still, it's hard to get fans to come to shows especially the day before Thanksgiving aka Black Wednesday however tonight, she caught this band on a good night. Also, there was mention of the other crazy practice of saving parking spots with furniture to toys during the wintertime while covering all other subjects but religion. Political wise, Villains Company can be also considered as a "...uninionized company..." "...this is why I vote democratic..." says Jeff. Sadly it was getting late and the band wanted to see Out for Hours wrapping up this pre-holiday feast when SouthSide asked them if they had any final words or thoughts to say to their fans and blogspot readers. As you might imagine, they had plenty to say. From "...if we didn't have this good company, we wouldn't have smiles on our faces..." to "...still have a lot of possibilities in our music..." but JP did get the final word about Villains Company when saying "...it's all about local scene and making it happen ...no one gives the local band chance..." to which he and the band appreciates what SouthSide (and many others) do for the local music scene.

Mark Baker 2012

What a nice way to end this interview, blogspot readers.

For more information about Villains Company and where they will be doing the grunt work for the other company of thieves, visit http://www.villainscompany.com or on Facebook.

Also, HUGE photo credit goes to Mark Baker of Mark Baker Photography who snapped the photogs of the band while on stage and during the interview! Visit him at http://www.MarkBakerPhotog.com.


Until next time, support your local scene,
SouthSide

CD review

Hey, blogspot readers, SouthSide finally took some time away from the venues and bands for a couple of days of relaxation and clearing the mail clutter of new CDs that arrived in the mail. She highly recommends the following selections as noteworthy stocking stuffers or something to enhance your personal collection this holiday season.

Dying & Falling
i:scintilla
http://www.iscintilla.com

This 13 track (11 tracks with 2 bonus remix tracks of The Shake and Swimmers Can Drown) literally rocked this reviewer's ears even after recently attending this band's live taping at JBTV studios in Chicago. Opening with the fast pace and speed of danceable dark electronica/industrial (as featured in Swimmers Can Drown) that's coupled with the intensity of lead vocalist, Brittany, to which smooths out the raw music edginess by adding a touch of feminie sexuality and fiery passion as well as dynamic vocals, it's not too hard to find a song or two where you'll find yourself strutting some powerful dance moves on the floor at the next Nocturna, blogspot readers, especially when listening to songs like Ammunition (track 3) and Worth the Wait (track 4). What's not included in this album (but she wishes it was) was the heart-wrenching War To Win that was featured during i:Scintilla's live JBTV taping. According to Brittany, this particular song is featured in an upcoming documentary soundtrack. SouthSide highly recommends checking out the title track (#6) where the band adds a touch of dubstep/dreampop to their haunting electronica/industrial music and the vocals. Though projected in a slight downtempo groove, this reviewer enjoyed the rhythms floetry before moving quickly to the upbeat dark electronica of Face the Kill (track 7). Want to really hear how dynamic and powerful Brittany's vocals can be, blogspot readers? Then listen to The Shake (track 8) in this band takes a melodramatic turn for a ballad that features piano (piano/string arrangement by Robert Mantz)-cello (by Kitty Thompson) driven production sound which beautifully spotlight this vocalist and her voice. Here she shines the most, in SouthSide's honest opinion, sans the industrial edge bringing out more of the soulful gusto of heart-wrenching emotions to the lyrics within the eclectic mix of electronica and orchestrations that you will literally feel (as well as hear). Loved the haunting string ending to this particular song. And while listening to this CD, take a few moments to admire the lovely yet dark artwork designed by Brittany for i:Scintilla's album cover.


Release 3: Brides/Canoe
Soccer Mom
http://www.facebook.com/soccermom

Not what SouthSide was expecting when receiving this two-track CD from her friends at 100m Records yet she's glad it was a totally unexpected experience for her. Might sound confusing, blogspot readers, but it was the unexpectedness by this Boston band in which this reviewer thinks Soccer Mom's going for ...among other thing like not being able to physically categorize their uniquely eclectic music and sound. For example, check out track 1 - A Canoe Shy where this band features a harsh sounding 80s Brit pop/rock influence and sound especially on the vocals that's meant to be played and heard LOUD! Definitely crank up the volume ...go ahead and scare your neighbors while basking in the rawness of the jamming guitar riffs and percussion rhythms blasting your ears away. If that the band's intention at the time of recording, they thoroughly have succeeded in this task, blogspot readers. Meanwhile track 2 - Brides opening with a repeated calming tribal beat before shocking the system with a blaring blast of guitars and drums before finally moving into the song. As SouthSide mentioned earlier, it's hard to categorize this band since they do draw from a lot of genres and influences especially during this particular song. You will hear LOUD electric guitar rock, 80s pop/punk rock and more that's entirely meshed into a seemingly and confusing chaotic mess as the loudness of the music overshadows the vocals a bit. Yet once again, this reviewer has the distinct feeling this song was designed that way to get your head banging to the beat, blogspot readers.


