SouthSide On The Town

February 2012

2012-01-26T09:42:00.000-08:00

Hey, blogspot readers, where can you find love, learn about history, celebrate with a couple of dead presidents, sleep with a ground hog, eat, drink and get beads and still have an extra day to do it?

Why, February of course!

SouthSide highly recommends checking out these events happening during this rockin' month.

1 Feb - Dead heads (re)unite at Double Door for the Grateful Dead Tribute show! Begins 7:30p
Visit http://www.doubledoor.com for more info.

Meanwhile good friend, Matthew Alfano (of Mason's Case) will begin hosting a weekly Local Music showcase at Elbo Room. 21+ / FREE
Visit http://www.elboroomchicago.com for more details and lineup.

3 Feb - the lovely Estelle will be rockin' the Double Door stage.

Meanwhile frieds, Dot Dot Dot and AM Taxi will be rockin' House of Blues along with State & Madison and The Scissors.

4 Feb - Rockin' Bada Brew (located in Crest Hill, IL) is the Benefit for The Fallen. SouthSide highly recommends showing love and support for her friend Nate who recently lost everything to a fire (including most of the band's, Bleed For The Fallen, gear) before Christmas. With your generous $7 donation, you get to rock to metal-tastic performances by Devils in Angels, IN2 The Inferno, Catalyst, Renegade and more. 21+ show

At Quenchers Saloon, good polka-loving friend, The Polkaholics will be rolling out the beer barrel for a rockin' triple birthday celebration there. $5 donation / 21+

Meanwhile at Reggie's, it's the annual SXSW showdown where SouthSide's friend Yellow Jackets will be competing against other local bands for the final spot on the lineup. Each band will be judged on the following: performance, music originality and (most importantly) crowd reaction. Good luck to all! $10

6 Feb - head to NiteCap for Devil's Playground and celebrate David Bates' birthday too. FREE entry at this 21+ show - also rock with the house band of the month: Deadmanswake.

7 Feb - it's another HOT topic to debate during this month's Intelligence Squared US Debates. If in the NY area, check out the topic - Obesity Is The Government's Business - "...With 33% of adults and 17% of children obese, the U.S. is facing an obesity
epidemic. A major risk factor for expensive, chronic conditions like heart
disease, diabetes, and cancer, it costs our health care system nearly $150
billion a year. Should government intervene, or is this a matter of
individual rights and personal responsibility?" For tickets - http://web.ovationtix.com/trs/pe/9045265

10 Feb - SouthSide gets an early jump on Valentine's day with Alpha Clef Project band at Darkroom for "The Love Before" Concert. Also featured in the lineup - Khari B, Aniba Hotep & The Sol Collective, Ish and Soltre Jones.

Meanwhile at Double Door, it's a winter camp in! Join other campers at Wakarusa Music and Camping Festival rockin' this hip Wicker Park venue. Visit http://www.doubledoor.com for details and more.

11 Feb - get an awesome workout and/or Valentine's gift at these two charity events supporting two great causes. First head to TriCity Health Club for a workout from 10:30a to 1:30p where your $15 donation will get your bod into shape ($10 will be donated to Animal House Rescue, a non-kill animal shelter in Huntley, IL and Ken Gussy fund - to help pay for surgery in which Ken's sister will be donating half her liver to save his life). Then after working out head to Ray's Evergreen Tavern (in St. Charles) for an urban market - vendors will be donating 20% of their sales to both causes.

Meanwhile love, peace, happiness and groovy sounds will be rockin' this year's Winter Peace Fest happening at the historic Portage Theatre (located near six corners Irving Park/Milwuakee/Cicero). This all day ALL AGES event will feature bands (Digometric, General Patton & His Privates, Monk 9, Awdazcate - to name a few), DJs, Spinners, Speakers, Lasers and other surprises until 2a. Tickets are $15 - get them now! Visit http://www.peacefestchicago.com for more info.

Over at Elbo Room - Life After Liftoff will be rockin' the stage with friend RayIsDude.

And finally, SouthSide will make her debut at NOCTURNA'S monthly show happening at Bottom Lounge where the fashionably dressed of the Goth/music scene will be partying. This month, they will be celebrating new loves and broken hearts at this Valentine's themed party. GlitterGuts (cool photo folks) will be there to document everyone's best holiday black and red attire while good friend DJ Scary Lady Sarah spins your favorite "dark" loves songs (send requests in now). And as an added bonus - heart-shaped treats for all.

12 Feb - over at Mellow Yellow restaurant (located in Hyde Park), check out good friend Jesse Charboneir along with musicians Adrian (on piano), Michael (on bass), and Nils (on drums) as they jazz up your pre-Valentine's Sunday brunch from 10a to 2p. It's ALL AGES so bring the kids for a wonderful music experience ...musicians are encouraged to jam with the band too.

Meanwhile at Fitz's Spare Keys (located in Elmhurst, IL), friend Ivory Theory will be hosting a SXSW fundraiser to help finance their rockin' trip to Austin, TX in March. ALL AGES (except afterparty is 21+ only) / $7 donation

17 Feb - hey, do you want to know a hot secret ...promise not to tell anyone - sorry, blogspot readers, it's SO hot that even SouthSide cannot tell you but she can only say it's involves a local band ...a good friend and it's happening at Metro.

19 Feb - good friend, I Can Hear Myself Levitate will be rockin' a special Sunday Elbo Room appearance along with Disarmed, Curio and Track & Field.

21 Feb - MARDI GRAS partying

23 Feb - check out good friends, Kelsey Montanez and Kona Villamil (of Trainwreck Symphony) with SouthSide as they rock the stage at Elbo Room.

24 Feb - SouthSide returns to Elbo Room for more music and fun as good friend Alaya Conscious rocks the stage with Chicago Trash Ensemble, Artist vs Athlete and Zero to End featured in lineup.

25 Feb - a special, non-review outting for SouthSide. She's ditching the pad and pen for a relaxing evening at The Drake's famous Coq d'Or lounge with good friend and jazz crooner, Jesse Charboneir who will be performing three of her favorites (this reviewer has many standards and rarely heard favorites) by Bobby Darin, Frank Sinatra and Billie Holiday.

Also happening this month - Urban Circuit Market ...stay tuned here for date and details.

Until next time, support your local scene,
SouthSide

12 Jan 12

2012-01-18T11:51:00.000-08:00

...are you a reporter... ~ fan from Schubas' Tomorrow Never Knows show

Hey, blogspot readers, it was a dark and very snowy storm night for this On The Town adventure! Yes, SouthSide braved the snow, cold and whipping winds to head out to Schubas for Day 2 of Tomorrow Never Knows - an annual multi-venue event in which new, up and coming bands/artists (locally as well as national and international) are showcased on stages like Lincoln Hall, Metro and more. You never know, blogspot readers, some of these names - Mannequin Men, Plants and Animals or Com Truise might be big one day like Bon Iver who got his start during TNK. Tonight, SouthSide was checking out the melodic/folk trio Herman Dune (France) opening for headliner Plants and Animals which also featured performances by Canon Blue and Cloudbirds.

SouthSide highly recommends blogspot readers checking out the melodic lively sounds of folk music amidst heartfelt storytelling type of lyrical style of Herman Dune. This reviewer enjoyed the vibrant yet energizing sound and vibe with an electric sound that flowed throughout the venue during this band's TNK performance. She liked the danceable feel to each song even while in a downtempo rhythm that would leave the crowd wanting more after wowing them with powerful finishes. Yet this reviewer liked the heartfelt words behind the songs in which the vocals popped to life under such imagery as heard in the song I Hear Strange Music. Besides the triple vocal harmony that's accompanied within this particular song, this reviewer liked the poetic words that seemed to pop to life inside the vibrant melodies and electric guitar riffs ... the thundrous percussion added to that umph sound to rock the stage. It was one of a couple of songs she liked by Herman Dune. She also highly recommends listening to Tell Me Something I Don't Know (another favorite of the night) for the vibe of heartache and pain heard not only from the lyrics (especially when hearing "...tell me / tell me / tell me something I don't know...) but from the music too. Despite being a somewhat "sad" song, it had an upbeat tempo after a gradual guitar momentum and buildup at the intro. Plus she enjoyed the emotionally expressive lovesong in which David (front man on guitar) truly emitted some strong tenderness within the words. Yet, blogspot readers shouldn't forget to also take a good rockin' look at Herman's eclectic music sound too. This trio rocked the Scubas stage with an organic folk instrumental sound besides the electric pop/rock vibe. To SouthSide's ears it had the elements of an Americana folk sound but not really ...it was more contemporary with a lively pop tempo especially when adding a shaker to one particular song. This band is totally big on making a presence hear, felt and known while on stage though creatively using very little to produce feel good music for its audience especially while closing out their Chicago TNK set with Shadow of a Doubt with a rockin' bang. It was energizing until the last note died, blogspot readers, that some in the audience wanted one more song. Though Herman's current album is not released yet stateside, after hearing a few of the live versions, SouthSide hopes the band decides to do it soon in 2012. In the meantime, visit http://www.hermandune.com for more tour details and music.

Until next time, support your local scene,
SouthSide

11 Jan 12 - part 2: The Claudettes

2012-01-17T09:52:00.000-08:00

YOU: Fake ID
ME: Real Gun

After a quick CTA bus ride from Wicker Park to Logan Square, SouthSide arrived in time at Whistler for The Claudettes. However, blogspot readers, this wasn't any ordinary local rock band performance that feartured members of Oh My God and the lovely Miss Lizbeth. Honestly, she was still confused in what she was reviewing even after Ig tried explaining the concept to her via email before the show. Even describing this unique performance idea - somewhat hard to do without confusing you, the reader. To truly understand who or what The Claudettes are, SouthSide can basically sum it up by saying this - it's a performance art/theatre/jazz band show about bar that was held inside Whistler.

Simply that's it, blogspot readers.

The Claudettes have taken the bar scene away from the bar and put it on stage complete with a rockin' two-piece band (members of Oh My God) and barmaid (Ms Lizbeth) serving the best Budweisers in town - all working for the mysterious Claudette (who couldn't come herself because she probably was too hungover from celebrating the news that she's pregnant). It does sound a bit confusing yet when attending this unique one of a kind show, the picture becomes less fuzzy. Oh by the way, the Budweisers on stage were actually real and the audience was encouraged to come on stage to purchase one or more in support of the "bar" (according to the premise, the owner lost her lease). The band (who must be on time for the show and wear ties while on stage) featured Ig (on piano) and Mike (on drums) of Oh My God jazzing up the scene with lively instrumental tunes throughout their set. The guys kept the audience well entertained with energized momentum song after song as a few from the audience came on stage for a beer or two.

Still the mysterious "Claudette" was very elusive though watching the action of her "bar" somewhere, blogspot readers, especially when she checked in to see how how Ms Lizbeth was handling things. Don't be surprised if you're snapped in a photo or two - it's to show "Claudette" there were people having fun while enjoying the show. Plus there's more than beer and drink specials at this "bar". You can also get unique merch and t-shirts at dirt cheap prices. On this night, Lizbeth was hawking Tower Of Power Live and Meter CDs.

Overall, blogspot readers, this was one strange but unique experience for this roving reviewer about town. Yet that's what makes Chicago's local scene so interesting, great and fun to cover. She could tell the audience didn't get the concept either at first however quickly warmed up once the "bar" was open for business and the band started playing. Even Claudettes' last call prompted the rowdy bar crowd to demand one more song from the band ...don't know if the burrito-selling guy was part of the act but nice touch. In truth, it's cool and fun theatrical experience. It might take off (or not) if Claudette ever gets a regular bar location again. There is a youtube page for The Claudettes but you can find out where this traveling "bar" will be setting up shop on Oh My God's Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/ohmygodmusic.

Until next time, support your local scene,
SouthSide

11 Jan 12 - part 1: Common Shiner

2012-01-17T08:54:00.000-08:00

...think Jake got a pair of panties...

Hey, blogspot readers, it's a double shot Wednesday! SouthSide's rockin' two shows around town during one incredible night. First, she's at Wicker Park's hip rock venue, Double Door, for another $1 show to see longtime friend, Common Shiner perform. This bargain priced local show also featured performances by Simpleton & City Folk, Michael Lux & The Bad Sons, Bobcat Williams and Little Big Fat. But alas, this reviewer could only stay for one performance. She had to dash away to her next show rockin' Whistler at Logan Square to hang out with Claudettess. Both are highly recommended in seeing at their next performances.

It has been a very long time since SouthSide last saw her friend and was very anxious to see how they've changed over the years. Performing brand spanking new songs (as well as a couple of favorites and cover), Common Shiner once again impressed this reviewer with the band's melodic piano-driven/contemporary pop rock sound and picturesque imagery within the lyrics. The trio of vocals by Michael (keyboards), Morgan (electric/acoustic) and Jake (bass) not only brought out the heartfelt tenderness heard inside Common's songs but also the meaningful yet inspirational messages.

For example, during one particular song, besides enjoying the boisterous power of the music and tempo, SouthSide found peace wihtin the inspirational words of encouragement when hearing "...with sharks around ...we die if we stop swimming..." Or listen to the picturesque story about Jacob (in which the soulfully dynamic music had the entire venue at a silent standstill until the last note died) as well as the optimistic poetry of the song titled The Optimist. This reviewer higly suggests listening to Common's Interdemensional Love Song though less symphonic in sound, she enjoyed the soothing contemporary pop/rock melody which spotlighted the emotional tone heard from the heartfelt lyrics. Plus the music vibrantly popped when the acoustic sound was replaced with electrifying electric riffs that sparked more energy without loudly overshadowing the fantastic vibe.

Besides rockin' the stage with a lively Go West cover of King of Wishful Thinking (an upbeat piano rhythm Common Shiner style), the band also rocked the stage with a lively version of their acoustic song, Sleep In (off Common Shiner's acoustic album). Despite now hearing the original version, SouthSide liked the upbeat tempo and pop/rock sound wonderfully provided within in this radio-ready tune for contemporary music listeners to enjoy.

Common Shiner needs your help, blogspot readers. The band is currently raising funds to finance their next album on indiegogo.com (it's almost like Kickstarter.com) - they know times are tough and will accept any donation amount that you can afford. Visit http://www.commonshiner.bandcamp.com or http://www.facebook.com/commonshiner for details.

Until next time, support your local scene,
SouthSide

06 Jan 12

2012-01-12T10:17:00.000-08:00

...some people don't know what to do with us... ~ I Attack

Hey, blogspot readers, welcome the 1st of many weekends of 2012! Tonight, SouthSide's rockin' a Dollar ($1 US) show ...that's it only cost her one whole buck to rock at Wicker Park's hippest (and oldest) music spots around - Double Door. There punkers, rockers and metalheads converged to jam the night away to such performances by I Attack and her friend, Cenobites opening for Eat That Plastic.

Hailing from Little Village/Pilsen areas of Chicago's vibrant Hispanic neighborhoods, this local band packed a lot of venomous heat not into their songs but also in the music too. I Attack kicked off their short set with a rousing, heart-stopping punk sound that had metalheads banging heads. SouthSide's skin crawled (in a good way, blogspot readers) when hearing that raw primal scream being poured over the microphone ...literally melting the poor instrument with his venomous vocal heat even while performing a love song, I Attack style. It wasn't pretty or poetic full of flowering words ...no this band had the audience feeling every ounce of his spiteful lyrics and the hardcore music to match. It was hot and fiery, blogspot readers, with the blood curdling screams and gritty feel of the guitars flowing in her veins. The type of sound perfect for slam dancing/moshing but not tonight - observant Double Door security was watching. I Attack did incite a bit of riot feel during one song in which they urged the audience to "...take city back..." with refernces to Mayor Rahm Emanuel ...a true Occupy Chicago theme amidst the gritty guitars and spiteful screamo on the mic. Despite the shortness of set, this reviewer highly recommends letting your punk side shine with I Attack at their next show. For more information about this band, visit http://www.myspace.com/iattack312.

Even Pinhead and his Hellraiser henchmen have a band named after them, blogspot readers ...and these Cenobites will tear your soul apart - musically. SouthSide's local friend painfully rocked the stage with pleasurable screamo angst vocals mixed with hardcore guitar punk sound. And it wasn't just one vocals screaming that raw primal animalistic voice - it was three which could make the blood curl in a heartbeat. Yes, blogspot readers, SouthSide got chills from the raw vocals off the mic. Add that to the tempo and speed of the "wham bam thank you ma'am" music, Cenobites cranked up the Double Door monitors full blast. Enough sound and music for headbanging action that you could rock out to the flying furious riffs and thundering percussion beat. Check Cenobites' long list of tunes like In The Vault or They Say They Care to Ray's Piss Jugs and more - all featuring plenty of guitar chills and vocal thrills ...heartpounding music to boot packed into this tiny set. Yet Cenobites also do something else that's special. They incorporate a bit of the classic rock sound like in their new song which brought out the eclectic feel and intensity within the band's hardcore sound. As special set closer, Cenobites treated the audience to their homage to the one and only Frank Zappa ...oh what a rockin' way to end after performing Brain Wash and Everybody's Fucked. Don't be afraid, blogspot readers, these Cenobites are quite friendly and this reviewer highly recommends checking them out. Visit them at http://www.myspace.com/thecenobite.

Until next time, support your local scene,
SouthSide

05 Jan 12

2012-01-10T10:11:00.000-08:00

...need some A/C in this [place]... ~ Midwest Hype

Hey, blogspot readers, Happy New Year! It might the end of the world (according to the Mayan calendar) but SouthSide's going to rock it like she did in 2011. Welcome to 2012's On The Town first review with her. Tonight, this local scene queen and party girl kicked off another long year of rockin' adventures within Chicago's vibrant indie scene and more at Schuba's. This popular Lakeview venue/Irish pub was the place to be for hot soulful sounds of funk-tastic R&B/Groove/Jazz/Ska fusion performances by Funktion (MI) and Otis opening for Midwest Hype's DayGlow Record Release show.

Opening this night of partying and fun was the funky vibe mixed inside the lively rhythm and rockin' horn section (providing a bit of cool jazz during certain songs) by SouthSide's friend, Funktion. Immediately this ensemble of hip musicians electrified the stage with a vibrant wave of cool rhythms and melodies that had the crowd grooving to the beat. It was SO smokin' hot Schuba's didn't need to keep the heat on for the rest of the performance, blogspot readers. Matter of fact, the heat was turned way down for the rest of the night. Everyone was thoroughly warmed up while listening to Funktion songs like I Ain't Cheatin' and Bounce (which featured a lively dance move amidst the lyrical hip hop/rap verses). The band turned up the heat a notch when performing a couple of new songs Work Ya Body (more dancing to the sizzling R&B rhythms and groove that will keep the body "bouncing" to the beat of this downtempo song) and Trigger (SouthSide loved the funkatized space theme flowing through this rockin' song in the electricity had this crowd truly feeling Funktion's disco funk - think Parliament Funkadelic but with a little jazz and soul). This reviewer also recommends taking a fantastic voyage while getting funkified to the band's soulful groove hear within the instrumental bridge of Change and despite not performing it - listen to Step Into It (another lively dance number in which Funktion's smooth R&B/funk feel and sound will definitely have you stepping into the groove with them). For more information, visit Funktion at http://www.funktionmusic.com.

Continuing with tonight's music theme, this next band featured more of that funktastic hip soul/ R&B sound however with a touch of jazz and sultry female vocals (by Jessica). Otis impressed SouthSide with not only intricately fitting all seven members comfortably on Schuba's rather small stage but also the vibrant sound and melodies which lit up the entire venue. It was a hot combination, blogspot readers, when having music and a powerful yet soulful voice rockin' the stage together like Otis had. This reviewer was extremely happy for the heat not being on and for the fans being on because it was a little steamy inside with the crowd dancing to the music especially during the band's second song. After opening the set on an upbeat note, Otis took the tempo down a bit to highlight not only its slow R&B/Groove but how dynamic the band's chanteneuse could be when upping the charm and vocals. And there was another time when she displayed a sultry voice that defined the tone and mood of an Otis song. While performing new song, Lately, Jessica and the band really slowed things down but keeping sparks of energy within the horns and groove thus turning on that sultry charm and soulful style on the lyrics. It was the perfect song to rock a Steppers' move or two amongst the other dancing couples. SouthSide also recommends rockin' a groovy move or two while listening to Limits and closing song Slave Ship (which had this crowd really bouncing on the floor ...and the instrumental piece Break Out which features plenty of lively melodic music by the band. For more information, visit Otis at http://www.otis.bandcamp.com.

You can definitely believe the hype about this band, blogspot readers, as the guest of honor finally took the stage at their party. Fans thoroughly bouncing and grooving to the opening acts were ready for more as Midwest Hype electrified the venue with a hot fusion of soul/reggae/ska/electric rock and more during the headlining performance. Yet compared to the other sets, this one had a noticeable unique style in which SouthSide enjoyed. She liked the laidback atmosphere that brought out the philosophical side of this band's lyrics - the words if you listen very closely are quite meaningful and inspirational (at times) yet quite relevant to this millennial generation. If you want to find the real Occupy (anything) concerns and message, you'll definitely hear it within Midwest's lyrics. Performing songs off the new album Dayglow, this band delighted the packed venue with the hot island sounds of reggae/ska fusing it with other genres including lyrical hip hop/rap and electric rock. The music constantly kept bodies moving, shaking and grooving to the rhythmic beat ...a taste of summertime fun and music during the winter. Opening with That's My New Style, this reviewer enjoyed the poetic floetry of Sunrise (Will End My Night Tonight) and others like track 3 which took the party atmosphere down a notch to allow Midwest's R&B/Soul side be spotlighted though not slowing down the tempo one bit especially those dancing near the front of the stage. SouthSide had a rockin' time with Midwest Hype feeling the inspiration and music flowing in her soul, blogspot readers and she highly suggests you feel this vibe too at their next show in Muncie, IN on Jan 21st. For more information, visit Midwest Hype at http://www.reverbnation.com/midwesthype.

Until next time, support your local scene,
SouthSide

So long 2011! - a year end review

2011-12-30T10:26:00.000-08:00

2011 is officially over ...in SouthSide's mind.

So, she would like to say "thanks for the fun memories!"

Well, blogspot readers, another successful On The Town year is history. During 2011, she met, reviewed and/or interviewed over 110 touring bands/artists nationally and internationally ...locally - too numerous to count but SouthSide did top last year's record by logging in 185 shows/events and more. Certainly a feat that may not happen again ...but who knows. Plus, she celebrated five magical years as her nom de plume, got tangled within some celebrity gossip (if you have heard one about her - it's probably not accurately true), made a few people in Hollywood cry, and survived snowmageddon as well as moved one step closer to finishing her top secret project - a full-length novel about the rise and fall of a fictional rock band. Yep, it has been one heck of year for this local scene queen/party gal/reviewer et al.

First SouthSide would like to take a moment of silence to remember those that left the music scene this year: Window Licker Records, Lophophora, Echoson, Buried By The Ocean, Gabba Gabba Hey, Waste (now known as Dashing Assassins), Digital Mindy (though in hiatus but now known as V Is For Villains), The Branded, Bumpus (now known as Dance Floor Plans), Danger Is My Middle Name, Chainwax, Girl Activity, Backyard Tire Fire (in hiatus), Lucid Ground, 72 Hrs, and Material Issue (performing their last show on New Year's Eve) ...and many more that this reviewer might have missed to name. These names may have left the scene but they won't be forgotten...

SouthSide did do some traveling this year and saw the world. Well, not exactly. The world came to Chicago and she was there for most of the touring shows that hit town during 2011 ...some from both sides of the US coast and others from various points of the world. She has either reviewed and/or interviewed the following lists...

Internationally:
Inbal Paz (Isreal); The Clean Boys (Denmark); Scott Hutchinson of Frightened Rabbit (Scotland); For A Minor Reflection (Iceland); Chateau Marmont (France); The Parlotones - twice (South Africa); Drawn From Bees, Strange Karma, Grayson (Australia); Diafanes, Eric Matern (Brazil); Dave Rave, Kid Koala, Front Line Assembly, Parallels (Canada); Acrassicauda (Iraq); Depeche Mode, Capelle (UK); Zoe (Mexico); and Lehnen (Austria)

Nationally:
Jesse Payne, Satan's Youth Ministers (AL); Blood On The Dance Floor (AZ); Jesselee Santos/Millennium Dance Complex, Tony Lucca, Gaelic Storm, Tower of Power, Gemini Syndrome, Rival Sons, Dismantled, Nikka Costa, Clandestine, Spineshank, honeyhoney, New Year's Day, adema, Burial At Sea, Kid Ink (CA); Oakhurst (CO); Seth Adam (CT); Honor By August (DC); Traverser, Pocket of Lollipops, Atom Smash (FL); Dick Delicious & The Tasty Testicles, Nashville Pussy (GA); Mike Milligan, We Are Hex, Kevin Crafton (IN); Darlingside, Mark Erelli, Lori McKenna (MA); Emilio Basa, Carrie Westbay, Raybirds, Mike Freer, Celldweller (MI); The Poor Nobodys, The Big Strong Men, Swallows, Phantom Tails (MN); Jameson and the Sordid Seeds (MT); Papadosio, Jonathan Scales (NC); Joshua James (NE); My Chemical Romance, Kosha Dillz (NJ); Riley Etheridge, Xylos, Apache Stone, Lake Street Dive - twice, Lady Gaga, Aaron Zimmer, C.J. Ramone, The World Famous Pontani Sisters, Angelspit, Donna the Buffalo, Designer Drugs, Hanzel Und Gretyl, DJ Maseo of De La Soul (NY); Mr. Gnome (OH); Ben Rector (OK); The Prids (OR); 28 North, Ryat, Mistallica (PA); Skytown Riot, Sound & Shape, The Great Barrier Reefs, Victor Wooten, Los Straitjackets (TN); White Ghost Shivers, The Von Ehrics, The Warm Guns (TX); Jared Finck (WA); Desert Noises (UT); Ian Olvera & The Sleepwalkers, Black Saints, Venus In Furs, The Fatty Acids, Esh The Singer (WI)

SouthSide hopes to see them rockin' a Chicago stage again in 2012.

Lastly but not least, SouthSide would like to say "thank you" to a LONG list of people, venues, and things that helped contribute to her exciting year. First and foremost to the biggest fans, her two daughters for putting up with Mom's late night antics, listening to her "horror" stories and busy schedule. Then to that special man in SouthSide's life ...without his ever-loving patience and well, she'll spare you the details about that but he's still getting used to the idea that his fiancee is a "celebrity". And now the following (in NO particular order, so don't get jealous, folks, if SouthSide doesn't mention you by name)... THANK YOU to Lidia (of Last Rites/The Abbey Pub), Tom (of Tag Publicity), Dennis (of Chicago Music Guide), Lori (of Double Double), August (of NoVo Arts Inc) as well as many other publicists/management agencies for keeping this reviewer's calendar constantly full with shows and review/interview opportunities during 2011 ...thanks to exposing her to some great new music too. She's looking forward to working with you again in 2012 ...to Dave Cook, Brian Bender, Matt (that loveable door guy/bartender), Jesse, Sol, Joey, Dimitri, Kayla and the other colorful cast of Elbo Room - just a reminder you have more than three months to scheme on how to get SouthSide "drunk" on her birthday (i.e. April 21) ...to Reggie's (both Rock Club and Music Joint), Cubby Bear, Beat Kitchen, Metro, Uncommon Ground, Elbo Room, Double Door, SubT, Debonair Social Club, House of Blues, LaSalle Power Company, Hard Rock Cafe, Angels & Kings, SPACE (in Evanston), Ultra Lounge, Empty Bottle, Lincoln Hall, Schuba's, Hideout, The Abbey Pub, Martyrs', Old Town School of Folk Music, Quenchers, The Mutiny, Bottom Lounge, Cobra Lounge, Congress Theatre, Evil Olive, Darkroom, Goose Island, and many, many more that SouthSide forgot to mention for another long rockin' year of live music performances - will be visiting you again soon in 2012 ...to super cool guy Mayor Rahm Emanuel for checking out the local music scene around town - it's nice to see a Chicago mayor taking interest in what makes this city so great for live music ...to Staples and Target for keeping this busy reviewer well-equipped with notepads and pens all year long ...to all my local bands/artists friends, SouthSide wishes she could personally name each and every of you but she might forget someone in the process but THANK YOU for another year of rockin' music and shows ...to your fans - THANKS for supporting your favorite band(s) all year long ...to Project Exploration for another year of making science seem so much fun besides it being educational ...and to my blogspot readers near and far, seen and unseen - thanks for reading this blog. She hopes you enjoyed the adventures as much as she did (wait until the "tell-all" book comes out ...does she have some stories to tell!).

In closing, SouthSide has to give an extra special "thank you" to her guardian angel for keeping this reviewer safe and sound ...traveling around town alone can be dangerous especially when coming home late (sometimes 4 or 5 o'clock in the morning) on public transportation.

*sighs*

SouthSide hopes she didn't forget anyone...

Goodbye, 2011 ...hello 2012 ...hoping it's another rockin' year around town reviewing and supporting the local scene ...and she wishes everyone a safe and bright new year!

Until next time, support your local scene,
SouthSide

25 Dec 11 - The Muppets

2011-12-28T10:49:00.000-08:00

****may conatain a tiny spoiler****

Believe it or not, SouthSide's a Muppet and Muppet show fan. She vividly remembers sitting in front to the television to watch the weekly CBS primetime program with her family. Her favorite Muppet Show moments would be when Vincent Price, Alice Cooper and The Star Wars cast (Mark Hamill, C3PO, R2D2 and Chewbaca) were special guest stars. And of course, who cannot forget the infamous Mah Na Mah Na song. Sing with SouthSide now "...mah na mah na..." However, she's not a HUGE fan of the Muppet characters like the two main characters of this new movie.

The Muppets take place sort of a direct sequel years later after The Muppets Take Manhattan movie in which the characters have moved on and drifted apart (Fozzie does a lounge act in Reno, NV and Animal is taking anger management classes, for example) ...going their own separate ways. The basic theme of this movie in the beginning - the world has moved on and have forgotten about them but they're not definitely forgotten especially not with their two BIGGEST fans - Walter (a muppet) and human brother Gary (Jason Segel of CBS' How I Met Your Mother, a television program that prides itself with nostalgia) of Smalltown, USA. Like SouthSide, they grew up watching the Muppets and Muppet Show and now as adults, they're taking a trip to Hollywood to tour the famous Muppet studio and theatre. Coming along with them is Gary's girlfriend of 10 years (now, you know there's a major snag in the relationiship if you still dating a guy for 10 years with no intention of marriage ...yet), Mary (Amy Adams) who's "excited" that brother Walter is tagging along on their anniversary trip. Yet like in any Muppet movie, there's a bad guy and/or a problem which involves the Muppet characters raising money to save their theatre from destruction. In this latest Disney-produced version movie, the baddie is a rich oil tycoon (a BP reference?) named Tex Richman (wonderfully played by Chris Cooper) who will own not only the studio but also the Muppet name if the loveable characters don't raise the necessary 10 million (yes, this time it's in the millions, folks) dollars by midnight (always by midnight with the Muppets) according to the ironclad contract Kermit signed long ago. So with the help of Walter and Gary, Kermit gets the old gang back together for one last show however not everyone (Miss Piggy) isn't on board at first. But, hey, this is the Muppet movie - everyone re-unites to help save their name and studio.

SouthSide liked the fact Disney cracked opened the vaults and re-united ALL of the muppets from The Muppet Show (including Beauregard the janitor, Sweetums - still working at the same used car dealership from the original Muppet Movie, Uncle Deadly - used when Vincent Price made his appearance on the show and more) for the making of this movie. Who knows when we'll ever see them on the big screen and on television agaion? Also like any Muppet-involved movie there's a long list of A-list celebrities with cameo or speaking appearances like Alan Arkin (the tour guide), Emily Blunt (as Miss Piggy's executive assistant), Mickey Rooney (as a Smalltown, USA resident) and some corny Muppet songs to fill the movie's run time such as Life Is Happy and Me Party of One songs. However also included within this soundtrack was few 80s hits like Jefferson Airplane's We Built This City and Gary Neuman's Car ...even AC/DC gets inside a muppet movie during a montage sequence. Yet, her favorite song from this movie would have to be Tex Richman's hilarious hiphop/rap ditty about himself ...she would like to dedicate it to her BP (executive) fiance. Plus there were other references from other Muppet movies of the past (i.e. Rainbow Connection and Together Again ...and other non-song references) intricately placed throughout the movie. And stick around during the credits for the Mah Na Mah Na song too.

What this reviewer liked about this new muppet movie was they aged the mupper characters a little (i.e. check out the graying on Fozzie's eyebrows) and it was nice to know that happy wedding endings don't last forever especially bewteen a frog and a pig. And this time, the Muppets don't technically win - they actually can lose graciously to the big evil oilman Richman even though the ending does suggest they've won. What she didn't likw about this movie - Disney re-manufactured the same muppet movie formula i.e. defeat the bad guy by putting on a show to raise the money necessary to save the theatre to play it safe with audiences. If the muppets can grow old, so can the tiresome formula. For the next movie - get more creative, writers, especially for this new millennial generation.

Overall, it's worth the price of the movie ticket to see all of the Muppets together again.

Until next time, support your local scene,
SouthSide

25 Dec 11 - Hugo

2011-12-27T10:23:00.000-08:00

****CONTAINS NO SPOILERS****

SouthSide's faith in Hollywood was somewhat restored this afternoon when she saw Martin Scorsese's latest cinematic achievement delightfully titled - Hugo. This movie had everything she could ever want from a movie - a heartwarming story, romance, suspense, comedy, thrills and chills, a sense of wonderment and imagination and more - wrapped inside its nearly 3 hour running time. And if you're a vintage cinema aficionado like Scorsese, then you will very much appreciate the attention to cinematic detail from the vividness of Robert Richardson's cinematography to the Parisan period music of the 1930s as well as the homage to the early filmmakers and actors/actresses which include the works of Georges Melies within this movie's storyline.

