26 Jun 13 - Fight for Marriage Equality update

Hey, blogspot readers, though somewhat a small victory but nonetheless a historic moment as Pride month comes to a close. Before adjourning for the summer, the US Supreme Court waited until this day to hand down its rulings on two cases on DOMA (Defense of Marriage Act) and Prop 8 (the California law Proposition 8) which had many same-sex couples cheering and celebrating. 

The Court ruled that section 3 of DOMA was unconstitutional and now couples can enjoy the financial benefits and equal dignity of a recognized marriage as heterosexual couples. Meanwhile, Prop 8 was thrown back to the lower court in California thus striking down the ban on same-sex marriages, blogspot readers. At the time of this blog entry, same-sex marriage ceremonies have resumed in California.

The 5 (for) - 4 (against) ruling on DOMA reads as follows "...DOMA violates basic due process and equal protection principles applicable to the federal government. Under DOMAN same-sex married couples have their lives burdened, by reason of government decree, in visible and public ways..." - ABC News.

Here in IL, the fight continues for marriage equality as General Assembly adjourned for the summer without passing the bill in the House of Representatives thus sparking outrage, protests and petitions banning IL politicians from participating in this year's Pride Parade. SouthSide along with her transgender son and many others marched around Boystown (an area located in Chicago's Lakeview/Wrigleyville neighborhood) advocating marriage and civil equality for all while celebrating the overturn of DOMA and dumping of Prop 8.

The organizers of the march promise to back in full force during the summer in letting their voices be heard on Saturday July 13 during the Taste of Chicago and 22 October - the March on Springfield, blogspot readers.

Show your support, blogspot readers. Marriage is an equal right and for all...

Until next time, support your local scene,

SouthSide

Summer Set: Music & Camping Festival 2013

Hey, blogspot readers,  SouthSide recently received more details about the Summer Set Music and Camping Festival. Besides returning to the Somerset Amphitheater in Wisconsin during the weekend of August 9 thru 11, it has been announced the official after parties rockin' Friday and Saturday night.

On Friday - the Gigantic Underground Conspiracy will be featuring Marc Brownstein and Aaron Magner (of Disco Biscuits/Conspirator), Big Gigantic, Chris Michetti (Conspirator.RAQ) and Ben Baruch (of Underground Orchestra) in rare live appearances at SSMF's first official after party. Opening will feature Chicago's own Zebo!

Saturday's official after party will features members of the String Cheese incident, EOTO and their unique LOTUS stage.

The after parties each night will take place between the North and South campground on a new site specifically built for Summer Set Music & Camping Festival in which can hold thousands of festival goers under a huge tent covering within that area. Attendees will be surrounded by lush grass and trees while dancing late into the evening by some of the finest super groups in Jam and EDM worlds.

Ticket princes are poised to increase, so grab them at a discount rate now, blogspot readers, at http://www.clubtix.com.

For more information about Summer Set, visit http://www.summersetfestival.com.

Until next time, support your local scene,

SouthSide

Rootwire 2013

Hey, blogspot readers, this exciting music festival is fast approaching now that the full lineup has been recently announced.

From August 15 - 18th, ROOTWIRE 2013 lineup will feature live performances by Papadosio, Eskimo Welder, Shigato,  LYNX, Blockhead, Luminaires, Earth Cry, The Human Experience, The Coop and many many more as well as art demonstrations by Mark Henson, Chris Dyer and more.

Papadosio's Rootwire is billed as "...a gathering that puts every effort into the integrity of the discerning attendants experience, creating a fully immersive environment full of wonder and intrigue...", blogspot readers. For 4 days and nights, this music fest extravaganza's intent is to gave you the sense of pure inspiration, the excitement of personal and collective creation.

Wow.

The musical lineup, blogspot readers, was personally hand selected by the band, Papadosio to feature "...jaw dropping sounds from local, regional, national and international acts...". Meanwhile, visually Rootwire will offer the largest festival based of visionary art gallery ...displaying and hosting and international artist lineup who's works are known to be most moving and stunning expressions seen on canvas.

Besides music and art, Rootwire, blogspot readers, also devotes attention to the spiritual, educational and ceremonial aspects of the celebration by offering a wonderful array of skilled speakers as well as dynamic practitioners, activists, wise elders and yogis.