evolve or die
V Is For Villains
http://www.visforvillains.com

Beware, blogspot readers, Villains have taken control of their minion scene ...especially here in Chicago! It's not even a passing fad either. This band is here to stay now that they have (finally) released a full album in between making appearances at local anime shows to rockin' out Steampunk festivals (near and far). Besides villainizing venues like Reggie's Rock Club, House of Blues (Chicago), and Metro, this band also features a merch which goes beyond the standard buttons and stickers ...they have trading cards, masks and more to complete your acceptance of their villainous control over you. Even SouthSide ...er rather Eva Trixx has had the extreme pleasure of interving the master Villain himself of V Is For Villains, Mr. Agitator in two separate interviews. Yet now that this band of musical villains have a full-length CD declaring their villainy intentions on the world titled Evolve or Die, it's time to pick a side, blogspot readers - do you evolve with the band or die? This CD features a sexually-charged intensity within its opening song Just A Sinner in which Mr. Agitator must bow to the whim of the femimine wiles  and power of Veronica Jade that he can never escape from as well as two villain anthems - Rise Above (track 3) and the title track (#9), where all villains are called to unite and heed to the call of their villainous master for world domination! Resisting will be futile ...simply just join them while they take your listening ears down a dark road of face pace electronica/steampunk/industrial rock music. Tracks flow right into each other without pausing for a moment's breath which is almost like attending one of Villains' shows except there's no Pink Elephants (a Midnight Minion, i.e. V Is For Villains fan, favorite) on the album. Still there's a love (villain-style) ballad - track 8 The Black Swan Love Song (one of SouthSide's personal favorite). Yes, villains do have emotions, blogspot reades, and can love but that love can also lead to heartache and pain. Plus check out the instrumental March of the Villains and feel the thunderous orchestrations of the minion army of many overtaking the world ...sadly it's a short track. Perhaps there will be a Part II featured in the next V Is For Villains album.

One final note, check out the fascinating artwork done by Carlos Santiago - The Headmaster of all Villains as well as manager and more for the band.


Until next time, support your local scene,
SouthSide

17 Nov 12

~ Corey King & The Ohio Weather Band

Hey, blogspot readers, halfway through a long 4-day adventure around town. And tonight, SouthSide returns "home" (i.e. Elbo Room)! There she was to spend an evening upstairs in the acoustic lounge to interview as well as review her new friend from IN - Me In Radio. But first she highly recommends checking out the intense energy of this "youthful" trio from Ohio that rocked as the opening act for the main stage downstairs. Corey King & The Ohio Weather Band (or simply The Ohio Weather Band for short) set the Elbo Room stage ablaze with an energized blast of rockin' Americana blues/rock sound and soulful falsetto from the band's front man, Corey King, especially he displayed a strong force of vocal powress to certain songs. He had that certain "young" soulful sound which made this reviewer take interest in the band in which complemented the style of performing the music - sometimes performed in a downtempo rhythm. The audience were treated to an upbeat swing homage to the early days of rock and roll at one point before truly impressing them with an acoustic performance where Corey demonstrated the mighty power of how emotionally heartfelt his vocals could be, blogspot readers, as well as the imagery in his songwriting style. Here, SouthSide enjoyed listening to the pictureseque lyrics laced throughout his two-song acoustic set in which the words were designed to touch not only the soul but the heart especially during White Chariot when his voice popped the words to life amidst the downtempo acoustic riffs. She also recommends listening to The Ohio Weather Band's The Whole Damn Town. For more information about The Ohio Weather Band, visit http://www.ohioweatherband.com.

 

Meanwhile back upstairs in the acoustic lounge, blogspot readers, SouthSide had the unfortunate encounter with a very bad opening act known as Kitty Cat Kitty Cat and does have some advice for the duo who performed before Me In Radio was scheduled to perform. First, the female vocalist needs singing lessons or needs to learn how sing when accompanied with an acoustic guitar ...and this reviewer means this in the nicest way possible since one's ears shouldn't be assualted with a horrible cover of an Adele hit (from the outside of the venue). Second, if going to cover popular 80s and 90s one-hit wonders, please sing all of the lyrics not mumble your way through the songs or loudly announce "...let's go to the Marconi part of the song ...that's my favorite part..." - it shows how disrespectful you are to the song and its composer. And lastly, (and still SouthSide means this in the nicest way possible), she would have rather enjoyed hearing a set of original songs than an entire performance full of covers and some originals.

"...bands and artists starve everyday ...have to love what you do..." ~ Me In Radio

This singer/songwriter describes his one-man band, Me In Radio, as "...very eclectic, very different and theatrical...", blogspot readers. Yet what makes this particular so eclectic and different as well as theatrical, well according to Richie Versace "...[it] started with a 40-piece band called Soup Kitchen [but] after taking a break from the band, I started playing the piano drawing on influences like Tori Amos, Ani D'Franco, Over The Rhine and Rufus Wainwright..." and then adding "...it's different than [a] traditional rock setting ...every show is different depending on the my mood..." What Me In Radio forgot to add, blogspot readers, was how dramatic his live performance can be just like he said - depending on his mood. SouthSide highly recommends checking out this one-man band theatrical performance in where he fuses a set of acoustic guitar and/or piano-driven songs amidst an intensely strong vocal powress. His voice does command your immediate attention that's laced with more than just heartfelt emotions but also with dynamic falsettos especially when performing his own compositions. Still there's another interesting thing about Me In Radio, blogspot readers, he's not a trained pianist which at times during his double set performance was hard to believe until making minor mistakes here and there. Yet, Richie plays it with a certain intensity and passion as he immerses himself into each and every melodic note and rhythm. As he described the first part of his show, "...a lot of piano and keyboard ...[almost] a Tori Amos-esque type of show..." meanwhile the second part of the show would feature songs off his album, Baptized In Fire where he says "...[it's] about unrequited love, how it's broken and how we rediscover it ...closure..." He hopes use part of the album with the book he's working on about growing up and his life.