Hugo, based on a book - The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick, tells the story of an orphaned boy, Hugo Cabret (Asa Butterfield in his most powerful role thus far in his young career since The Boy In The Striped Pajamas), an automaton, its inventive creator Georges Melies (Sir Ben Kingsley - fine performance for this character actor) and a mystery that connects them together. Since the tragic death of his father (cameo by Jude Law), Hugo has lived and worked in keeping the clock of a Paris train station running on time with his drunkened Uncle Claude (Ray Winestone). Yet he mostly spends his time stealing food to survive while avoiding the ever watchful eye of the Station Inspector (Sacha Baron Cohen, a light comedic but dramatic role specially tailored for him) who's always on the hunt for orphans like Hugo with his sidekick, a dog named Maxilliman. He also spends the other half of his time hiding inside the clock observing the people whose daily lives encompass the station itself. This reviewer enjoyed how Scorsese and screenwriter John Logan delicately interwove the minor plot sequences (such as the budding romance between Lisette the flower woman [by Emily Mortimer] and Station Inspector) without overshadowing or overwhelming the entire main story itself even though majority of the movie's plot does take place inside this one particular station. We also meet other colorful characters who lives are part of this station directly or indirectly - like Isabelle (Chloe Grace Mortez), George Melies and Madame Jeanne's goddaughter who lives for adventure but only through the books she reads from Monsieur Labrisse's (Christopher Lee) bookshop/library until taken to see her first cinematic feature by Hugo, the Parisan band taht wonderfully provides the backdrop music for not only the train cafe but the entire movie itself and of course the mysterious Georges Melies who run a tiny toy shop where Hugo steals his gears and workings to fix the automaton safely hidden inside the clock tower. The automaton and the mysterry surrounding it does bring all of the major and minor characters gradually closer together especially during the film's conclusion - SORRY NO SPOILER ON HOW IT ENDS.

This reviewer fell absolutely in love with Hugo. It's beautiful imagery ...the splendid view of Paris in the 1930s (especially at night when you see it run like a fast moving clock) ...the splendor or this train station as well as the detailed gears and workings of the clocks - everything was simply breathtaking. She enjoyed the touch of history about silent filmmaking and how the early filmmakers created and at times invented the tools for filmmaking (still used today though by computer) ...plus seeing the vintage classic clips by Buster Keaton, Charlie Chaplin and Douglas Fairbanks Sr to silent war footage and the masterpiece itself - Georges Melies' The Trip To The Moon (ah, still a cinematic achievement in its own right after nearly 100 years). If there's a moral within this movie, then Scorsese has said it loud and clear - preserve and treasure our vintage movies for future generations to come. SouthSide highly advises that you sit through the ending credits to view the list of silent movies (including nearly 80 of Georges Melies' works) used for Hugo. Director Martin Scorsese has truly re-invented the movie-going experience for this reviewer ...she was delightfully entertained with the sense of that she had taken an extraordinary adventure. And with screenwriter John Logan, they both created a story full of imagination and wonderment for SouthSide instilling in her a deep appreciation for the early filmmakers, directors, actors/actresses and etc than before.

Howard Shore's music told a better story and left a far better memorable impression than the Reznor-Ross composition for The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo. Shore's music not only enhanced each scene but was also a character in itself throughout Hugo. You could say it was the only non-speaking silent character that vividly expressed the mood of a particular scene or enlightened the audience to dream along with Georges Melies while watching The Trip To The Moon. SouthSide cannot stop raving about Sacha Baron Cohen's role after seeing this movie. It was utterly amazing to see this actor in a serious/dramatic role instead of his outlandish over the top comedic stuff like Bruno and Borat. Though having a few comedic moments within Hugo (i.e. like when his leg brace would lock whenever approaching the fair Lisette), he wonderfully demonstrates a softer side to him in which this reviewer hopes to see more of. And Jude Law's and Asa Butterfield's characters during their short scenes together had this natural loving interaction as if they were truly father and son and not just playing one on the screen. The same could be said between Sir Ben Kingsley and Asa Butterfield during their screen time together. Also, try spotting Brian Selznick (not credited in the movie) for his cameo as well as other famous Paris residents like Salvador Dali (Ben Addis) and James Joyce (Robert Gill).

SouthSide highly recommends seeing this heartwarming Scorsese cinematic feature on the big screen before it hits the DVD/Blu-Ray sales. One of the VERY best of 2011.

Until next time, support your local scene,
SouthSide

16 Dec 11

2011-12-22T10:27:00.001-08:00

Hey, blogspot readers, SouthSide's having some pre-holiday fun this weekend! She's rockin' around the holiday tree at Reggie's Music Joint for a very special performance by Misstallica (PA) featuring local band Heaven & Hell opening. Thought not big on reviewing cover/tribute bands, this reviwer does make a few exceptions to that rule and highly suggests getting your Ozzy Osbourne/Black Sabbath (as well as Dio and Rainbow) fix from this local band - Heaven & Hell (http://www.myspace.com/heavenandhellchicago). There was no skimping on the rock experience, blogspot readers, nor were there any disappointed fans thoughout their set. Performing classic Sabbath hits like Fairies Wear Boots, Children of the Grave, War Pigs and Dio's - Holy Diver, the front man and his band definitely knew their Ozzy Osbourne fowards and backwards. Every riff ...chord ...changes and lyrics as well as Ozzy handclapping/tambourne mannerisms was captured and timely executed without a single mistake despite a couple of exceptions - no biting of a bat's head or wearing the infamous Ozzy white-fringed one-piece suit. Yet, that didn't matter to SouthSide who was rockin' out along with the Reggie's door/security team while feeling the metal excitement and head banging momentum especially during N.I.B. and Heaven & Hell.

SouthSide would like to make it clear - these rockin' chicks LOVE Metallica ...and no, fellas, they're not your average backstage groupies either. They're actually the world's only all female Metallica tribute band from Philadelphia known as Misstallica ...also formerly known as Misstallicunt and other name variations. First time in Chicago, this tribute band brought the raw head banging metal angst of Metallica and its fierce twitterpating riffs to the fans of this famed band. And that was merely the first two opening songs, blogspot readers, heard within this headlining performance. These rockin' ladies were tearin' up the Music Joint stage with a powerful force of music and sound that clearly demonstrated these rockers weren't going to skimp on the Metallica experience either. They did more than just thrill and wow this crowd. They rocked out the venue with a classic Metallica album in its entirity to the delight of cheers and screams since no one wanted to hear new Metallica material tonight. What SouthSide liked about Misstallica, besides knowing their Metallica material, blogspot readers, was the feminine vocals angst and spite that was pumped into the original lyrics of each song performed. It gave SouthSide as well as every hardcore fan a complete and different point of view than originally written with testosterone vocals. Lead vocalist Gina (also on guitar) thrilled this screaming crowd with her raw yet deep vocals spewing some of the most heated venom over the microphone amidst the gritty guitar sound. Misstallica's music by Metalallica was nothing to sneeze at either. These gals essentially captured the famed rock band's complicated and intricate guitar work and percussion rhythms. If you're a diehard Metallica fan, this performance was definitely for you. This reviewer highly suggests rockin' out with Misstallica at their next scheduled performance. Visit http://www.misstallica.com for more information and where Metallica will be featured on the stage again.

Until next time, support your local scene,
SouthSide

13 Dec 11

2011-12-22T10:27:00.000-08:00

"...where do you want to perform next..."
"Earth"

Hey, blogspot readers, are you ready to experience a trip of the mind through music? SouthSide recently took such of an experience at Elbo Room when seeing her new friend, Trip Effect. This unique trip of musicians impressed this reviewer with a contemporary rock sound that was laced with heartfelt yet energizing music. The music alone had this certain kind of momentum unfortunately hard to describe in which each member immersed themselves into Trip's songs. Yet, that's barely the tip of the iceberg about this new band rising super fast within Chicago's music scene. Before their Elbo Room debut, SouthSide talked to Aaron (bassist) and Derek (front man and guitarist) of Trip Effect via telephone about the music, songwriting and plans of performing on the International Space Station after a "Bonnie and Clyde" style bank robbery (don't worry - not really happening).

SouthSide likes bands that bend the rules. So when asking Aaron and Derek to describe Trip's live performances in five words or less, she received not only five words but a full a paragraph, blogspot readers. Their answers ranged from "...powerful, raw, soulful, entertaining music and energetic..." to "...make you want to dance..." as well as "...captivates the moment..." Then the guys went on to add "...[we're] known to dance and become wild..." while rockin' the stage amazingly "...without misplacing our instruments..." "We don't stand like statues or jump around like a metal band..." But wht Trip does for their audience is trying "...to play so people can feel the music..." the same way "as we did while practicing..." And that's exactly how Trip Effect reacted to their own music the moment they hit Elbo Room stage ...they were totally vibin' and moving all over especially while performing Save Yourself Tonight and new song, Second Life (not on the current EP).

With a band name like Trip Effect, SouthSide wanted to know why such a name and what did it signify to them. Well, according to the band, they tried a couple of other names when forming however it was front man and guitarist Derek who came up with the name Trip Effect even though Aaron and Eric weren't completely sold. Derek says the name's signature tagline is "...divine imprint on the soul..." meaning "...the effect of life and journey we each take..." Trip's songs try to "...captivate the experiences [in which] we can all relate..." plus "...you can listen to them without skipping..." around the CD. And speaking of songs, Trip Effect advises fans to listen to Past At The Edge and The Rain because "...[the] lyrics are less straight forward..." since the band likes "...to keep people guessing..." what the songs are about. SouthSide, when hearing both songs live, did get the sense of how thought-provoking the words could be based on her own personal experiences. If you're also thinking this band has their own secret or political agendas hidden within their songs, you're totally wrong, blogspot readers. "If you had a life experience, these expereiences will fit [our] words..." says Trip. And the secret to this band's unique songwriting style - music is written first and then words are added. For Aaron, this was a different writing process than he's used to in which he likes not having to sit down and write songs. Derek, on the other hand, a former metal rocker who never though of playing acoustic rock before, handles that task by putting in some serious time and effort into each song he writes. He might spend 10 to 12 hours a day playing the guitar ...gradually putting together the melody line and everything else. This is quality time and hard work here - so you won't be hearing songs that Trip cranked out within five minutes time.

Trip Effect being such a young band, has accomplished much within a short amount of time, blogspot readers. Besides a mention in the December issue of Illinois Entertainer and an on-air interview at Fearless Radio, they opened for Sister Kill Cycle and Mechanical Animals (a Marilyn Manson tribute band) at Penny Road Pub. They even have a fan who resides in Isreal. So what do they attribute to their success thus far? Basically with Trip Effect, it's all about quality and producing really good music. While Derek writes "...like a tornado...", Aaron handles the administrative side of the band duties i.e. fan mail, answering emails, sending press releases, etc and their booking agent Monica does the rest. "...[a] perfect fusion..." for Trip Effect especially since Derek comes to practice every week with a new song "...if you want to get your band going, you have to put in the time and effort..." the band advises. Yet, despite the success rolling their way, they are very humbled and feel blessed. Derek and Aaron couldn't even begin to verbally describe what the journey has been like for them thus far however they do want it to be known that they're not doing this for the money - just to share music with everyone.

And speaking of music, Illinois Entertainer called Trip Effect - a power trio which according to Aaron, is a good description of the band. Meanwhile, someone at Elbo Room told Eric (Trip's drummer) that they sound like "...Dave Matthews on steriods...". This isn't the first time, blogspot readers. "People usually have two bands mixed together..." to desctibe Trip Effect's unique pop with a metal mix sound after attending a live performance. SouthSide asked them what could she expect to see and/or hear during their record release show. "We're just going to play our originals as many as we possibly can...[going] to hear diversity of music off the EP [Second Life]..." Yes, this band can truly rock a stage with a heavy power sound within less instrumentation. "...[we] make our sound big as possible with little as possible..." That power was definitely felt during Trip's acoustic jam session - improve style. The music electrified the stage amidst the lively rhythms and vibrant acoustic melodies in which you can clearly notice each Trip member zoning out to their rockin' sound.

Now that Trip Effect is a member of the music scene, SouthSide wanted to know their thoughts and opinions about popular (mainstream) music today. To Derek, "...pop music is somewhat disgusting...[a] money-making enterprise producing cookie-cutter songs..." adding "...[it's] not about artistry anymore..." Believe it or not, blogspot readers, classic rock bands like Led Zeppelin or The Beatles never had number 1 hits - only memorable songs and music that still stand the test of time even in the new millennium. Aaron loved this question. The bassist and producer of a hip hop artist had this to say "..Thank God for the internet...[it] gave indie scene a place to ship out music without having to bow down to big record companies..." adding "...if you have good music, people will find [you and] it..." Lastly, Trip Effect wants everyone to know all of their songs are downloadable off Facebook and Reverbnation ...and you can find them on December 30 at Chicago Loop's Sports Bar (located in Streamwood). This reviewer highly recommends checking out this hot rising band - Trip Effect ...one mind-blowing experience.

Until next time, support your local scene,
SouthSide

The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo

2011-12-21T10:54:00.000-08:00

***THIS MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS - sincerest apologies***

This is an open letter to Hollywood - STOP turing popularly artistic foreign films into your big budgeted, box office cash cows!

Why?

Simply because you have the tendency to add, flip, delete, re-arrange, water down, etc the original foreign material to fit the average American movie-going audience's intelligence and attention span. For example, Let The Right One In, a beautiful Swedish movie but horribly Americanized re-make with 30 minutes lopped off.

Now you have sunk your greedy fingers into another Swedish film - The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo. Thank the blessed goodness that Stieg Larsson isn't alive to see what you have done to his book. You have flipped the original Swedish version - granted adding more details than the original HOWEVER by adding too much you have revealed a major secret and re-arranged the original ending (and more) that does NOT coincide with the book and/or Swedish film. If you have read the book and/or seen the Swedish original, SouthSide advises that you stop reading this review now ...or suffer the agony of what has been changed.

If you're currently reading the book before going to see the movie, she strongly advises that you stop immediately ...it's not going to enhance what you have already read.

HOWEVER if you're among those who haven't seen the Swedish original and/or read the book, then this movie is simply tailored for you since you won't have a clue that the movie's original premise was designed around a mystery ...not solely on two main characters, Mikeal Blomkvist (Daniel Craig replacing Michael Nyqvist) and Lisbeth Salander (Rooney Mara replacing Noomi Rapace).

The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo immerses the reader into an unsolved 40 year old mystery behind the disappearance of a 16 year old teen Harriet Vanger in which her uncle, Henrik Vanger (Christopher Plummer) hires Blomkvist to find. Sadly this movie version surrounds the audience with more about Blomkvist and Salander than the mystery disappearance within this screenplay (by Steven Zaillian) giving off a horrid impression that the movie is about them. The way TGWTDT was filmed you would have thought Zaillian had studied the cliff note version of Stanley Kubrick's "guide to flipping a novel into a movie without the use of a script". This movie jumped around scene to scene like a hot Mexican jumping bean snagging bits and pieces thus smashing them together during the beginning to get the plot going which doesn't become fully understandable until half-way through the movie. And when it finally does slow down, it's too late realize the main focus isn't to the two main characters but the mystery of the missing Harriet and other women.

*sighs*

Plus if the rape scenes between Bjurman (Yorick Van Wageningen), Lisbeth's state appointed guardian, and Salander was meant to frighten or make the viewer feel a bit squeamish (or arouse SouthSide's kinky fetish side), it missed its mark. They played out like a very poorly made American porn - all fluff and no substance. There was no subtle seduction from Bjurman over the "vulnerable" Lisbeth forcing her to submit to his sick dominant and demented fantasies. And that anal rape scene looked more like forced vaginal from behind to this reviewer. That's when the other movie mistakes start popping into view. For example - the dragon tattoo ...it's on the wrong body location ...and wasn't she suppose to tattoo the word "sadistic" on his chest too (to "I'm a rapist pig")? There were other noticeable mistakes running rampant throughout this Americanized version that it will have your heading spinning i.e. accent switching. This was The Prince of Persia Sands of Time all over again - when the accents switched from fake Swedish to British then American ...sometimes within the same scene! Daniel Craig was the biggest offender of this crime - in one minute when he went from Swedish to British to a combination of the two to American and generally stayed within that range for the rest of the movie. At least, Rooney Mara and Robin Wright (as Erica Berger, Blomkvist's lover and co-editor of Millennium) was able to stay in character with their accents.

Then, this version committed two major offenses which were never part of the book and the original Swedish film ...it had this reviewer cringing in her seat during the screening. TWO HUGE mistakes that changed the outcome of the entire movie. All she can ask is WHY? Why change where Blomkvist finds the missing Harriet Vanger? Why have Salander REVEAL that one tiny secret about herself to Blomkvist? Also ...why change how Vanger Industries get controlling interest of Millennium magazine when it wasn't actually Martin and Henrik who approach Erica about the proposition ...why have Lisbeth visit and threaten Bjurman in the elevator when THAT doesn't really happen until the second book/film?!?! UGH! There are more mistakes however you would only recognize them if you have read the book and/or seen the Swedish version. *sighs* There's no point in making the sequels, The Girl Who Played With Fire and The Girl Who Kicked The Hornet's Nest, because you already borrowed material from both books to fill in the ending of the movie.

Not only did they let the slip of the tongue fly, but also changed Lisbeth from an enigma into an open book ...and, believe SouthSide, she's not suppose to be an open book. Lisbeth Salander is this generation's Alex DeLarge ...now that presence and persona is totally lost and gone - she's written for this movie as to easily and readily trust Blomkvist which actually isn't the case. She trusts no one except herself throughout the books (and Swedish movies) allowing him just enough room for trust but on her terms. Rooney Mara as Lisbeth may have been good a replacement to Noomi Rapace however she's not that good. Rapace will always be Lisbeth Salander for this reviewer. She was the perfect size and height in what Larsson wrote in his books ...Mara looked like an out of place bisexual emo chick trying to be goth/industrial or is that vice versa - a goth bisexual chick trying to be industrial but looking so emo with her shaved eyebrows, piercings and horrible haircut. Her award nominations should go to Rapace instead. Meanwhile, Daniel Craig as Mikael Blomkvist was a bad choice for the role since it was played like a stale but older James Bond-like character. He was too busy trying to be mysterious while looking so hot ...especially when not the ideal "bodily ugly (i.e. a little pudgy in the stomach) yet still sexually attractive to women to sleep with" type of person that was wonderfully portrayed by Michael Nyqvist and written by Larsson. Craig was looking too hot to be ugly even while sporting those tight black (tiny as heck) briefs during the movie.

Trent Reznor, Nine Inch Nails want you back as front man! Rock music composition is your style ...that's what you do best. However movie music composition - well, you need to take more lessons from the following masters - Hans Zimmer, Danny Elfman, John Williams, Eric Serra and Chris Carter. Your usage of Led Zeppelin's Immigrant Song - um, why? What purpose did it serve for this movie? As SouthSide sat there watching the opening title credits, all she could say was huh? The music composed did nothing to enhance and/or heighten the action or scene ...sometimes it was too loud and boisterous (like attending one of your shows but in THX surround sound). OR sometimes when there was suppose to be music, there was none to accentuate the scene at all. And you are recently quoted that your music for TGWTDT was going to have the audience humming when they leave the theatre or get under their skin. HA! The music composed did neither ...so SouthSide's still scratching her head on why you deserve a Golden Globe nomination for music was - to simply put it - horrible. There was no suspense ...or drama to get this reviewer deeply involved with the scene in which it was used. Your practice of composing before actual shooting failed horribly for this particular movie. And speaking of the opening title sequence - WTF was that?! It looked like something a graphic design student would use as their application to get into Flashpoint Academy ...and it wasn't a very good either. It was hard to decipher what the sexually suggested black oil images were suppose to represent while listening to a horrid cover of Led Zeppelin's classic rock song.

*sighs*

SouthSide highly recommends reading Eva Gabrielsson's book There Are Thinks I Want You To Know About Stieg Larsson. It's a fantastic as well as an interesting read about Eva and Stieg, how the Millennium triology came to be, who is the real Lisbeth Salander and more. As far as the Americanized version of The Girl With The Dragon Tatoo - save your money ...wait until it comes out on DVD/Blu-Ray. If you must see it to see what the fuss is all about - bring some aspirin with you.

Until next time, support your local scene,
SouthSide

10 Dec 11

2011-12-13T09:56:00.000-08:00

Hey, blogspot readers, SouthSide ends her weekend by rockin' with the so-called "1%"! She's went upscale (sort of) Saturday while at River North's tri-level nightspot, LaSalle Power Company to rock with gothic poets aching for love (The Walking Shadows) and social rockers with a focus (Social Focus). Also featured during this swizzlesteve.com show was Polarcode (http://www.polarcodemusic.com) and Furious Frank (http://www.furiousfrank.net).

This reviewer recommends checking out this eclectic-sounding local band that combined one of the most weirdest music/genre mesh ever heard. And she's not being harsh in her description about Furious Frank, blogspot readers. This was one band with a set up that included a lively horn section (trumpet and trombone), guitars (bass, electric, mandolin, acoustic), keyboards and drums thus producing an energizing sound mix from folk to gyspy to Mexi-Americana-punk (try saying that fast three times) and more. Furious had a rhythmic tempo that got thisr reviewer's toes tappin' to their selected tunes featuring an Irish folk amidst a country/western feel for one song about Chicago and a Latin-flavor inspired Christmas tune with Czech lyrics. Meanwhile with Polarcode, SouthSide and friends (Ryan of Sutured Psyche and his friend) had a mixed reaction about this melodramatic rock band. This reviewer at first liked the energy and momentum that wafted throughout the third floor venue exciting the audience ...nearly drowning out the club scene downstairs happening on the second floor. However, somewhere in the middle of the set, that excitement, music and momentum was seriously replaced by dullness and boredom which gradually caused lost interest from its audience. Even SouthSide was losing interest due to the many back to back power ballads filling up their performance time that didn't have more rousing rock songs in between. That was Polarcode's main problem, blogspot readers, besides the unique stage set up that included a bass-keyboard melody combination and percussions. The music needed electric riffs to balance out the rhythms and put more powerful umph into the ballads. This reviewer suggests the band ease up a little on the "melo" part - you have that well taken care of and add more rock (electric riffs) into the drama to lift certain songs (like Deal Breaker) out of its moody mode. Polarcode can still be melodramatic while powerfully engaging its audience and fanbase more.

SouthSide must warn you - this is not your average Shakespeare love sonnet paired with with music, blogspot readers. The famous author of tragedies, comedies, et al probably wouldn't have foreseen dark lovelorn poetry/lyrics coupled with symphonic/rock music from a band like The Walking Shadows. This local band on the rise featured heartwrenching words (the kind that pricks from a sticky rose thorn), emotionally intense guitar riffs and dark symphonic electronica (off the keyboard set up) rolled into one exciting set. You're meant to feel besides hear the music and words, blogspot readers. Plus both (at the same time) can have that intensity to truly bring a few tears to the eyes as well as the heart upon feeling that emotional essence. After finally seeing a full performance, yes, The Walking Shadows can get overly melodramatic if that was the band's intention but truly it's not. There's the rock side to this band which keeps it from heading down that route. SouthSide enjoyed how the guitars add the right amount of intensity to balance out the symphonic sound and to also energize (as well as electrify) the moody music thus receiving the best of both genres at once. For example, check out Shadows' Crusader in which the guitar rock sound took front and center stage over the electronica keyboard rhythms (with enough symphonic melody to be heard). That's okay since it spotlighted Craig (front man on guitar) and his dynamic falsetto style within this particular song before blasting the ears with a hot instrumental bridge of intense music that featured twitterpating riffs and rhythms ...and a John drum solo too. Even while taking that said energy down a notch or two, one can still appreciate the emotional pain and heartache intricately woven inside the lyrics as Craig sings and Mark (his twin brother on keyboards/piano) backs him with the same emotional sentiments only musically. There's no other way to describe how dark emotions full of pain, heartache, etc was beautifully expressed tonight via The Walking Shadows ...even The Bard himself would definitely approve especially after listening to The Devil You Never Name (hearfelt romanticism in a dark yet intense way that deeply cuts like a razor sharp knife), Bullet Holes In Our Hearts (what can SouthSide say - we kill the one we love everyday), or Howl At The Moon (a bluesy switch that certainly surprised this reviewer which rocked down the stage) a couple of times. This reviewer highly recommends introducing yourself to the new style of Bard with The Walking Shadows at their next performance in 2012, blogspot readers. For more information about this band, visit http://www.thewalkingshadows.com or on Facebook.

Headlining this rockin' show was SouthSide's other good friend, Social Focus who were debutting a new member to the band - Alex on drums. And what a noticeable difference from last time to tonight, blogspot readers! Even after a long hiatus from the local scene and stage, this band totally bursted into their set with such a fierce force of music and presence that it blew this reviwer away. She had never seen them take to the stage like this before ...it was an energizing vibe and momentum in which the audience was immediately sucked into their socially focused zone. Yes, the band was feeling it too especially as new member pumped them with exuberant percussion rhythm and youthful energy song after song. Adam, front man on vocals, was definitely rockin' the stage as well with more charismatic persona and presence thus pumping more vocal powress into the lyrics when Social Focus opened with Classical Man and What Are You Waiting For. It was nice to see him releasing his inner vocal demons tonight, blogspot readers, that the lyrics popped to life under that fierce vocal fire. Plus, SouthSide literally could see the energy flowing from the band's music as each member filled it with such instensity from the riffs to rhythms. For example, during Safe Word, this reviewer enjoyed how Social capitialized on the intense sound heard off the guitar riffs and Alex's drumming which had front man Adam really releasing some fiery spite into the microphone (which is usually a good lead-in to Merry-Go-Down but not heard tonight). However besides debutting a new member, Social also featured not just one but three new songs (perhaps a new album coming soon?) which included a ballad, By Your Side. The other two, Occupy Yourself and Solitaire, brought something new to the band's usual music and sound (as if they truly had one, blogspot readers), but fans will like the direction they're gradually moving towards that features more subtle rhythms and more of a harder guitar rock sound ...less powerpop rock in both songs. Though Solitaire did start off a little slow but not to worry the tempo did pick up its pace while highlighting Adam's dynamic voice before wowing the ears with the instrumental bridge. It was a little leaning towards the power ballad side (not much) ...still it had enough intense momentum to keep a few fans rockin' to the music. The song just might succede SouthSide's current favorite (Merry-Go-Down) as the new song featured on her iPod rotation list. She does suggest to Social on roughing out the edges to By Your Side - it's a stong yet powerful ballad but the bass was a little overpowering off the monitors when the band was in the downtempo pace. She found this particular song easy-listening on the contemporary side but still powerful enough not to be categorized as "melodramatic". Now a word about Alex - Social Focus, keep him! This drummer, though with the band a short time, naturally immersed himself right into the band's sound, music and style ...easily setting the tone and atmoshphere and never missing one excitable beat throughout the show. If the band was looking for that youthful energy to perk up their music, then they certainly found it with Alex. SouthSide looks forward to seeing more shows like this one, blogspot readers from Social Focus in 2012. For more information, visit http://www.socialfocusmusic.com or on Facebook.

Until next time, support your local scene,
SouthSide

09 Dec 11

2011-12-12T10:46:00.000-08:00

"...Makeshift's the shit, huh?" ~ Amrita

Hey, blogspot readers, SouthSide's back on the beat this weekend! Tonight, she's rockin' a frosty Friday and full moon at Beat Kitchen to see longtime friends Amrita and Makeshift Prodigy. She highly recommends hitching a ride on an innerstellar craft and reach the outside the paradigm with the psychedelic/rock sounds of Amrita. What a rush too! This reviewer liked how this local band honed in as well as captured the 70s intergalatic rock sound and vibe yet with a millennial twist which was fast paced, full of Stax guitar riffs and melodic on the keyboards. Amrita pumped the growing crowd with bursting energy and momentum inside its wicked space fx - think of them as an indie version of Parliament Funkadelic (with Bernie Worrell on keys), Led Zeppelin and Pink Floyd mixed together. Though the bass feedback (during the second song) was hard on the ears, Amrita's music at times took on a Zen-like appearance and atmosphere that highlighted the dynamic vocal energy of front man Aaron. What was totally missing from this opening set - an awesome lighting fx to highten the psychedelic experience and the band's rockin' music. Off the album - outside the paradigm, SouthSide highly recommends immersing the ears to sugar coated god phone, love then hate and the title track ...in no particular order either. For more information about Amrita, visit http://myspace.com/amritarock.

There are nights when a band could have a good or bad performance ...or something in between. This was one of those nights for SouthSide's good friend Makeshift Prodigy where they had a show that was neither good or bad - it was very mediocre. Usually this extraordinaire melodic rock band would takes its audience on a spiritual-awakening journey via sight (with its homemade stage lighting fx) and sound depending how the music affects the ears on a personal level, blogspot readers. However sadly for SouthSide there was no such journey with Makeshift due to a couple of reasons - one of which was no fault of the band. Opening with Mathematica (one of many favorite songs off the band's current album) and Alive, fans were certainly pumped from the powerfully inspirational lyrics and melodic energy. It's so amazing to observe how Makeshift's music positively would affect their diehard fans (as well as new listeners) on a deep personal level that would be totally different for each person attending. Yet, it was hard to enjoy her own personal experience because the sound was very overpowering (even with earplugs on) and totally distored Makeshift's electronic rhythms song after song except for Sirens - the only song this reviewer was able to tolerate. Besides performing other fan favorites like Sentimentalist and Blinding Lights, Makeshift debut new song A Way Out in which the energy was taken down a bit ...less ambient but more of a contemporary rock sound though sounding a little flat within a dull staccato melody. Another "dull" moment occurred during the solo acoustic performance by front man Anthony that had a good majority of their fans being unimpressed by his dynamic vocal demonstration and style thus nearly slowing down the set to a grinding halt. SouthSide does suggest to Makeshift into rethinking about using the bright stage lighting fx in a rather confined and small venue space like Beat Kitchen. Other venues like House of Blues, Metro or even Reggie's Rock Club would have been able to handle such of an fx without blinding most of the audience or causing light-sensitive headaches (as this reviewer experienced after the show). SouthSide does still recommend blogspot readers checking out her friend Makeshift Prodigy but hopes their next show is better than tonight's. For more information, visit http://www.makeshiftprodigy.com or on Facebook.

Until next time, support your local scene,
SouthSide.

03 Dec 11

2011-12-08T09:09:00.000-08:00

Hey, blogspot readers, SouthSide's roaming around town spreading more seasonal cheer on a wet, rainy night. First, she made a brief appearance at Celebrity Salon (in Evanston, IL) to drop off her toy donation at the Toys For Tots charity event. This BYOB toy-raiser event helped raised a delightful array of toys for needy boys and girls to open on Christmas as well as rocked the packed tiny salon with a lively music lineup featuring SouthSide's friends The Telepaths and WhiteWolfSonicPrincess All-stars with Hannah Frank, Longbottom Leaf and many more. This reviewer was unable to stay for all of the fun and raffles because she had two other engagements scheduled to attend before the night was over. Her next stop was to the world famous Drake Hotel specifically Coq d'Or to see her good friend Jesse Charbonier.

Though missing the first set of his bi-monthly 4 hour long jazz performance, SouthSide arrived in time at this popular cocktail lounge/restuarant of Drake Hotel for two fun sets of Jesse's holiday show, blogspot readers. Flanked with Adrian (on piano) and Michael (on bass), this phenomenal jazz crooner/songwriter performed a variety of jazz standards as well as holiday favorites to a crowded audience. Yet there was something new added to his music repertoire which brought dancing couples to display their lovely moves throughout his sets. SouthSide enjoyed the addition of swing rhythms and tempo into certain songs that did more than make the music pop and couples dance. It gave Jesse and the band a fun opportunity to ad lib on the song's original jazz composition especially during the instrumental bridge. Opening his second set with a lively version if the Charles Schultz' Peanuts theme (aka Linus and Lucy by Vince Guaraldi) to get the crowded bar into the holiday spirit, Jesse once again wowed and impressed the listening audience with his dynamic style, bright smile and charismatic presence ...plus his crooner-jazz voice which made each song performed popped with a burst of life and excitement. Jesse has, what SouthSide would say, the right magic touch to make such classics by Frank Sinatra, Billie Holiday, and more feel so fresh and new again. For example, when performing Christmas Song ("...chestnuts roasting on an open fire..."), one of the most overplayed yet popular holiday songs, Jesse and his dynamic falsetto voice instead turned it into a classy jazz piece as well as playful with his own spin on the music and lyrics.

And speaking of music, let's not forget about the band behind Jesse, blogspot readers. To say Adrian and Michael are an intricate part of the show would be a gross understatement. These two musicians are very important of what makes a Jesse Charbonier show such a delight to behold ...and extra special if attending with the love of your life. In SouthSide's honest opinion, no other musician duo would be able to highlight ...as well as spotlight Jesse's jazz style and music "mannerisms" as they did on Saturday. Even while in an instrumental bridge, whether it's a solo or performing together, Adrian and Michael also add their own little magic spin to the songs. Sometimes it would be a Jingle Bells bar at the end (like during Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas) or a touch of gentleness to a jazz ballad like Lover Come Back to Me or You've Changed. Watch out for Greshwin's Rhapsody In Blue to the end of What A Little Moonlight Can Do. Without these two specific musicians, Jesse wouldn't have that such fun camaraderie especially not really trying to flub on the song ending to All Or Nothing At All. Yet it was the best non-intentional flub seen by thie reviewer in which the singer had a good laugh when the set was over for a short break.