In a nutshell, this unique music festival has been with you and your personal experience in mind, blogspot readers. The organizers hope that you will come and share in their celebration of life ...that you will take something back with you once the festival is over ...and even after months have passed - that it will continue to give you joy as well as inspire your life journey.

Presale tickets for $125 are on sale now (tickets at the gate will be $140). Also, there are NO hidden fees for camping or early entry. Everyone's treated like a VIP at this festival - all 4 days and nights are on one ticket.

For more information about Rootwire Festival, visit http://www.RootwireFestival.com.

Until next time, support your local scene,

SouthSide

Liquid Lunch Show

Hey, blogspot readers,  SouthSide's friends at Elbo Room have started something new for the summer and it's called Liquid Lunch Show.

On Saturdays and Sundays, they will be opening and booking the bar for  2 acts to play live acoustic (no full bands) music performances from 3p to 6:30p. The shows will be FREE to family, friends, fans and anyone who happen to walk in to cool off from the hot summer sun.

Yes, this is a paying gig - 10% of the bar ring from 3p to 7p goes to you.  So hit the social media, phone, text, etc to bring people out your shows because the more they drink and keep on drinking, the more you get paid, bands.  If there's 2 acts that day, you will split the 10% of the bar ring.

If you're interested in playing of the following show dates, email tim@elboroomlive.com.

Open Dates:

July 6

July 7

July 13 - (3 acts a bar crawl here at noon)

July 14

July 20

July 21

July 27

July 28

Also there will be great drink specials for these early shows.

Stayed tuned to this blog for more information as it arrives to SouthSide's desk, blogspot readers.

Until next time, support your local scene,

SouthSide

SHAMBOOZLE 3

Hey, blogspot readers,  it's time to save this date on your calendar - 21 Sept 2013. 

That's when Gaelic Storm presents SHAMBOOZLE 3!

In it's 3rd year, this annual festival will feature music, beer, food and fun at Highland Brewing Co in Asheville, NC -  also known for its Gaelic Ale.

Stay tuned to this blog, blogspot readers. SouthSide will update as soon as the band releases additional information about tickets, travel options, lineup and more.

Until next time, support your local scene,

SouthSide

July 2013

Hey, blogspot readers, summer is in full swing with celebrations, beach fun, festivals and more especially in here in Chicago! SouthSide highly suggests taking full advantage of attending the following month-long events.

Please remember, most events are 21+ unless duly noted.

Summerfest in Milwaukee is already underway, blogspot readers. So show some love to SouthSide's band friends who are traveling northward to perform live there.

This month check out Jesse Charbonier performing your favorite jazz classics and rare B-sides every Saturday from 9p to 1a at the legendary Coq d'Or now through August.

FREE / ALL AGES (seating at tables only).

July 1:

Hard Rock Cafe - Monk 9 goes acoustic?! Yep, that's so true as this duo perform a rare acoustic set

July 2:

Reggie's - say "Amen" when Pastor Funkpleez and The Pulpit Players rock the stage

$5 / 8p

Double Door - check out this Dirtroom Show featuring Shivering Timbers, Sons of the West and Tim Larson

$7

Bottom Lounge - The Damn Choir opens for Matrimony and Matt Pond

July 3 - 6:
FitzGerald's - FitzGerald's 33rd Annual American Music Festival. This 4-day festival will feature 40+ bands rockin' 3 stages with live performances by The Shams Band, The Fleshtones and many many more.
$30 per day / 4 day pass $100 / Kids 12 and under $ (kids are welcomed until 10p)

July 4 – 7:

Union Park – celebrate global music and food at the International Festival of Life

$5

July 5 - 7:

Montrose Beach - catch a wave or two during Last Rites Presents Wavefront Beachside Music Festival that will featuring performances by Bad Boy Bill, Kid Color, DJ Raw, Xonic, Yoni and many more.