Here's another interesting fact about Me In Radio - he grew up in a conservative home not listening to music and though missing out on the pop/rock of the times, Richie does have a fond appreciation for music and artists like Madonna (depending on which Madonna era). Me In Radio wonderfully demonstrated that love and appreciation for music of the times when performing a powerful rendition of REM's Losing My Religion. You, blogspot readers, won't know how deep and meaningfully philosophical Michael Stipe's lyrics could get until hearing Richie perform this particular with a sense of emotional angst and passion as if he was immersing his entire being into each word that was almost dramatically spoken like a Shakespearean soliloquy. It was the most soulful experience just from this one song that it nearly moved SouthSide to tears. Or listen to his version of Brittany Spears' Hit Me Baby One More Time, blogspot readers, and you get more than the sexual overtones woven throughout this pop song done acoustically on piano with a powerful amount of intense passion. It was mind-blowing before covering the theme song from the original Muppet Movie - The Rainbow Connection. Despite doing a short version of the song, it's hard to believe that he never grew up listening to these songs yet can project a strong emotion connection each of these three examples that brought the lyrics to life.

And when not on the piano, blogspot readers, his acoustic guitar side to the show is equally powerful. His voice did take on a different style and tone ...more dramatic than what was heard on the piano. Still emotionally deep but darker to bring out the soulful and dynamic tone off the guitar riffs accompanying him. This was where most of his theatrics come into play as he strums and sings before returning to the piano to perform with more a dramatic flare and intensity. One thing, SouthSide did notice about his first set was the shortness of each song but that wasn't a bad thing., blogspot readers. Each song wasn't given a quick run-through of vocals and music yet Me In Radio performed them with emotions and passion that they really didn't seem short at all besides adding a bit of comedy or stories in between them. Now the second set was where the eclectic, avant garde and theatrics came into play with a slight twist when performing songs off his album. Dressed in Christmas lights, Me In Radio powerfully took command of the stage with emotionally intensity that was not only felt but also heard in his songs like Baptized In Fire and Music in which the listening audience was sucked into his angst and tortured soul of pain. SouthSide felt the words dramatically and powerfully touching the dark of his life wonderfully projected through his words ...and again, she felt the urge to weep and/or ache from a broken heart along with him. Another song, Do You Remember John was a loving tribute to his friend where Richie tries to find a way to cope after his friend's death ...definitely there was pain in his voice. And though he wasn't performing on either guitar or piano, blogspot readers, there was plenty of intense energy floating around the acoustic lounge off his programmed music for the songs. Nothing was held back as far as emotions went especially while performing his closing song - Goodbye (about packing up your shit and moving on).

When doing some research about Me In Radio, SouthSide found an interesting point about this artist - the name is in reference to "...play on words ...a representative long lasting emotion that transmit a signal called music..." Definitely the emotions were there as well as the music throughout this performance. Yet don't expect Me In Radio to venture into the label (ie record company) game. He intends to stay indie because when "...the label takes over, the artist loses their creativity and their art..." That's why he was performing in Chicago in hopes of gaining a fanbase besides moving out of his comfort zone to which he added "...Chicago is a new experience for me..." "...Indie bands..." says Me In Radio, "...count on people for support ...and also it's about getting into the moment where you're at..." And he doesn't mind if he's performing for 50 or just SouthSide as long as someone appreciates what he's doing. This reviewer asked Dave Cook, owner of Elbo Room, what he thought about Me In Radio's performance and he said "....it's avant garde..." That's totally true - it was more than just a "one man performing on stage", blogspot readers, you got an entire theatrical production from beginning to end in two powerful acts. Not to worry, Me In Radio will be performing again on Dec 15th at The Monkeys Tale and on Dec 20th at Birdy's Bar & Grill. Take note that if you buy the album - Baptized in Fire and/or any other merch, 15% of the proceeds will be donated to Big Give Back charity fund. For more information, check out http://www.meinradiomusic.com.


Until next time, support your local scene,
SouthSide

December 2012

Well, blogspot readers, we have come to the end of another rockin' year of shows/events happening around town (as well as other places including some across the pond). Yet before saying goodbye to the old year, SouthSide strongly advises spreading a little holiday cheer at some of these events and shows. Who knows ...you just meet that special someone under the mistletoe for a New Year's kiss!

All shows are 21+ unless noted.