Besides music and Jesse, there's also audience fun and participation too, blogspot readers. Meet Millie (from the lovely city of Columbia, South Carolina). She had the dubious honor of joining Jesse and the band during a jazzy rendition of Frosty The Snowman on sleigh bells. As SouthSide experienced firsthad this summer, it's not easy performing in front of a room full of strangers. However, with a bright smiles and cheery presence, Millie was wonderful (though temporary) addition to Jesse's peformance. She seemed to have a great time rockin' the bells while staying in rhythm along with the band's lively jazz tempo (which is sometimes difficult to do, blogspot readers). Also meet Mike M. He and his lovely dance partner (as well as many other nameless couples) brightened up the Coq d'Or floor with their smooth dance movements consisting of a standard waltz or quick-paced swing steps during certain songs. Mike and his partner looked quite the romantic pair especially when Jesse performed Silver Bells and Johnny Mathis' classic Chances Are which was also dedicated to a nice couple visiting from Detroit. It was the perfect night for romance, blogspot readers, and dancing to Jesse's ultra smooth voice on other classics like All Of Me, L-O-V-E, Let's Get Lost and though not part of the holiday season but just as romantic anytime of the year - My Funny Valentine (always an absolute pleasure to hear).

SouthSide highly recommends spending your Christmas Eve night or pre-ringing the New Year (Dec 30) with Jesse Charbonier and his jazzy holiday show at the famous Coq d'Or lounge. The shows are FREE ...so bring the love of your life and/or dance partner for a romantic evening of jazz but get there early - he does attract a crowd. For more information, visit http://www.jessecharbonier.com or on Facebook.

Until next time, support your local scene,
SouthSide

02 Dec 11

2011-12-05T11:01:00.000-08:00

"...I love your hat ...it's a very beautiful festive hat..."
Kevin Crafton to SouthSide during his Elbo Room performance

It's beginning to be a rockin' holiday season around town, blogspot readers! Friday night, SouthSide kicked off a busy weekend full of holiday-themed fun and music starting at Elbo Room. There she was spreading seasonal cheer to the management and staff while enjoying the Raptor antics and Bambi rock/pop sound on stage. Though this would be the band's last performance for a while, it was also a special show for her friend Bambi Ramptor debuting new songs (with one featuring Kenny on lead vocals) off their soon-to-be released third album. Before their set, this reviewer was told to expect something different during this outting ...something not their usual Bambi music and sound, blogspot readers. A little more artistic as well as creative and (perhaps bordering on the) contemporary side compared to their other hit songs like Cosplay, Greenology, Away We Go or FAQ from their two previous albums - Conception and Adolescene.

SouthSide highly suggests checking out singer/songwriter, Kevin Crafton (IN) and his new song Washington Promises (from his new album coming out soon). Written WAY before the Occupy whatever became a fashionable movement of the decade, this song definitely captured the 99%'s political views of what's currently happening inside Washington D.C. ...the very issues that's affecting everyong - no matter what side of the percentage point you are on which were passionately expressed within Kevin's falsetto voice off the lyrics. You clearly heard the raw frustration vented towards the politicians and their never fulfilled campaign promises of "change" amidst the vibrant acoustic sound. She also recommends rockin' your feet to his upbeat tune Alright Alright which pumped some excitable momentum as well as melodic retro rock feel inside the riffs wafting throughout the crowded basement lounge. That toe-tappin' rhythm was quite contagious, blogspot readers. Meanwhile upstairs, good friend Kelsey Montanez was rockin' the crowd as she opened for headliner A Thousand Julys. And though missing her acoustic performance, SouthSide highly recommends checking out this dynamic female singer/songwriter - one of two breakout artists within Chicago's local scene who can emit some powerful diva-tude of emotions from their songs. She will make you feel things that you never thought were there, blogspot readers. As this reviewer told Kelsey's stepmom, Liz, she sees a lot of wonderful things happening for this artist in 2012 ...so watch out.

"...we've ALL seen the party room, Brian..."

If SouthSide had known it was a "formal" affair, she would have worn her (The Alley) tux t-shirt too to match with her friend Bambi Raptor, blogspot readers. This band was dressed to kill their loyal Raptor fans and audience with another rockin' performance that featured a few surprises and old favorites before taking a well-deserved hiatus from the dtage. Opening the show to FAQ and its energizing electro/pop sound, Roger (front man on vocals), Kenny (bass/vocals), Nick (drums), Gary (guitar) and Doug (guitars/effects) were ready and poised to rock out the main stage of Elbo Room with a momentous BANG! Bambi performed fan favorites such as Griffin (the Kenny emo screaming frustration in between Roger's calm falsetto voice on chorus ...also watch out for Nick's illuminating drumsticks) and Greenology (a fun ditty about nature within a pseudo reggae/ska guitar riff but not truly about that type of nature, blogspot readers). However, what really excited SouthSide tonight was the anticipation of hearing Kenny take on the role of lead vocals with the band during new song B.B's. This gave Roger a rare chance to amongst the audience while Kenny entertained the crowd with his unique yet monotone vocal style (with some screamo angst laced into chorus). His voice style totally worked this particular song amidst a sort of contemporary pop/rock music ...not the usual Bambi sound but this reviewer wholeheartedly enjoyed this new creative side to the "growing up" band. Other new songs featured in this performance included Alchemy and VPL (for some reason according to the band it's about Pinnochio ...who knows what lurked in the minds of these Raptors while penning this song). Plus there were surprises like a video shoot with working bubble machines for Border Patrol (which will be out in a couple of months) that totally energized their fans into a frenzy especially in front of the stage and a dedication to baby Jericho (the new Bambi Raptor coming soon to Gary and Rachel - Congrats, you two!) I'm Not Listening. And what would a Raptor show be without the fan sing along to Cosplay that features a small comedic bantar between Roger and Kenny. Yet the fun didn't end there until they were granted their first encore to which fans requested Alaska to close out this hot show. For more information about Bambi Raptor, visit http://www.officialbambiraptor.com or on Facebook.

Until next time, support your local scene,
SouthSide

25 Nov 11

2011-12-01T09:40:00.000-08:00

"...hip hop is nothing without the DJ..."
DJ Maseo of De La Soul

"...I tell them 'actions'/follow my belief..." ~ Notrydo.Sincere

Hip hop/rap take 2.

Hey, blogospot readers, SouthSide's giving the hiphop/rap scene another try. This time, she's rockin' the Northwest side at Abbey Pub for the final MTM GRP CHGO's Respect the Mic Vs Fresh Produce concert series of 2011. This Chicago-based hip hop events company has successfully ran a mixtape Mondays/Tuesdayz (an original paid open mic) in the past thus starting this concert series "...to influence and educate artists on creating their own lane..." Hosted by well-known producer Tony Baines (who has has produced music for known artists like Twista, Mic Terror and many more), every participating artist and producer that performed on stage also earned money during tonight's event. Besides performances and producer battles, the legendary DJ Maseo (of De La Soul) was scheduled as headliner with Chicago's own Notrydo.Sincere and others opening for him. However, due to time constraint, DJ Maseo was unable to perform, blogspot readers, but SouthSide was granted an exclusive interview with this artist in which she asked for his thoughts about the music industry (hip hop in general) today to whether or not De La Soul would have the success it did back in the 90s if entering the scene now ...and many more.

Many might know DJ Maseo as a man wearing many hats within the music industry. Besides being a rapper, producer, DJ, 1/3 of the ground-breaking hip hop trio known as De La Soul and the laugh behind Gorillaz's Feel Good Inc hit single, did you also know he's a father of four and very philosophical about the world (music and more included) around him in his own comedic way, blogspot readers? When asked to describe himself in five (5) words or less, DJ Maseo had plenty to say about himself to this reviewer by responding "...nostalgic fresh inspirational tenacious and loving ...that could be abusive..." You should add "...funny too ...when it don't cost..." to that list because during most of the interview he had SouthSide laughing so hard from his comedic wit and point views though being very blunt and truthful about what he had to say. "...my comedy is free ...my donation to the world..." since he still had kids to feed. DJ Maseo did mention he was approached to do a reality television show in the past but turned down that offer (plus not stating whom or network that made the offer). This reviewer asked why to which he replied saying that he didn't want to expose his family to that kind of environment opting to keep them and their lives private. "...lose families that way..."

Despite insisting that his personal views about the music industry (mainly hip hop) would kill his career, DJ Maseo in his own philosophical way had plenty to say on the subject. When asked if De La Soul would have the same success today as it did back in the 90s, he said no because records don't sell today. He also stated by saying "...[we're] at the age when people like music but don't love it ...the era before us, music meant something ...made a difference.." DJ Maseo continued by adding music today "...[is] just business..." in which artists are fighting a "...creative war ...and we [the artists] lost..." He cited one more reason why De La Soul wouldn't be successful today. "You don't have to be quality just current..." says Maseo "...artists today are machines ...feed the people the same bullshit and they start thinking it's the shit..." Then SouthSide asked him how has the music industry and hip hop changed to which he responded "...today's hip hop is good..." but personally cannot relate to the genre. It's his belief that "...music is impressionable on the youth..." using an example how his parents couldn't understand anything he listened to beyond Grandmaster Flash. "...Hip Hop [like rock] was rebel music ...rebelling against society..." says DJ Maseo "...now it's part of society and economic grain ...it [hip hop] is watered down ...even rock is watered down..." Then he concluded by adding "...it's not rock ...it's rock with pop ...rock is not chaos anymore..."

Briefly, DJ Maseo discussed how he would like to see the right people educating the youth about hip hop. He said this because he had the opportunity to teach a college course on how to be a DJ/hip hop producer. "...soon you will need a piece of paper ...credentials [to work] in the music industry..." He believes that having credentials is another form of control "...teaching us on how to follow the rules throughout life..." SouthSide did agree with this artist when commenting that there's "...no outside of the box thinking..." especially in today's educational system. That being said, this reviewer wanted to know his thoughts aobut music in general to which he said hip hop/rap shows what's (truly) goes on in the world though "...we rely on it too much..." In his eyes, he sees music especially hip hop as entertainment and nothing more with its many varieties catering to select group of people such as Latino, stripper, gangsta, party, religious, etc. "...it [hip hop] has something to offer people of like minds..." Other genres, according to the philosophical mind of DJ Maseo, conjur fairy tales within music and unlike hip hop, cannot connect with individuals. "...hip hop has no generation gap ...unlike rock (i.e. classic and modern), there's more of an understanding and connection because hip hop is within its same genre..." Though believing "...no other genre of music can bridge the generation gap..." like hip hop can, DJ Maseo does see hip hop falling towards that sub-genre path as Rock did.

Before ending this philosophical interview, DJ Maseo encouraged everyone to follow him on Facebook and Twitter as well as join his 600,000 plus followers on his U-Stream channel. He was the first artist to use this medium to connect with a web audience and use all of the U-Stream's features and preferences for his webcasts. DJ Maseo broadcasts live from his house what he calls a "Wayne's World" like show that features him and special guest DJs/artists. While parting with "...I come from an era when everyone was a star based on creativity to me...", Chicago hip hop artist Notrydo.Sincere added his own personal thoughts about DJ Maseo into the conversation stating "...DJ Maseo is an icon..." He also commented how the artist and his music saved his life from the streets and gangs. To DJ Maseo, that was more rewarding to hear than any accolade or award received. For more information about DJ Maseo, visit http://www.myspace.com/djmaseo.

Before the main event of Respect the Mic which featured brief performances by Contagious, D Money, Rio and Notrydo.Sincere, DJ Maseo instilled some helpful advice to all of the performers in the audience that they can actually do this full-time without a big time contract backing them if they follow two simple steps: start it as a passion and then treat themselves and their craft as a business to make money. The opening acts presented a wide range of up-n-coming artists performing different styles of hip hop/rap on stage such as gangsta to party and some having a heavy bass or melodic sound. In SouthSide's opinion, there were a few hits and misses based on the audience's reactions even though each hip hop act had a few minutes to impress them with their tracks and stage presence. Sometimes it was the microphone used that was the main culprit during a performance from bad feedback to low volume that this reviewer couldn't hear a single word said. Or perhaps it was a combination of things (i.e. music, MC) which didn't generate much hype or energy at all. Mid-way through the show, there was producer battles in which producers pitted their best beat tracks against each other and the audience (by show of hands and cheers) voted for their favorite. These were fierce ..."take no prisoners" competitions for a cash prize, blogspot readers. SouthSide missed most of the battles because she was interviewing DJ Maseo however she did stay for the final rounds. Who were the top finalists of the night? Who won the cash prize? Keep reading this review to find out.

Notrydo.Sincere may sound like something Yoda would say to any Jedi apprentice when doubting their abilities in using the Force. however that's not actually the case, blogspot readers. This Chicago artist received this special moniker from his grandmother which now has become his own personal mantra in life. "...that any and all things must be done with the deepest level of passion and sincerity ...it leads to the highest power associated with 'doing' versus the attempts of a mere 'try' ...all one seeks to pursue must be done 'sincerely'..." It's something this designer, songwriter, producer, keyboardist, and drummer tries to embody within his progressive music and style of hip hop that's known to be "...lyrically passionate and captivating..." Yet who is this artist really? When asked, he described his music to be "...cultured dignity powerful love that comes from an honest place..." It's meant to be inspiring and motivating but there's one thing that separates him from the rest, blogspot readers. He's the ONLY hip hop artist SouthSide knows with his own drumline. Incidentially, that was her first question to Notrydo.Sincere - what inspired him to incorporate a drumline with his act. He replied that he wanted to be different like The Roots whose music features live instruments (i.e. horns, percussions). He first met Jamie Poindexter (captain of the the drumline and who runs a program to keep troubled youth off the streets) while working on a marketing campaign for a client and soon the two performed together at Round Fest. That was four years ago. Notrydo said "...they [people] like it but feel intimidated at first ...now we're getting a lot of press about it..." This artist and his drumline has appeared in festivals around town performing sixty shows (or more) a year.

Notrydo.Sincere and his drumline along with backing MC Kaotic rocked down the Abbey stage with an energizing percussion force and rhythmic momentum that kept this crowd hyped despite the shortness of his set. The live percussion sound against his DJ complemented each other giving every song performed that resounding umph of electricity (and more) as the music wafted throughout the lively venue. This reviewer not only saw the energy surging amongst the crowd as well as inciting them to react but also felt it immediately when this artist first hit the stage and during his cover of Tony Baines' Incredible. She asked him if there's a message that he's trying to convey within his hip hop to which Notrydo replied "...every time ...people need to understand it's a movement ...[something] way bigger than me..." This artist uses unconventional methods to get that message across to the masses like putting his entire album Robot on a 2 Gig flashdrive featuring more unconventional hip hop music. Currently, he's working on two projects one of which with producer Tony Baines that's a special tribute to Prince calling it the purple album. So SouthSide, had to know what inspires this unique hip hop artist's music and lyrical verses. Notrydo replied stating "...good music..." with a beaming smile which might surprise many that he doesn't listen to rap music per se but does listen to instrumental classics giving his recommendation to Pandora. And classic would be any genre. Whether it's rock, the legendary blues artist John Lee Hooker ...even A-Ha. What Notrydo is really into these days is Afro-beats and he did disclose to SouthSide of his plans to move to Africa one day having dual citizenships here and there. Who knows, blogspot readers, one day there might be an Afro-beat album by this phenomenial artist. Closing this interview, Notrydo.Sincere suggested blogspot readers listening to his track Let's Go "...wrote it in one take ...I love to be inspired ...to be spontaneous ...that's why women love me..." Also Notrydo dedicated one of his favorite inspirational Fela track to this reviewer at the end of the show and she could absolutely hear why it would inspire and motivate him. The music within this particular track had a lively beat and energizing rhythm that instantly had her dancing to the melodic groove. For more information about Notrydo.Sincere, visit http://www.myspace.com/notrydosincere or http://www.reverbnation.com/notrydosincere.

The two finalists in the producer battles were KI and Trackmatic however there only could be one winner and that producer was - Trackmatic.

Until next time, support your local scene,
SouthSide

28 Nov 11

2011-11-29T08:47:00.000-08:00

Hey, blogspot readers, do you want to be in a video? This local band, Unplugged and Reborn (an indie electronic trio) is currently searching for people to participate in an upcoming video shoot happening on Dec 17th.

They will be shooting a video for Khandi Kids off their debut album Promise Me This Day ...it's FREE and open to all ages (though BYOB) starting 8p. They also ask that you dress retro, neon colors, underground rave themed clothing (if possible).

The house party will feature DJ sets by Sickboy, Rude Gentlemen, Blowclerk and Erok 69.

That's Saturday, December 17th, 8p at 4447 S. Karlov in Chicago.

For more information, visit Unplugged and Reborn at http://www.unpluggedandreborn.com.

HOWEVER, if unable to make the shoot, Unplugged and Reborn will be rockin' the stage at Beat Kitchen on Thursday, January 12th along with Cold Kid Blue, Videotape and Smoke & Magic at 17+ show. Admission $10.

Until next time, support your local scene,
SouthSide

22 Nov 11 - Part 2

2011-11-26T10:42:00.000-08:00

Hey, blogspot readers, SouthSide's rockin' Wicker Park now! After a quick CTA ride ont he Red and Blue train lines, this roving party girl about town arrived in time at Double Door to welcome home her friend, Illusions Fate. Returning safely from their travels deep in the wilds of Michigan, this hot local band headlined this hip neighborhood venue's stage which also featured performances by friend Sutured Psyche and Conflux during this free pre-holiday show. Blogspot readers should be aware that Sutured Psyche will be rockin' the stage again (as well as with a bit of striptease by guitarist Ryan Reilly) on Dec 17 at Live Wire with Beneath The Stares and then at Elbo Room on Jan 28 for their anniversary show.

Intense primal industrialized metal music - the best way to sum up this Illusions Fate show, blogspot readers. Joel (front man on vocals and guitar) and the guys rocked out Double Door with such of an animalistic blood-curdling battle cry and sound that instantly attacked the senses. There was an energizing spirit and momentum felt during Illusions' opening song which stayed throughout the set that also included an encore - a first time for the guys. SouthSide literally could sense the primal nature and heat as Joel pumped venomous screamo fx especially while singing "...won't you die..." into the mix in between his natural falsetto voice. Yet while performing Stain, this particular song featured more of his natural vocals in which the audience clearly heard the emotions off the lyrics and less screamo. Another song, an Illusions Fate ballad, truly spotlighted Joel's voice within the "mellow" metal sound as the electric volume and tempo gradually increased towards the chorus until the end. Hardcore industrial and metal fans will thoroughly bang their heads to the intensity of Illusions' rockin' sound featuring wicked electric riffs, a melodic bass and thunderous percussion. Sometimes the band will also include a funky stax sound to crescendo-ing crash and bang song finishes to leave their fans hungry for more. SouthSide suggests rockin' the ears to Fear - not for its intense metal sound bur for the unexpected calming lull (nearly a minute though) before Joel pumps more rage and angst after the bridge and fan favorite Dying Anthem which had Mr. Agitator (of V Is For Villains) dancing along with other Illusions' fans. This reviewer also suggests checking out new song - Unborn (off new album comingo ut in March 2012) for the raw intensity coupled inside a metal sound and vengeful vocals on lyrics. A perfect head banging anthem with a blood-curdling sound ...definitely the next Illusions Fate hit single, blogspot readers. For more information about this band, visit http://www.myspace.com/illusionsfatemusic or on Facebook.

Until next time, support your local scene,
SouthSide

22 Nov 11 - Part 1

2011-11-24T18:11:00.000-08:00

Hey, blogspot readers, SouthSide has officially lost an "On The Town" V-card! Her recent adventure on Tuesday night took this roving reviewer inside Chicago's hip hop/rap scene for the first time at Reggie's Rock Club. There, she attended an all-ages show presented by Wolf Ho Inc featuring up-n-coming hip hop/rap artists like Blackout Cliq and Kosha Dillz (and friends) with Kid Ink (CA) headlining.

However, SouthSide soon discovered something was terribly wrong with this particular Reggie's show upon her arrival. And mostly it was the audience, blogspot readers, as she observed them being nonresponsive especially during Blackout Cliq's performance. This reviewer doesn't think it was the music per se (mostly classic R&B/soul and DJing turntables) that caused this "dead" silent atmosphere amongst the all-ages crowd. Though noting there was energy and momentum felt from the MCs' lyrical verses, it wasn't enough to spark an instant cheer or anything when the song was over. They were simply overworking themselves into exhaustion trying to get this crowd hyped. Even being billed as "the only Jewish rapper in Korea town" didn't score any winning points for Kosha Dillz and his guest rap artists either. This listless atmosphere continued at the beginning of his (Kosha's) performance until he had to literally instruct the crowd on how to "behave" while attending a hip hop/rap show. Despite that slow start, this artist did finally win them over when performing a song about garage sales and then demonstrating his lyrical freestyle skills about ordinary objects such as a folder and mobile phone. SouthSide did like Kosha's Hebrew-Spanish-English mixed song but honestly felt it merely confused the crowd (since they had to respond by saying "Yes Yes" to his Hebrew-Spanish lyrics) more than entertained before rockin' out the set with a humorous tune about sweatpants.

Suddenly that - the listless atmosphere and the crowd's mood - seemed to change once headliner Kid Ink took control of the stage. POW! The mood and atmosphere immediately jumped to spontaneous life as this charismatic hip hop/rap artist burst into his opening song. It was the first time SouthSide had seen this crowd come to life without any prompted instructions. Kid Ink worked his magic by spinning fast lyrical verses amidst lively rhythms and fresh beats/music to which everyone from the front of the stage to the back began partying and rockin' to the music. You could literally feel the excitement being generated in the air, blogspot readers, by this artist ...he definitely had a commanding stage presence while keeping everyone hyped song after song. At times, you could also hear the some rapping along with him especially during the songs Blackout and Hannah Montana (not your Disney-friendly song about Mylie Cyrus). Kid Ink had this energizing as well as intense persona about him that couldn't be stopped. That's what this reviewer liked most about this artist besides his lyrical verse abilities and etc. He kept his performance moving continuously which in turn had the momentum flowing while he worked every inch of the Reggie's stage ...charming the ladies (plenty of eye candy when having his shirt off) and shaking hands with eager fans. For example, during one particular song, he had the crowd soaring high through the hip hop skies as they were on top of the world with him. Though unable to stay til the very end of Kid Ink's performance, SouthSide enjoy the exciting, highly intense Kid Ink performance, blogspot readers, and suggests hip hop/rap fans checking out this up-n-coming artist at his next show. For more information about Kid Ink, visit http://www.kidinkmusic.com.

Until next time, support your local scene,
SouthSide

December 2011

2011-11-22T09:03:00.000-08:00

Hey, blogspot readers, the busy holiday season is now upon us. However, in between the crowded mall shopping, fighting for that parking space or hot gift item of the year and parties, SouthSide highly suggests taking a break to attend one (or more) of the following shows/events rockin' Chicago's local scene.

Dec 1 @ Lincoln Hall 6:30p
Warm, Safe & Sound
SouthSide kicks off her December calendar by joining others in donating a coat or sweater for a good cause (besides getting a discounted door admission) in which Cornerstone Community Outreach will give all donations to the homeless and/or needy low income families.
Admission: $10 (or $5 w/sweater or coat donation)
18+
Music performances by Hawley Shaffner and The Kickback along with friends The Bright White, Blane Fonda and The Steepwater Band.

@ Burlington Bar 9p
Friends Jon Drake & The Shakes and Chaperone will be rockin' the venue's new stage area.
Admission: $5
21+

Dec 2 @ Elbo Room
Upstairs on the Acoustic stage - singer/songwriter Kelsey Montanez will be opening for A Thousand Julys.
Meanwhile downstairs on the Main stage - friend Bambi Raptor will be opening for The James Brown.
21+

Dec 3 @ Celebrity Salon (located in Evanston) 7p
SouthSide will be attending this BYOB holiday Toys For Tots charity event. If attending, the organizers have asked that you bring an unwrapped toy - no stuffed toys or toy guns.
FREE adminission with donation.
Music performances by friends The Telepaths and WhiteWolfSonicPrincess All-Stars along with The Rut, Crocodile Children, Hannah Frank, Longbottom Leaf and Kavus.

@ Drake Hotel 9p
Join SouthSide afterwards for more holiday cheer with her friend Jesse Charbonier who will be performing a Jazz holiday show at Coq d' Or until 1a.
FREE
21+

Dec 5 @ Nite Cap
It's Devil's Playground One Year Anniversary Party! Hosted by David Bates who will be spinning metal/rock/industrial/punk/Goth tunes all night long. PLUS Ms Ammunition will be performing a tempting burlesque show while Skinwalker performs on stage.
FREE
21+

Dec 9 @ Beat Kitchen 8p
Friend Makeshift Prodigy will be rockin' the stage at this 17+ show, blogspot readers.
need to be 21+ to drink
Admission: $10

Dec 10 @ Elbo Room
It's The Andy Metz Explosion Live show! The band lineup will feature Seth Williams, B-Amp, and Magatron rockin' the stage with Andy. Also performing that same night, friend 20 Mark Helga.
Admission: $10
21+

@ La Salle Power Company 8p
Friends Social Focus and The Walking Shadows will be rockin' the stage at this River North club.
Admission: $7

Dec 13 @ Elbo Room
SouthSide will be rockin' as well as reviewing Rockford's own Trip Effect.
21+

Dec 15 @ Double Door
Friend Red City will be painting this stage bright red along with Board of Governors, Farewell Captain and The Melismatics.
Admission: $6
21+

Dec 16 @ Reggie's Rock Club 10p
Misstallica! SouthSide will be attending this show featuring the world's only and greatest female tribute band to Metallica at this South Loop venue.
Admission: $10 advance / $12 door
http://www.ticketfly.com/event/73449
21+

Dec 18 @ Double Door 9p
SouthSide suggests joining her with Friend Akasha as they present Simmer Down Sunday featuring "The Graduate" and guest DJs spinning classic reggae at this FREE event.
21+

Dec 22 @ Double Door 8:30p
It's a VERY Retar Christmas Holiday Extravaganza featuring Retar Crew at this FREE event.
21+

SouthSide has yet to decide where she's ringing in the New Year ...so stay tuned, blogspot readers.

Until next time, support your local holiday scene,
SouthSide

16 Nov 11

2011-11-21T11:04:00.000-08:00

"...could you watch my purse..." ~ An "I Lost Control" fan

Hey, blogspot readers, SouthSide's rockin' a FREE show tonight! Deep within the heart of the hip Wicker Park neighborhood, Double Door hosted an all-star lineup featuring friend, I Lost Control headlining its stage with The Beez Neez and Burial At Sea (CA) opening. This reviewer despite not truly enjoying the performance still recommends blogspot readers checking out the lively Americana/alternative sounds of The Beez Neez (http://www.beezneezchicago.com) for its energizing tempo and dynamic male lead vocal falsetto. Though also enjoying the varying music of country/rock or bluegrass sometimes woven inside Beez songs, SouthSide felt the female backing vocalist lacked some hear, depth and soul as well as energy in her voice to compliment the male lead (on guitar) thus making the lyrics sound somewhat flat. This reviewer also had trouble feeling the sentimental emotions in the heartfelt ballad Lose Myself In You due to the overwhelming bass rhythms that drown out rhythm guitar performing as an electric violin.

A taste of Califormia surf amidst a hot powerpop/rock sound and energizing momentum set the Double Door stage ablaze during Burial At Sea's performance, blogspot readers. This rockin' trio instantly perked up the venue's atmosphere with its intense guitar work that at times featured dramatic pauses to conclude certain songs with an abrupt BANG for the audience. Such intensity did produce a lively melodic electro sound that definitely kept each Burial member animated of nonstop body movement while on stage. Even while taking the energy and guitar intensity down a bit, this reviewer still found herself deeply immersed inside the twitterpating riffs and dazzling sound to tickle the ears. Plus the music wonderfully (at this downtempo style) highlighted the male lead's (also on guitar) raspy yet soulfully heartfelt vocals. Burial's cover of Bruce Springteen's I'm On Fire featured more than an electro-pop sound but a change from the original composition of the 80s hit like turning the ballad into a slightly fast-paced rock song. This rockin' version perfectly spotlighted the lead's deep voice that sent shivers down SouthSide's back, blogspot readers. Another fine example of his voice style occurred while performing one of their own original ballads in which one could literally feeling the heartfelt emotions dripping off the lyrics. SouthSide highly recommends checking the electro California sound during Burial At Sea's next show. For more information, visit http://www.myspace.com/burialatseamusic.

SouthSide highly recommends losing control of your music sanity while rockin' out with friend I Lost Control, blogspot readers. This hot local quartet rocked the Double Door stage with a fast-paced, Brit pop/rock sound on this side of the pond. This reviewer immediately liked the lively tempo and intense guitar work which complimented front man Toby's vocal style of wit and humor off the lyrics (especially during opening song Hard To Get) and animated stage presence. Throughout Lost's performance, he reminded SouthSide a little bit of another animated yet charismatic front man, David Byrne of Talking Heads while performing Confliction. However there was another side to Toby when not behind the guitar. This reviewer enjoyed the "serious" side and tone of his voice which added more body movement and hand gestures to amplify his vibrant falsetto style (for example - Runaway Train). Listen out for The Doors' The End towards the end of this particular song that featured Toby hauntingly voicing Jim Morrison's spoken yet intense poetry. That "serious" act also wonderfully complimented the hardcore riffs as heard in Bloodline and Mathias (but with a slightly upped tempo to draw out more of his David Byrne-like voice). Not worry, blogspot readers, I Lost Control soon retained control once again when it returned to its energizing momentum within the electro-pop sound of Lawless and the two encores, Rockstar and Transmission. For more information about this local band, visit http://www.ilostcontrol.com.

Until next time, support your local scene,
SouthSide

13 Nov 11

2011-11-17T10:01:00.000-08:00

Hey, blogspot readers, it's another late show for this special On The Town review. SouthSide ended her LONG four-day weekend of party (and lack of sleep) at Lakeview's popular local venue, Elbo Room to see Adema rock out the Sunday lineup featuring a performance by old friend, Emiss.

She honestly would like to say that she did enjoy Adema's headlining set however not in the way she could have thoroughly enjoyed it. This reviewer knows that last statement sound a bit contradictory and probably confusing. Yet if you could have seen how exhausted the band appeared on stage, you would completely understand what she's saying. In her opinion, it was a good show but due their tired appearance, it wasn't definitely their best. Adema was still able to deliver their diehard Chicago fans a rock show full of instant thrilling excitement and head banging momentum amidst the shred-tastic guitar riffs and intense heavy metal music. She felt the excitable rush of the thundering metal sound and vibe during Kill The Headlights that vibrantly pulsated throughout this particular. This song had the music energy but it was starting to lack something else, blogspot readers, vocal energy. This reviewer liked the vocals pouring out the emotional angst and pain ...sort of heart-wrenching at times especially when lead vocalist cried "...is it trust..." during the third song. But that distinctive dynamic vocal style was only momentary as the energy began to wane considerably during other songs except for Do What You Want To Do in which the band not revitalized the music but voices too. Even added some intensified screamo in the mix to generate some fan response amongst the late night audience. Also this reviewer recommends listening to The Way You Love Me (for its awesome metal-tastic sound of shredding guitar riffs and hardcore vocal emotion poured into the lyrics that also started some in the audience to start singing along with Adema) and closer Give It Away (that featured original band member Mike on guitar ...generating wild momentum and excitement at last with shred-tastic riffs).

Those were the only good highlights of Adema's Chicago show, blogspot readers, but constantly hearing shouts for Freebird (at a metal show? seriously that joke is getting stale now) somewhat deminish the fun experience for this reviewer besides the lack of energy during certain points of the set. There wasn't much rockin' out to their own music ...basically the energy level was low. SouthSide supposes if the stage was a bit wider and longer perhaps the band would have the need to rock out the venue like the rockers they are. Though what the band lacked in some areas of its show, SouthSide does recommend catching Adema while currently on tour. For more information, visit http://www.myspace.com/adema.

Until next time, support your local scene,
SouthSide

12 Nov 11 - Afterparty

2011-11-17T08:41:00.000-08:00

It seems SouthSide's "job" is never done when the show's over, blogspot readers! Surprisingly she still had enough strength and stamina left to party some more this time with the hip late night Reggie's club scene. This hot party hosted by good friend, Jason aka Magicks, featured DJ performances by White Collar Crime, Robot Ears, of course the mysterious Magicks himself and more. Though lasting almost til sunrise, SouthSide stayed for a couple of hours to soak in the music, vibe and Tron-like atmosphere thanks to a hefty supply of neon green glowsticks.

Judging by the hot music wafting throughout the venue, it looked to be another fun night sweatin' to the bumpin' sounds of electronica/dance again. As the late crowd arrived, the music was warmly inviting and entertaining to the ears which immediately hand many hitting the dance floor. SouthSide liked the blended mix of techno rhythms and beats intertwining with a world fusion sound. After tossing some neon green glowsticks into the crowded dance floor, soon Reggie's was aglow amidst the semi-darkness of club lighting and trance-like electronica music. What a sight seen from where SouthSide was ...bodies rhythmically moveing to the contagious beats and nonstop melodic wizardry vibe until White Collar Crime took center stage. His DJ set featured some mixes that had a hip hop feel but within a lively dance/electronica flare. Even though the tempo and energy changed to a slower pace, there was still enough energy and momentum being pumped to keep this party going as the two o'clock hour began.