For more information, visit http://www.wavefrontmusicfestival.com

July 5:

Reggie’s – Riot Fest presents A Wilhelm Scream, The Flatliners, Such Gold and La Armada rockin’ the stage

Schubas Tavern - Model Stranger will be sharing the stage with Ours (MN) and Vaudeville

$16

Hilton Chicago Hotel - 2013 National NOW Conference

Phyllis' Musical Inn - JD3 will be there live

Brauerhouse Lombard - The Obsession, Voice of Addiction, Hypnic Jerks and The Mizzerables will be rockin' the stage here

July 6 – 7:

Evanston, IL (between Church and Sherman) – it’s the Fountain Square Art Festival

$5

Chicago Botanic Garden – Chicago Botanic Garden Art Festival

July 6:

2129 W. Cermak - Pilsen Variety show

Martha's Vineyard (MA) - attend the Stars & Stripes Festival featuring Haerts performing live. Check out the band's latest video "All The Days" -  http://youtu.be/LZ-XtBvPj0I

July 7:

LiveWire Lounge - Trendkill Saturdays presents Delta After Image, Away With Words and No Regrets rockin' the stage

City Winery (Chicago) - check out The Heard sharing the stage with The Right Now and The Diplomats of Solid Sound featuring host DJRC during this night of funk and soul.
8p / ALL AGES

July 8:

The Windy City Rib Fest - while sampling the best in ribs, check out New Orleans Suspects featuring the legendary members of the Radiators and The Neville Brothers accompanied by Paul Barrere and Fred Tackett of Little Feet rockin' the stage.

Reggie's - Monk 9 will be rockin' the stage

July 9:

All-State Arena – it’s Gigantour 2013 featuring Megadeth, Black Label Society, Device, Hell Yeah, Newst3d with special guest Death Division!

July 10 – 14:

Grant Park – Taste of Chicago featuring a new foodie attraction this year – food trucks!

July 10:

Cobra Lounge – come celebrate the 25 Anniversary with the legendary Industrial project Leather Strip from Denmark as they make their 1 Chicago appearance!

Underground Lounge - The Rakes Progress, Michael Laechel and Bob Erl will be performing

Double Door - PBR presents the First Look Behind Door No. 3 featuring Hey Champ (live and playing new and unreleased tracks) with DJ sets by Gemini Club, POCEANS, Greg Corner and surprise guests

FREE with rsvp via http://www.do312.com

July 11:

TGI Fridays (Terre Haute, IN) - Papa J Otis will be performing here

Burlington Bar - check out Sole Heiress

July 12 - 13:

Saline-Ann Arbor Fairgrounds (Ann Arbor, MI) - come rock this 2-day music festival featuring 50+ top bands like Ghost In The Machine, Taproot, Illusions Fate, Alice Sweet Alice, Velside and many many more rockin 4 stages.

Fri July 12 is the MMA Rock Out Event 5p

Sat July 13 is the all day music fest

Tickets (before July 1) - Friday - $15 & Saturday - $20

Tickets (after July 1) - Friday - $20 & Saturday - $30

ALL AGES

For more information, visit http://www.A2Fest.com

July 12 – 14:

Irish-American Heritage Center - get yer Irish on at the annual Irish Fest featuring live music performances by The Tossers, Enter The Haggis, Kevin Flynn and The Avondale Ramblers and many more as well as attend the Singles Hook Up (Friday 6 – 8p), cultural activities, exhibits and import stores

Visit http://www.irish-american.org for more details.

Louisville, KY – it’s the Forecastle Music Art Activism Festival featuring Robert Plant headlining (on Sunday) and The Avett Brothers, Alabama Shakes, Animal Collective, The Nocturnals, Big Boi, Young The Giant, Dawes and more

Visit http://www.forecastlefest.com for more details

Donald E. Stephens Convention Center - Exxxotica! The largest event in the USA dedicated to love and sex

Lincoln Square - Square Roots 2013 featuring over 60 musical acts and over 30 craft beers. For more information, visit http://www.squareroots.org.

July 12:

Uli’s House of Rock (Lansing, MI) – Illusions Fate kicks off their US Summer tour rockin’ the stage along with Primer 55. Visit their Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/illusionsfatemusic) or Reverbnation (http://www.reverbnation.com/illusionsfate) pages for more information on cities and dates

Taste of Chicago (Grant Park) – rock out with the legendary Robert Plant as he presents The Sensational Space Shifters and The Lonebellow

pavilion seating - $25 / lawn – FREE

Toyota Park (Bridgeview, IL) – it’s the Americanaroma Festival of Music featuring live music performances by Wilco, My Morning Jacket, Bob Dylan and many more

Visit http://www.toyotapark.com for more details.