Nov 30th:
725 Maple Ave (South of Callett Park in Terre Haute, IN) – Papa J Otis House show for Eugene V Debs Memorial Fund
7:30p

Metro – Nocturna with DJ Scary Lady Sarah
11:30p

Dec 1:
Nite Cap – The Mid-Night Rock Express rolls into this venue

Martyrs' - Furious Frank will be presenting an all new version of their Hobocamp Mud show featuring The Howl and Velocicopter
$8 / 9p

Silvie's Lounge - Check out Esh The Singer as she rocks the stage at this venue

Double Door - Kid Koala rocks the stage

Dec 2:
Tonic Room - The Schiavos with Brett Dignan will be rockin' the stage

Dec 3:
Rock’N Chicago Live’s first show! Tune in at 7p at http://www.airaidionet.com

Dec 4:
L& L Tavern (near Belmont and Clark) - the Mutts will be celebrating their "God, Country Grave" video premiere (off the band's most recent LP Separation Anxiety)
7:30p

Act One Pub (located inside Mayne Stage) - CAU (Chicago Acoustic Underground) presents "Singing for Your Supper" Songwriter Showcase

Dec 5:
Ultra Lounge – check out I:Scintilla along with 8MM and The Dead Room rock the stage

Beat Kitchen – Walking Shadows will be rockin’ the stage
10p

River Rockhouse - Paragon and (hed)p.e. will be rockin' the stage

Kaufman Center (New York) - attend the last Intelligence Squared Debate of 2012, blogspot readers. Choose a side during this much anticipated heated argument God vs Science

Tonic Room - Genome 1st Wednesday with EGI (Ethereal Groove, Inc) and Kobrakai
8p / $5

Schuba's Tavern - Sons of the West will be opening for Reignwolf

Dec 6:
Double Door – Mos Scocious along with Four Star Band and The New Balance will be rockin’ the stage
8:30p / $7

Visual Art Network presents: Verge and Light Assembly
9p

Dec 7:
Martyrs’ – The Buddies with T. J. Kong & The Atomic Bomb. Also The Buddies will be rockin’ a live television appearance on WGN-TV’s Midday Music Lounge

Amore – Joe Marcinek Band CD Release show
9p

Sammy’s Pizza – Digeometric along with Todd Hazelrigg will be rockin’ this tasty venue

Beat Kitchen – The Damn Choir will be supporting A&M/Octone recording artists, Churchill

Fitz's Spare Keys - Hi Infidelity will be rockin' the stage

The Bowery Electric (New York) - Stone Cold Fox with These Animals, Alex Vans and At The Moment will be performing
8p / $8

Neo - it's the ReDe Fundraiser / New Wave Party! iRon, Chris Quinn, DJ Pauly, Shon Dervis, and TCHTNRL will be spinning Reggie's favorite records. It's FREE before 10p ($5 after - all proceeds donated to the Destin Family)
10p

Dec 8:
SubT – Shimmer happens! Dance to the best in shoegaze and dreampop with Scary Lady Sarah & Philly Peroxide
9p

Reggie's Rock Club - Control along with Creature Feature (headliner), Curio, The Horrids and Umbra & The Vulcan Siege will be rockin' the stage
All Ages / 6p / $10 - $20

Quencher’s – Hero Monster Zero along with Shift, The Wild Finish and Jackpot Donnie
$5 / 9p

Elbo Room – come out and support Chords for A Cure 2012

Red Line Tap – Toys For Tots Show

2722 W. Jackson – rock out with Dead Steelmill, Blastoff, Cellar Rats and more
8p

River Rockhouse - XFactor makes its debut on the stage
10p

Dec 10:
Reggie's - check out SouthSide's friends Cheer Up Moon Cat rockin' the stage featuring KALEIDOSCOPE

Dec 11:
Double Door – RAW Natural Born Artists present: Holiday Rawk
7:30p

Mojoes - OTHERWISE and more happens

Dec 13:
Elbo Room – Jack Rabbit will rockin’ out its final show of 2012
8p / $8

Batavia Academy of Dance - check out the Artisan Collective December Market
7:30p
Dec 14:
Double Door – Matthew Morgan and the Lost Brigade Record Release show featuring The Future Laureates, Goodbyehome and Jeff Brown
8p

Ace Bar – J.J. & Dre’s presents: J.J. & Dre with The Schiavos and Dog 1

House of Blues (Orlando, FL) – Traverser performs
9p

Elbo Room – Red Mercury Sky performs along with R. Mutt, The BOB Band and OUTLIER

Neo - 2nd Fridays' are dubbed as TRANSMISSION. Dance the night until closing to music spun by Lolly Gagger, Mr Automatic, Mr Bobby and Pink Machine featuring guest DJ Macaulay Vulcan
10p / FREE before Midnight (with RVSP at Do312)

Dec 15:
Cobra Lounge – Riot Fest & Cobra Lounge presents: The Business with Anger

Another Hole In The Wall – it’s the Dark Days of Christmas featuring Janus, Blue Felix and Denial Machine
5p

Penny Road Pub – Hellwagen’s debut show

Reggie’s Rock Club – Angelspit’s Wall Street Massacre 2012 Tour featuring Cyanotic, My Parasites, Shotgun Zombie or Sutureself
5p / All Ages

City Winery – Donna the Buffalo returns to Chicago featuring an opening performance by Steve Dawson
8p / $18 – 20 / $25 VIP

Red Room (Portland, OR) - check out Barbie Saint's band, Die Robot, as they rock the stage
8:30p / $5

Dec 16:
Double Door – The Lake Effect Release Party featuring The Retar Crew
9p / FREE

Reggie’s Rock Club – Battle of the Bands featuring PJ’s My Cousin Too
3p

Des Plaines Theatre – it’s Music Making A Difference event
1p

Dec 19:
Mayne Stage – Chris Greene Quartet performs
For more information and tickets, visit http://www.maynestage.com