The dancers were cheering ...chanting to the pulsating beats during one particular track before moving into an instrumental remix of the soul classic hit If You Don't Know Me featuring a wicked electronic rhythms. Dancing continued as the DJ switched between different variations of electronica mixed containing varying tempo speed and techno beat. This reviewer also dancing along enjoyed the track variations that kept the party scene alive and fresh especially when one had a Tron-like sound. The dancers were certainly fired up when Jason began dancing to the music while on stage. Everyone seemed to enjoy the Daft Punk-inspired sound containing ear popping, catchy hooks until gradually moving into Magicks' DJ set around 2:30a. Though taking the highly energizing sound down to a calming lull, this set included one special element besides the soothing music and rhythms. The ambient electronica music also featured Jason's quiet aria-like vocals intertwining with the pulsating sound and beats. There was a moment of a livelier tempo yet it retained a melodic vibe inside the music ...so hypnotic at times, blogspot readers. However the "cool" down didn't last long when DJ Robot Ears took over. Suddenly the party jumped back to its original energizing atmosphere as the dancers returned to their nonstop fun amidst the heart-pounding, vibrant sound. The music was so contagious that it instantly had everyone including SouthSide dancing to the electronic vibe but sadly this rockin' party vampire had to get some sleep ...she had one more show to complete later that night...

Until next time, support your local scene,
SouthSide

12 Nov 11

2011-11-16T11:12:00.000-08:00

"...eat shiza..." ~ Hanzel Und Gretyl

Guten Tag, blogspot readers, frau SouthSide wants to know - who's ready for a Fukken Uber (Death) Party aboard the SS Deathstar Supergalatick? She hopes you are because that's what happened to her recently. The essence and spirit of Deutschland was definitely felt on Saturday especially inside South Loop's Reggie's Rock Club as hardcore industrial/metal fans packed the venue to attend the "More German Than German" show of Hanzel Und Gretyl (NY)! Besides being so excited to see this legendary duo rockin' the stage, this reviewer was also excited to see longtime friend Sinister Fate along with Control, Veritae and Strange Karma (Australia) opening. To keep everyone in the mood amidst the night's lineup theme, DJ Dominion spun a fantastic mix of industrial and metal songs before the show and in between sets.

SouthSide highly suggests checking out the melodic yet dramatic hardcore rock sound of Veritae, blogspot readers. This reviewer enjoyed the crescendoing energy and momentum as heard in the band's rhythms and guitar riffs thus setting up that heart-pounding drama in its head banging rock. Coupled with this music style was the powerfully dynamic falsetto vocals which truly added heartfelt emotions and passion into the lyrics of Veritae's songs. SouthSide does suggest to the band to work on smoothing out the finisheds on the first three songs - the abrupt ending after such dramatic melodies didn't fit inside the music style. For more information, visit http://www.veritaemusic.com. Meanwhile, check out the rip-roaring, furiously fast combination of punk/metal sound of SouthSide's friend, Control. This quartet of rockin' musicians literally tore up the Rock Club stage with such heart-stopping energy, venomously primal female angst (Jen on guitar) and continuous flow of music that featured hard hitting riffs and thundering drum work. This reviewer liked Control's one-two punch of "wham bam" song presentations which kept the crowd in tuned to their intensified sound and momentum featured during this short set. She does recommend adding more mic power for the male vocalists in order to be heard above their own guitars especially during the song Raw With Alcohol. For more information, visit http://www.controlrock.bandcamp.com.

They maybe from the land down under (Men At Work reference) ...desperately seeking Oprah (for a music guest appearance) but this Aussie band definitely knew how to rock the stage with twitterpating guitar riffs of AC/DC and epic songs (featuring some electronic piano) of RUSH. SouthSide highly recommends rockin' out with new friend Strange Karma while they're currently touring stateside before having to return home soon. Though a brief opening set, this reviwer enjoyed the gritty guitar sound full of metal riffs, thunderous drum rhythms (complete with gong - the drum set looked awesome) and intense vocals by front man Martin (also on piano and guitar). SouthSide was literally blown away by the head banging music that featured plenty of excitable momentum amongst the non-stop flow of rock music but watch out for Strange's sudden chord changes. They quickly took the ears (and mind) to another plateau whether the riffs called for were slow and steady or wickedly racing fast. This reviewer suggests listening to song Devil From The Moon (off Strange's debut album) ...not only did it have the best shred-tastic sound of hardcore riffs within the band's devilishly wicked guitar work but Martin while performing embodied a little of the Prince of Darkness himself, Ozzy Osbourne with his stage presence. Plus this sinfully delicious song featured the electronic piano at the end that led straight into the epic closer, Dreams. This particular song wonderfully meshed classical (electronic) piano with metal guitars, blogspot readers, totally rocking out the stage with such a tour de force of energy and fiety conclusion of sound. SouthSide chatted with some of the members of Strange Karma after Sinister Fate's set and discovered they really love Chicago. They also love its rich history from Al Capone to President Barack Obama (according to the guys, he's the best US President to history) and of course Chicago's dining experience. Though disappointed that O (as in Oprah) has moved to California, they hoped the Queen of Chicago's Local Scene (aka SouthSide ...their words not hers) could give her a call about getting them a guest appearance on her network. *smiles* They're such charming flatters these Aussie guys. *blushing* But more importantly, they LOVE music especially Motown and its music greats, blogspot readers. For more information about Strange Karma, you can visit them on Facebook or http://www.strangerkarma.net.

"...Slayer..."

The last time SouthSide saw this longtime friend, front man David would make some kind of dramatic entrance to start Sinister Fate's shows. There was the time in which this reviewer received the shock of her life when he popped out of a body bag laying on the Metro stage. however that was then, blogspot readers. Time has changed this local band ...matured if you would say to its member lineup and music. SouthSide highly recommends checking out the "new" and "improved" Sinister Fate at the band's next scheduled show. It's still the same band (sort of) but this "new" Fate band had a tighter hardcore yet sinister music and intensified yet energizing momentum. One thing did remain - David's "surprise" entrance to kick off the band's opening song but not as dramatic as the body bag. Tonight, he delighted the crowd and reviewer with his German gestapho-theme look amidst the loud apocalpytic air raid sirens and creepy metal-tastic riffs. Compared to the past shows, this Fate performance had totally thrilled the crowd (especially those near the front of the stage) with shredded guitar riffs and thundrous drums rhythms. These angels (demons to others) took everyone on a Hellbound (plenty of head banging metal sound and David's horrifyingly raw vocals to terrorize and chill the soul ...in a good way) journey and then to a Brave New World (twitterpating riffs and more raw vocals). Plus it wouldn't be an awesome Fate show if they didn't perform their favorite word (Fuck) song which included exploding metalworks (the best part of the show) that pumped a wild response and excitement amongst the crowd. Don't be surprised if David seemed a bit unstable when seeing him change into a straitjacket or caress one of the (plastic) heads on a spike before beating it to death on stage. One final word (not of caution) to live by - besides accepting your fate, blogspot readers, Sinister wants you to know that sin is in and give into temptation. Then and only then can you be reborn again with them. For more information about, you can visit http://www.sinisterfate.com or on Facebook.

"...thank you for not going to see Judas Priest..."

Billed as the "...greatest German band ever NOT from Germany...", Hanzel Und Gretyl rocked out this highly intense lineup with more intensity and aggression out of all the other bands before them within their industrialized metal show. With the aid of digital programming, this nonGerman duo (the lyrics were in fully in German) thoroughly impressed SouthSide as well as had her rockin' to the head banging guitar riffs and raw primal feminine angst (wonderfully done by Vas Kallas). She enjoyed the loud thunderous sound that accompanied many of Hanzel's anthem-like songs and use of vintage German/SS national anthems to keep the spirit of Da Fatherland going strong amongst its diehard fans. Now there's the matter of the theme represented in many of Hanzel Und Gretyl's songs which might offend some because if listening closely the duo do show their interest in the Third Reich. However that part didn't matter to SouthSide - she was there for a good time with this band. This reviewer immediately found herself rockin' along to songs like Hail To The Darkside (the most raw and animalistic female vocals ever witnessed and heard to pump such rage and angst at the same time amidst the shred-tastic guitar finish at the end) and Number #1 In Deutschland (this song totally fired up the crowd into a frenzy as everyone felt the rush throughout the super charged sound). Wearing boots is one thing, blogspot readers, but have you tried drinking beer out of one? Neither has this reviewer but if attending a Hanzel Und Gretyl show, it's highly recommended that you volunteer to be the lucky fan to drink beer out of another fan's boot while on stage with the band. Tonight's lucky fan was Eric and not only did he drink beer from the boot but Kaizer Von Loppy kept feeding him more beer throughout the song Das Boot. Hanzel Und Gretyl prided itself in keeping their audience in a constant state of frenzied motion song after song even while taking a beer break (they love their German brew, blogspot readers) on stage before continuing with other songs like Third Reich From The Sun (which included more exploding metalworks sparks on stage) and SouthSide's personal favorite SS Deathstar Supergalatick before ending the show on a high note with Fukken Uber Death Party. And, wow what an uber party it was! It was the most intense industrialized metal performance this reviewer has ever attended this year and she highly recommends rockin' out Hanzel Und Gretyl's next Fukken Uber (Death) Party soon. Be an honorary German like SouthSide! For more information about this band, visit http://www.hanzelundgretyl.com and on Facebook (look for the official page).

Until next time, support your local scene,
SouthSide

11 Nov 11

2011-11-15T09:15:00.000-08:00

"...Can we get funky now?" ~ Room 11

Hey, blogspot readers, it's a soulfully hot and funkedelic blast of the past! Tonight, SouthSide spent her Friday On The Town adventure catchingup with old friends while rockin' with new ones deep within the heart of Rogers Park's popular night spot, Morseland. And what a HOT night indeed it was as she was there attending the Room 11's CD release party. Hosted by the esteemed Pastor Funk Pleez (aka Big Ced of Room 11), fans crowded this restaurant/bar to see Mos Scocious, Esh the Singer (WI) and Super Moon with of course, the guest of honor - Room 11 tear down the venue with their soulfully funk/R&B/rock groove performances. Blogspot readers are highly encouraged to check out all acts mentioned in this review at their next scheduled show.

When seeing this act performin on stage, think of Mos Scocious as the indie version of jazz-soul-rock fusion band, Spyro Gyra, blogspot readers. Mos kicked off this rockin' CD release celebration with a set full of vibrant music genre combinations from R&B/soul to funk/rock and some Latin flavor on the side to spice things up. Even though this was a short performance, the trio that make up Mos Scocious packed plenty of upbeat tempos, melodic rhythms, classical funk/jazz riffs as well as intense energy into each song played which kept this lively crowd feeling the pulsating beat of music until the very end. Plus it left them wanting more. More of that spicy funk cover version of Eurhythmics' Sweet Dreams (Are Made of These) featuring a lively rhumba/samba mix that made you want to dance ...or more of that hot electricity felt during the closer - Disco Ball which included a taste of the unknown from the X-Files theme woven inside the instrumental bridge. SouthSide was lucky to find a Mos Scocious CD laying around Elbo Room recently and highly recommends rockin' to original tracks 3 - Shamburger and 5 Garmonbozia (The Alligator Song) as well as their cover version of Gnarls Barkley' Crazy. All tracks on this CD are worthy of a listen however the three mentioned are her personal favorites. For more information about Mos Scocious, you can find them on Facebook or http://www.myspace.com/mosscocious.

"...let's burn this place down..."

With Mos Scocious lighting the match to tonight's hot lineup, Esh the Singer definitely set the stage ablaze with powerful yet dynamic vocals amidst the flaming fusion of rock/soul/and more during her performance. How hot was this performance you might ask. It was SO hot even SouthSide's Sprite couldn't cool off this reviewer after it was over. That's how hot. Esh literally burnt Morseland down to its foundation with her vibrant vocal style, spunky diva-tude, and intense energy that the artist almost embodied the essence, soul and stage presence of the legendary rocker herself - Tina Turner. Adding a bit of feminine sexiness here and there as well as deep vocals sometimes, Esh had this presence, blogspot readers, throughout the set as a tough as nails woman with plenty of heart and soul especially during one particular song in which she clearly stated "...I don't need any boyfriends now...I had to let all of the boyfriends go..." (from Leave). It's not how she sang those lyrics that instantly gave her the rank of Bitch (not in a negative way, mind you) in SouthSide's book but the way Esh expressed them with such fiery spite and passion ...when saying it, she truly meant it. The highlight of this set was her steamy ...smoldering hot version of Led Zeppelin's Kashmir. A Zeppelin fan like SouthSide hasn't lived and breathed in this classic rock epic until seen it performed by Esh ...she totally owned this song adding such fire and passion into the lyrics and vocals. It's hard to describe Esh's body movements and facial expressions unless you were there basking in the opulent Kashmir glow. What an excitable rush of nirvana of finally reaching the House of Holy (another Led Zeppelin reference) as SouthSide rocked out to this cover. For more information about Esh the Singer, you can find her on Facebook or http://www.eshlive.com.

"...y'all want more? Let's give them more..."

How does one add more funkedelic fuel to the fiery flames already set after Esh the Singer's performance? By keeping it going with the spontaneous combustion of female vocal lead Talonie and her smooth yet soulful male counterpart, Jorge with the sparks of the band behind them. Super Moon without any warning, blogspot readers, popped onto the Morseland stage with a rockin' bang ...not a little firecracker bang. SouthSide's talking about a HUGE M80 explosive BANG which kept this roaring fire going amongst the hyped crowd. This set was very intense as well as energizing from start to finish ...and believe it or not, this was Super Moon's third show! To say this local band had continuous momentum would be a gross understatement. Even while in a downtempo pace and/or Jorge taking center stage on lead vocals, Super constantly had everyone tightly wrapped inside the furiously sounding, upbeat tempo and rhythms as heard amidst the band's soul/R&B/rock music. There was even some pseudo-ska felt during the song Killer and a "ghetto" vibe during Oh Baby which featured Super's friend Mandy as guest vocalist. What SouthSide liked most about Super Moon besides its eclectic rock themes and sound was the dynamic presence of female lead Talonie who adds a certain musical style ...flare ...je ne sais quoi to the stage especially while interacting with Jorge. She was an absolute joy to behold but also there's a natural chemistry between the two vocalists that this reviewer loved as seen while performing the intensified primal heat of Different Creatures. Lyrics be damned, blogspot readers, - these two sounded so raw and animalistic over the mic that SouthSide thought they were exorcising their sexual demons on stage amidst this rockin' jam. Yet on the flipsife, under a much calmer tempo (almost a lullaby groove mix as heard in Life Could Be A Dream), the two vocalist wonderfully feed off each other's energy and vibe before really rockin' out the show with Kick Out The Jams. For more information about Super Moon, you can find them on Facebook or http://www.supermoonsounds.bandcamp.com.

By now, blogspot readers, this fire was rage was WAY out of control when longtime friend Room 11 took the stage yet it was the steamy hot funkified type of fire (the kind that will sweat out your perm). And though it has been a very LONG time since, SouthSide basked in this band's eclectic mixture of funk/soul/R&B/hip hop rock glow, she had no problem slipping back into that psychedelic groove again. This reviewer loved Big Ced's (aka Pastor Funk Pleez) sanctified look as he stepped onto the stage in his decked out robe and shades to open with Bad Baggage and Dip Wit' Me featuring extended ending. Plus SouthSide must give mad props to the Soul Sisters (Room 11's backing female vocalists) for adding a whole lot of spunk and sexiness as well as diva-tude to the stage. Word of caution, fellas, don't mess with these women while they're getting their funk on especially when harmonizing under such powerfully dynamic vocals. Also liking the male vocal addition Bro African to Room 11's ever expanding lineup during certain songs - he definitely fits in nicely within the "choir" of voices bringing that brotherly soul as the band jammed. With some frizzy curls forming on this reviewer's head, she automatically knew it was about to get seriously funky inside Morseland when Room 11 hit the middle of their party set with Let's Ride (the fog machine wonderfully added more steam to the already funkified groove featuring a classic Stax sound and non-rush ending ...hence the "ride") and The Storm (featuring guest guitarist Luke and Bro African on vocals which truly took the funk energy down to spotlight the power of the Soul Sisters' vocals ...listen closely to the positiv message inside the lyrics, blogspot readers). This reviewer could see why Room 11 chose to include this classic track on their CD - it was powerfully as well as spiritually moving amidst the wicked guitar riffs during the instrumental bridge. There was another message to be heard, blogspot readers, "...sometimes things ain't what they seem..." (Cherri) which SouthSide liked how the band started nice and slow (to highlight the lyrics) before driving home the message raw and rough during the chorus and finish. Yet it wasn't just about the funk all of the time with Room 11. They exhibited a retro rock side to funk within an upbeat tempo in Nah-Stay and lyrical hip hop in the encore G.O.M.F. (Get Out My Face) ...and she not only literally meant it on stage but clearly demonstrated it was well. And of course no Room 11 show would be complete if they didn't perform fan favorite (that features a Frank electric guitar intro) Rock Fever that ultimately burnt Morseland to a crisp. No one ...not even SouthSide escaped the flames as the crowd wanted more. What a HOT way to end a funkedelic night On The Town. For more information about Room 11, you can find them on Facebook or http://www.roomoneone.com
.

Until next time, support your local scene,
SouthSide

10 Nov 11

2011-11-11T09:54:00.000-08:00

Hey, blogspot readers, SouthSide's rockin' a long four-day weekend around town! She's busy hitting four local hot spots to cover exciting shows from the Rogers Park to Southside with other points in between ...and sleep definitely will not be an option for this roving party girl. Tonight, her first stop was at Empty Bottle for a free show (door cover if didn't rsvp-ed) that featured long time friend, The Reptoids opening for Mr. Gnome (OH) with Ornery Little Darlings.

Though it seemed the lead vocal was out of place compared to the hard-hitting flow of the music during the opening song, SouthSide's friend, The Reptoids rocked their Empty Bottle set full of boisterious guitar sound and momentum. Plenty of drama of shredded guitar riffs, crashing cymbals throughout the set as well as darker themes and tones in the songs than the last time she her rockin' friend. Plus SouthSide enjoyed hearing the raw feminine spite and fervor that sometimes accompanied the primal screamo vocals featured in a couple of Reptoids songs. She felt the thrilling rush of the crescendo rise amongst the furious flying chords which set off changes to elevate the rock experience for the audience. Heart-pounding ...thunderous razor sharp metal-tastic sound with a slight punk edge especially when performing their epic instrumental piece (though in this reviewer's humble opinion should be a little longer). SouthSide highly recommends snagging a Reptoids 3.0 Demo at their next show which contains two hot tracks - Fire In The Hole and Kitty III full of gritty guitars and hardcore sound for the ears. For more information about The Reptoids, visit http://www.reptoids.net.

SouthSide's no stranger to the offbeat and eclectic music acts and Ornery Little Darlings certainly fit inside that group. Not to be critically mean, blogspot readers, but this trio of musicians were certainly rockin' the stage outside of the "normal" genre box. This is the second time in On The Town history in which a band completely stumped the reviewer with their music. Was the music alternative/pop or punk/rock? Who truly knows except these Darlings. Ultimately, this local group rocked the stage and she recommends giving them a listen at their next show. Though the sound (off the bass) was a little distorted at times during their set, this reviewer enjoyed how the somewhat confusing mesh of genres, rhythms and sound pleasingly rocked her ears. The lyrics, at best if you can call them lyrics, were quite simplistic, short and blunt to the point nothing overly complicated especially during one song in which both vocalist furiously shouted "...so fuckin' lazy..." Yes, it was "childish" yet it came out strong amdist the music that accompanied such heated emotional spite. This reviewer enjoyed the retro/early rock-n-roll feel to one particular song before the Darlings moved into some shred-tastic guitar riffs to blow her mind away. For more information about Ornery Little Darlings, visit http://ornerylittledarlings.bandcamp.com.

Continuing where Ornery Little Darlings left off, the duo known as Mr. Gnome led the gathered crowd down the same primrose path of eclectic music and sound. SouthSide had no complaints about the music which rocked out tonight's lineup for she enjoyed the thunderous percussion sound that matched the intense guitar riffs. The music itself had its own distinct melodic tone and vibe that certainly sparked audience momentum at times. However, her only complaint was the vocals (by Nicole also on guitar) because her voice style didn't truly compliment the music at hand, blogspot readers. Mostly it was the reverb/echo mic fx used to highlight Nicole's soft chantenuse-like vocals which really didn't and SouthSide had a difficult time hearing the lyrics and voice where she observed the show. For example, during Mr. Gnome's second song, the dreamy electric riff somewhat overshadowed her voice until Nicole upped the vocal volume at the chorus or during the third song in which didn't call for that mic fx at all since she was totally drowned out by her own rockin' guitar riffs. Plus the vocal style, in SouthSide's honest opinion, was lacking volume and variation that it sometimes made the songs sound the same despite differing music rhythm and tone. Judging by the audience size gathered tonight, Mr. Gnome does have a solid fanbase here in Chicago but as hard as she tried, this reviewer wasn't feeling the music vibe from this band. For more information about Mr. Gnome, visit http://www.mrgnome.com.

Until next time, support your local scene,
SouthSide

05 Nov 11

2011-11-09T11:54:00.000-08:00

Hey, blogspot readers, welcome to an extra special On The Town "club scene" review. Tonight, party along with SouthSide as she rocks a late night show featuring Designer Drugs (NY), PLS DNT STP (Please Don't Stop in text speak), Black Matter and friends Gemini Club (live DJ set) during the Sex Cult Initiation Tour. Presented by React & Wolf Ho Inc., Reggie's Rock Club was instantly Reggie's "the hottest electronica/dance party" Club on the Southside when this fashionably dressed reviewer arrived. This venue had everything for the hip dance/club fan would ever want under one roof - the right atmosphere and mix of music and spectacular glow of Reggie's lighting fx (which also included outlandish yet tripped out random video images on the screen).

The dance floor (as well as the balcony) stayed in constant state of motion throughout the night as dancers were vibin' to remixed industrial/electronica DJ sounds and dazzling mind-trippin' images. Some dancers added their own sparkling glow to the scene with glow sticks and/or finger glow rings. At the bewitching hour (midnight), the party totally rocked to life within the energizing intense nonstop action and music of the DJ team - PLS DNT STP. The music itself, blogspot readers, immediately pumped more vibrant momentum and energy amongst the already hyped crowd amidst the frantic fervor of heart-pounding music and rhythmic beat. The sound was quite infectious as well as contagious to which SouthSide enjoyed the mad crazy digitalized music of this DJ performance. Continuously, PLS DNT STP kept this party scene under its hypnotizing electronic fun especially when the track "Charlie Sheen" played and that truly intensified the scene below SouthSide. Most of the wildness happening at this time was primarily contained close to the stage while mesmerizing the party with a remixed classic 80s pop hit - Crush On You.

Between 1a and 2a (and yes, this reviewer was still dancing), things were seriously getting wild ...crazy and almost out of control on the main floor while many were having a good time when Desinger Drugs (http://www.Designer-Drugs.net) finally took over. Now the heart of the party scene had commenced, blogspot readers, as this rockin' duo energized the party within their furiously fast excitable remixes and club beats. This new wave of sound not only pumped momentum and ensnared the crowd within its music but also caused a series of stage diving and body surfing. This crowd was insane! Definitely the wildest party this reviewer has ever attended. She enjoyed the intense vibe and sound ...momentum that rocked the Designer Drugs set from the music pulsating throughout the venue. During the nonstop excitement of this DJ performance, fans had invaded the stage area rockin' out with all the DJ performers. However, SouthSide hadn't seen crazy yet until Designer Drugs closed out their set with Nirvana's Smells Like Teen Spirit. Moshing ...rioting ...more stage diving and body surfing (until security snagged the person) ...sprayed water over the crowd as well as free stuff goodies tossed into the crowd. Whoa ...what a euphoric rush that was.

Sadly, the party had to come a crashing close, blogspot readers, but not until Black Matter sent us home with a rockin' new track specially mixed for tonight's (short) show. SouthSide liked the vibrant sound that featured melodic yet dramatic crescendos, heart-pounding bursts of music and vocal arias intricately woven inside the beats. Overall it was a fantastic party ...yeah it was a bit crazy and wild - that's how SouthSide likes rock out a fun Saturday night.

Until next time, support your local scene,
SouthSide

04 Nov 11

2011-11-09T10:55:00.000-08:00

Hey, blogspot readers, SouthSide's ranching at home on the range with Buffalo and "the herd". On Friday night, she made another appearance at Martyrs' to join this "herd" of fans to see Donna The Buffalo (NY) perform live on stage. Opening for this roaming Buffalo band was the lively acoustic/rockabilly/county duo Kris Nowak and Wavey Dave of Cornmeal. This pair kicked off the night's entertainment with classic covers like Everly Brothers' Wake Up Little Susie and Buddy Holly's It's Alright to a selection of originals such as Scattered Brain even though someone in the crowd kept requesting for Lynyrd Skynyrd towards the end of their performance. Fans can see this duo again when performing with the rest of the band, Cornmeal, at Martyrs' on November 27.

Donna The Buffalo wants everyone to know that they are "...original danceable excessible memorable postive..." as well as able to rhyme four out of five words during the first question. Before their Martyrs' headlining set, SouthSide spent a few fun minutes inside the band's coach bus for an exclusive On The Town interview with Tara (vocalist/multi-instrumentalist) and Mark (drummer) of Donna The Buffalo. And during the course of this chat, she learned a few more things in which some fans may not know about their favorite band. Besides being "...pleasuable, infectious-able [a DTB patent pending word] and (not) terrible...", did you know Donna The Buffalo has two songs on best-selling horror novelist Stephen King's top twenty iPod playlist? Well, it's true. It seems he's such a fan of this band that he even has a character in his latest novel, Under The Dome (on page 359), wearing a Donna The Buffalo t-shirt. Other fun facts about this Buffalo include starting and running a successful music festival known as Fingerlake Grassroots Festival of Music & Dance (currently there are three offshoots of this festival that place in North Carolina and Florida), being together as a band for 22 years and having wonderful, loyal fan following called "the herd". Yet, SouthSide had barely touched the tip of the iceberg about Donna The Buffalo, blogspot readers, by asking who is Donna The Buffalo and what makes this eclectic Americana/folk band so popular with the Boomer age set?

This reviewer asked Donna The Buffalo how the band got its unique moniker to which Tara instantly replied "...it's a boring story..." As the story goes, band members wanted the "buffalo" somewhere in the name and soon came up with Dawn Of The Buffalo though thinking the name itself was too serious for a band that hadn't had a gig. However when performing a gig, the band was mis-introduced as Donna The Buffalo instead of their original name. And thanks to that little mistake, Donna The Buffalo name has stuck with the band ever since. That being said, SouthSide somewhat stumped her interviewees by asking what kept bringing "the herd" (i.e. DTB fans) back to their shows. It may have been a hard question but Tara and Mark offered a variety of reasons why such as "...music ...energy ...community spirit ...[it's] a very postive social gathering..." That was something SouthSide immediately noticed throughout DTB's headlining performance at Martyrs', blogspot readers. At most of her On The Town adventures, fans normally don't mingle with other fans unless they personally know each other. ...not the case with this "herd" of fans. They greeted and mingled amongst others like longtime friends instead of complete strangers while enjoying the rich yet eclectic DTB Americana/folk sound. "...[they] feel they're belonging to something political..." according to Tara, "...gives people meaning in their lives..." meanwhile Mark jokingly added "...[they're] part of a cult ...keep coming back for the kool-aid..."

And that "kool-aid" would be DTB's infectious-able music. This unique band combined a variety of genres such as Louisana zydeco/cajun, blues, rockabilly and more inside their Americana/folk rock sound thus creating a vibrant burst of energizing music to which many danced to all night long. Though mostly organ-driven, its soulful rhythms added that energizing momentum DTB's songs even while taking a secondary position at times. Then there was Tara and her multi-instrument change throughout this rockin' jamboree, blogspot readers. Besides vocal duties, this talented musician switched between violin and acoustic guitar to accordion and washboard thus adding her own lively melodic flavor to this band's colorful sound. For example during Postive Friction (featuring Tara on washboard), her rustic sound wonderfully intertwined with the upbeat tempo and energizing momentum amidst a touch of gospel/soul from the organ inside this rockin' zydeco song. Meanwhile during Family Picture (featuring Tara on lead vocals), she added a Southern country dialect and sound while in a downtempo yet lively rhythmic folk/rock vibe. During this particular song, the organ wasn't as powerful as the previous but you still felt it's subtle presence within the harmonizing background. Donna The Buffalo highly recommends listening to these two signature songs first because of their catchy tune (as heard in Positive Friction) and the message pf what the band stands for (especially in Family Picture). SouthSide would like to add one more recommendation to the mix. She personally recommends DTB's Twilight Mystery for its organ rhythms mixed with a bluesy electric riffs in which Jeb (on lead vocals and guitar) truly emitted his emotional side during the chorus. Many in this "herd" crowd were slowly rockin' and groovin' to this dreamy ballad's melodic sound featuring a sweet electric wail that spotlighted the song's hidden yet unspoken lyrics during the instrumental bridge.

So what's next for Donna The Buffalo? Well, the band's in the beginning stages of a new album (at the time of the interview - already had a meeting about album title) but Tara recently released a solo album of her own titled Wood & Stone (produced by Larry Campbell). Finally DTB closed out this interview with two more special facts about them - they LOVE Indian food and own their 1996 Eagle coach bus. SouthSide recommends getting to know "the herd" that follows this roaming Buffalo at their next scheduled performance. For more information about Donna The Buffalo, visit http://www.donnathebuffalo.com.

Until next time, support your local scene,
SouthSide

04 Nov 11 - Open Performance Dates at Elbo Room

2011-11-05T12:20:00.000-07:00

Hey, blogspot readers near and far, SouthSide's good friends at Elbo Room sent her the following message:

We got some open dates (some being last minute cancellations) that we are trying to fill up. Review the dates and let me know which ones you would be interested in. First come first served so please give a couple dates you are interested in to avoid going back and forth (2-5 choices would be great). If you know of any other bands or artists that would be a good fit as well, please feel free to forward.
**************************************************************

Please make sure you are able to comply with the following before reviewing/responding to this show offer:·

If you have “ANY” underage band members, you can only play the 8p-8:45 or 9p-9:45p slot in the VENUE. NO underage band members can perform in the COCKTAIL LOUNGE. ALL shows are 21+·

- Artists performing in the VENUE must use the “partial” house backline [Speaker Cabs/Drum Shells/Hardware]·
- Artists performing in the COCKTAIL LOUNGE need to keep it an acoustic setting.

- Music should not be loud. Small Combo Amps, Hand/Aux Percussion and keys fine. NO DRUM SETS! ·

- Elbo Room is unable to do guarantees, gas money, free drinks/dinners, and/or lodging at this time·

- Artists are NOT permitted to play venues in the city of Chicago 2 weeks before/after their ELBO ROOM show·

- Artists performing in the VENUE are asked to bring in a minimum of 10 people to any performanceo

- Elbo Room looks for artists to bring in the following number of people for their performances:
SUN-WED draw of 10-20+per act
THU draw of 20-30+ per act
FRI/SAT draw of 30-50+ per act·

If an artist draws 100 or more people for their show, they will be considered for a main stage act at I AM FESTo 8 Bands a year from Elbo Room are asked to perform at the annual I AM FEST at House of Blueso More info: http://www.IAMFEST.com

VENUE (downstairs live room)

(OPEN GENRE) TUE NOV 8th ACOUSTIC/BAND OPENER/MIDDLE/HEADLINER (DRAW 10+)(ROCK) WED NOV 9th BAND HEADLINER (DRAW 10+)
(INDIE/FOLK) THU NOV 10th BAND HEADLINER (DRAW 20+)
(OPEN GENRE) TUE NOV 15th ACOUSTIC/BAND OPENER/MIDDLE/HEADLINER (DRAW 10+)(INDIE/ROCK) THU NOV 17th BAND OPENER (DRAW 20+)
(OPEN GENRE) TUE NOV 22nd ACOUSTIC/BAND OPENER/MIDDLE/HEADLINER (DRAW 10+)[HARD ROCK] WED NOV 23rd LOCAL OPENER FOR BLACK WEDNESDAY PARTY (DRAW 50+)(ROCK/JAM) FRI NOV 25th BAND OPENER/MIDDLE/HEADLINER] (DRAW 30+)(ROCK/JAM) SAT NOV 26th LATE BAND [1AM-2AM] (DRAW 10+)
(OPEN GENRE) TUE NOV 29th ACOUSTIC/BAND OPENER/MIDDLE/HEADLINER (DRAW 10+)(OPEN GENRE) WED NOV 30th BAND HEADLINER (DRAW 10+)

(OPEN GENRE) THU DEC 1st ACOUSTIC/BAND OPENER/HEADLINER (DRAW 20+)
(OPEN GENRE) TUE DEC 6th ACOUSTIC/BAND OPENER/MIDDLE/HEADLINER (DRAW 10+)(OPEN GENRE) TUE DEC 13th ACOUSTIC/BAND OPENER/MIDDLE/HEADLINER (DRAW 10+)(OPEN GENRE) TUE DEC 20th ACOUSTIC/BAND OPENER/MIDDLE/HEADLINER (DRAW 10+)(OPEN GENRE) WED DEC 21st BAND HEADLINER (DRAW 10+)
(OPEN GENRE) THU DEC 22nd BAND MIDDLE/HEADLINER (DRAW 20+)
(OPEN GENRE) TUE DEC 27th ACOUSTIC/BAND OPENER/MIDDLE/HEADLINER (DRAW 10+)(OPEN GENRE) WED DEC 28th BAND HEADLINER (DRAW 10+)
(OPEN GENRE) THU DEC 29th BAND OPENER/MIDDLE/HEADLINER (DRAW 20+)

COCKTAIL LOUNGE (upstairs acoustic artist)
***looking for acoustic soloists, duets, trios, small bands to perform in the lounge of Elbo Room. Mackie PA, Sennheiser vocal mics, and instrument inserts supplied by Elbo Room.