Hard Rock Cafe - Alice Sweet Alice's Ribbons & Stone tour hits Chicago along with PEZBAND

$10 / ALL AGES

Chicago City Limits - check out In The Flesh Pink Floyd performing your favorite Pink Floyd tunes

July 13:

Taste of Chicago - it's "Indie Rock" Day featuring live performances on the Bud Light Stage by Vintage Blue, The Steakhouse Mints and Paper Thick Walls

The Hideout - Bad Bad Meow will be sharing She Speaks in Tongues and Videotape

Double Door - attend Music Speaks: A Guitar Center Benefit for Autism featuring live performances by Psychopathic Daze, The Lifeline, Arcane Framework and The Buckshot Hounds

$7

July 14:

Taste of Chicago - Hemmingbirds will be performing from 5:20p to 6:20p

Double Door - The Retar Crew presents Bastille Day: A Parisian Soiree

FREE show

July 19 – 20:

The Shed 1480 (Highland Park, IL) – attend Shed Fest 2013 in which portions of the proceeds of this 2-day event will be helping to raise awareness for teenage depression and suicide through the organization Rebecca’s Dream. This event will feature local bands, Shed member bands and culminate in national headliners while sampling local food and beverages and checking out vendors.

July 19 – 21:

Union Park – Pitchfork Music Festival

July 19:

Beatniks Cafe (Marion, IN) – check out Mike Felten performing live here

Subterranean – it’s Makeshift Prodigy rockin’ the stage along with Tallheart and From Indian Lakes

17+ / doors 8:30p

Q Sports Bar and Grill - check out Spyderbone rockin' the stage along with Habit of Force and Convoy

Ultra Lounge - Wormwood Collective presents Underground Poetry

Elbo Room - Bambi Raptor will be rockin' the stage here

July 20:

Double Door - groover the night away at Soul Summit FREE Dance Party featuring DJs Sloppy White, Dave Mata and Duke Grip with guest DJ TBA

FREE show ($10 VIP tickets available)

July 22:

Ravinia – Jethro Tull’s Ian Anderson will be performing his composition Thick As A Brick in its entirety and new album Thick As A Brick 2

Uncommon Ground (Devon location) - Adam Maraland performs with Dag Juhlin and Kurt Michaels

July 23:

Wise Fools Pub - Steamstock Tour comes to Chicago

July 25 – 28:

Pilsen – celebrate Fiesta del Sol with food, art and live music at this world’s largest Latino festival.

Visit http://www.fiestadelsol.org for more information

July 26 - 27:

Jeff(erson Park) Fest - check out The Locals rockin the main stage on the 26th and Voodoo Kings rockin' the stage on the 27th at 7:30p

July 26 – 28:

Whiting, IN – it’s Pierogi Fest!

For more information, visit http://www.pierogifest.net for more details

July 26:

Tonic Room - Brown Bag and The Manhattan Project rockin' the stage

Penny Road Pub - check out 3 To Go on stage

Double Door - Silver Wrapper presents The Main Squeeze and The Heard on stage

$12 advance / $14 dos

July 27 - 28:
Milwaukee at North Av - Wicker Park Fest - 3 stages featuring 20+ bands like The Bright White, Workout Music, Hey Champ, Mucca Pazza and many many more.
$5 donation

July 27:

Ye Olde Town Inn - check out Sinister Fate sharing the stage with Consume The Divide and Spyderbone.

July 28:

Subterranean – check out Hot Lips Messiah, Dead On TV and Stickfight rockin’ the stage

17+ / 9:30p doors

Cobra Lounge - check out the LamBQue 2013 featuring Mobile Death Camp, Awdacity, Armored Assault and Human Aftertaste

July 29 – Aug 2:

Full Moon Resort (Big Indian, NY) – Gaelic Storm’s Rag and Bone Workshop – bring your camping gear and instruments, campers, as well as your thirst to this unique music camp located within the Catskill Mountains. Led by the members of Gaelic Storm, it will be 4 days of camping, classes, music and stories (“I remember one day at band camp when...”). All levels of musicians are encouraged to attend including non-musicians who just want to hang out and drink a few pints with the band.

July 29:

Millennium Park (at Pritzker Pavilion) – Dessa performs live

FREE / ALL AGES

Tune in here for updates as they come to SouthSide's desk...