Dec 20:
Schuba’s Tavern – Panther Style will be rockin’ along with Panda Riot and The Bright White during the 2nd Annual Warm, Safe and Sound event, a concert and clothing drive.
7p / $8 (with donation of winter gear for the needy)

Bowery Ballroom (New York) - Sky White Tiger will be performing

Birdy's Bar & Grill (Indianapolis, IN) - When The World Ends show featuring Me In Radio (read SouthSide's recent review of this amazingly eclectic artist) along with Just Plain Paul and Alcki
9p / $5

Reggie's - attend this very special event, blogspot readers, Chicago - RIP Jason Lockwood Benefit. FREE entry however donations are encouraged. The lineup includes Jason's band VOA (Voice Of Addiction), Slaves To The Pavement, She Likes Todd and Deyv Dee performing
9p

Dec 21:
The Coffee Grounds (Terre Haute, IN) – Papa J Otis performs

Tonic Room – Spare Parts with Digeometric, Spread and Kobrakai
9p

Rockford, IL – V Is For Villains will be appearing at Anime Apocalypse

SubT – Red Novella rocks the stage

Touche - It's The End of The World And I Feel Rad!!! event
10p

Dec 22:
The House Café (DeKalb, IL) – it’s the 2nd Annual Brage Holiday Bash
7p

House of Blues (Chicago) – Lovehammers rock this All Ages show

Quenchers Saloon - it's the XXX-Mas show featuring The Polkaholics and Pervisions

Reggie's - it's the 15th Annual Macabre's Holiday of Horror 2012! The lineup features Macabre, Avernus (reunion show), Stone Magnum and Jar D'Loose
8p

Dec 27:
Underground Wonder Bar - party and dance to Afrobeat jam-funk, blogspot readers, featuring Jugo De Mango, Esso and Vivian Garcia at this World Wonder event
10p

Dec 28:
Symphony Center – 20 Years Young: Midwest Young Artists Concert in partnership with the Alzheimer’s Association
5p

Double Door – HTC presents: Pre-New Year’s Hip Hop Party with Special Guests TBA
8p / $20

Dec 29:
Double Door – The Giving Tree Band along with The Shams Band and Ed Anderson will be performing
9p / $12

Dec 31
Empty Bottle – Marked Men with Bad Sports, Mucca Pazza, White Mystery and Jon Drake & The Shakes
Tickets on sale now

Mayne Stage – JC Brooks & The Uptown Sound
For tickets and information, visit http://www.maynestage.com

House Of Blues (Chicago) – Full sets by Third Eye Blind and Mutemath
Tickets on sale now

Fitz’s Spare Keys – get sauced with The Hot Sauce Committee with special guest DJ

Cobra Lounge – Riot Fest & Cobra Lounge presents: Naked Raygun & The Dwarves at this New Year’s Eve party
8p

Double Door - Rockabilly Queen, Wanda Jackson, will be ringing in the new year with her performance here featuring Soul Summit DJs Dave Mata and Duke Grip spinning house music
$55 (General Admission) / $100 (host bar tickets) - both include midnight champagne toast
For more information, visit http://www.doubledoor.com

The Castle (632 N. Dearborn, Chicago) - check out this legendary artist, Paul Oakenfold rockin' the New Year at Chicago's finest megaclub - The Castle. Join over 3,000 party goers in four different rooms of music with a 4 hour open bar, interactive countdown, midnight champagne toast and more!

Look for updates as more New Year's Eve parties are announced!


Until next time, support your local scene,
SouthSide

16 Nov 12 - Chicago Roots Collective fest

~ Andy Metz performing

Hey, blogspot readers, it may be a bit chilly to hold a festival but it's not too chilly to attend night one of Chicago's hot rockin' 2-day event. Tonight at Beat Kitchen, this reviewer was there for the opening festivities of the 4th Annual Chicago Roots Collective in which features some of the best singer/songwriters and bands performing on two floors. 

Upstairs, SouthSide did check out a part of the acoustic acts where her friends Bassel and Andy Metz (bassist of Hero Monster Zero)were performing along with others featured in the lineup such as Kathy Greenholdt, Matt Burke, The Western and Anthony Galdino with Jarryd Scott Stemier headlining. After opening his set with an emotionally charged tune called Death and Taxes (in which Andy's voice projected such vocal fervor on the lyrics while highlighting a heartfelt tone), this singer/songwriter entertained the listenting audience with some selections from his band Hero Monster that also included a song inspired by an epic poem. There was where Andy did rock the stage with his vocally charged tone and furious acoustic riffs to match the energized momentum felt surrounding the upstairs room. And even while performing in a melodic downtempo rhythm, Andy wonderfully projected such emotion and fervor on his lyrics that he made you feel what he was feeling at the time of composition before including the audience to help him out towards the end. SouthSide highly recommends checking out Andy Metz and his rockin' band - Hero Monster Zero at http://www.facebook.com/heromonsterzero.