-ACOUSTIC FEATURED ARTIST 9P-12A | PLAY AS LONG/LITTLE AS YOU WOULD LIKE FROM 9P-12A. ARTIST ALLOWED TO INVITE OTHER 21+ ACTS TO SHARE BILL AND SPLIT TIME

-ACOUSTIC OPENER 8P-9P | 30-60 MIN SET

There will be $5 show and artist(s) will get 100% of what they draw at the door with no production taken off.

TUE NOV 8th ACOUSTIC FEATURED ARTIST | OPENER (DRAW 10+)TUE NOV 15th ACOUSTIC FEATURED ARTIST | OPENER (DRAW 10+)TUE NOV 22nd ACOUSTIC FEATURED ARTIST | OPENER (DRAW 10+)TUE NOV 29th ACOUSTIC FEATURED ARTIST | OPENER (DRAW 10+)

TUE DEC 6th ACOUSTIC FEATURED ARTIST | OPENER (DRAW 10+)THU DEC 8th ACOUSTIC FEATURED ARTIST | OPENER (DRAW 20+)FRI DEC 9th ACOUSTIC FEATURED ARTIST | OPENER (DRAW 30+)SAT DEC 10th ACOUSTIC FEATURED ARTIST | OPENER (DRAW 30+)TUE DEC 13th ACOUSTIC FEATURED ARTIST | OPENER (DRAW 10+)THU DEC 15th ACOUSTIC FEATURED ARTIST | OPENER (DRAW 20+)FRI DEC 16th ACOUSTIC FEATURED ARTIST | OPENER (DRAW 30+)
SAT DEC 17th ACOUSTIC FEATURED ARTIST | OPENER (DRAW 30+)TUE DEC 20th ACOUSTIC FEATURED ARTIST | OPENER (DRAW 10+)THU DEC 22nd ACOUSTIC FEATURED ARTIST | OPENER (DRAW 20+)FRI DEC 23rd ACOUSTIC FEATURED ARTIST | OPENER (DRAW 30+)TUE DEC 27th ACOUSTIC FEATURED ARTIST | OPENER (DRAW 10+)THU DEC 29th ACOUSTIC FEATURED ARTIST | OPENER (DRAW 20+)FRI DEC 30th ACOUSTIC FEATURED ARTIST | OPENER (DRAW 30+)

We have several outside promoters we work with for other days of the week at ELBO ROOM. Below is their contact information if you want to reach out to them about some other opportunities during one of their showcases:

SUNDAYS - MONDAYS: VENUE & COCKTAIL LOUNGE
Kayla Chaffee | Booking Agent , The Elbo Room
kaylaelboroom@gmail.com | 773-549-5549

WEDNESDAYS: COCKTAIL LOUNGE
Joanne Cobar| Promoter, Echo Soul Entertainment
joanne.cobar@gmail.com | 773-549-5549

IMPORTANT:

UNDER AGED BAND MEMBERS: This is a 21+ show and everybody must have a VALID ID to gain entry. If a member of your band is under 21, ELBO ROOM needs to know via E-MAIL to BRIAN BENDER | Brian@elboroomchicago.com These band members must be PERFORMING ON STAGE in order to be in the club. UNDER AGED BAND MEMBERS are not allowed in the club before or after their set with NO EXCEPTIONS. It is important that when you book a show with an UNDER AGED BAND MEMBER to notify BRIAN BENDER so you can play the beginning of the night. ALL BAND MEMBERS will check in with the door guy before doors open and UNDER AGED BAND MEMBERS will get marked and asked to leave the club before their set. FANS, GROUPIES, MERCH CHICKS, CHILDREN, RECORDING / VIDEO / PHOTOGRAPHY PEOPLE, ETC. cannot be in the club if they are under the age of 21. NO EXCEPTIONS.

DRAW: Bands performing in the VENUE are asked to draw a minimum of 10 people to ensure production is covered and the band is able to make money for their performance. It does no good for the club and no good for the band if there is nobody in the venue. This is not a rehearsal space; it is a live music venue. 1st time bands start on a weekday, then move to a Thursday and then a weekend show based on their draw. Artists performing in the COCKTAIL LOUNGE are asked to try their best to draw. There is no production cost for this stage so the artist will get 100% of what they pull at the door.

BOOKING OTHER VENUES: BE SURE NOT TO HAVE ANOTHER SHOW BOOKED 2 WEEKS PRIOR/AFTER YOUR ELBO ROOM SHOW IN THE CITY OF CHICAGO. Your draw at the club will suffer because of this. You get paid based on your draw. You also want to play in front of people. There is NO NATURAL DRAW AT THE CLUB! The draw is based on THE BANDS THAT PLAY.

Cheers!
Brian Bender
Talent Buyer/GM
______________________
ELBO ROOM
2871 N Lincoln Ave
Chicago, Illinois 60657
773-549-5549 (o)
773-435-6324 (f)
info@elboroomchicago.com (e)

http://www.elboroomchicago.com
http://www.facebook.com/elboroomchicago
http://www.myspace.com/elboroomchicago
http://www.twitter.com/elboroomchicago
http://www.sonicbids.com/elboroomchicago
http://www.flickr.com/elboroom

Until next time, support your local scene,
SouthSide

1 Nov 11

2011-11-04T08:45:00.000-07:00

"...you're so fuckin' beautiful in so many ways..."
Blood On The Dance Floor to the screaming crowd

Everyday is Halloween for SouthSide, blogspot readers. And tonight was no different as she and her young daughter aka Sunday (not her real name) joined an eager crowd in seeing the touring electronica duo, Blood On The Dance Floor (AZ). This all-ages post holiday show at Reggie's Rock Club (located in the South Loop area) also featured other rockin' electronica/industrial/metal rock performances by Angelspit (NY) and New Year's Day (CA) with her friends, The Prep School Tragedy opening. Besides reviewing all performances, blogspot readers, SouthSide along with her daughter sat down with Jayy of Blood On The Dance Floor for a brief interview before rockin' the stage in front of this near sold-out crowd.

Though rockin's a short opening set, SouthSide's friends, The Prep School Tragedy (http://www.myspace.com/theprepschooltragedy) pulled off another exciting classroom session of heart-pounding yet intense electronica/industrial rock. Performing hit songs like Thought I Toldja (SouthSide highly recommends watching the official video for this TPST song), Seduqtion (pronounced "seduction"), and title track - It's All A Show, Tran Q and Ignited with the band (Wolfie and cheerleaders included) were truly warming up this crowd with high energy and momentum to last throughout the other acts until BOTDF took command. Visit http://www.fearlessradio.com and hear the podcast of TPST's recent appearance on the airwaves. Also Sunday would like to say that she thinks TPST's set was very cool. Next it was New Year's Day (http://www.myspace.com/newyearsday) to rock out the crowd, blogspot readers. And instantly this reviewer enjoyed the highly energizing ...hardcore momentum this metal-tastic rock band performed under while on stage. They totally had this all-ages crowd feeling its intensity of guitar sound amidst the venomous spite and fiery emotions off the lead vocals. Performing songs like It's A Lie and I Was Right, Sunday liked the spectacle of NYD's light show which accompanied the performance. Mwanwhile, Angelspit's keyboardist had the coolest mohawk hairstyle ever seen while he and the band rocked out the opening lineup. This crowd immediately swelled to life amidst the constant energizing vibe of Angel's industrial/electronica rock sound that the music could have started an ugly riot (not to worry ...everyone was well-behaved). Yet it had that momentum and feeling, blogspot readers, within this hardcore performance which also featured random video images being shown on the screen behind them. Besides more intense rock music and venomous emotions running high during this set, both SouthSide and Sunday enjoyed the dazzling light show running in sync with each song performed. Even while taking the energy down a notch or two, there was still plenty of metal-tastic industrial sound to bang your head until the energizing finish. For more information, visit Angelspit at http://www.angelspit.net.

Blood On The Dance Floor, blogspot readers, is all about "...youth obscenity sex truth rebellion..." according to Jayy during the exclusive interview with SouthSide. Yes, this popular electronica/dubstep/industrial pop/goth rock band are outlaws as well as rebels without a cause but with a not-so hidden agenda - to dominate the dance world with their electronica music. After tonight's incredibly awesome headlining performance of BOTDF videos (shown on the screen), dazzling special fx of lights and fog ...plus more, Dahvie and Jayy had two new converts joining the already hundreds of fans packed inside Reggie's Rock Club. SouthSide asked Jayy what made Blood On The Dance Floor's shows so excitable that it keeps bringing fans back for more. He replied saying it had do with more than putting on an awesome show for their fans. Believe it or not, blogspot readers, BOTDF stays behind after each performance to meet and greet their fans ...sometimes even before the show too. Something according to Jayy "...a lot of bands could take a lesson..." in their example. This reviewer was totally amazed how well these two musicians professionally handled themselves while being constantly mobbed by fans following them wherever they went around the venue ...never once turning down requests for pictures and/or autographs. "...[we] give them advice ...hope ...they are [simply] more than fans but acquaintances in the end..." And the fans certainly do more than love and adore their rock heroes, blogspot readers. Some went as far as showing their appreciative devotion like an artistic depiction of Jayy (in which he autographed and snapped a photo with the fan) and creating a homemade t-shirt that had the lyrics to BOTDF's current hit, Bewitched, written on the back.

In order to gain a deeper understanding of Blood On The Dance Floor, this reviewer then asked Jayy what the inspiration behind the band name. According to him, some think it might have to do with Michael Jackson ...partly but not entirely, blogspot readers. It's all about Dahvie's and Jayy's take on the dysfunctional dance music scene which draws from many influences like "old school" industrial (i.e. Skinny Puppy, Nine Inch Nails, Ministry) mixed with 80s/90s goth, Lil Wayne (for the hiphop sound) and Britney Spears (for the pop sound). SHOCK ...and pleny of AWE for SouthSide when she heard that scoop. Yes, Jayy did actually credited Britney for giving BOTDF their pop influence that sometimes dominates the current album, All The Rage. However, Jayy gave this reviewer an exclusive scoop about BOTDF's new album to be released in 2012 to which he stated the new stuff is "...very dark..." Plus, SouthSide's friend, Tom, whose agency, Tag Publicity that represents them was definitely right about one thing - the guys do put on one heck of a show. SouthSide had never experienced an intense ...energizing rock performance like she did during Blood On The Dance Floor's headlining set, blogspot readers.

Performing tracks off current album, All The Rage, the entire main floor of the Rock Club stayed in a constant state of fan frenzy song after song ...many crowding the stage to reach out and touch their rock idols as well as singing along with the band. According to Jayy, when asked which song to listen first if unfamiliar with BOTDF, "...Bewitched is a real good icebreaker..." And SouthSide wholeheartedly agrees with that suggestion because that's where she started when checking out BOTDF's official youtube page. The song itself is a haunting electronica/goth love ballad while the next suggested song, Star Power featured a fun video game atmosphere amidst a hiphop/dubstep sound. Sunday's favorites included the energizing arrrgh-ed of Yo Ho! (A Pirate's Life For Me) and sweet-tasting energy of Candyland that featured clips of The Simpsons episode where Homer romps happily through his imagination of German chocolate. Final Fantasy fans should look into the dreamy live version of BOTDF's song Nirvana (SouthSide's not truly sure) which included scenes from the video game on the screen. Other songs rockin' the stage included the classic BOTDF song Screamin For My Ice Cream, PLUR (Peace Love Unity Respect, the firt hit single off All The Rage album), the dark haunting mind trip of Dark Dreams (which wonderfully opened the show) and Find Your Way as well as the title track off upcoming album Le Petit Mort (Little Death). Jayy was absolutely right, blogspot readers. This new song was slightly darker than their other current songs amidst hardcore screamo and electronica sound. Plenty of intense head banging rock too.

Hey who tossed their bras onto the stage?!?! That (and more) was part of the nonstop action going on and around the stage (balcony included) throughout this highly intensified performance to which BOTDF said Chicago was the best orgy they ever had wanting to take each and every one of us home with them. BUT please, ladies, DO NOT squeeze the guys' family jewels. Blood On The Dance Floor's new album, Le Petit Mort, will have a Valentine's Day release but in the meantime check out their current hit album, All The Rage. SouthSide highly recommends rockin' your electronica/dance world with the band live at their next show to experience all of the magic, action and fun that happens while they perform. Sunday cannot wait until they return again.

SouthSide would like to thank Jayy for spending a few minutes with her for the interview and Tom for setting up for her. For more information about Blood On The Dance Floor, visit http://www.ilovebotdf.com.

Until next time, support your local scene,
SouthSide

November Calendar update

2011-11-02T11:13:00.000-07:00

Hey, blogspot readers, SouthSide has new updates to post for November which include this special video done by her friends, Yellow Jacket. They'll be rockin' the stage at Goose Island on Nov 12th.

Also on Nov 10 at Tonic Room, Sunny Shadows will be hosting a record release show of their debut album - "Coupled Lux Influx". It is a fuse of Paul Heintz's (a.k.a. Pierogi) "space-motown" grooves, melodic and noisy treated guitars and synths with Nick Biscardi's (a.k.a. Circadian Bliss) pulse-pounding beats.

On Nov 16 at SPACE (in Evanston, IL), The Sweetback Sisters will be rockin' the stage there. Show time is 8p / tickets are $10/$14 at door.

Though this next piece of news is MONTHS away but start making plans now for the Winter Music Conference that will be happening in Miami, Florida on March 16 - 25, 2012, blogspot readers. Registration for this event is going on now. Registering for this event will include the following: access to panels, seminars
featured Q&A's
the 27th Annual IDMAs
WMC official poolside events
South Beach Sessions
Record Collectors Show
WMC Rocks, trade show & exhibits and workshops (with the exception of the Remixing and Editing Workshops)
DJ Spin-Offs
VJ Challenge as well as complimentary or reduced admission to WMC official and sanctioned events for the full ten days of programming.

WMC registration can be purchased on line at http://www.WinterMusicConference.com

Until next time, support your local scene,
SouthSide

29 Oct 11 - part 2

2011-11-02T11:02:00.000-07:00

"...we [The Hot Sauce Committee] promise to pick up where Jerry left off..."
Brian

"...tonight, we're Nirvana ...tomorrow Prince ...the next day, your mother..."
Stephen of Model Stranger as Kurt Cobain

After an afternoon of polka at the library, it was time for some hot sauce at Elbo Room, blogspot readers. Dressed in her Halloween costume, SouthSide rocked the night away with other costumed (and non-costumed) revelers who were excited to witness the debut of The Hot Sauce Committee. This new local cover band features Serv (formerly lead vocalist of Moxxy) on vocals, Brian (formerly lead vocalist of The Branded) on guitar and backing vocals, DJ Volley (aka Matt the loveable Elbo Room door guy) on mix tables and backing vocals, and Pauly on drums. Also rockin' the stage to help celebrate THSC's debut show was The Who (aka The Plastic Boots), Sly & The Family Stone (aka Bullet Called Life), Nirvana (aka Model Stranger) and Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers (aka Lucid Ground).

The Plastic Boots drummer Aaron won a SouthSide Halloween award for the BEST Keith Moon impersonation throughout Plastic's performance as legendary The Who while covering classic hits like Can't Explain, Pinball Wizard, Behind Blue Eyes, Who Are You and Won't Get Fooled Again (complete with the famous primal Jimmy Page scream ...it wouldn't have been the same without it). Bullet Called Life won a SouthSide Halloween award for the BEST soul/funk band impersonation of 70s Sly & The Family Stone, blogspot readers. Dressed in in a Charles Schultz Peanuts theme (she liked last year's Star Wars theme), this band totally nailed the vibrant music and funkified sound that also featured a smokin' HOT rhythm section while performing classic hits like Dane To The Music, Everyday People, Everybody Is A Star, Hot Fun in the Summertime and Thank You For Lettin' Me Be Myself. The classic song, Higher, wildly blew the roor and fired up the creowd thus nearly topping their Pink Floyd impersonation which included the song Echoes. Meanwhile Model Stranger front man Stephen won a SouthSide Halloween award for the BEST impersonation of dead grunge rocker Kurt Cobain during Model's performance as Nirvana. His blonde hair and mannerisms brought this raspy vocalist back to life as they re-created that 90s Seattle music scene with such hits like Rape Me, Heart Shaped Box, Lithium, Come As You Are and All Apologies. Many heads were banding to Terrorital Pissings as Stephen did the best backward flop onto the drum kit to end the show. Not to worry, blogspot readers, he didn't injure himself. And Lucid Ground won two SouthSide Halloween awards - one for front man Karl for looking so hot (and tall) in his Tom Petty impersonation and BEST duet with Kurt (Model Stranger front man Stephen) on Last Dance With Mary Jane. As Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers, Lucid covered a wide variety of hits that included Great Wide Open, Wreck Me, Won't Back Down, Refugee, and Free Fallin before closing with Running Down A Dream.

"...who loves hot sauce ...we're going to sauce all over your face..."

It's a known fact taht SouthSide doesn't review cover bands. However she promised The Hot Sauce Committee she would bend this one rule by reviewing them despite her doubts about the guys (especially Brian) being able to perform as a hiphop/rock cover band. Besides, this reviewer gives each cover band seen and/or reviewed (which is not many) the worse kind of scrutiny possible because if the cover band doesn't know their stuff (i.e. music, songs being covered, etc) better than SouthSide, she's going to notice, blogspot readers. And with that, she was ready and prepared with pad and pen to review The Hot Sauce Committee's headlining debut after being told she would be blown away. Was SouthSide blown away by THSC and its hiphop/rock show? Honestly, blogspot readers, this reviewer was "blown" but not "away". She enjoyed Hot Sauce's cover selection of popular hits by Beastie Boys (Intergalactic, Sabotage) and Limp Bizkit (Faith, Nookie) as well as other artists like Young MC (Bust A Move), Tupac (California Love), Jay Z (99 Problems), and P Diddy (Mo Money). The band nicely re-created the original energetic momentum and spirit of each song performed during this extra long set for the excitable late night crowd. For example, Hot Sauce rocked the stage with a lively cover version of Digital Underground's Humpty Dance featuring DJ Volley (Matt) demonstrating his lyrical rap verse chops (who knew Matt could rap!?) meanwhile Serv on lead vocals during the cover of Justin Timberlake's Sexy Back was more manly and sexier than the original JT hit. Serv certainly put some extra umph into his sexiness while on stage. There's no disputing, blogspot readers, that The Hot Sauce Committee knew their stuff ...plus thses guys (especially Brian whom SouthSide has seen go from screamo/metal to rock vocalist) can rap. By now, you're probably wondering why SouthSide wasn't totally "blown away" by THSC's debut performance. Overall, it was an excellent show from silly string during Sabotage and tossing Hot Sauce dollars during Mo Money to Fight For Your Right and closer Jump Around. SouthSide did have fun yet this only their first performance. And it was also quite different in music venture and experience she has seen them perform under. This reviewer, however, is more interested in seeing them tap into that same energetic momentum and vibe like they do for their covers and create an original hiphop/rap song. Still, she's very certain The Hot Sauce Committee will have an audience and fan following as a cover band especially when they begin rockin' the stage at Durty Nellies every Thursday night. For details about that and their Black Wednesday show there, visit http://www.thehotsaucecommittee.net.

Until next time, support your local scene,
SouthSide

29 Oct 11 - part 1

2011-11-01T08:55:00.000-07:00

"...who knew you could come to the library and dance..."

The library, blogspot readers, is more than a place where you can check out books and movies or surf the net. Did you know you could also rock out to lively energetic live entertainment (say polka) there too? Polka? Inside the library? Well, yes, you can ...unless you attend the annual Polkaholics Halloween show at the Austin-Irving branch of the Chicago Public Library. This free, kid-friendly version of their adult show (later that same night on North Lincoln and Foster) was open to anyone of any age to attend the hour long (or so) set as part of the branch's Polish-American Heritage celebration. And that's what SouthSide and her young daughter did on this beautiful Saturday afternoon.

SouthSide highly recommends checking out her rockin' polka-loving friends, The Polkaholics, wherever and whenever they perform again. Not a big fan of polka? No problem, this trio combined the basic element and music of the polka sound with other rhythmic genres (mainly rock) that might include punk, metal, classic rock ...even country and Irish too. Don't know much about polka history? Her friends during their performances will slip a fact or two about the song or person who wrote it in which they borrow the tune to perform under a different name (for example The Cleveland Polka by Frankie Yankovic was turned into the Transylvannian Polka). You can say The Polkaholics' mission within Chicago's local scene is to spread the word about polka to everyone around the world through their unique polka-style music. And you're absolutely correct. Polka is a good foundation in getting children (especially the pre-school age) interested in music since there's more than one type of polka, blogspot readers. Besides Polish, there's Mexican, Bavarian, German ...and the list could go on of how many versions of polka there are in the world.

The Polkaholics, during this special show dressed in their costumes, performed classic polka favorites but with a spooky, kid-friendly Halloween theme attached to the song titles. For instance, they turned the Leichtenstein polka into the VFW (Vampire/Frankenstein/Werewolf) polka, The Baby Doll (in memory of the Baby Doll dance hall on the Southside) was called Voodoo Doll polka and the famous Who Stole The Kishka (also by Frankie Yankovic, written by Walter Solek) was Who Stole The Candy. For the parents and other adults in the audience, The Polkaholics mixed a bit of Ramones's Blitzkrieg Bop with polka into a song titled Kids Want The Candy meanwhile Iggy Pop's Lust For Life was Lust For Blood. And for everyone, there were fun songs in which we were encouraged to dance along with the band. Yes, that was SouthSide doing the Hokey Pokey polka with a few of the audience members as well as enjoying polka versions of The Munsters and Addams Family theme songs to Living Dead polka (you don't have to be alive to have a great life). Other popular favorites during this special afternoon show included The Monster Mash, The Polkaholic original Happy Halloween and There's No Candy In Heaven (which is why we go trick-o-treating, according to the band.

Visit http://www.thepolkaholics.com to find out where they'll be performing again - be prepared to dance and have a fun time with SouthSide's friends. Also say "hi" to the friendly staff and people of the Austin-Irving branch of the Chicago Public Library. SouthSide's looking forward to next year's show.

Until next time, support your local scene (and library),
SouthSide

28 Oct 11

2011-10-31T11:47:00.000-07:00

Hey, blogspot readers, welcome to SouthSide's On The Town Halloween weekend! This local party scene queen was rockin' the holiday spirit of ghouls and goblins while in disguise passing out treats (and some tricks) to other costumed revelers. Due to a sudden change of plans, she was unable to attend the hip Beat Kitchen going-away party for Super Happy Fun Club but did make a surprise appearance at Double Door for her other good friends, JC Brooks & The Upstown Sound for their record release show. The hot lineup also included DJ Sloppy White livening up the house music with his mix of classic and modern R&B/Soul/Funk tunes along with headliner White Mystery. Opening the show was Satan's Youth Ministers (yes, actual band from Alabama!) and this reviewer highly suggests attending the next congregation meeting wherever this metal-tastic band performs again. This was ONE wild and crazy fantastic of a rock performance ever witnessed by SouthSide so far this year that featured THE best stage attire word by any front man. She wished she had a camera to snap photos however the following description will just have to do, blogspot readers - kudos to Grand Magus Malister Sally who pranced around in a matching red bra, thong and nightie with flesh-tone fishnet stocking! Even this reviewer was sorely jealous that he could pull it off the ensemble better than she could. Fans will have a rockin' good time head banging to such hardcore guitar sounds of Xanax Love, Alright (a futuristic look of dying in a plane crash on the way to Japan) and the anti-love stalker ballad, I Don't Get Around. This reviewer highly suggests listening to an updated metal version of Divinyls' I Touch Myself called Jump Rope Fever - a song about those who use rope (and other implements) to ...well, you know. Plus check out Makin' Love to the T.V. Set (dedicated to those who need a little porn before having sex) and In The Court of the Crimson Tide (showing their love and devotion to Alabama football). For more information about this band, visit http://www.myspace.com/satansyouthministers.

And now, blogspot readers, come meet the next hardest working sould man on the local level - JC Brooks with The Uptown Sound! This R&B/Soul/Funk band is SO hot these days that they nearly sold out Double Door ...doubling the size of the crowd to see them than their last show (a month ago) at the Wicker Park venue. This was HUGE deal for them since they were celebrating the recent release of their debut album Want More. Legions of JC fans were ready to groove, shimmy and more with their favorite soul band which this time featured a hot horn rhythm section and lovely backup singers to liven up tonight's show. Opening with favorites like Can See Everything and Sister Ray Charles, JC and the band were totally fired up performing nothing like they did in September emitting more funkied beats and energetic momentum. The infecttious music was definitely had this dynamic front man rockin' out the stage when hitting those amazingly high falsetto notes in Beat, Baaad News and I Got High that he had the entire venue erupting into a crazed fan frenzy. There was plenty of Uptown sexiness to go along with JC's dashing looks and dapper attire (in a white jacket this time). Theresa and Whitney as backup singers added a bit of feminine sexiness and spice which complimented nicely JC's soulful vocals. However this reviewer does advised the ladies to added a little more vocal umph into their voices to project and match JC's dynamically powerful style especially when performing Tightrope and I Got High. There was enough to carry those two songs yet not enough to really melt hearts and ears. This reviewer highly suggests listening to the Wilco cover, I'm Trying To Break Your Heart which totally has thd their Uptown fans sweatily grooving to the hot soulfully funk hit and Art Sex (SouthSide's favorite to get into "the mood") that highlighted JC's ultra sexy cool voice under a steamy but erotic funk sound (think Marvin Gaye's Let's Get It On - that's sizzlin hot it can get when adding a few lines of Fever into the song). And as usual, fans could not get enough of JC Brooks & The Uptown that they demanded one more ...more like one more set from this hard working performer after finishing Baltimore. After the show, JC commented to SouthSide saying he thought their last Double Door show was hot and she wholeheartedly agrees with that. HOWEVER, blogspot readers, tonight's performance was one of the HOTTEST she had ever seen them so far. For more information about this band, visit http://www.myspace.com/theuptownsound.

Until next time, support your local scene,
SouthSide

26 Oct 11

2011-10-31T10:55:00.000-07:00

"...hi, I'm Nick Lynch and I just met these guys tonight..."

Hey, blogspot readers, SouthSide's back on the beat at Martyrs' tonight. And this time, she's enjoying a relaxing evening of music by three local singer/songwriters performing on stage. A complete change from when she was there on Friday for Los Straitjackets' Rock-n-Burlesque show. Featured in the lineup was Xoe Wise and good friend Matt Ryd who recently returned from touring together with Nick Lynch opening for them. This reviewer highly suggests getting better acquainted with this dynamic yet soulfully heartfelt vocalist Nick Lynch (http://www.nicklynchmusic.com). Strongly reminding her of Bryan Adams, this singer/songwriter captivated SouthSide's attention with a lively but soulful acoustic sound and natural falsetto voice. Even while under a slight upbeat temp or bluesy-gospel feel, Nick made the lyrics pop to life with such a vibrant and vivid imagery. The highlight of his set was covering Marc Cohn's Walking In Memphis which had this reviewer liking the steady downtempo pace and raspy heartfelt soul on lyrics. Though staying for part of headliner Xoe Wise's (http://www.xoewise.com) performance, SouthSide also recommends checking out this contemporary singer/songwriter for her soft yet vocally dynamic style. This artist had a way of being energetically intense with her voice during certain moments of a song to pinpoint that mood and/or tone for vocal emphasis. For instance during the song, Dear Some Guy, amidst the pop/alternative vibe, Xoe's voice added more vocal strength to express the heartfelt sentiments wrapped inside the lyrics meanwhile during Home, she immediately popped each word to life with a distinct realistic picture under a laidback music groove. This particular song was meant to be leisurely enjoyed not rushed, blogspot readers as the lively downtempo rhythms captivated the ears. In another fine example, Your Love, Xoe showed off her coutnry twang in her vocals during this heartwarming love ballad.

"...we're Matt Ryd and The Awesomes..."

Fans of the hit television comedy series, Scrubs, might know of SouthSide's friend, Matt Ryd ...well, at least, have heard of him and one particular song, Healed that was featured in an episode. If not, she highly suggests getting better acquainted with this singer/songwriter at his next performance. As "Best Segue Artist of 2010", Matt Ryd is simply more than a singer and songwriter on guitar ...he's also a captivating storyteller with many humorous tales and interesting facts behind some of his songs like Nobody But Me (inspired after experiencing a drinking binge hangover) or the reason behind performing Misery Business at a youth center one day. Yet, this Matt Ryd performance wasn't like the last time SouthSide reviewed him. This set introduced the mid-week night audience to a different side of this artist in which the music was more on the contemporary pop/alternative genre. And this reviewer gave the new move two thumbsup because it allowed him to explore otehr pop-like songs that he and the band easily livened up the stage. It was light easy-listening wonderfully projecting a vibrant yet lively mix of tempos and rhythmic sounds such as Matt's cover of the J-pop song, Toxic. This artist captured the energetic feel of the original composition as well as the Asian pop vibe. Or slightly changing guitars (from acoutic to electric) will added a fun pop element to his own songs like Pieces and Wonderin though retaining that acoustic feel inside the violin notes. Within this style of music, Matt also became more vocally expressive especially when sharing the mic with Laura (also on keyboards) during certain songs. For example while singing Love & Quantum Physics (some things Matt will never understand) and For So Long, her strong dynamic vocals naturally complemented Matt's heartfelt side bringing out more emotional boldness in his falsetto voice. Laura's assistance in drawing out the tender sentiments and heartfelt emotions out of Matt made for a more dramatic and dynamic vocal presence, blogspot readers. For more information about Matt Ryd and his music, visit http://www.mattryd.com

Until next time, support your local scene,
SouthSide

25 Oct 11

2011-10-28T09:10:00.000-07:00

Hey, blogspot readers ...and welcome to one busy Halloweek! SouthSide's rockin' the holiday spirit by covering some of the hottest shows to hit local stages from now until November 1st. Her fantastical journey began at Schubas (in the Lakeview area) to see the Ten Buck Tour featuring honeyhoney (CA) along with Joshua James (NE) and Desert Noises (UT). This reviewr highly recommends feeling and grooving (besides hearing) the energetic tribal-inspired vibe of alternative folk sound by Desert Noises (http://www.desertnoisesmusic.com). This lively group of musicians were the perfect opening act to get this weeknight crowd alive and kickin' amidst their fierce momentum and intense guitar riffs. Desert also rocked the stage with catchy rhythmic hooks that contained (sometimes) an electro-Western feel intricately woven during certain songs like You're A Wolf. Even while in a downtempo pace, this band still performed under some intensity and energy but with more thundering percussion as seen and heard in Desert's closing number. Meanwhile Joshua James (http://www.joshuajames.tv) had the same intensified energy level as Desert Noises however he added a much more serious tone and realism (within the lyrics) during his set. Through the dynamic power of his vocals, this singer/songwriter had this crowd appreciating as well as feeling the way he would personalize the realism of (i.e. pain or losing someone special) the words written inside his songs. Yet, Joshua wasn't "serious" all of the time but you could still hear it much clearer while performing in an upbeat tempo. This reviewer enjoyed the intense fire in which he played the acoustic guitar making it bleed (at times) with a fierce riff sound or while being very emotionally expressive with his voice. Overall, Joshua's seriousness spoke well with its intended audience that truly captured their mood and heartfelt sentiments and despite being too serious for SouthSide to enjoy his performance, she still highly recommends catching him while on tour with honeyhoney.

Yet, honeyhoney (usually a duo but while on this tour - a full band) was a combination of both opening acts during their headlining set. It was electrifying and highly energizing (like Desert Noises) but also with a hint of seriousness when needed to be (like Joshua James). Mostly it was all around fun as Suzanne and Ben celebrated the release of their new album, Billy Jack, that dropped on Monday. honeyhoney instantly captured(as well as captivated) this reviewer's ears with its eclectic music vibe (for instance electro guitar-banjo riffs as heard in the opening song) and the dynamic diva-tude vocals that would switch between a Patsy Cline like feel (in Angel of Death) and a raspy Janis Joplin (in the acoustic duo performance of Sugar Cane). She enjoyed the different level of music intensity this group brought to the stage whether it was exciting the crowd with banjo rhythms (by Suzanne) or dramatically yet haunting violin notes (also Suzanne). It was a unique kind of alternative sound, blogspot readers, which kept this rather calm fan-frenzied crowd knee deep within honeyhoney's momentum. SouthSide highly suggests listening to I Don't Mind which featured the banjo amidst an upbeat swing adding a touch of hillbilly/country feel to the music as well as energetically livening up the stage. She especially recommends listening to the song about happiness and joy (despite its deathly title) - Angel of Death that brought out the Patsy Cline in Suzanne's voice while in a happily somber tone featuring the violin. Her diva-tude card truly expressed itself during the semi-acoustic performance of Don't Know How with Ben which easily spotlighted how dynamic she can be within an acoustic setting. Yet it also demonstrated how both musicians as vocalists nicely and naturally complemented each other when sharing vocal duties during this particular heartfelt, sensitive song. What really had this venue floored into complete silence (i.e. as in you could actually hear SouthSide scribbiling notes on her pad) was when Suzanne and Ben (as an acoustic duo) performed a stellar rendition of Hank Williams' Lost Highway. Words cannot begin to describe how wonderfully they captured the realism (and hidden meaning) behind the lyrics under a slight gospel tone. Plus Ben blew SouthSide away with a dynamic force of falsetto and vocal strength that she had to stop writing a moment to listen. Truly the highlight of the entire evening for this reviewer. SouthSide highly recommends catching honeyhoney while they're currently on tour. For more information, visit http://www.honeyhoneyband.com or http://www.myspace.com/honeyhoneyband.