Until next time, support your local scene,

SouthSide

One On One with Too Much Saturn

Hey, blogpot readers, here's a simple recipe you can follow if you like "...rocking melodic power popping rock..." in your music. Just add "...melody and hooks, a dash of indie spirit and two parts pop sensibility..." and then like James Bond with his martinis, you shake not stir until you get with front man Dave of Too Much Saturn calls - "...Midwest Indie Power Pop..." In his opinion, this type of music is "..memorable, clever and accessible original songs and a few select covers done our way...”. Only because, according to him, it's also served with "...harmonies, big drums, 12 string bass, swirling keyboards and a liberal mix of crunchy, ambient and jangly guitars too..." And with that, blogspot readers, was your unique introduction to Too Much Saturn to which this reviewer highly suggests checking out their next live performance or snagging a copy their album Moving Forward Sideways for your collection this summer.

Fans might instantly recognize the band name as a song by Francis Dunnery ...and you would be correct. However, SouthSide will let Dave explain how the band got its name. "...The name Too Much Saturn just presented itself when the song Too Much Saturn by Francis Dunnery came up on shuffle on my iPod during a road trip..." he states, "...I was trying to come up with a cool name that was catchy, somewhat clever and memorable and BOOM, [it was] one of those aha moments happened! I think three word names are interesting and have a rhythmic quality to them. So it sorta stuck. That and most of the other cool names were already taken..." And since the context of the Dunnery song somewhat does allude to being inbalanced, SouthSide wanted to know if that description is reflected on the band. He responded "...I guess there's always some imbalance or imperfection in all things but that's part of how it all works together..." Dave went on to say that they all come from different backgrounds and each one has an eclectic taste in music. "...We're passionate about that and with that everyone brings something unique which defines our sound..."

 

Something SouthSide can agree after listening to their CD - Moving Forward Sideways. Too Much Saturn did have an eclectic sound surrounding the melodic core of the power pop/rock sound ...it's sort of hard describe without giving too much away, blogspot readers, but it was indeed refreshing to hear. Well, Dave says if you take the Gin Blossoms, Killers, Fountains of Wayne & Barenaked Ladies and toss them in a blender and hit FRAPPE that might be akin to what Too Much Saturn sound like, blogspot readers. Anyway, this reviewer enjoyed the whit and humor found in certain songs like Photogenic ("...smile you're on candid camera..."), Walter Cronkite ("...and that's the way it is...") and First Glance (a guy's version of Call Me Maybe perhaps). The entire CD in its own special way will have you moving sideways at times espeically when following the half loop design of the song playlist on the back of the cassing. What really surprised SouthSide was Too Much's version of The Monkeys' hit song Daydream Believer. It wasn't mimicking the Davey Jones 60s sound however it had a fresh take in a danceable power pop vibe.

 

If you're in the Kenosha, WI area, Too Much Saturn has an upcoming gig where they will be performing at the Taste of Kenosha (at 5:40p). This will be their third time performing at this event and there are plans to top last year's appearance too. "...Third times a charm don'tchaknow!" Hopefully, the band will be performing a couple of local shows around town for a future SouthSide On The Town review.

 

Lastly, Too Much Saturn would like to leave blogspot readers with these final parting words - "...The music speaks for itself - listen to the songs and come see us live. You will not be disappointed!"

 

Moving Forward Sideways

Too Much Saturn

http://www.reverbnation.com/toomuchsaturn

 

 

Until next time, support your local scene,

SouthSide

One On One with Hospital Garden

Hey, blogspot readers, SouthSide recently met another up and coming local band in which she highly suggests checking them out at their next live performance or their music online. If you like your rock “...noisy, loud with melodies intact...” with the unique mix of 80s and early 90s, then Hospital Garden is the perfect band for you. According to the band’s press release, they’re a “...tried and true power trio...” that features front man, Lucas Hollow on vocals and a pop core “...wrapped in the unassuming dirty frustration of an era when Reagan anguish had yielded to resigned Reagan fatigue...” To SouthSide’s ears while listening to Hospital’s latest album – Mover, they sounded angry ...rebellious teens looking to upset the norm of the established rock/alternative scene. Give this band a chance, blogspot readers, they might just do that amidst their gritty aggressive and loud sound.