Meanwhile downstairs, bands like The Future Laureates, Jeff Brown and Band Called Catch were rockin' the stage opening for Molehill and Ewing Theory. Despite missing her friend's, The Future Laureates, set, SouthSide did enjoy  the final few minutes of her other  friends, Band Called Catch (http://www.myspace.com/bandcalledcatch) and their hot performance which included fun songs like Moon Pie and Done It Again as well as the customary frisbee toss where some lucky fans were able to win cool band merch prizes before turning the stage over to her friends - Molehill for their show. After thoroughly frightening the audience a little with the blaring sound of an air raid siren, this local band kicked off their set with a boisterious clash of piano-driven alternative/rock sound.  After not seeing this band for over two years, blogspot readers, SouthSide noted the distinct change in sound and intensity Molehill projected throughout the set thus immediately liking the band's "new" look and music especially the emotionally charged energy featured in the chorus (during No Reprieve) when the vocals were combined with heartfelt and dynamic tone. Nope it wasn't the same band she had seen on stage at Joe's On Weed St. Molehill definitely upped their rock sound (as well as image) for more powerful energy and fury to electrify the stage with intense guitar riffs and crescendo rises that (at times) left you breathless for that burst of momentum at the bridge. Such energy did have this crowded back room rockin' to the heart-racing tempo especially during Almost Broken. Featuring other songs like I'm Okay, Money Life and Wildfire, Molehill did project a certain amount of profound sadness to their highly energized performance when performing the song The Fall (dedicated to an old friend) where this reviewer honestly felf the pain and angst experienced from the lyrics. Yet what truly made this song quite special was the energized gusto that rocked out the conclusion of the song. Also, Molehill got a little futuristic and space-like with their music during F# to which had this crowd dancing to the electronica soundwaves before rocking the stage to an epic-sounding intro to Control which suddenly had this venue overheated from the bodies moving to the rhythmic beat especially while dancing along with the band to Interlude. SouthSide highly recommends rockin' to the "new" electrifying soundwave projected by Molehill at their next performance, blogspot readers. For more information, visit http://www.molehillmusic.com.


Until next time, support your local scene,
SouthSide

15 Nov 12 - Double M Gala: Fund Raise the Roof



Hey, blogspot readers, SouthSide's in the cinematic spotlight! For tonight's adventure around town, this reviewer took a break from the bands to lend her support for a charitable fundraiser which pits music and movies together under one rockin' festival in the spring. CIMM Fest (Chicago International Movies & Music Festival) brings together just more than movies and music from all corners of the world but it's celebrating the "...inseparable connection between music and movies..." This four-day springtime event features premiere, music-centric films and live concerts at venues like Double Door, Debonair Social Club and The Hideout as well as DJ/VJ sets, Q&A sessions and live film-scoring performancs. Plus there's also Rock and Roll art exhibits and professional and entrepreneurial conference ...but more importantly, a mind-blowing experience that's fun! What's really makes this festival quite unique, blogspot readers, is that each of the venues (18 in all) are located quite close to one another along 5 CTA Blue line rail stops where each one will be hosting either one of  70 films (from 25+ countries) and/or 130 bands. The 2013 CIMMfest will run during the weekend of April 18th through 21st. Blogspot readers can expect SouthSide covering parts of this festival for a future On The Town review.

- Derek's masterpiece in motion

Yet to put on a festival of this size and magnitude, there needs a bit of help from people within the business or interested people supporting their love of unique combination of movies and music. Tonight, CIMMfest organizers held a fun fundraising party on the second level of The Zhou B Art Center (located in the Bridgeport neighborhood) where supporters, artists, producers, directors, DJs/VJs and more were able to converge and raise funds for this upcoming springtime event. There was live art in motion, blogpspot readers, by Derek Carier who was working on his huge masterpiece of intricate triangular shapes of all sizes and colours. SouthSide did take a moment or two to view the other interesting artwork around this room. She like one piece (sorry, don't have any information about it) where various classic albums were displayed on the floor to the mattress springs hanging overhead like a canopy or being used as a makeshift tent. You had to be careful of the sharp hangers of circled-punch out metal sheets that hung overhead in various locations throughout the venue.

Elsewhere inside this former industrial warehouse, there was free flowin' music from the many DJs like Derek Carter (who truly got this event feeling as well as reeling from the hardcore tribal mixes), Justin Long , SHUT EYE and 8FATFAT8 - just to name a few while attendees could mingle around with friends or watch on two huge screens various movie/music projects from last year's CIMMfest. Some being shown were documentary to narrative films or music videos by international artists/bands. SouthSide found some of the movies to be very intriguing and thought-provoking to quite humorous in nature. For example, one (by A Wrong Way Productions) featured a rather interesting look into what happens inside a series of bathroom stalls ...a weird expose of people doing everything from gangland style murder to a Nazi preaching his politics and more besides going to the bathroom. Another in which she liked though not being able to hear this particular video (featuring music by Young Circles)  the images on the screen ran almost in sync with the featured DJ's club remix of Sugar Hill Gang's Lala Song.

Attenion, filmmakers, bands, artists, et al, there's a call for entries for CIMMfest's happening April 18th through 21st. Visit http://www.cimmfest.org or on Facebook, Twitter and/or YouTube sites for more information.

Without your support, blogspot readers, CIMMfest wouldn't be able to celebrate the inseparable connection between music and movies for over four years. This organization needs your help in making Chicago International Movies & Music Festival 2013 the best ever! They want you to be a part of something extraordinary. CIMMfest is a 501(3)c non-profit ...so your donation is tax-deductible. Visit http://www.cimmfest.org for information on how you can help.