Until next time, support your local scene,
SouthSide

November 2011

2011-10-26T10:26:00.000-07:00

Hey, blogspot readers, as 2011 slowly crawls to a close, SouthSide has a month full of shows and events for you to check out during November!

Nov 1 @ Reggie's Rock Club, Halloween's NOT over until SouthSide has eaten the last Kit Kat from her goodie bag. Come celebrate a post-Halloween show with SouthSide as she rocks with her friends, The Prep School Tragedy and Angel Spit with they open for Blood On The Dance Floor. PLUS she will be interviewing Blood On The Dance Floor before their headlining set.

Nov 2 @ Amundsen Park, it's Kraft Great Kids Family Night. This FREE family event includes a healthy dinner and fun activities from 6p to 8p. A parent and/or guadian must accompany children.

@ Empty Bottle - Omar Souleyman will be rockin' the stage. $15 adv / $18 door for this 21+ show with Altered Zones opening.

Nov 3 @ The Hideout, Thomas Comerford who teaches film and punk history at School of the Art Institute of Chicago will be hosting his Archives Spiral record release show.

@ The Abbey Pub, Zoogma will be rockin' the stage with the diversity and precision of a DJ coupled with the excitement and energy of a 5-piece rock band. SouthSide was told it's going to be an energetically rockin' performance and eye-pleasing show.

Nov 4 @ Favorite Records (1535 W. Division) Thomas Comerford will be performing an in-store set.

@ Kinetic Playground, SouthSide's friends Fifth World will be rockin' the stage there.

@ Martyrs', SouthSide will be returing to interview and rock with new friends Americana Roots rockers, Donna The Buffalo (NC). This group combines the soulful yet eclectic Americana with a lively combination of cajun/zydeco, folk, reggae and country meshed together. 10p / $20 / 21+

Nov 5 @ Reggie's, React and Wolf Ho presents the DJ duo, Designer Drugs with Black Matter, PLS DNT STP and friends Gemini Club doing a DJ set.

Nov 7 @ The Abbey Pub, it's The Chick Singer Night Anniversary show. $10 at door only / 7p / 7:30p show start / 21+

Nov 9 @ SPACE, Jann Klose returns to Chicago opening for jazz entertainer Michael Kaeshammar. Also while in Chicago, she will be on WGN-AM 720 during the Steve and Johnnie show. Fans can listen online at http://www.wgnradio.com. Tickets for the SPACE show are $15, $18, and $26/

Nov 10 @ The Empty Bottle, The Reptoids will be rockin' an opening performance for Mr. Gnome (OH) who's currently on tour supporting Madness In Minute album with Ornery Little Darlings in the lineup too. It's free by rsvp-ing (NOW) to rsvp@emptybottle.com or it's $8 at door / 9p show start / 21+

Nov 11 - 13 in Miami @ Bayfront Park, Rola Music Festival will be rockin' The Klipsch Ampitheatre. It's a celebration of Latin American music featuring performances by Diego Torres, Oscar d'Leon, Patafunk, Eduardo Osario and many more during this three-day fest event. Tickets are on sale now.

Nov 21 @ Ultra Lounge, Elxir's Long Halloween Tour rocks the stage featuring Jimmy at the Prom. $8 / 9p / 21+

@ Double Door, it's the 2011 Nightlife Awards featuring live performances and guest presenters during this FREE event. Perhaps SouthSide might win something.

@ Goose Island (Wrigleyville), friends Yellow Jacket will be rockin' the stage in which 20% of the band's proceeds will go to supporting a local charity. $8 / 9p / 21+ show

THIS JUST IN - V Is For Villains will be doing an all-ages show on this date too at Bottom Lounge with Hail The Horizon and Lords & Ladies of Steampunk doing DJ sets. Tickets are $10 ...more information to come.

Nov 13 @ Elbo Room, Adema (CA) will be performing a special show and Southside will be there review. $12 presale / 15 at door / 21+ show.

Nov 16 @ Double Door, friends I Lost Control along with Buried At Sea and The Beez Neez will be rockin' the stage at this FREE show. 21+

Nov 18 & 19 @ Elbo Room, check out the Chicago Roots Festival that will feature over 75 local artists/acts performing such as friends Andy Metz, Verona Red, Jess Godwin and Common Shiner - just to name a few. Singer/songwriters will perform upstairs on the acoustic stage while full bands will be rockin' the downstairs lounge. It's $10 per day OR save 5 bucks by getting the $15 Weekend Pass! 21+ shows

Nov 18 @ Double Door, after 10 years, 5 studio albums and over 1,000 shows, SouthSide's friends Backyard Tire Fire will be taking a well-deserved break from the stage. She highly recommends coming out to see this show to celebrate with them as they perform their final Chicago show with Chicago Farmer opening.

Nov 19 @ Empty Bottle, it's a special all-ages outting for SouthSide and her daughter when they attend A Very Socialist Saturday that features The Socialists. $5 (FREE parents with kids) / 7p show start

Nov 22 @ Double Door, friends Illusions Fate and Kazy along with Candy Machine Guns and Conflux will be rockin' the stage at this FREE 21+ show. 8:30p show start

Nov 23 & 24 - SouthSide's off

Nov 25 @ Elbo Room, friend Michael Laechel will be rockin' a post holiday show.

Nov 30 @ Double Door, longtime friends Eleven Dollar Life will be rockin' the stage along with Brown Bag Special, The Heroic Black, Kevin Lee & The Kings. $5 / 8:30p doors open / 9p show start / 21+

Until next time, support your local scene,
SouthSide

21 Oct 11

2011-10-25T09:08:00.000-07:00

Hey, blogspot readers, SouthSide's rockin' the wildest party ever! Yet, this was no ordinary party either. It was a rockin' burlesque party hosted by the masked Luchadores known as Los Straitjackets (TN)- live and in living color from the depths of Hell. Well, actually from the crowded Martyrs' (located in the heart of the Northcenter neighborhood). And this unique surfer rock-burlesque combination show featured the lovely World Famous Pontani Sisters (NY) with extra special guest Revolva (CA) and her hula hoops to tantilze and tease the imagination with their sexy moves on stage while on stage with Los Straitjackets. Also featured on tonight's lineup was the soulfully jazzed alternative sounds by friends Lake Street Dive (NY) and the local buzz of retro rock-n-roll with a big band swing The Honeybees.

Before entering Martyrs', SouthSide was instantly stung by the buzz of these rockin' bees and she highly recommends getting stung too by this quintet's retro homage to the early days of rock-n-roll jive and music. Local group, The Honeybees, warmed up the packed house with fun danceable tunes which included teaching everyone The Cool Jerk and Hippy Shake. However there was a moment when these Bees got all hot and sticky like heated honey under a downtempo tune that embodied a lot of sultry sexiness both in music and lyrics (sung by female vocalist Megan). What this reviewer enjoyed about The Honeybees was the electrifying momentum which kep many jumpin' and jivin' to their modern take on the old school rockabilly vibe. Plus the duo female vocalists (Barb and Megan) brought band a harmonizing two-part voice range that reminded her of classic radio singing ...something not heard in a long time. SouthSide says when seeing The Honeybees be prepared to get stung into dancing along with them and your honey. For more information about this band, visit http://www.the-honeybees.com or http://www.myspace.com/thehoneybees.

The last time SouthSide her friends (six months ago at Elbo Room), she was literally blown away by their soulfully jazzed pop/alternative sound and vibe. They, Lake Street Dive, returned to Chicago bringing with them again that fresh, hip but electrifying vibe to the Martyrs' stage along with more soulful sexiness and a little hip action (by lead vocalist Rachel). Compared to Dive's Elbo Room appearance and now, Rachel and the band were knocking this crowd "dead" with its hot momentum and energy which continued where The Honeybees ended moments ago. Plus Rachel added more fierce vocal strength to each song making the lyrics vibrantly pop to life while displaying some diva-tude in her voice especially during Funny Not To Care and Got Me Fooled (in which she hit that high soprano note). Yet under the right music combination (i.e. for example - an upbeat, lively tempo with a jazzy spunk to their pop/alternative sound), Rachel's voice could emit an energetic vibe amidst the music as heard in the song Henriette. Or when behind the guitar (strumming a chord or two) while hot horn rhythms float amongst the downtempo pace for that cool breezy sound during one particular song, she dropped into an ultra sexy temptress-sounding siren. The magic moment of Lake Street's performance happened while performing The Drifters' classic - This Magic Moment. This reviewer liked the downtempo rhythm to highlight this band's music style but still popping energy and momentum in which the crowd easily responded by dancing to this popular cover tune. Closing with Hello? Goodbye!, Lake Street Dive definitely rocked out Martyrs' with an entertaining, high energy show and SouthSide highly suggests rockin' with them as they dress up for Halloween as Fleetwood Mac. Wherever they're rockin' again, be sure to have your dancing shoes on, blogspot readers but in the meantime visit http://www.lakestreetdive.com or http://www.myspace.com/lakestreetdive for more information about them.

Luchadores in black suits playing California surfer rock? Interesting band gimmick, blogspot readers? HOWEVER, luchadores in black suits playing California surfer rock while women perform burlesque acts? NOW - that's a rockin' show! And basically it sums up part of Los Straitjackets' headlining set featuring The World Famous Pontani Sisters (http://www.pontanisisters.com) and extra special guest, Revolva . Martyrs' suddenly swelled to full capacity near and around the stage as people fought to get a good view of the band when the masked group in their early Beatles-esque attire (suits and ties) finally appeared amidst the fan frenzied commotion of cheers and whistles. It took the band mere seconds to enrapture the entire venue underneath its surfer rock music (think Annette, Frank, and Beach Blanket Bingo ...or Beach Boys if they only performed instrumentally) with a single stroke of the guitars. Los Straitjackets played ...er surfed to a melodically electric California vibe and sound that instantly had this crowd partying as if it was still summertime in Chicago at North Avenue or Oak Street beaches. Speaking solely in Spanish throughout their performance (luckily SouthSide could translate for those around her who couldn't understand), these masked luchadores performed a wide variety mix of tunes featuring classic covers and their own originals. The room immediately jumped to life when they covered favorites classic surfer rock tunes like The Munsters theme song and a (sort of) holiday themed favorite of this reviewer - Spooky (by Classic IV and The Zombies). Though not her ideal choice to turn into a romantic surfer ballad, SouthSide did find their version of Celine Dion's Titantic theme song (My Heart Will Go On) more enjoyable without the lyrics being sung before performing another one for the romantic couples in the audience You Send Me by Sam Cooke to which you could hear many voice singing the lyrics. This reviewer highly recommends rockin' to Los Straitjackets' new original Space Mosquito that featured a buzzing flurry of twitterpating guitar riffs (like a mosquito buzzing at your ears). It kept everyone jiving to the energetic wave,

Now as SouthSide mentioned earlier, there were some tantalizing burlesque acts incorporated along with this headlining show. That was also when the crowd was at their wildest, blogspot readers. Such acts included non burlesque dance numbers with The World Famous Pontani Sisters like Kitty Kat song (featuring Ritz Carlton on vocals) and The Brooklyn Slide while individual burlesque numbers had each Pontani Sister tempting our surfer-themed fantasies like doing The Madison to Los Straitjackets surf rock. The highlight of this performance was when guest Revolva hula hooped not with just one (too easy for her) but with four during her highly energizing segment. As you can imagine, blogspot readers, the crowd went totally wild with fan fervor for more. There was also some Los Straitjackets fun moments like when guitarist Eddie tickled the ears with an extra long bluesy solo at the end of one particular song but to only be upstaged by drummer Jason. Thus it turned into a guitar-drum surf challenge between the two which fans decided on who won the bout. Eddie challenged him with wild, distorted metal riffs yet in between you heard chords from Moon River to Stairway To Heaven while Jason countered with his own percussion medley that included Girl From Ipanema in the mix. Overall they were both winners in SouthSide's eyes.

Well, SouthSide would like to tell you about the other Los Straitjackets happenings however as usual, you have to experience this beach party for yourself. Next time, she's bringing her Moondoggie (a Sally Field as Gidget reference) along to surf with the waves together with this rockin' band again. It was a blast the first time! For more information, visit http://www.straitjackets.com or http://www.myspace.com/losstraitjackets.

Until next time, support your local scene,
SouthSide

Halloween 2011

2011-10-21T08:47:00.000-07:00

*in her best Alfred Hitchcock voice*

Good evening, boys and ghouls, and welcome to your On The Town guide to Halloween 2011. This year it's full of tricks as well as treats galore ...without breaking your wallet. So be hip like this ghostly SouthSide and don your festive gear to partake in the many holiday celebrations rockin' around town next week.

Oct 25 - Oct 31 @ The Exit, it's Halloween Hell Week 2011! It will feature Halloweenies & Bikinis part 7 with MANBQUE who will be spinnin' and grillin' FREE food on Oct 30 and on Oct 31 celebrate the holiday by chanting "to chivalry and honor" with SouthSide's longtime friends, Mortal Death, Sir Sarsicus, Scott, Maurice (on the large guitar) and many other colorful characters of Cealed Kasket.
All events (unless listed on The Exit's website) are FREE / 21+

Oct 28 & 29 @ The Abbey Pub, it's Halloweeekend 2011! This two day event of shows will feature local bands representing such rock legends like Rolling Stones (John Aselin), Alice Cooper (Bon Mots), ZZ Top (Joel Paterson) and Bachman Turner Overdrive - BTO to its fans (Grooved Surface) just to name a few.
Doors open at 8p / shows begin at 8:30p / $10 advcance ($12 at door) / 21+

Oct 29 @ Austin-Irving Chicago Public Library, SouthSide's friends, The Polkaholics will be performing a special kid-friendly of their annual holiday show (there's an adult version later that same night) featuring a lively combination of polka and rock with your favorite Halloween songs.
Show starts at 2p / FREE

Also rockin' on Oct 29 - the "phantoms of the orchestra" will be haunting Chicago's Orchestra Hall again in which the maestro and his assistant will try to harness the power of the baton to control this ghoulish company of undead orchestral musicians. This family event (recommend for age 5 and up)will feature a twist on the classic tale - The Sorcerer's Apprentice and fun activities inside the "Haunted Ballroom" happening between 1:30 to 2:30p. It's also recommended that you don your festive costumes too.
Visit http://www.cso.org for more ticket information.

At The Ultra Lounge, Wine From The Moon presents its "Dead Rockstars" show featuring performances by Paper Thick Walls, The Damn Choir, Briar Rabbit, The Embraceables and Sandman Viper Command rocking the stage.
21+ show
Visit http://www.facebook.com/winefromthemoon for more details.

At Elbo Room, SouthSide will be in her festive hip gear while attending this annual Halloween rockin' bash! It will feature rock star performances by The Who (The Plastic Boots), Sly and The Family Stone (Bullet Called Life), Nirvana (Model Stranger), Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers (Lucid Ground) and Beastie Boys with Limp Bizkit (Hot Sauce Committee).
$10 / 8p show start / 21+

At Double Door, it's their annual Halloween bash! The rockin' lineup will feature The Clash (AM Taxi), The Runaways (The Last Vegas), Stone Temple Pilots (Blackbox), Bob Dylan (Dorian Taj) and Judas Priest (Hessler). Hope blogspot readers going to that show can handle such a lineup like this!
$12 / 9p show start / 21+

At Nite Cap, it's their Halloween party featuring Sinister Fate, Skinwalker, and Devil At My Doorstep rockin' their stage.
21+ show

At Bottom Lounge, the fashionable goth and industrial who's who will be celebrating at the Annual Nocturna All Hallow's Eve Ball with good friend DJ Scary Lady Sarah. Dressing up in your finest holiday gear is advisable.
17+ event
Visit http://www.bottomlounge.com for more details.

At Cubby Bear (Wrigleyville), Sixteen Candles will be hosting their annual Halloween Bash featuring Rod Tuffcurls and The Bench Press rockin' the lineup.
21+
Visit http://www.cubbybear.com for more details.

Oct 31 at Reggie's Rock Club, good friends The Dead Superheroes and The Handcuffs will be opening for punk legend and lead singer of The Stranglers - Hugh Cornwell! There will be a costume contest so dress up, blogspot readers.
Doors 8p / 8:30p show start / $15 adv ($18 at door) / 17+

Until next time, support your local scene,
SouthSide

18 Oct 11

2011-10-21T07:59:00.000-07:00

Hey, blogspot readers, after viewing the first episode of Starz's drama series, Boss, it was time to unwind and rock! No mad CTA dash this time ...just a relaxing bus ride to reach Angels & Kings (now located inside the Hard Rock Hotel) to see the dynamically powerful singer/songwriter Mia LeBlon. When this reviewer last saw her, she was literally blown away by her vocal strength and soulful style. Also rocking the stage was Jon Allegretto (front man of A Friend Called Fire) performing an acoustic solo act.

SouthSide has seen her friends, A Friend Called Fire rock the stages around town however tonight she was deeply moved by front man, Jon Allegretto's solo performance. He simply wowed this weeknight gathering with such display of his vocal strength and dynamic expressiveness amidst the intense guitar chords. Performing songs like Riddle (off his solo EP - Dancing With Forces) and New Shadow (off AFCF's An American Daydream CD) with drummer JB on shaker (and other sound effects), Jon easily brought out the heartfelt emotions behind the lyrics while presenting them with intense as well as fierce high energy. The highligt of his performance was an acoustic version of Soundgarden's Black Hole Sun in which this reviewer never heard done so wonderfully before until now. Jon's acoustic version was dramatically moving that featured falsetto powress and intensity while taking the song to a much steadier downtempo pace (than its original tempo composition) to spotlight each word sung. Truly discovered the deeper meaning within Soundgarden's lyrics, blogspot readers. This rare acoustic performance also featured songs like Once (another AFCF song in which he personalized the words to mean something so heartfelt and emotional that his voice melted the mic under such dynamic power) and Morning Circus (a little upbeat in tempo in which JB assists Jon on vocals and more). Both songs are also found on A Friend Called Fire's current An American Daydream album. SouthSide also recommends listening to the haunting yet heartfelt emotions felt from the song, Disgraced, where Jon vocally and musically popped with fierce fervor, blogspot readers. Heads up East coasters, Jon and the guys of A Friend Called Fire will be heading your way for a three week tour that will included three solid nights rockin' as the Jimi Hendrix Experience during Halloween weekend. Visit http://www.myspace.com/afriendcalledfire or on Facebook for more tour details.

Mia LeBlon - singer ...songwriter ...musician ...soulful ...the woman with some of the fiercest diva-tude in her vocal attitude. That's how SouthSide would accurately describe her friend after witnessing another spectacular live performance at Angels & Kings. This artist put on an acoustic set featuring a unique instrument set up than the last time SouthSide saw her. This reviewer liked the fact Mia added more of an organic percussion rhythm (Mike on conga drums and more) than a standard drum kit. This switch in percussion sound provided an upbeat tempo (as heard in opening song Love Strikes Twice off her Looking Glass CD) as well as jazzy accompaniment (as heard in the song Black-n-Gold, a Mia religious point of view about God and evolution with some lyrical freestyle to lighten up the "serious" subject matter). Yet fans should watch out ...when that diva-tude in Mia's voice pops to life, it certainly does command your undivided attention. Throughout her headlining show, she pumped waves after waves of strong vocal power coupled with soulfully heartfelt emotions into each song lyrics. For instance, in Blush, Mia electrified the bar room with a clear projection of her fierceness - no microphone was truly needed. During the title track, Looking Glass that featured a wonderful ukelele (Ben, also on guitar)-bass (Joe) combination, this vocalist truly showed off her vocal range ability even while dipping her voice into a deep baritone range. Other fine examples inclued Mia's new song, Insomnia Eyes (plenty of fiery spunk inside her diva-tude within a lively upbeat tempo) and Woman (where she shined within her "not going to take your shit anymore" diva-tude ...and she definitely means it) before ending with ending with a soulful Stand By Me-Sha Na Na-Pumped medley for this attentive crowd. Visit http://www.mialeblon.com or http://www.myspace.com/mialeblon for more details and music however SouthSide highly recommends experiencing this artist's vocals live, up close and personal.

Until next time, support your local scene,
SouthSide

18 Oct 11 - Boss

2011-10-20T10:03:00.000-07:00

"...betrayal starts from within..."

SouthSide would like to make it very clear - she's withdrawing her candidacy for Mayor of Chicago.

After watching an advanced screening of the premiere episode of the new Starz drama - Boss, she came to realize having that kind of power makes the job of being a Chicago mayor very strenuous because you have have to watch you back at all times. The ever famous "...keep your friends close and your enemies closer..." applies yet also add those closest to your inner circle - family and top mayoral staff to the mix. This should give you some idea of what this wonderfully written drama called Boss, starring Kelsey Grammer and Connie Nielsen, is about.

It's about the life - political and private of fictional Chicago Mayor Tom Kane (Kelsey Grammer) who has this powerful God-like appearance and control whether it be over his staff, city council members, businessmen, etc. Yet that domineering control and power has flaws - a disconnection with his own wife, Meredith (Connie Nielsen) and his estranged daughter, Emma (Hannah Ware). However, there's one thing both his wife and daughter don't know (yet), Mayor Kane is dying from a degenerative disease that will slowly but certainly detiorate the senses, bodily functions, motor skills - basic brain functions as well as it will cause hallucinations as so diagnosed by his private doctor in the opening scenes of Boss. Taking medication might prolong his life (and probably his political career) but eventually he'll require 24 elder care when that stage of the disease worsens. However, life must go on ...he had a city to run and control even though anguishing over the tough news delivered about his health.

Also in this episode we meet the other major players connected to Mayor Tom Kane's tangled web which include Meredith (Connie Nielsen), his wife ...tough and power-hungry like her husband but they're both estranged to each other in private (i.e. sleeping in separate in bedrooms); Emma (Hannah Ware), an Espicopal minister who runs a health clinic on the Westside but also has a secret of her own; Kitty O'Neil (Kathleen Robertson), Mayor Tom Kane's personal aide and advisor who's all businees during the day but becomes something else when she's "off the clock"; Ezra Stone (Martin Donovan), Mayor Tom Kane's "eyes and ears" of what's happening within City Hall and his private life as the political advisor; IL Governor McCall Cullen (Franis Guinan) who's running for re-election but knows Mayor Kane well enough to realize the man is the Devil is disguise and wants him out of office; Ben Zajac (Jeff Hephner) Mayor Kane's choice to run against Governor Cullen during the primary election and Kitty's hot stairwell tryst; Sam Miller (Troy Garity) a reporter for the fictional Chicago Sentinel newspaper who could expose Mayor Tom Kane's flaws especially his health with a stroke of a pen and Darius Morrison (Rotomi Akinosho) a gangbanger/drug dealer who knows Emma's little secret. Chicago White Sox fans should be on the lookout for a familiar face in this primiere episode ...and no, it's not former White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen.

Be forewarned, Kelsey Grammer's Mayor Tom Kane character isn't suppose to be loveable like his comedic side as Frasier Crane on the hit series Frasier. This chararcter is meant to be feared as well as revered ...he can be downright prime evil (if needed) towards his friends, staff, and enemies yet a God rewarding those who play by his rules. And it's a given that you better play by his rules or suffer dire consequences. Kelsey Grammer deliciously embodies the essence of two former Chicago Mayors (Richard J and Richard M Daley) and current Mayor Rahm Emanuel into his Mayor Tom Kane character. For example, there's a scene during the premiere episode in which Mayor Tom Kane viciously berates an elder Hispanic community leader for after what his nephew Mucco did - acting too prematurely to the press/media over the discovery of an acient Native American burial ground at construction site (O'Hare expansion project - a Richard M Daley reference). Grammer delivers this one particular scene with such venomous fervor that this reviewer literally felt every ounce of his anger that forced the man to humbly cower before his feet (in front of the Hispanic man's son) while gripping him by the ear. If that scene alone doesn't garner Kelsey Grammer a Golden Globe nomination, then SouthSide will personally create one just for him. There are other powerful scenes in which he welds his domineering control over people from convincing character Ben Zajac to run as a gubernatorial candidate against Governor McCall Cullen after telling Cullen he had Cook County in the bag to sending a tiny "reminder" to his private doctor about her oath after it's known Chicago Sentinel reporter Sam Miller paid her a visit trying to dig up something about Mayor Kane's health. SouthSide had an awesome "happy" moment when Grammer's character ordered all 50 ward alderpersons to hand over their electronic devices (i.e. iPhones, iPads, mobile phones, blackberries, etc) telling them there will be NO Facebooking, Twittering, text in or out until they all agree on the proposed city ordinance. Now that's a Chicago mayor and power in action ...hypothetically of course.

SouthSide hadn't forgotten the true star of this drama series - the City of Chicago, itself. The Boss doesn't utilize one central city location ...the production team encompasses ALL areas of Chicago from an empty hog butching warehouse (on the Southside) to a recognizable Episopal Church on the Westside and other familiar places such as Millennium Park and The Palmer House. This reviewer gives kudos to the director and producers for not making up Chicago places or changing anything from the face of SouthSide's beloved hometown - that's the real dipictions of the mayor's 5th floor office (with pictures of former Mayor Daleys on the wall), the real city council room, rooftop garden on City Hall ...and even Noble Square School - where SouthSide attended when she was a kid. Also more kudos for doing an extensive research on Chicago and its mayoral history which is at one point incorporated into the premiere episode when Mayor Kane convinces (in a subtle way) Ben Zajac to run in the primary. SouthSide found it quite interesting how the hispanic community leader precisely explains how ethnic groups can come together and work for the same common goal - political recognition under Mayor Kane's administration - as one except the Blacks. As he puts it "...it's like ice dancing..." Can't get much clearer than that about the Black community and politics in Chicago.

Even though the first episode of Boss has a slow start - just to get you familiarized with the main players of this series, SouthSide has a good feeling the storyline will definitely heat up and keep you returning every Friday for episodes 2 thru 8 with a cliffhanger (she's told) will usher in the second seaons of Boss. Lots of plots and subplots as you're taken deeper into the tangled web that Mayor Tom Kane weaves around those close (and not so close) to him.

Tune into your Starz cable channel starting Oct 21 at 9p (CST)/ 10p (EST) for Kelsey Grammer as Boss.

Until next time, support your local scene,
SouthSide

16 Oct 11

2011-10-20T08:57:00.000-07:00

Question, blogspot readers - what do you get when meshing together the music essence of David Bowie, Depeche Mode, Prince, (Morris Day and) The Time and Peter Schilling (Major Tom song fame) alongwith sounds of hunchback whales? How about music that represents "...deep space doom funk..." by Phantom Tails (MN). It's not how SouthSide's would describe it but that's how the members Sergio, Orion, Logan and Dave did during a recent interview at Elbo Room Sunday night. They were in town performing an one-night only opening set before heading off to New York for CMJ, the "...the SXSW of the Northeast..." according to them. This reviewer must admist something profound about this rockin' band. Phantom Tails was the first band to literally stump SouthSide with their confusing yet eclectic mixture of electro/powerpop/funk (and more) while dazzle her with such an interesting range of sounds at the same time. And believe her, blogspot readers, that's a good thing to which the guys took her comment as a complement.

To understand Phantom Tails' music might pose a challenge to many (SouthSide included) when hearing them for the first time because this band doesn't really follow a set formula especially as seen on Sunday night. And forget about boxing the music into one solid category ...that will not work either. From SouthSide's observation, Phantom covered a wide variety of genres at once or (sometimes) meshing an eclectic mix of different music sounds together thus creating a wondrous vibe and energy so hard to describe in plain words. Sorry, blogspot readers, you have to partake in this experience (and it is truly an experience) in person yourself which perhaps might include recordings of hunchback whales singing. During Phantom's Elbo Room set, this four-membered band rocked the stage with danceable rhythms quite melodic and vibrant channelling an 80s pop vibe at times. Even while taking the music momentum down a notch or two, there was plenty of techno wizardry to deeply immerse the ears.

Speaking of "techno wizardry", each Phantom Tails song performed had its own personality and distinctive sound. For example, one particular song opened with a videogame-like rhythm paired to guitar rock riffs. Or in the crowd pleaser song Real Savage, there's a bit of dubstep (think The Time) intertwining with the rock on a downtempo beat. Fans wanting to hear the recordings of whales songs within a Phantom song should check out Within the Belly of the Whale which is the first track of their current album - Songs of the Hunchback Whale. During the interview, SouthSide asked the band what inspired them to use recorded hunchback whale sounds for the album. They replied "...[we] all have an interest in animals..." to which one of them found the album Songs of Hunchback Whales. They went on to tell her a little something about the hunchback that she never knew like how these amazing creatures can sing a song up to 1 1/2 days. And their song Within the Belly of the Whale though being about inside a belly of a whale had each member feeling some sort of spiritual connection with their animal brethern. However, Phantom Tails wanted to make it clear - they're NOT usint this song and/or the album as the main focus to shed light that these whales (and other sea creatures) are endangered species. "...we're not sponsored by PETA or Greenpeace ...though pocket pitas are delicious with hummus..." What a yummy endorsement for hummus.

Before wrapping up the interview, SouthSide noticed that Phantom Tails was the fourth band from Minneapolis she has reviewed this year, blogspot readers, and wanted to know what's the music scene like up there. "...lots of music of going on ...everyone is friendly and supportive..." with Sergio adding two main things about the Minneapolis music scene "...it's experimentive and very communal there..." They know her friends The Poor Nobodys and The Big Strong Men (who will be returing to Chicago during Halloween weekend) and this isn't Phantom Tails first time in Chicago either. They have graced the stages of Ronny's and Darkroom ...and now Elbo Room. This band likes the mini Midwest tour stops (i.e. Milwaukee, Chicago and Indiana before heading back to the Minneapolis) which has garnered then a growing Chicago fanbase. And not to worry if you've missed this show, Phantom Tails promises to return to Chicago soon. Since they're currently on tour heading to New York for CMJ, SouthSide asked the guys what they hoped to achieve while attending this music conference. They replied "...to have many hear us as possible..." With over 800 bands performing at various venues, they're being very realistic about a record company (or two) coming to see them peform. In other words, they're not looking for that record deal, blogspot readers. But what they're looking for is "...gain more new fans and establish new music connections..." with other bands as well as with those inside the industry. Meanwhile, Sergio has one goal in mind for himself while there - to go to Chinatown to eat.

Lastly, Phantom Tails wants you to know about their new album coming out soon - Armageddon of Experience with the question to you fans - are you armageddon the experience? Well, SouthSide highly recommends getting the experience with this band, Phantom Tails while they're in New York or wherever they rock the stage with whale songs. Visit http://www.phantomtails.bandcamp.com or http://www.myspace.com/phantomtails for more information and details.

Until next time, support your local scene,
SouthSide

15 Oct 11

2011-10-18T08:55:00.000-07:00

"...welcome to the City of Red ...and there's no turning back..."

Hey, blogspot readers, let's party! SouthSide's rockin' the hottests wildest party ever to happen in the Lakeview neighborhood area that featured the returned of a local band. At Elbo Room, fans packed the basement lounge to welcome back the one and only Wags and the guys of Red City with new bassist, Tim to the stage after a long year absence. Also rockin' the Room with them was SouthSide's other friends, Always The Villain who were having a little surprise party for birthday boy, Brian (drummer) before their set.

SouthSide recommends getting your "Villain" card stamped by this band's diverse sound of intense guitar rock coupled with some pop rhythms within its music. Always The Villain wowed their loyal fans with their villainy style of rock in which front man, Billy (guitar/synth) projected high dosage of raw expressiveness of emotions in his vocals. This dynamic vocalist truly was putting a lot of himself into each word throughout every ATV song especially during opening song, Way Out. It was so vocally intense that he had to take off his glasses, blogspot readers, just to continue singing in that momentous range. Fans were definitely feeling this electric charge of energy and fervor from both Billy and the band even while in a downtempo pace to spotlight how dynamic Billy's voice could get. Though the distortion (not from one instrument but from all side on stage) was a minor headache during ATV's rockin' set, the band premiered a few new songs which clearly demonstrated its gradual progression of various music directions. Yet one thing remained - ATV's desire to give their fans the best possible whether it was full guitar energy (but not as intense) as heard in Self Esteem Balloon or hardcore intensity of metal guitar rock (sans the pop rhythms) that had many experiencing fan frenzy as heard in The 4th Estate. SouthSide does recommend listening to the "serious" side to ATV (to a few fan's dismay who didn't get the subject matter) during Always The Same. This was the one song that had Billy emotionally pumping the raw feeling of hurt and frustration into the lyrics while the band had fun rockin' out the stage. To hear the funkified side of ATV, this reviewer suggests listening to My Complex Mind which featured a soulful vocal style on lyrics (projecting intense frustration) and high energy but on a slight downtempo pace. Visit http://www.alwaysthevillain.com or http://www.myspace.com/alwaysthevillain to hear other songs like Back To Here and Hard Princess.