 

Having shared the stage with other acts like Evan Dando, Mate Bonding, and Diarrhea Planet, SouthSide in a recent interview with front man Lucas asked where did the band get their name. “...The band name comes from one of my favorite writers, William Carlos Williams...” he says, “...He has a really wonderful poem called The Mental Hospital Garden that I swiped the name from...” He also disclosed to this reviewer the band has been compared to Dinosaur Jr. however he doesn’t feel the two are exactly like though noting there might be similarities between them. Yet, the one thing he wants blogspot readers to remember about Hospital Garden is – it’s a trio with loud guitar, heavy distortion and catchy melodies. SouthSide definitely could hear that distinction during the first track of Mover called Half Of It in which Lucas recommends listening to first. It was a good indicator of what this band and its music was all about, blogspot readers. Loud is putting it nicely ...it was boisterously intense as the ear felt as well as heard the gritty electric riffs coupled with an ear-piercing feedback and pounding drums. Don’t take this as harsh criticism – this is the type of music the band wants to convey to its audience. And believe it or not, amidst the noise and distorted confusion, there are melodies and backing vocals by bassist Sarah which tends to balance everything out. This reviewer also recommends checking out track 3 – Berlin (liking the harsh guitar sound within an upbeat pop sound) , track 8 – Bummin’ (bursts with that 80s pop sound as Lucas feverish spews the mumblings of lyrics) and track 9 – Pragmatics (featuring Sarah on lead while there’s some distorted feedback screeching behind her some times). Those who enjoy some ragin’ screamo of intense anger and frustration within a punk sound should hone their ears to track 10 – Crypt and Code.

 

SouthSide then asked for Lucas’ opinion about Chicago’s local music scene to which he replied “...it's deep and wealthy, but still disjointed...” before also adding “...There are so many bands here, and so many good ones at that. One could never get around to checking them all out.” SouthSide knows that feeling all too well. He duly noted what’s really disappointing about the scene itself, blogspot readers, the lack of camaraderie stating it’s not intentional but in his opinion, if Chicago had that small town atmosphere with its music scene, it would be great. “...Chicago’s not a small town but I feel it’s an obtainable goal...” That being said, she asked what’s one of the main reasons (besides the music) he could attribute fans returning to Hospital Garden show. He emphatically stated “...because they’re our friends!” According to the front man, a lot of people who attend their knows them personally and continue to support the band due to an established relationship. Even other bands they have shared the stage with also come out to their shows but as far as the people they don’t know, he has an interesting theory about why they return to see Hospital Garden. “...I believe that they return due to the energy and intensity we put into shows...” because they (the band) goes out there to get loud and sweaty. If you want to see Hospital Garden live and in action, head out to Schuba’s on Saturday June 22 for a matinee show starting at 2:30p where they will be opening for Forgetters (ex Jawbreaker, Jets to Brazil).

 

Like any other One On One interview, SouthSide’s time with the band is quite limited but before leaving she asked if Lucas had any other parting words. He had one simple request – “...please listen to us...”

 

 

Mover

Hospital Garden

http://www.hospitalgarden.bandcamp.com

 

 

Until next time, support your local scene,

SouthSide

 

One On One with Flabby Hoffman

To many of us within Chicago's local scene, he's the masked man behind some of the most incredible psychedelic rock instrumentals that will blow your mind while producing weekly live comedy and music shows to broadcast on cable access. To the government, he's just another rebel, rousing upstart trying to stir things amongst the masses. But who (or what) is really Flabby Hoffman? Well, Southside'll let the man himself answer that question - "...The Greatest Show On Girth..." who also claims to be Reba McIntyre, if you can be that! This was simply the beginning of her recent interview of the man behind the mask, blogspot readers, after receiving a copy of his 3-disc album, Coup De Ta-Ta's which features a “must read” liner booklet. So where did Flabby get his name? According to this masked artist, it's from a native Cherokee tongue which literally translates to mean "the beast with 10,000 stomachs" and it was given to him while at drive-in theatre in Valdosta, Georgia during a test screening of "Dude, Where's My Car". Long story, short version, he had drawn the attention and sympathy of the audience members and management after eating the entire concession stand. Then he went on to state that he was forcibly detained by the members of Wal-Mart's private security para-military outfit and how he was "softened" up for his interrogation with a sack of grapefruits and car battery attached to his nips. Whether it's true or not (sorry, he doesn't remember anything after that) doesn’t really matter except for one thing he feels obligated to fight for truth, justice and the preservation of the creative impulse after receiving such amazing powers when he was bitten by a radioactive duckbilled platypus.