Until next time, support your local scene,

SouthSide

10 Nov 12

Yeehaw!

Let's country rock, blogspot readers! SouthSide's kicking up her heels tonight in the West Loop area for some hardcore country/Americana rock during this latest adventure around town. Tonight, she paid a visit to Cobra Lounge to review the return of Catl (from Toronto, Canada) along with The Not So Good Ol' Boys (from Cleveland, OH), Hammerdown and Rivals of the Peacemaker as the featured lineup of the night. This reviewer highly suggests grinding your teeth into some of the grittiest electric country rock ever heard around town by The Not So Good Ol' Boys. This band definitely rocked the stage as one of the loudest performances ever reviewed of 2012 to which SouthSide enjoyed the raw yet emotionally deep vocals heard Hard Road and Darker Than The Devil (off their myspace page). This band's blood truly runs deep with the Southern rock sound that can be heard in other bands like Lynyrd Skynyrd, The Allman Brothers, Johnny Cash, Creedence Clearwater Revival and more to which they draw some influences from their mentors' music and sound. SouthSide got chills from front man Zac on vocals when his voice vividly pumped heartfelt as well as emotional angst on the lyrics (listen to Nashville and Hard Road as good examples). For more information, visit http://myspace.com/thenotsogoodolboys.

From Toronto, Canada, this rockin' trio gave their Chicago audience a return performance featuring a boisterous sound and thunderous pockets of energy within their nostalgic homage to early rock-n-roll. Combined with a backwater blues/punk/Americana vibe, Catl, blogspot readers, thrilled this reviewer with some exhilarating yet raw vocal falsetto (from male lead Catl himself) and emotional yet soulful feminine voice (from Sarah on piano/organ/tambourine too) as well as Johnny (on drums) adding that rump-shaking, foot-stompin' sound to each song. Under this cloud of this rhythmic music, you could hear (besides feeling it) the fire and passion especially within the band's the pseudo gospel tune titled Gospel Song. Then while picking up the tempo a bit for 5 Miles (track two on Catl's Soon This Will All Be Gone Side B), South Side couldn't help feel hot energized momentum surrounding the venue as the trio released a fury of clashing percussions and vibrant organ  amidst the rockabilly/country rock mesh. Hearing such music, blogspot readers, does tend to get the blood pumping when listening to the intense sound though the melodic organ rhythms gave that same intensity a defining balance for you to tap the toes to. The rest of Catl's Chicago performance also featured a swingin' dance full of a swampy blues/rock tune for Gotta A Thing For You (track 4 on Side A of their current CD that will definitely make you shake, rattle and roll) to a sultry little number where SouthSide enjoyed the gradual build up during the lyrics before rockin' out the stage with thunderous conclusion that rocked out Catl's show. Check out Catl, blogspot readers, for this band's bumpin' grind of Americana/rockabilly music at their next performance. For more information, visit http://www.catl.bandcamp.com/.


Until next time, support your local scene,
SouthSide

02 Nov 12

***SouthSide sincerely apologizes for the lateness of this review***

"...my ovaries hurt..." ~ Jeffree Star



Hey, blogspot readers, the scene is dead! It was self-proclaimed during this rockin' tour that rolled through Chicago this evening at this Southside venue - Reggie's Rock Club. This was where SouthSide and her daughter, Sunday (not her real name) joined many of fashionably dressed tweens, teens and adults converged to see Blood On The Dance Floor! The lineup also featured the return of New Year's Day as well as Jeffree Star and Davey Suicide with  a DJ spinning the hottest industrial/metalized mixes before and in between acts during this all-ages spectacular. For many attendees, it was return seeing their favorite bands and meeting them after the sets while for others (especially for some parents) it was an experience this reviewer is certain they would never forget.