"...I love Wags..." ~ Andrew Coate

They're back, blogspot readers! After a long absence from the local scene to record an album and search for a new bassist, Red City made a triumphant return to the stage yet sounding even better and wilder than ever before. Fans immediately lit up the basement lounge with frenzied screams as front man Wags and band welcomed everyone back to the City of Red during the infamous Intro song. Wasting no time, to keep the high energy and momentum going, this band moved quickly straight into rockin' the stage with fan favorites like Hollow Man and Tightrope. What truly made this show different from other past Red City shows - Wags was more animated ...jazzed up as front man while feeling that intense Zeppelin-esque sound of classic rock-n-roll wafting throughout the lounge. Nothing could contain the excitement he exhibited song after Red City song as he shimmied and shook ...and stood on top of stage monitors fueling more energy to the fans who responded back with more frenzy. How could one not feel such a thing? This band wonderfully honed in that era where twitterpating guitar riffs (especially Jimmy Page's Zeppelin riffs) drove people absolutely wild ...sometimes SouthSide sees a little of Robert Plant in Wags when he sings especially during her favorite song Crimson Exlir. Like Zeppelin's Kashmir, this song while in a bluesy downtempo pace gets very hot and steamy though the guitars are still pumping a steady flow of energy into the riffs (but needing to tone down the bass so Wags' vocals can pop more). This is where Red City's front man shined under the spotlight pumping such fierce sexiness (with some hip action for the ladies) over the mic that it was literally melting when releasing his raspy falsetto at the chorus. Ah, blogspot readers, it was the band at its best "get down and dirty" side as fans grooved and swayed to the electrifying vibrant music. The frenziness didn't stop there. Oh no ...it was simply the beginning with Red City. The entire front stage (and somewhere beyond that point) came to life during Are You Gonna Be My Girl? to which many wanted to be his "girl" all night long before wowing them with The Dead of Night (another chance for Wags to shine as front man amidst the gritty guitar sound but need to tone down bass a little here too). Wags and the band were certainly putting on a rock show no one will ever forget. And thanks to Brian (on sound) and lighting fx, everyone was basking under that rock "space cadet glow" experience especially during fan favorite Sandstorm. Overall, Red City's return to the local did thrill, excite, chill and a whole lot more that fans cried for one more song ...in fact they would rather have one more set with this rockin' band, blogspot readers. Check out Red's new website http://www.redcitychicago.com to find out when and where this hot revitalized band will be tearing up the stage again.

Until next time, support your local scene,
SouthSide

12 Oct 11

2011-10-17T10:33:00.000-07:00

After a hot and steamy debate, blogspot readers, there's nothing like a cool refreshing "sip" with a band. And that's what SouthSide did as she headed to the hip Wicker Park area for The Southern Moonshine Art Festival at The Southern. This one-night only fest featured local artists and crafters displaying air-brushed portraits to custom-made jewelry pieces upstairs. Downstairs in the bar, SouthSide's friends, I Can Hear Myself Levitate were on tap for a rare acoustic performance. This reviewer hihgly recommends checking out this bi-level restaurant/bar (with open air terrace seating, weather permitting). She enjoyed the intimate yet friendly atmosphere and hopes to return soon (with a bunch of friends) to sample a few delicious items off their menu.

It was a rare yet unconventional acoustic set by local rockers, I Can Hear Myself Levitate, blogspot readers. Rare - because it gave the guys a chance to step away from their amplified selves for one night to demonstrate vocal and talent abilities (as well as break-in their new drummer to hear ICHML songs at a live performance). Unconventional (and this isn't a band thing) - because the set was performed without any microphone or amplified acoustic guitar sound ...raw natural sound here - no electronic equipment. To say, SouthSide was impressed would be an understatement. She was thoroughly blown away by ICHML's powerful display of vocal and performance talent under an acoustic setting. This reviewer liked how front man, Chris, expressed his natural vocal powress withi his falsetto voice amidst the calming but sometimes intense guitar sound. You simply had to be at The Southern to hear the clear projection without any microphone usage wowing the ears of vibrant emotions that popped the lyrics to life. It was the kind of intensity in which you were made to feel what Chris was feeling while he sang not just hear the words even while in a downtempo acoustic rhythm. SouthSide plans on a future review on I Can Hear Myself Levitate's amplified side but in the meantime visit http://www.ichml.com or http://www.myspace.com/icanhearmyslflevitate for more information about thie band and upcoming shows.

Until next time, support your local scene,
SouthSide

12 Oct 11 - Chicago Ideas Week

2011-10-14T10:09:00.000-07:00

"...life is a verb - do something..."

Hey, blogspot readers, welcome to a week of celebrating ideas and innovations being thought up ...today! In Chicago, it's Ideas Week (until Oct 16) - an annual event desigened "...to ignite, inspire, connect and catalyze..." communities around great ideas and people. Started by Groupon founder, Brad Keywell after being "inspired" himself by attending other ideas-like conferences such as The Aspen Ideas Festival, Chicago Ideas Week 2011 features over 160 guest speakers (Fran Drescher, Dr. Sanjay Gupta, New York City's Mayor Michael Bloomberg, Joan Cusack, Justice Sandra Day O'Connor, Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel and many more) discussing a wide range of topics from Architecture to Sports and Global Community Development as well as Social Entrepreneurship and Tech & Web. Other Ideas Week event also include exclusive Lab visits/tours inside some of Chicago's notable business infrastructures like Argo Tea, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, The Boeing Company, Project Exploration, Chicago Transit Authority and more. For more information about events for the rest of the week, visit http://www.chicagoideas.com.

On this particular day, Southside has the extreme pleasure to join other Ideas Week attendees at Venue 610 of The Spertus Center for a thought-provoking yet highly spirited debate. As part of Chicago's Week events, Intelligence Squared US Debates featured a hot topic for the first time outside its usual New York City setting. The topic of the night posed a very interesting motion - Too Many Kids Go To College in which there were two speakers each representing FOR and AGAINST the motion. Before attending the debate, this reviewer had some considerable time to reflect about the motion questioning whether or not a college education is truly worth its weight these days ...especially within the current state of the US economy and umployment situation. Attendees of this debate were asked to consider the following points: is it time for young people to skip college and go straight into the workforce OR is higher education still necessary as a stepping-stone towards success? To have a BA (Bachelors of Arts) of not - that's the REAL question, blogspot readers. Though recent statistics have shown a college education is economically beneficial despite those with jobs that don't require it, how can one discount the extraordinary success of business entrepreneurs like Bill Gates, Mark Zuckerberg and the late Steve Jobs who have proven it's possible without it. Hm...looks to be a heated topic with Peter Thiel (PayPal co-founder) and Charles Murrary (author of AEI article - Are Too Many People Going To College?) supporting the motion while Henry Bienen (President Emeritus of Northwestern University) and Vivek Wadhwa (Washington Post and Bloomberg Business Week columnist) speaking against the motion.

Before commencing with the opening arguments for and against the topic, moderator and host John Donovan (from ABC News Nightline) briefly welcomed all invited guests (which included Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel in the audience) and explained our role during the IQ2US (Intelligence Squared US) debate including voting procedures. Since this would be a live recorded NPR (National Public Radio) program, we were encouraged to applaud during whichever argument and/or point appealed to us. After a couple of minutes, the debate was underway with a short synopsis containing a few alarming facts that included how manufacturing jobs today are almost non-existent ...how a number of high school graduates are not properly prepared for a four year college/university degree. Yet what about those who didn't graduate college and made success of themselves? That's what the topic - Too Many Kids Go To College would try to sway the "undecided" minds throughout the debate. At the end of this article, SouthSide will reveal the results of the final vote tally ...and which side won the debate.

Peter Thiel opened his argument FOR the motion by stating he once had the belief that a college education was important. However that mindset changed approximately five years ago upon realizing with technology continuously expanding, people were choosing to forgo college education for other forms of employment that didn't require a college degree (BA). Another reason - the rising cost of a college education has reached the point which many simply cannot afford it. Then, Peter Thiel went on to explain how in the 1990s, the US experienced a tech bubble ...in 2000, a housing bubble and today, we're experiencing an education bubble. "...we cannot afford to have a third bubble..." stated Thiel especially as student debt is currently over a trillion dollars. Yes, blogspot readers, you read correctly - a Trillion dollars ...with a capital T. He gave a startling example to the audience that every year there are 50,000 Law school graduates but only 30,000 legal jobs available. In conclusion, he's not saying - no one shouldn't go to college or that it's a bad thing. He preferred people shouldn't think education is the automatic ticket to their success ...try thinking of what they want to do with their life.

Henry Bienen opened his statements AGAINST the motion stating that attending college is about the achieving the American Dream. He did admit some dropouts do "make it big" however not everyone is a Bill Gates or Steve Jobs ...or smart like them. Plus he added "...more years of school are correlative with one's income and employment..." He stated there are two preminiums involved when one has obtained a college education (i.e. BA) and they are wage (the higher the education the more wages will increase) and social (with a BA and beyond, the person will be more productive in our society). "...we need more college graduates ...not less..." Bienen emphatically told the debate audience he admits many high school graduates are not ready for college but only because their school and/or education didn't prepare them. He then disputed Thiel's doubts by saying that the latest trend showing now - people do in fact need a secondary and post-secondary degrees. Bienen is not against the alternatives (i.e. vocational schooling and education) like Germany and Switzerland has however in the US there aren't many alternatives being offered. "...can't give up on the American dream..."

Charles Murrary offered a second point of view in favor of the the motion - Too Many Kids Go To College by first advocating the abolishment of the SATs (Standardized Achievement Testing). At first, he thought the debate was about exclusively four year college/university institutions not the inclusion of community colleges as well. Then he went on to say which drew some laughter "...the BA is the work of the Devil..." that it's a fraud because "...it's suppose to represent you're educated ...wrong..." According to him, a BA actually means "...you don't know anything..." Murrary could have related to the debate audience the countless stories of grade switching on tests/exams scores (from Ds and Fs to Cs and Bs all because the universities/colleges are about retaining the student not losing the money from the student) and of employers complaining how many BA job applicants who cannot write a comprehensible sentence. The ONLY thing a BA can do according to Murrary is tell people where you were educated despite needing one just to get a job interview. He emphatically stated to the audience that we're creating a mindset in which not having a BA means the person is dumb or lazy ...and it's subsequently enstilled onto kids today. That in turn leads them to take "bird" (easy) courses within their major while attending college "...they're not there for the education but for a worthless piece of paper..." Murrary concluded that a 4 year college/university institution is obsolete since the information system (i.e. web/internet) has given a new way so students in getting an education.

Vivek Wadhwa opened his rebuttal remarks against the motion by stating that dropping out of college didn't make any sense to him. According to him, "...these people in America are out of touch aobut not going to college ...US education is by far the best in the world ...foreign education is trying to be like the US..." In the US, he stated during his statements that our schools have ways of making you think, be creative, compete etc. And he also reiterated - community colleges are colleges too ...and they rank up there with the best of the best 4 year university/college but that is, blogspot readers, a matter of his own opinion. Meanwhile in foreign countries like India and China, they are learning "...our tricks [about college education] ...so why have these stupid debates..." (yes, he actually did say that). "...we're losing by debating this..." Wadhwa said that it didn't matter which school you graduated from ...either Harvard or a city college like Harold Washington or Daley, you can still make it as an entrepreneur. He also added that "...we will have to constantly re-educate our workforce with basic education..." because of jobs moving offshore to China and India. Wadhwa concluded that everyone should have a BA or even a Masters since those who have one do better financially than those who don't. In SouthSide's honest opinion, she found that last statement be very elitest and took some offense to it.

With opening statements concluded, the debate gradually became heated between the four speakers rebutting and counter-rebutting each one's opening remarks. Peter Thiel pointed out that going to college was essentially NOT the "American Dream" especially during the 1920s and 30s when only a small percentage attended. And he said most jobs today don't require a college degree. Thiel concluded that going to college has become a nightmare as more and more people go into debt. However Henry Bienen refuted Thiel's theory by saying colleges is not a nightmare but a "blossoming" experience "...people feel better when attending a 4 year college..." And frankly, he didn't see it as a 4 year party atmosphere as Thiel joked saying "...who knows what impact the [college] experience will have on people..." Bienen concluded that even the late Steve Jobs took a college course before his death - a calligraphy class. Meanwhile, Charles Murrary addressed the fact that during the 1960s only 8% had a college degree while the 92% didn't have one but were successful. Back then, no one looked down on you if you didn't go to college or have a BA as it is happening today. Now, according to Murrary, it's a caste system. If a person is a high school graduate only, he/she is looked down upon than if they were a college graduate. Vivek Wadhwa stated that the US is re-inventing itself "...anyone can re-invent themselves ...anyone can obtain the American Dream..." According to Wadhwa, the US is the only superpower in the world and Chinese as well as other foreign students want what we have.

as the air during the debate began simmering to a boil with the debators arguing their points and statistics amongst themselves, SouthSide had drawn her own conclusions in which side she supported. Charles Murrary did receive applause from her as well as others when pointing out craft/manufacturer skills are now considered demeaning. He then mentioned the popular cable program, Dirty Jobs, in which Murrary stated "...there are ways of making a living without having a 4 year degree..." That is certainly true in SouthSide's case since she holds two certifications - one for Paralegal and the other for Business Systems/LAN Administration. Though host John Donovan didn't believe Thiel or Murrary about there being a caste system, both said repeatedly the system is real while Henry Bienen was quoted again "...education can be transformative ...a blossoming experience..." Charles Murrary had the last word in which he painted a picture of his perfect world to the debate audience. In his world, for example, if someone wanted a Business/Marketing degree, then it would only take that person 1 1/2 years to complete the necessary course work sand the filler (unnecessary electives and minors). There would be a certification exam - not something in which you blacken bubble dots but demonstrating work samples that one could show to employers during an interview.

Blogspot readers, you had to be inside the auditorium to feel as well as witness how heated this debate was getting. And its effect wasn't contained to the stage. It was definitely felt amongst the many hands raised to ask the panelists questions. There was a question about the quality of social networks to which Peter Thiel replied it was valuable bu mostly on an elite college level. However Vivek Wadhwa disagreed and stated that it (social networking) isn't at the elite college level but even within the lessor colleges too. There's, according to him, interaction at all levels and those who dropout don't get that social interaction needed. Another audience member questioned fundamental reforms to which Charles Murrary stated he saw certifications as replacements for a BA and employers are now taking notice to that fact. According to him, certifications will level the playing field and boost college attendance not lower it but it would also not lock people into a "...BA straitjacket..." Henry Bienen said he's not against the on-the-job training or certifications but did defend those who major in Humanities/Social Sciences when Peter Thiel commented that he recommends people study engineering. Another wanted the panelists to comment about a 4 year college tier versus a 3 year tier (in which is used in European universities) even though it wasn't pertaining to the topic at hand. Other questions included "...are colleges (2/4/etc) hurting people... clarify what are colleges good for (from Gabrielle Lyon of Project Exploration) ...what steps are needed for academic institutions to eliminate family, etc influence and revert back to open competition..."

There were many more questions wanting to be asked yet not enough time allotted to answer them all as round two concluded. Host John Donovan gave each debator their final two minutes to sway the audience before casting votes on which side presented the better argument. Henry Bienen felt there was some confusion about college and its purpose yet sees going to a 4 year college as a way of getting people to be more independent. He also added that the key in getting more kids ready for college is improving the K-12 education level so colleges would be viewed as a 4 year remedial experience. "...it's not about the cost or college - it's aobut the answer is wrong..." Peter Thiel asked the other side "...where would the accountability be if people get hurt by the cost?" According to him there is none and since there's a lack of accountability, buyer beware! "...the way it ends is when people start thinking for themselves ...is the cost worth the benefit..." He preferred less of a caste system and social pressure as well as the need of going to college. Meanwhile Vivek Wadhwa challenged Peter Thiel "...why don't we jointly improve the education level so more people can go to college..." Charles Murrary questioned the other side with "...how about the goal of education for all kids ...it's about eduction not the worthless piece of paper (i.e. BA)..." He advocated for fundamental reforms, certifications instead of BAs, and the end of the employment class system (i.e. white collar, blue collar, service, et al) envisioning everyone starting at the beginning as Apprentices moving up as Journeymen striving to be Master Craftsmen.

On that note, the debate concluded with the audience given the task to vote which side presented a better case for or against the motion. Before the debate, this is how the audience voted: 39% FOR, 40% AGAINST and 21% UNDECIDED. This is how the audience voted after the debate: 47% FOR, 46% AGAINST and 7% UNDECIDED. By a slim percentage, those FOR the motion presented a stronger case.

Intelligence Squared US has future debates scheduled in New York City but can be heard live on over 220 NPR stations (including WBEZ in Chicago) or seen on WNET/Thirteen, WLIW or NJTV. SouthSide highly recommends attending the next two upcoming debates - on October 25th - Congress Should Approve Obama's Job Plan (For: Cecilia Rouse and Mark Zandi; Against: Richard Epstein and Daniel Mitchell) and on November 15th - The World Would Be Better Off Without Religion (For: Matthew Chapman and A.C. Grayling; Against: Dinesh D'Sauzo and Rabbi David Wolpe). She has a feeling those two would be extremely heated and should not be missed if you live in the New York area. For tickets and more information about Intelligence Squared US, visit http://www.iq2us.org.

Until next time, support your local scene,
SouthSide

09 Oct 11

2011-10-12T10:53:00.000-07:00

Hey, blogspot readers, the busy weekend ends with a special On The Town review. Back at Elbo Room, SouthSide's there to welcome Swallows (MN) to Chicago and checking out their headlining debut performance. Also, sharing the stage with this organic rock/alternative band was Dr. Dolphin, Mama Dempsey and Yellow Jacket. This reviewer caught the end of this local band's performance and recommends rockin' along to its energizing yet vibrant guitar rock. She enjoyed Yellow's music that contained a classic rock-n-roll sound with a hint of blues (think Cream during its heyday) but with a modern twist to which the momentum will make you groove to the righteous beat. Carlo, front man on guitar and vocal duties, truly rocked the room vocally when performing Desert Light (written while serving in Iraq and was dedicated to the troops still serving) and a Hendrix classic (a rockin' soulful rendition that melted the mic). Besides putting on an awesome show, Yellow Jacket was also raising money for Play For Life Internationl (http://www.playforlife.org) in which the band was donating 20% of their earnings to this organization. For more information about Yellow Jacket and where they'll be performing again, visit http://www.reverbnation.com/yellowjacketmusic.

Dramatically haunting yet vibrantly melodic ...soulfully organic rock alternative sounds from Minneapolis - that's basically how SouthSide would describe Swallows after seeing their Chicago debut performance. This quintet of musicians captivated the audience with elements combining a sense of mystery and realism heard in the lyrics, harmonzing rhythms and intense momentum whether the tone was dark and moody or not. The organic side to this band's music came from the usage of ordinary household items as instruments like a small garbage can, a metal pipe and a kitchen strainer. These items used simply enhanced the percussion side ...plus the bass cello rhythms further deepens Swallows' haunting mystery during certain songs like The Devil's Hate and Come To Me. And the organ - at times added some soulful blues as heard in Medusa. A good example of all instruments working wonderfully together yet on somewhat opposing ends of melodies and/or rhythms would be Long Long Shadow that had a certain steady Native American tribal feel (off the cello and drums performing together). SouthSide does want to mention how front man Jeff (vocals/guitar) emotionally moved her with his intense vocal performance throughout this set. Looking over her notes, it was hard picking a moment when he didn't project a realistic tone or emotional expressiveness off the lyrics. His simplistic mantra-like chant "...you'll come to me..." (during Come To Me) or the forceful "...I won't back down..." (during Medusa) were almost hypnotically enticing to the ears under his raspy falsetto voice. This reviewer recommends listening to the earnest plea of longing to go home in Home and the emotionally yet powerfully heartfelt falsetto of "...watch over me..." in Eventide. Visit http://www.swallowthemusic.com for tour details and more about this band.

Until next time, support your local scene,
SouthSide

08 Oct 11

2011-10-11T10:07:00.000-07:00

Hey, blogspot readers, welcome to the hottest party of the next millennium ...happening now! Tonight, at The Abbey Pub, SouthSide rocked a very late yet special show that featured psychedelic, jazz-fused, trippy organic electronica/experimental music. Continuously flowing ..always edgy and fresh ...energizing ...vibrantly spontaneous which kept this crowd dancing under its magic spell until the wee hours of Sunday morning. And when it was over, everyone wasn't chanting "one more song" but "one more set". The band this reviewer is speaking of - her good friends, Papadosio (NC). If you haven't seen this world-class act, SouthSide highly suggests you do as well as the jazz-fused/experimental (and more) band that opened for them, The Coop.

The funkadelic sounds of jazz, electronica and dubstep/techno meshed into one free-flowing grove that kept this packed venue vibin' to the music until the end. That's pretty much a good description, blogspot readers, of The Coop's opening performance without giving too much away. This reviewer immediately liked the vibrant sound wafting throughout ...very energizing yet (at times) calming at the same time. You not only heard the electronica, guitar riffs or the bluesy saxophone rhythms - you felt each and every note which had many (including SouthSide) dancing to the ambient sounds and melodic groove. The Coop tightly wrapped everyone within this type of momentum song after song like Space Cakes I, It's All Here and The Quest (these songs and more are featured on The Coop's Internalize CD). This reviewer highly suggests rockin' your ears to this local band's new song, Cosmic Blanket. Featuring digital playback for the song's vocals and lyrics, many shining happy people (those closest to the stage) were instantly groovin' to the intense melodic electronica beat ...very spacy with plenty of digital wizardry to rock your body. In a nutshell, this song was a cosmic snuggie blanket of warm electronic sound and music. The Coop is touring in support of Papadosio for a few dates and this reviewer highly suggests checking them out at their next show. Visit http://www.thecoopmusic.net or http://www.facebook.com/thecoopmusic for more music and details.

With this crowd thoroughly warmed up, good friends Papadosio rocked out the night with the best electronica-music party scene ever, blogspot readers! Under the spectacular glow of The Abbey's stage lighting and this band's groovelicious music, everyone (those who were lucky enough to get inside to see this band - many more were waiting to get in) was immediately captivated by the organic wizardry of this band's electronic melodies and rock (guitar riffs and percussion) rhythms. Very hypnotizing as well as ambient in which everyone reacted to Papadosio's vibrantly energizing momentum in their own special way. Some danced ...others body rocked with swinging lights (sometimes there are hula hoopers in the crowd) ...the rest just swayed underneath the mesmerizing sound. No one, blogspot readers, not even SouthSide could escape the contagious sound. Can't explain how this reviewer felt while amidst the nonstop flow of music but she was definitely lost within the other shining happy people dancing to the music. Think of a rollercoaster while listening to Papadosio's music. It contained many dramatically climbing crescendos ...free-falling melodic crashes and beats ...twists and turns as your ears ride the cosmic soundwave. The lighting sequence (wonderfully provided by The Abbey Pub) truly helped in keeping everyone deeply immersed inside that technowave club scene vibe song after song. Besides dazzling the crowd with such favorites - Smile and Nod and By The Bright Lights Of The Stars, Papadosio rocked a robotic groove with their The Bionic Man Meets His Past that featured a downtempo lull at first then added gradually rising melodies and rhythms. This soundwave still kept everyone energized while feeling that steadily crescendo rise until (there was an actual pause here to this song, blogspot readers) POW - an explosion of electronica music to which the crowd erupted into cheers and more frenzy dancing. SouthSide would like to reveal the rest of Papadosio's spectacular headlining performance however it would simply ruin your own experience with this band when you attend their next show. She will give you some piece of advice - arrive to the show early. Papadosio's known to sell out and/or pack a venue with loyal fans wherever they perform. So if you want to experience what the other shining happy people are experiencing, then get to the show EARLY. For more information about this band and tour details, visit http://www.papadosio.com or http://www.papadosio.bandcamp.com (for free music).

Until next time, support your local scene,
SouthSide

07 Oct 11

2011-10-11T08:58:00.000-07:00

Hey, blogspot readers, it's another star-studded, action packed adventure around town for SouthSide! From Friday to Sunday, your fearless local reviewr was rockin' and partying at two major venues while covering the hottest touring acts to hit their stages. On Saturday, she'll be at The Abbey Pub to see her friends Papadosio (OH) again and on Sunday, it'll be Swallows (MN) for their debut at Elbo Room. However, tonight, she's rockin' Elbo Room to see two of LA's rising metal acts currently on tour - Clandestine and Spineshank.

Though missing part of Clandestine's performance, this reviewer recommends checking out the temptress of the siren-like melodic voice and the band of hardcore guitar metal rock. She enjoyed the interesting yet unique mesh of this style of female vocals immersed within this dark and intense genre. Despite noticing female singer, June, had to scream sometimes to be heard, her voice did pack a solid punk to which many felt her pain and frustration while banging their heads to the raw sound. Clandestine certainly presented its audience a powerfully emotional ...very dark with such fierce intensity type of rock show, blogspot readers, until the last guitar riff slowly died into eternity. For more information about this band, visit http://www.clandestineband.com.

It may have been years since this band had rocked a Chicago stage but they definitely rocked the Elbo Room stage like a young twentysomthing metal band. And if the stage was a little bit larger and wider, they would have definitely tore it down to the ground. Long time rockers, Spineshank, returned to the stage - first time in years - giving their diehard fans a headlining show they'll never forget. This metal Grammy-nominated band and its dynamic leader, Jonny, had head's banging to the intense guitar riffs and animalistic screamo/raspy falsetto vocals as well as to a hardcore metal rock sound that made the blood boil with excitement. This band literally knocked the wind out of SouthSide, blogspot readers, throughout their intense performance. With the aid of digitalized playback, certain Spineshank songs and its metal sound were enhanced to add more depth and emotions as heard in Asthmatic and Beginning of the End. Both songs were excellent examples of one's emotions powerfully poured into the lyrics by Jonny especially during Beginning of the End. You were meade to feel the angered sentiments behind the words ...no just listen to them. This performance also featured new songs off Spineshank's upcoming album - Anger, Denial, Acceptance (to be released soon) such as Murder Suicide (fierce animalistic within a raw tone in which the metal-tastic music matched note for note) and single Nothing Left For Me (not as intense or hardcore as the other new songs but full of energy and Jonny's emotional falsetto style pops the song with lots of head banging momentum). SouthSide suggests immersing the ears into the heavy intensity of Spineshank's other new song - Damage in which she literally felt the hardcore guitar riffs. While regaling the fans with classic Spineshank tunes like Detached and Dead to Me, Spineshank wowed this reviewer with their version of George Harrison's classic - While My Guitar Gently Weeps. She has heard other versions that try to imitate the original Beatles tune however this band up the stakes by turning it into the darkest hardcore metal ballad ever with such vocal intensity and emotion. The guitars were certainly weeping within that metal sound, blogspot readers. Before closing with HOC, Spineshank promised its fans that this performance was simply the beginning of a new era ...starting with this tour. For more tour details, music and information about this band, visit http://www.myspace.com/spineshankmusic or http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/artists/Spineshank.

sidenote: SouthSide also highly recommends rockin' while singing along with her friends, A Thousand Julys. This local group once again entertained the upstairs audience at Elbo Room's acoustic lounge with their lively cover renditions of popular songs like Michael Jackson's Rock With You and Cee Lo Green's Fuck You (which is always a fan highlight during their performances). SouthSide promises to do a full review on A Thousand Julys soon but in the meantime, visit http://www.facebook.com/athousandjulys for more information about them.

Until next time, support your local scene,
SouthSide

7 Oct 11 - October Calendar Update

2011-10-08T09:54:00.000-07:00

Hey, blogspot readers, SouthSide has more exciting shows and events happening soon that you should be aware of.

On Sunday, Oct 16, SouthSide will be rockin' and interviewing an official CMJ band from Minneapolis - Phantom Tails! They will be making their one-night only Chicago debut performing off their current album Sounds of The Hunchback Whale. She's been told this band wielded "...analog synthesizers, fuzz bass, and surf guitar while brandishing electronic drum beats sampled from vintage 808 machines, and sonar whale recordings..." - sounds interesting, blogspot readers. Voted as City Pages Best New Band 2011, they will be joining other bands in New York for CMJ Oct 18 thru 23 ...plus with other dates around the Big Apple. Visit http://www.myspace.com/PhantomTails or follow them on Twitter at http://www.Twitter.com/Phantom_Tails for more info.

On Oct 20th - SouthSide highly suggests heading to the Hideout to rock, jam and party with her buddies, The Buddies! This jamboree-like rock band comprised of members from Welcome To Ashley and Pale Blue Dot recently rocked out the crowd at Double Door during their record release show. This show had everything and they promise to bring the same fun and atmosphere to The Hideout as they share the stage with Star Anna & The Laughing Dogs.
Visit http://www.candyappleandthebuddies.bandcamp.com or on their Facebook page for more information.

Then on Oct 21 - The Real Jane Martin is having their BIGgest show ever, blogspot readers. Instead of performing at the acoustic lounge, they will be joined with special guests rockin' the basement lounge of Elbo Room. It's a HUGE deal for this duo and they invite everyone (21+) to come out to see them. They will feature Joe on bass, Corrin on vocals and Kirk on drums ...plus they promise you'll have a swell time jamming with them. The show begins at 9p with The Real Jane Martin hitting the stage at 10p ...so get there early! Visit http://www.realjane.com for more details.

Happening that same weekend, Change Your Age Workshop will be at Loyola University Campus. Frank Wildman GCFT, Ph.D. and author of Change Your Age (DaCapo Press) will host his first public workshop in the Chicago area at Loyola University Campus’s Simpson Living Learning Center which will introduce attendees to a series of simple, but powerful exercises that will help change the way participants move. These exercises, based on the work of Dr. Moshe Feldenkrais, actually will train the brain to send the correct signals to the body so it begins to move in healthier, stronger, more coordinated, and even more graceful ways. According to the press release, And, blogspot readers, no previous experience is necessary ...so this workshop is suitable for people at all levels of fitness.

The cost for the two-day workshop is $200(there's a discount for group registrations) / Saturday and Sunday, October 22-23, 2011, 10:00 AM - 4:30 PM.
For more information and registration which is available online, go to http://www.changeyouragenetwork.com/chicago2011.

Until next time, support your local scene,
SouthSide

4 Oct 11 - Upcoming Events

2011-10-04T09:49:00.000-07:00

Hey, blogspot readers, just because the weather is getting a bit cooler outside doesn't mean the music and fun has to end. This is the perfect season to enjoy the local scene more ...especially bands are on tour! Her friends, Verona Red and Strange Arrangement has kicked off their Autumn 2011 tour, blogspot readers. First, Verona Red will be traveling the road starting at Bloomington, IN on Oct 7 and visiting places such as Nashville, TN, Columbus, OH, Pittsburgh, PA and a couple of nights in the Big Apple! Visit http://www.myspace.com/veronared or http://www.reverbnation.com/veronared for more tour details. Next, her other friends, Strange Arrangement will be hitting the road starting tomorrow Oct 5 visiting Bell's Brewery in Kalamazoo, MI to kick off their Side Project: Digital Tape Machine tour w/OHMPHREY. They will be making a couple stops around town in Chicago but will also visit Cincinnati, OH, Kankakee, IL, Knoxville, TN, and The Hard Rock Cafe at Las Vegas, NV! For the full tour schedule and info, blogspot readers should visit http://www.strangement.com or the band's Facebook page. SouthSide highly suggests supporting her friends and make them feel welcome as they visit venues near you.

Back here in Chicago, on Oct 15 there's event in which SouthSide highly recommends supporting that will be rockin' Goose Island Brewery. Alpha Clef Project (ACP) will embark on a noble quest in partnership with SwizzleSteve (another good friend of SouthSide's) to present “A Night of Sweet Relief” for handicapped and aged artists. Alpha Clef Project is a multi-genre band, playing different styles such as Funk, Soul, and Reggae and will be playing a set that mixes original material with covers from artists such as Bill Withers to the Red Hot Chili Peppers. Plus this event will also feature Yaw Agyeman and Khari Lemuel who make up one of Chicago’s finest soul duos known as The Ones. ACP and The Ones are currently working on their first collaboration album which should be available in spring 2012. Blogspot readers should know the last time Alpha Clef visited Goose Island, they genereated a packed house and it's expected “A Night of Sweet Relief” will draw an even bigger crowd. So, SouthSide says - get there early if you don't want to miss out on the fun. For more information, visit http://www.acpband.com.

Lastly - it's not too early to start making your New Year's Eve plans, blogspot readers. Usually, SouthSide takes that night off however she just might make appearances around town and probably at this show in which tickets will go on sale NOON Friday 7 Oct! Her friends, Last Rites present Material Re-issue performing their last show ever rockin' the stage at Reggie's Rock Club on Sat Dec 31, 2011. Advance tickets for this show are priced at $30 until Nov 30. Then the ticket prices will jump to $35 from Dec 1 to Dec 29. Tickets will be $40 afterwards (and day of show). Visit http://www.ticket.com/purchase/event/69992?utm_medium-bks.

Until next time, support your local scene,
SouthSide

30 Sept - 2 Oct 11

2011-10-03T11:32:00.000-07:00

Hey, blogspot readers, what a weekend! SouthSide's calendar was packed from Friday to Sunday with events, parties and of course, bands rockin' the stage around town. On Friday (30 Sept), she was at Ultra Lounge for some adult fun during the Taboo Magazine party! Fashionably hip kinsters and voyuers were there to celebrate Mara Mayhem's pictorial debut in the magazine's October issue. It was two floors of music sets by Lolly Gagger and Peter Propaganda (of JILT) and naughty demonstrations and delights with ropes, whipped cream and candles featuring Mara Mayhem and others in the downstairs playroom. Lucky party participants took home a free copy of Taboo (if wanted, personally autographed by Mara herself) and other deliciously fun goodies to spice up the bedroom, blogspot readers.