 

 

Yes, blogspot readers, it might be hard to decipher the inner workings and creative process that comes from the mind of Flabby Hoffman since you may have trouble deciding to take what he says too seriously or too literally. However, when that creative process involves music, to Flabby it's "...a unique means of expression because it involves a wide spectrum of impact..." to which he added "...You can touch someone emotionally, intellectually, and if you're really expressive you can touch them spiritually (but never touch them physically unless you have their permission ...especially in the undercarriage area)..." Then, he went on to state that music "...has a physical conveyance as well ...you can make someone groove, you can startle them, you can create a landscape in which they can immerse themselves in..." like for example the old Western theme song Happy Trails. Contrary to what the mainstream minds wants us to believe, blogspot readers, Flabby believes music can be a gateway as well because it doesn't have to be a cheap plastic piles of cases of he lovingly describes as "...crass and mechanical karaoke..." that's dull and lifeless as if a passionless lounge singer's rendering a painful and mind-numbing Andrew Lloyd Webber medley. OUCH! Yet, when it comes to Flabby creating his music, he tends to lean towards the “...vivid and expressive experiences...” “...I don't just like to break the '4th wall.'  I look to crawl up inside it…rat around in there for a while...” says Flabby, “...Make you think I'm long gone and then sneak up on you when you're not looking...” There's some truth to that last statement.

 

 

And that's basically what you will get from his latest CD - Coup De Ta-Ta's, blogspot readers, a 3-disc album featuring rather unique as well as interesting subjects like Richard Nixon Killed JFK (track 2, disc 1), Sugar Coated Zombie Unit (track 6, disc 1), Phony Balonies (track 6, disc 2), Everybodies An Uncle Tom Sometimes (track 7, disc 2) and Our Shadow Government Takes A Holiday (track 15, disc 3) by the Flabby Hoffman Trio. To be honest, blogspot readers, SouthSide didn’t actually listen to all 3 disc but she did sample a wide selection of songs to get a better understanding of Flabby’s creative mind and as well as surf his mind-bending psychedelic rock soundwave. Giving it “thumbs up”, she liked how tucked inside his songs you’ll most definitely hear this artist’s political beliefs and view points mixed with a touch of tongue and cheek lyrical satire and humor ...sometimes sexually laced but for a good reason. For example, in Nixon Killed JFK - he believes Nixon killed JFK and was the fifth column operative who’s mission it was to destroy the United States from within meanwhile in The Feudal System (track 4, disc 3) – he poses a rather interesting question “...how come blacks in Africa never lynch any white people...” Or in Inhuman Cruelty Society (track 17, disc 1) – though poking some fun at Betty Crocker (who’s poisoning us with her birthday cakes), Flabby notes that everyday about 23,000 die from starvation in which we can save a few. Via hidden messages and morals to his stories, Flabby does have a way of educating the masses to what’s going on in our socio-political world without getting too bogged down in long winded CNN details amidst his instrumental groove. During his live performances, that groove can last for minutes upon minutes with no end in sight ...think of it as a homage to the hippie/folk jam sessions where one musician would add a bit or two for a continuous flow of music only to end in its own time. You only can get that kind of retro sound with Flabby Hoffman. Now, if you’re wondering where you can get a copy of this rebel-rousing, (probably) politically banned CD, Flabby jokingly says you might be able to find a copy at your local dumpster or public landfill. To those living in the bible belt region, there’s probably one or two being burned along with the Dixie Chicks during your weekly book burning meetings. Seriously, blogspot readers, for those who are “...gluttons for punishment and enjoy a little friendly torture, the best place to grab or download our music is at http://www.cdbaby.com/Artist/FlabbyHoffman where all three of our albums sit waiting to be unleashed upon your tender pink brain...” It’s also listed on iTunes and Amazon. And while listening to parts or the entire CD, check out the “must read” 32-page booklet that comes with the physical copy of Coup De Ta-Ta’s – chocked full of tantalizing prose, bios about the musicians and satirical cartoons.