Kicking off the night of rockin' music and fun was a suicidal riot of pent up teenage frustration and loud "...glam goth monster..." rock, blogspot readers. Davey Suicide opened the lineup with a hardcore bang of  metalized guitar rock coupled with primal screamo vocals and thunderous percussion rhythms which seems to frighten some of the parents sitting in the balcony. However, their kids weren't appalled or shocked by this band's "scary" appearance. Rather, Davey touched on what today's youth are thinking and clearly this band highlighted the discord through songs like Generation Fuck Star (which disses reality music competition shows such as The Voice, X Factor and American Idol) and Fear Is a God. "...it's the idea of creating something larger hand life with 80s and industrial influences such Guns N Roses, Marilyn Manson and Rob Zombie..." Davey told SouthSide adding "...it's a preference but not so much 80s music ...there's more 80s influence within Davey's [music] than Zombie or Manson..." During her interview with Davey Suicide himself, this reviewer did ask him what other songs should blogspot readers check out off his new album, Put Our Trust In Suicide. "...Hide Your Morals and Kids of America..." according to the band's front man and songwriter because "...it's a band staple ....[plus] they're big anthem-like songs..." If you have seen the official video for Generation Fuck Star (if not, check it out on Davey's YouTube page), blogspot readers, you might notice a cryptic message that reads "...the name Suicide is a constant reminder that unless we kill ourselves, there is no ceiling for what we're capable of. Dreaming keeps us alive..." Davey explained to SouthSide that's a powerful motto ...a self belief in which "...too many people have crutches and they rely on their crutches too many times instead of relying on themselves..." So true indeed. Yet while watching Davey's opening performance, this reviewer couldn't help there was more to this band's performance than what was seen on stage. She did get a chance to ask him about that and he replied "...it was a typical 20 minute set ...[we] had to trim songs for tonight ...some are more melodic and there's one sleazy song..." Also Davey added "...[we] put together a B-side set ...there's a theme song we didn't get to walk on stage to ...[it's] hard to get into a groove within 20 minutes..." And even though it was a mere twenty minutes, this band put a lot into their set that truly had their fans screaming loudly for more. Also - believe it or not, blogspot readers, Davey Suicide is a HUGE (Chicago) Bears fan! Somewhere under his black makeup that coated his arm is a tattoo of Da Bears. Davey also disclosed during the brief interview that if given the opportunity he would like to collaborate with Eminem because "...lyrically he paints things like no one else can..." before adding (Rob) Zombie and (Marilyn) Manson to the mix "...just to learn and get inside their heads to understand their creativity..." SouthSide highly suggests checking out Davey Suicide who's currently touring the Midwest and West coast until mid December as well as snag the album which was released on November 6th. For more information about Davey Suicide and music, visit the official website http://www.daveysuicide.tumblr.com/ .

Hey, IL creeps (ie New Years Day fans), your favorite band kicked some serious hardcore rock arse on stage after beginning the set with a pseudo-Clockwork Orange theme (Funeral Music for Queen Mary) to officially announce the death of the scene! Despite being saddled with a shorter set time, New Years Day utilized every minute for their fans advantage by giving this screaming crowd what they wanted - an awesome, fast paced performance. It was heart pounding fury of energizing intensity within a dark pop/rock vibe at its best, blogspot readers. You could feel the grit off the guitar riffs and thundering percussions in between the feminine gusto on vocals (by Ashley) and her male counterpart who added a bit of testosterone to the lyrics. Once again, this band thoroughly spoke to this generation of rock teens through their songs like Razor and current singles Do Your Worst and Two in the Chest, One in the Head (off the band's Mechancial Heart EP).  For more information about New Years Day, visit the band's Myspace page at http://www.myspace.com/newyearsday or on Facebook. Meanwhile, Jeffree Star continued the energizing momenum with his fast pace performance of electronica/club rock atmosphere in which he rocked the stage with two DJs and female dancers. Under the spectacle glow of the electric light and fx, Jeffree turned Reggie's Rock Club into one of the hottest scenes from Hollywood thrilling the delight of his screaming fans on the main floor. Fan will probably recognize this model turned fashion designer now singer/songwriter  from his days on Buzznet or his singly  Lollipop Luxury with Nicki Minaj.  Despite missing most of his set (due to her interview with Davey Suicide), this performer certainly fired up this crowd for the headliner Blood On The Dance Floor with lots of intense music and dazzling sound and lights. And afterwards, he even graciously met with every single fan (including this reviewer) after his set on the balcon for autographs and pictures. For more information about Jeffree Star, visit him at http://www.jeffreestar.tumblr.com/ or on Facebook.

"...I love you times infinity..." ~ Blood On The Dance Floor

After opening to the thrill of excitement and screams of their fans, Blood On The Dance Floor surprised SouthSide with a rather "tame" performance compared to the one she remembered from last year at Reggie's. There wasn't any elaborate costumes or music videos accompanying this hot teen scene band instead there was confetti cannons and soapy bubbles added to the messy mix of sweaty, screaming fans singing and dancing along to their favorite BOTDF song, blogspot readers, though still shocking the parents a little with their full guy on guy lip-locked kiss. That moment right there truly had their fans wildly screaming for more. Featuring an array of songs from Scream For My Ice Cream to Unforgiven and Yo Ho! (A Pirate's Life Is For Me) [Bewitched is still SouthSide's favorite off their All The Rage CD], Dahvie and  Jayy rocked the stage with just more than dance pop for this performance - they even tried something new for instance electric violin(for a love ballad) and female vocals to spice up their already fast paced, sexually-suggested music and sound when featuring songs off their current CDs - Evolution and The Anthem Of The Outcast. SouthSide noticed they have taken a less pop venture for this album and went a bit more hardcore within the subjects of love and death, blogspot readers, when performing Hell On Heels (Givin' In To Sin) and Your Sorry Life. This band does win the award for the best use of  the Home Alone 2: Lost In New York scene where Kevin plays part of the Dirty Angels movie to escape Tim Curry and his hotel staff as part of their lead-in to Design To Kill (SouthSide's not really sure). Yet this clip almost had the fans in near riot stage while the audio was playing. Checking out both albums, this reviewer suggests rockin' to the title track to Anthem Of The Outcast (not the radio edit), D.U.I. (Dancing Under The Influence) and La Petite Morte as well as Frankenstein and The Bride and Mother Earth (off Evolution CD). Check out BOTDF's YouTube page for videos (especially the enchanting Bewitched which gets lots of play on SouthSide's iPod) and also visit http://www.ilovebotdf.com for more information and music.

Until next time, support your local scene,
SouthSide