 

 

Here’s an interesting fact you should know about Coup De Ta-Ta’s, there are fifty musicians performing as Flabby Hoffman Trio (which actually did start off as a trio, blogspot readers, with Flabby on acoustic and two conga players) and over the course of 2 and 1/2 years making this CD – they didn’t rehearse. Flabby credits the talents of such musicians like Baron Rugmunchausen on drums and bassists as Quarter Paisan, Tip Top Motel and The Duke Of Barbecued Human Ass Meat rockin’ the rhythm section (“...without those guys…our sets would be as bland as a mayonnaise sandwich on white bread..."). Then there’s the “inner circle” of the Flabby Hoffman Trio which features Uncle Wakeman, the iconic Sid Yiddish, The Lizard, the mysterious Shag, and Eddie Sunshine as well as Ivan Russia, Blisstopher Robin, Rich Xperience, Senorita Hottie and many more. Plus it also features the original Flabby Hoffman Trio members – Orange Julius and Eddie the Chest. Believe it or not, there are three versions of the Flabby Hoffman Trio, blogspot readers. Besides the original trio version, in another version he does gigs with 6 to 7 of the guys and gals (with cameos from friends) while in another (to which he labels it as “...amorphous Flabby Trio...”) any or all of the extended members of the Flabby family are invited to join in the quest of the “Undiscovered Groove” “...So now I have three different ways to inflict pain and suffering on the unsuspecting townsfolk. Large, Extra Large and Super Size versions of the Flabby Hoffman Trio...” says the masked man before adding, “...I like to think of each of them as a marauding band of Norsemen on the make to ravage your women and pillage the countryside…in your mind...”

 

 

There’s another side to Flabby Hoffman, blogspot readers. He has also invaded the local television airwaves here in Chicago with his cable access broadcasts of The Flabby Hoffman Cavalcade from his live shows taped around town. He disclosed to SouthSide that he “...always wanted to create a self-sustaining system which encourages the growth and development of creativity as part of my version of The Revolution...which is based on empowering what's good in people instead of ‘burn baby burn’..." Still, his goal is to have a television show as well as live shows and a radio station all operating like “...an organically driven version of same type of integrated marketing you see from someone like Ryan Seacrest...” (but without the conspicuous worship to Satan, blogspot readers). Flabby would like to do what Ryan does yet without “...cheap, robo-musicians like Ke$ha who are dedicated to destroying our humanity...” instead he would like to showcase “...artistically driven, intensely unique and powerfully expressive artists like Hail The Black Dragons, The Embraceables, Black Umbrella Brigade and Sons Of The Never Wrong...” This would, according to Flabby, help the bands to amplify their music above the din and whir of “...horrid and manipulative puke that the mainstream tries to pass off as music every day…and where needed, help give those voices the venues and encouragement which they need to develop...” On that note, he credits the many thousand of creative people who have been part of his productions over the years boasting 500+ shows (both live music and comedy) on the Chicago circuit to which he books 8 live shows a month thus producing between 48 and 52 original (and new) 58 minutes of episodes on cable access every year.

 

 

Sadly, blogspot readers, the masked man known as Flabby Hoffman had to return to his “bat” cave to plot another coup. Before leaving, he did thank SouthSide for the interview and all the work she does promoting creativity. “....You are a blessing to us all...” By now, you’ve met Flabby the masked man, musician, and television host ...how about Flabby the Author?! Yep, believe the rumors. Flabby Hoffman has released a book titled The Avant Guardian, “...it is a satirical and frequently humorous (and always a bit insane) collection of rants about what's wrong with this place and how we can go about fixing it...” says Flabby, “...It is powerful and unique and a real eye opener for those who don't mind a little revelation and laughter once in a while...” To give you an idea, blogspot readers, of what it really is – think of this book as the 5th longest book in the English language. He suggests getting it in electronic form from http://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/flabbyhoffman where it is published in two volumes and don’t worry about. the .pdf format. It can be opened by any computer besides e-readers. “...Come for the humor…stay for the uncompromising and vigorous dissection of the tools of our oppressors...” Then he left with these final words – “...In closing I'd like to say ciao-dios to all you true believers out there and thanks for being you...”

 

 

Coup De Ta-Ta's

Flabby Hoffman

http://www.cdbaby.com/Artist/FlabbyHoffman

 

 

Until next time, support your local scene,

SouthSide