Saturday (1 Oct) was an action packed day and night for SouthSide, blogspot readers, First it was roasting a pig while browsing the many records (LPs, 45s, CDs and cassettes ...and more) and posters at Schuba's. It was the venues first Pig, Swig and Record Dig event. This free all-ages event allowed music lovers and enthusiasts to snag great finds and deals from local record retailers like Dusty Groove America, Laurie's Planet of Sound, Bloodshot Records and Permanent Records to name a few. Plus inside in the stage area of the venue, Schuba's unloaded its private stock of vintage and limited edition posters for cheap, blogspot readers. SouthSide snagged three for framing to add to her growing poster population. Then it was off to browse art and more during the first day of the 10th Annual Ravenswood Artwalk. This annual tour which has brought awareness of Art and Industry of Ravenswood Corridor since 2001 featured over 15 city blocks of open studios and industry spaces free to the public. Plus there was fun art activities for kids of all ages, panel discussions, book signings and music performances by local bands like I Lost Control and The Shams band.

After a bit of rest and dinner, it was time to start the nightlife portion of SouthSide's Saturday. Now she's at House of Blues to party until dawn upstairs in the famed Foundation Room like a true VIP celebrity during the official Chromeo afterparty! This party, blogspot readers, featured DJ sets by Midnight Conspiracy and the guest of honor, Chromeo (after rockin' two straight sold out nights). This was the hottests party of the season in which the Foundation was packed with wall to wall fashionably dressed clubster crowd who danced and grooved to the best of House/dubstep/electro remixes around. Each of the opening DJ sets kept this constant flow of VIPers in the party mood until it was time greet the coming sunrise. SouthSide highly suggests rockin' your next party with the electro/House sounds and remixes by Midnight Conspiracy. This local duo (despite reports of being kidnapped by the Illumanit) has recently rocked out fests such as this year's Lolla and North Coast ...and soon will be opening for Deadmau5 at Aragon Ballroom (Oct 23). It has been a long time since SouthSide has partied so hard (though that what is she mostly does best every weekend) like this to duo that spun fast-paced remixes and electro beats at blinding speed ...even at after 2a in the morning! They kept the crowd everywhere bumpin' the to sweetly fresh rhythmic beats within an energizing vibe, blogspot readers. This reviewer recommends checking out their remixed version of her friends Gemini Club's Ghost and Innerpartysystem's And Together. Plus to the Chromeo remix of Night by Night and Crystal Castles' Crimewave. Yet, what truly had the room rockin' (in SouthSide's opinion) was Midnight's original mix Discord as well as the At Dawn We Rage remixed version. Heads up, blogspot readers in Florida, Texas and Costa Rica, her new friends will be traveling your way soon and she suggests you party your night away at their upcoming shows. Visit http://www.midnight-conspiracy.com or http://www.myspace.com/midnightconspiracy for more information and music.

Sunday (2 Oct), SouthSide's surprised after getting home at sunrise that she had enough strength to walk around one last time at Ravenswood Artwalk. This time she hung out the the RAW street fair to say "hi" to her friends from CHIRP radio (Congrats to them for achieving their fundraising goal and more) and check out more local artists before heading to Margie's Candies for some delicious ice cream with her daughter. Before leaving she did check out part of Scarlet Monk and Her Orchestra's performance which entertained the audience with haunting yet melodically acoustic music and chanteuse-like vocals. Then next up it was Minneapolis Henrys to rock the stage with their vibrant folk/Americana sound.

Until next time, support your local scene,
SouthSide

24 Sept 11 - Part 2

2011-09-30T10:09:00.000-07:00

Hey, blogspot readers, the fun continues elsewhere on this autumn Saturday night. After some homemade pasta and Sangria with Pinto and The Bean and their special guests, it was time for SouthSide to head to another party happening in Wicker Park. The and music was already in full swing when this party reviewer arrived at Double Door. She was there to join in the celebration with new friends, The Buddies for their record release show. Actually, blogspot readers, only the band is new ...not the band itself since it joins together rockin' members of Welcome to Ashley and Collins into one. And what a rockin' jam session did this group of Buddies have!

SouthSide was instantly caught up in the friendly atmosphere which surrounded the stage during the stage throughout The Buddie's show-stompin' performance. This band permeated the feeling a lively hoe-down, good time amidst three (at times four) vocals on the mic which kept the audience dancing until the end. Fans will enjoy the variety mix of Folk/Americana and country/rock as well as the Buddies' homage to some retro rock-n-roll sounds with some gritty guitar chords too. Now picking a highlight from this performance was a quite difficult for this reviewer because the entire set contained so much momentum and energy that she was too busy having a good gime. She does recommend listening to rockin' punk vibe of All The Beer Is Gone (what a terrible thing to happen on a fun Saturday night), Times Are Rough (a perfect song to describe the state of the economy and society today) and the emotionally heartfelt ballad during Kathleen. Within those three samples, this reviewer felt such realism behind the words though at times (i.e. All The Beer Is Gone and I Got Drunk) there was some humor to keep you in a "feel good" happy mood. The closer featured one of the best collaborative band moments witnessed by SouthSide ...it was heartwarming end in an acappella/acoustic combination in which all Buddies members were featured on the microphone. It was a fitting end to this rockin' party. SouthSide highly suggest becoming buds with this local group at the next scheduled show. For more information about The Buddies, visit http://www.candyappleandthebuddies.bandcamp.com/.

Though arriving a little late to this party rockin' Elbo Room stage, SouthSide still had plenty of time to dance unde the electonic glow with Star Persons (WI). This group combined the elements of rock/electronica/pop and lyrical hiphop thus turning the Elbo Room into the Enclave or Sound Bar for one night only. They had the late night hipster audience bumpin' and groovin' to the fast-paced rhythmic sounds and laser lighting. SouthSide enjoyed that they had the right mix of hot beats, turntable mixing and rock music as well as hiphop atmosphere flowing until the wee hours of the morning. She suggests bumpin to the songs Supernova and Kaleidoscope ...if you want to get down and funky with Star, try move your body to Less Than Three but what really had this reviewer moving was Star's version of Gap Band's legendary classic hit - You Dropped The Bomb On Me (which featured female vocals). SouthSide enjoyed the updated version with some lyrical hiphop in the middle thus giving this oldie but goodie a fresh modern take. SouthSide highly suggests getting your party on with Star Persons at their next show. They'll definitely rock your body with such thumping music and sounds all night long. For more information, visit http://www.starpersons.net.

Until next time, support your local scene,
SouthSide

24 Sept 11 - Part1

2011-09-27T10:05:00.000-07:00

"...I hooked on Pinto & The Bean ...Robot Wars is my favorite song..."
Freddie Wilson, Anthony and Tim

Hey, blogspot readers, it's "3 in 1" night for SouthSide's with some delicious Sangria on the side! That's right, she's attempting to cover three shows at three different locations around town in one night (again). Thank goodness, CTA's running (somewhat) on time. First, she's at a private house party to celebrate with friends, Pinto & The Bean on their record release - The Waiting Place. Then, it's off to Double Door to jam with new friends, The Buddies at their record release show. Lastly, it's off to Elbo Room to party the night away with touring friends, Star Persons under the disco lights. Whew ...what a fun adventure planned.

Witin the heart of the Ravenswood neighborhood, SouthSide enjoyed a Saturday evening sampling yummy spaghetti (homemade sauce was divine rivaling SouthSide's own secret recipe) and Sangria (or two - not telling). It was more than a celebration of Pinto & The Bean's album release, blogspot readers. This was rather a fun gathering (as well as mingling) of family, friends, and fans under the blue tarp roof in the backyard. Pinto and their house hosts truly know how to make their guests feel so welcome ...and throw a rockin' party. The highlight of the evening was Ivan's display of his cooking abilities and the homemade Sangria in which this reviewer gave two thumbs WAY up. Plus she highly suggests (especially local bands) checking out the husband-wife team of Good Evening Chicago (http://www.youtube.com/user/goodeveningchicago). As videographers, they, like SouthSide, rock the local scene documenting what's hot, new and more for their YouTube channel. Yet instead of one camera angle, they film with three thus giving bands that rock star video presentation. Also, SouthSide says you should meet and say "hi" to her new road buddies ...a fun trio of gents - Freddie, Anthony and Tim. They kept her feeling so absolutely fabulous and in stitches from laughing so hard ...and of course, they are HUGE Pinto & The Bean fans. Their favorite song - Robot Wars (which you can find on Pinto & The Bean's YouTube page).

Besides the guests of honor rockin' their specially built stage, other musical guests included Bad Bad Meow (http://www.myspace.com/badbadmeow) and Hemmingbirds (http://www.myspace.com/hemmingbirds) - both good friends of Pinto & The Bean. SouthSide highly suggest making your acquaintance with them at their next regularly scheduled local shows. Bad Bad Meow had some truly sharp claws when it came to their opening set, blogspot readers, as an acoustic duo. Alen (on guitar) and Sarah rocked the backyard with an upbeat, foot-tappin' sound yet full of fierce frustration and anger (at times). It was certainly amazing what a couple of PBRs could do to one's drumming throughout the set - not a bad thing ...but it did add a lot of that hidden emotional vibe into Meow's music. SouthSide recommends rockin' to their Touch You Where You Touch Em (fiery yet raw acoustic/alternative sound ...lots of intensity), La La La (more intense music and vocals that's coupled with a crescendo rise ...and surprises) and the Rape song (SouthSide's favorite song by Meow). Then Hemmingbirds featuring Yoo and Timothy acoustically took the energy down a bit but still retained that intense energy which warmed up the audience from Bad Bad Meow's set. SouthSide enjoyed the vivid imagery woven throughout their songs like Mellow Gold Haze and Treetops(this particular song given the reviewer the sense she was flying amongst the trees of the forest). The Hemmingbirds' new song was the highlight of the acoustic set that demonstrated how lyrically emotional Yoo's vocals could get under the right guitar intensity and rhythms. Then finally what everyone was waiting for - Pinto & The Bean (http://www.pintoandthebean.com) rockin' out their record release show! Despite some minor technical difficulties, the duo debut the live version of The Waiting Place album in front of their invited guests that included a spectacular surprise - a lit up drum kit during Let's Make Noise. And boy, did they ever make some noise, blogspot readers. SoutSide (before having to dash away to Double Door) stayed long enough to her favorite song, Robot Wars. She also highly suggests listening to Rebuilding Everything, Miss America and Wake Up - which rocked the stage under a Morrissey-like pop alternative sound.

Coming soon - part 2: Double Door and Elbo Room

Until next time, support your local scene,
SouthSide

23 Sept 11

2011-09-26T11:05:00.000-07:00

Hey, blogspot readers, welcome to another rockin' weekend around town with SouthSide! This roving reviewer will be making stops all over Chicago from Ravenswood to Wicker Park with other stops in between ...that's where you'll find this rock chick partying. Tonight, she's hanging out in the middle of Chicago's hot club scene within the River North neighborhood at Hard Rock Cafe to attend its all-ages show featuring her friends, Bambi Raptor. In SouthSide's honest opinion, it was a very odd venue to hold a late night all-ages show. The Hard Rock Cafe is awesome place to dine amidst the vast collection of legendary rock memorabilia. However there was no true place for the audience to stand without obstructing the diners' view of the stage. Plus, this reviewer suggests management take another look at its entrance policy and late start for future all-ages show. She wasn't carded (first time ever) upon entering this event ...nor was she stamped/given a wrist bands like other venues. And starting the show at 10p (thus ending around midnight) does seem a bit late when other venues are ending at this time especially with Chicago's revised curfew ordinance.

Despite technical difficulties with Kenny's microphone (low volume), keyboard distortion and bad echo/reverb factor throughout the venue, Bambi Raptor was somehow able to pull off a decent headlining rock performance at Hard Rock Cafe. Not one of their spectacular best, blogspot readers, but enough for SouthSide to enjoy. This performance featured more than a couple of new songs but also something to liven up their stage presence - dancing Raptor-ettes! These gals popped Bambi's music and sound by dressing in their stylish vintage 80s fashions and dance moves thus adding more fun and excitement to coincide with Roger's neon finger lights and Doug's constant need to strip to his shorts (not tonight, blogspot readers, Hard Rock Cafe staff asked him to put his clothes back on). SouthSide and company had a rockin' time dancing and popping bubbles within the Bambi atmosphere while the band performed songs both off Conception and Adolesence albums like Greenology, Griffin, Away We Go and Alaska ...of course no Bambi show would be complete without fan fave Cosplay. Though most songs didn't have the same effect as earlier performances seen (and subsequently reviewed), this reviewer was sorely missing that famous Kenny screamo of venting rage and frustrated anger to counteract Roger's heartfelt vocals (especially during I'm Not Listening - a perfect example for Kenny to make you feel his anger). It simply wasn't the same hearing him pump such pure raw anger into the microphone that he literally melts it. This reviewer does recommends listening to Bambi's progression out of its Adolescence phase towards something more techno/powerpop-ish as heard in new songs Stories From The Road as well as taking in a Bambi-like dream in Dreams. The main surprise (though a bit rough around the edges) was the band's rendition of Limahl's Neverending Story theme song ...it even included a Falcor looking hat for Kenny (Roger was Sebastian)!

For more information about Bambi Raptor and when they will be rockin' down another stage again, visit http://www.officialbambiraptor.com and http://www.myspace.com/bambiraptors.

Until next time, support your local scene,
SouthSide

5-9 Oct 11: The Chicago Guitar Festival

2011-09-23T08:07:00.000-07:00

Hey, blogspot readers, this notice just came across SouthSide's desk just now.

Guitar entusists, come to Chicago and rock out during The Chicago Guitar Festival happening Oct 5 through Oct 9 at various locations which includes performances by guitarists from all over the world.

"...The festival will bring guitar artists into the area to enrich the already thriving culturally diverse pallet of Chicago’s listening audience. It will also celebrate the homegrown guitarists who drive Chicago’s passion for cultural and music eclecticism..."

Here's the schedule:

Wednesday October 5th

6:30 PM Petar Jankovic at Instituto Cervantes (located 31 W. Ohio St.)

8:30 PM Pachora featuring Brad Shepik at Old Town School Of Folk Music (located 4544 North Lincoln Avenue)

Thursday October 6th

6:00 PM Master Class on Balkan Rhythms & Modes with Pachora at Old Town School Of Folk Music

7:00 PM Snarky Puppy, Eastern Blok at Reggies (located 2109 S. State)

Friday October 7th

12:00 PM Pachora at Chicago Cultural Center (located 78 E. Washington St.)

9:00 PM Charlie Hunter, Carla Bozulich at Martyrs’ (located 3855 N Lincoln Ave)

Saturday October 8th

8:00 PM Les Frères Méduses at Instituto Cervantes

Sunday October 9th

8:00 PM Grazyna Auguscik ft. Chris Siebold & John Moulder - Fareed Haque Math Games at Mayne Stage (located 1328 W. Morse Avenue)

for more information, visit http://www.chicagoguitarfestival.com

Until next time, support your local scene,
SouthSide

October 2011

2011-09-22T09:44:00.000-07:00

Beware, blogspot readers! Creepy ghouls, ghostly goblins and other things that go bump in the night are haunting SouthSide's October calendar. Check out what's rockin' the local scene around Chicago during the month ...if you dare.

Oct 1 - 2: Chicago Music Guide presents 10th Annual Ravenswood Artwalk Festival. This FREE all-ages event features local artists (also in film, photography, and more) and music performances by such local acts - The Shams and I Lost Control (Saturday) and The Minneapolis Henrys, Scarlet Monk and The Film Society (Sunday). PLUS meet the fine staff members (including SouthSide) of Chicago Music Guide throughout the weekend. For more information, visit http://www.ravenswoodartwalk.org.

Oct 1 - Attend the Out of The Dark - Bring Autism Into The Light event at Bobby McGee's (10139 S. Harlem, Chicago Ridge). This is a benefit to raise money for 3 1/2 year old Luke to obtain a service animal from Animals for Autism. Special music performances will be rockin' the stage by Skinwalker, Impale, Mock Star and more. Suggested donation to the event is $12 or if unable to make it, donate online at http://www.giveforward.com/lukeford.

Oct 1 - At Subterranean, good friends Jon Drake & The Shakes along with The Future Lauretes will be rockin' the stage meanwhile at House of Blues, Midnight Conspiracy will be rockin' the stage during a late night "secret" show featuring Chromeo.

Oct 5 - The fun anime-matics of Peelander Z returns to Chicago! This time they are bringing the Let's Go! Karaoke Party, So Many Mike and Happee Pee to Empty Bottle. Participating in their human bowling is advised, blogspot readers.

For some family fun, head to Amundsen Park (located in 6200 W. Bloomingdale) for Kraft Great Kids Family Night! Join other families for a healthy dinner and an evening of family fun from 6p to 8p at this FREE event. A parent/guardian must accompany children.

Oct 7 - Spineshank and Clandestine rocks the Elbo Room stage featuring Imperial Sons and The Science of Sleep. Meanwhile, upstairs, good friends A Thousand Julys will be opening for Chris Hawkes and Miranda Dawn with Matthew Murray in the middle of the lineup.

Meanwhile ...break out the hankies, fans, at Bourbon St (3359 W. 115ST Merrionette Park), The Branded will be performing their VERY LAST SHOW EVER during the Rally for Roger Donnick event. Suggested entry to this event is $25 (which includes free food and drinks). For more information, visit http://www.rallyforrog.com.

Oct 8 - Dance the night away at Kinetic Playground when good friends Papadosio rocks the stage there.

Oct 9 - Swallows (from MN) makes its Elbo Room debut featuring Yellow Jacket and Mama Dempsey. Meanwhile upstairs, Sean G and Vanessa Diaz will be rockin' the acoustic stage.

Oct 12 - SouthSide will be attending a special debate at The Sperus Center (610 S. Michigan AV). As a part of Chicago’s Ideas Week, Intelligence Squared U.S. (IQ2US) makes its Chicago debut with a controversial resolution that asks whether higher education is really necessary for America’s youth: 'Do Too Many Kids Go to College?' Student loan debt has surpassed credit card debt, unemployment for those with a bachelor’s degree is at an all-time high, and entrepreneurs like the founders of Facebook and Microsoft have been successful without graduating. Given the many costs of college, is it time to rethink America’s love affair with higher education? Is it time for young people to skip college and go straight into the workforce, or is higher education still a necessary stepping-stone to success? - Good question, and SouthSide will discover the pros and cons to that question and more. Headlining the panel are PayPal founder Peter Thiel, whose 20 Under 20 Thiel Fellowship will pay twenty young people $100,000 NOT to go to college, and Henry Bienen, President Emeritus of Northwestern University. This debate will be moderated by ABC News Nightline’s John Donvan, Intelligence Squared U.S.'s fall season, presented in partnership with Slate, will air on WNET and more than 220 NPR stations nationwide. There's a reception at 5:45p / debate begins at 6:45p until 8:30p.

Tickets: $40 ($12 for students w/ID)

For more information, visit http://www.iq2us.org.

Oct 15 - SouthSide's friends, Wags and RedCity, make its return after a LONG absence from the scene at Elbo Room celebrating the release of a debut album!

Also - Wine From The Moon will be rockin' the Ultra Lounge. For more information about the lineup, visit http://www.winefromthemoon.com.

Oct 21 - At Bottom Lounge, friends Digometric will be rockin' the stage at this West Loop venue while over at Martyrs', Last Rites presents Los Straitjackets Rock 'n' Burlesque Spectacular! This event will be featuring The World Famous Pontani Sisters, SouthSide's friends - Lake Street Dive and The Honeybees. doors 8p / show 9p / 21+ / $15

Oct 25 - Over at Schubas, SouthSide will be rockin' with new friends, honeyhoney while on their Ten Buck Tour featuring Joshua James. The release of "Billy Jack" will be out on Oct 24 and the buzz about it is good. Besides Chicago, they will be in WI, MN and CO before returning to CA. For more information, visit http://www.tenbucktour.com or http://www.honeyhoneyband.com.

Oct 27 - Heads up, WI blogspot readers, and check out SouthSide's good friends, Beneath The Stares when they rock The Rave at an ALL-AGES show featuring Opeth and Katatonia. Tickets are $25 - at pre-sale price (go get them now!) 6p show start.

Also happening on this night, Michael Schenker will be rockin' the House of Blues stage in support of his new album "Temple of Rock" (to be released on Oct 11). He will also be sharing the stage with Uli Jon Roth and Leslie West on the 3 Guitar Heroes tour which kicks off on Oct 6 at Norfolk, CT will be making stops in Dallas and Houston before ending in Las Vegas. For more information and tickets, visit http://www.michaelschenkerhimself.com/.

Oct 28 - good friends, Foriegn Powder and Workout Music will be rockin' The Beat Kitchen during SouthSide's busy Halloween weekend of tricks and treats, blogspot readers.

Oct 29 - There are plenty of Halloween fun to be found around town! For the kiddies, join SouthSide and her daughter at Austin-Irving Library for a Halloween music concert featuring her Polish friends, The Polkaholics. They will be dressed in their finest costumes while entertaining families with traditional polka rock tunes but with a seasonal twist. The event is FREE / 2p start time.

Then at Elbo Room, SouthSide will be rockin' with Layers of Funk as they headline that also features local acts and friends, Lucid Ground, Bullet Called Life, Model Stranger, and Plastic Boots opening.

Over at Double Door - it's the annual Halloween bash! AM Taxi will be The Clash, The Last Vegas - The Runaways, Blackbox - Stone Temple Pilots, Dorian Taj - Bob Dylan, and Hessler - Judas Priest. Show 9p / $12 / 21+

Meanwhile at The Abbey, it's night 2 of its Halloweekend (which begins on Friday Oct 28) ...Last Rites is keeping the lineup under wraps (lol - mummy joke) but it's $10 adv / $12 at door / 21+ show at 8:30p ...dressing your finest costume is advised.

And at Ultra Lounge, Wine From The Moon presents "Dead Rockstars" featuring Paper Thick Walls, The Damn Choir, Briar Rabbit, The Embraceables, Sandman Viper Command rockin' the stage. For more information, visit http://www.winefromthemoon.com.

Oct 31 - Last Rites presents Halloween tricks and treats at Reggie's Rock Club with punk legend, the leader of The Stanglers - Hugh Cornwell! Also sharing the stage will be friends The Handcuffs and The Dead Superheroes Orchestra. PLUS a Dead Rockstar Halloween costume contest and photo booth by Glitter Guts.

Also happening in October - Urban Folk Circuit Market. Vist http://www.www.urbanfolkcircuit.com for details of when and where.

Until next time, support your local scene,
SouthSide

20 Sept 11 - CHIRP Radio

2011-09-20T10:15:00.000-07:00

Hey, blogspot readers, SouthSide has many friends who also support the local scene (and beyond) ...and CHIRP Radio is one of them.

CHIRP aka Chicago Independent Radio Project is a unique web radio station located here in Chicago. It's a non-profit, volunteer-run, music-, arts-, and culture-focused radio station transmitting live from our studios in Chicago’s North Center neighborhood from 6AM-3AM seven days a week, 365 days a year. It's their mission is to provide "...Chicago residents with a community radio station focused on the representation of local people, events, and issues alongside a wide array of local and independent music..."

They seek to promote localism, diversity, and independence in public broadcasting via programming and web content curated, created, and produced by Chicagoans as well as aim to consistently expand the breadth and depth of our on-air and online voice by incorporating the multi-faceted voices of the community.

CHIRP does have a goal - a physical spot the FM dial on the radio and they are working hard to convince Congress and the FCC to remove such existing barriers to grant low power FM radio licenses in urban areas, including Chicago. For now, CHIRP will operate the station in its online format until a broadcast license can be secured, at which time that functionality will be added to the online presence.

CHIRP Radio also wants you, blogspot readers, to know that it does not air commercials, and receives no funding from corporations or the federal government. It is mainly supported by special event revenues, small grants, and listeners like YOU and SouthSide.

Her friends at CHIRP Radio are asking listeners to help contribute as much as they possibly can during their Autumn Harvest fundraising campaign happening now until September 30th. And with your generous donations (which is tax-deductible), you will be supporting and helping this local independent station with its endeavors of keeping the music (not normally heard on the mainstream stations) alive and working in getting their LPFM license. But they don't want you to go home empty-handed without receiving a "thank you" gift or two:

A handy stainless steel bottle opener for a $60 gift
A freshly designed CHIRP T-shirt for a $120 gift
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Or receive all of the above with a $365 donation!

Make your tax-deductible contribution and become a supporter of the best radio station in Chicago by visiting http://www.chirpradio.org/donatenow today.

Until next time, support your local scene,
SouthSide

19 Sept 11

2011-09-20T09:54:00.000-07:00

Hey, blogspot readers, if you're in the Chicago area, check out the following shows happening this weekend at The Abbey!

The sludge metal act (from Arkansas), RWAKE, will be rockin' the stage before releasing their album "Rest" (recorded here at Engine Studios with a producer and engineer Sanford Parker [Nachtmystium, Unearthly Trance]), it's the follow-up to the 2007 release of "Voices of Omens". "Rest" will see its North American release on September 27th on CD, digital, as well as pressed on olive green and 180 gram black vinyl.

Also performing with RWAKE is Earthen Grave, Zebulon Pike and Czar. The tickets are $13 in advance and $15 at door / door: 8pm show: 8:30pm. / 21+ Buy them here: http://www.ticketfly.com/event/56959/

Or on Sunday, check out Laetitia Sadier, an indie legend best known for her work with Stereolab and Monade. The French-born vocalist and keyboard player will be performing songs from her debut solo album "The Trip." Released in 2010, this album contains nice original compositions as well as three specially chosen covers: "By the Sea", originally performed by Wendy and Bonnie, "Un Soir, Un Chien", written by Fred Chichin and Catherine Ringer of Les Rita Mitsouko and the standard "Summertime", composed by George Gershwin and DuBose Heyward.

Also sharing the stage with her will be Sam Prekop, who fronts The Sea and Cake, an indie rock band with a pronounced jazz influence, and Chicago's own new an exciting duo, Redgrave, opening the show. Recently, Redgrave was featured on WXRT's Big Beat Show.

Her friends at Last Rites promises music fans as the one show not to be missed. Unfortunately, SouthSide is unable to review it due to other commitments that night. Door: 8pm show: 8:30pm / The tickets are $12 in advance and $15 at the door / 21+
Ticket link: http://www.ticketfly.com/event/63463/

Until next time, support your local scene,
SouthSide

16 Sept 11

2011-09-20T09:42:00.000-07:00

Hey, blogspot readers, welcome to another wild and crazy Friday night On The Town with SouthSide! She's rockin' the busy streets of Chicago especially in the Lakeview neighborhood celebrating Mexico's independence from Spain and partying with local bands until sunrise. After some Tejano dancing, music and parade with other Mexican-Americans, this reviewer arrived in time at Elbo Room to see Lucrezio open for headliner Atom Smash (from Miami, FL). Upstairs performing on the acoustic stage was singer/songwriter Amanda Farmer and a rare unplugged set by Wags (of RedCity). This was his first time under the spotlight as a solo artist rockin' the audience with a lively mix of originals (like Apple Blossom) and covers (like Neil Young and more). Word around the acoustic lounge was that he put on a phenominal performance, blogspot readers. SouthSide hopes to review another Wags unplugged set before he rocks out with his band RedCity during their Oct 15th debut album release show (also at Elbo Room).

SouthSide (briefly) saw this band during The Flabby Hoffman Fest at the beginning of the year and thoroughly enjoyed the haunting yet melodic voice of vocalist Jennifer coupled with the intense guitar rock sound. Lucrezio once again, blogspot readers, had the ears bleeding from the realism heard within the lyrics and the heart hurting from bursts of the overwrought emotional tone felt whenever Jennifer sang amidst the music supporting her. In a way, this local band prided itself in being a whole of heart and soul centered deep within its rock-n-roll ...and it totally felt so good because their music left this audience hungrily wanting more. More of that dynamic vocal style which wonderfully draws out the realistic experiences of life, love and relationships (good and bad) intricately woven inside the image-filled words. More of Lucrezio's intense guitar rock energy that nicely complimented as well as highlighted Jennifer's voice - matching the mood and tone she sets for each song. Even while performing in a downtempo rhythm, this band still found a way to pop the music with such intense yet vibrant sound thus keeping the audience wrapped in its rockin' momentum. To fully immerse yourself inside Lucrezio's heart and soul rock sound, SouthSide highly suggests listening to these two selections first - Silenced (for its powerful chanteuse-like vocals that packs a punch within this downtempo song ...one could actually get the message she refuses to be silenced about her feelings, etc.) and Dreamer (for its dramatic high soprano vocals amidst the subtle dream-like music that contains bursts of energy throughout especially towards the end). Also recommended for your listening pleasure, Just A Child (when she's not behind the piano, watch out, blogspot readers, she truly wows the ears with her vocals thus becoming a little more animated on stage) and new song Dig Deep (a little rough around the edges but does have the potential of being Lucrezio's next hit). For more information about Lucrezio, visit http://www.lucrezio.com.

"...damn, Dave, you made that bass your bitch..."

Opening with an ear-catching digital intro, SouthSide was absolutely blown away by this rockin' band from Miami, FL known as Atom Smash. Not only did they rock out the late night audience with such energy and momentum ...they also left no area of the basement lounge untouched by their presence. This reviewer literally felt the energizing intensity of Atom's guitar rock while hearing the heartfelt yet dynamic falsetto's by front man Sergio. This group electrified the audience as well with some primal animalistic screamo ...thundering riffs and boisterious percussions - lots and lots of percussions, blogspot readers, enough to bang your head to. By the middle of the set, Atom rocked the stage with a couple of rousing, heart-pounding anthems which truly had this gathering pumped up in which also featured a tiny lull of melodic rhythms but just enough to get you ready to be pumped up for more hardcore rock. SouthSide highly suggests listening to the following songs: Sacrifice, put a little terror of screamo in the lyrics yet dazzling the ears with plenty of guitar sound during the instrumental bridge ...Cocaine Angel (though slowed down a bit to which they encouraged couples to dance) and Bed of Nails one of many highlights of the night, truly expressed Sergio as a front man as he projected such heartfelt emotions of angst, frustration and love - all wrapped in these two powerfully moving songs while still wowing the ears Atom's signature intense rock sound. For this reviewer, she highly suggests snagging a live version of their Seal cover - Kiss From A Rose (way better than the Batman Forever soundtrack original). Within their hardcore metal-tastic music, it livened up the romantic-sounding tune into something darker and more wickedly delicious especially with Sergio's raspy falsetto/screamo combination on the lyrics. For more information about Atom Smash and where they will be rockin' the stage again, visit http://www.atomsmashmusic.com.

Until next time, support your local scene,
SouthSide

Upcoming Events

2011-09-16T08:23:00.000-07:00

Hey, blogspot readers, SouthSide has music news that you could use today. She highly suggests checking out the following shows/events happening soon.

On September 23rd, check out this unique concert at the Park West featuring 10 successful indie artists from Nashville, TN. Ten Out of Tenn Tour 2011, sponsored by Amazon, Nashville CVB, Wedgewood Circle, Noisetrade, BMI, ASCAP, We Make Tapes and Topspin Media, is proud to promote a unique collective of singer/songwriters such as Katie Herzig, Gabe Dixon, Andrew Belle, and Amy Stroup to name a few.

Fans may or may not know them by name however probably have heard their songs featured on TV and film. According to the press release, individually these artists have shared the stage with such artists like REM, The Fray and Ben Folds and/or performed for Paul McCartney and Sarah McLachlan. They've also been the subject of an award-winning documentary "Any Day Now" where they were followed cross-country on Willie Nelson's old beat up tour bus.

Besides Chicago, this tour will be making stops in St. Louis, Oxford and Jackson (MS), Birmingham (AL) and more. Visit http://www.10outoftenn.com for special ticket offers.

On Sept 30 at Martyrs' HYMN FOR HER will be rockin' the stage at 9pm which also features Tony Rogers on the bill. The show is 21+ / cover $10

Also happening that same weekend in Milwaukee - the Yellow Phone Music Conference 2011. Confirmed panelists include Jeff Castelaz, Co-founder and CEO Dangerbird Records/Management (Silversun Pickups, Minus The Bear); Same Hunt, agent, The Windish Agency (Animal Collective, Girl Talk, Yeasayer); Peter Cohen, talent Producer, NBC's The Voice/Mark Burnett Productions; and Nick Haussling, A&R, Warner Records (The Veronicas, Disturbed, Guster) - just to name a few. For a complete list of all the panelists and details (including registration), visit http://www.TheYPMC.com.

Heads up, my fabulous Miami blogspot readers - check out this festival rockin' your area in November. On the weekend of Nov 11 thru 13, the Rola Music Fest will be happening at The Klipsch Amphitheater at Bayfront Park.

The "ROLA MUSIC FEST", is billed as a celebration of Latin American Music featuring top artists like Julieta Venegas, Diego Torres, Oscar d’León, Jarabe de Palo, Wilfrido Vargas, King Changó, El Grupo Niche, Amara La Negra, Caramelos de Cianuro, Divagash, Locos por Juana, Servando y Florentino, Patafunk, Eduardo Osorio, Donato Poveda, RoBa and Estados Alterados (among others, are part of the exclusive list of stars so far confirmed for the event, according to the press release).

Tickets are on sale now on Ticketmaster http://www.bit.ly/o6Phnc

Until next time, support your local scene,
SouthSide

SouthSide - 5 Years Later

2011-09-13T09:53:00.000-07:00

When beginning this fantastical adventure as "SouthSide" on Sept 12, 2006, I never imagined what an impact "she" would have on Chicago's vibrantly growing music scene. It's truly amazing what "she" and her reviews have accomplished (thus far) for MANY local (including national and interational) bands and artists as well as nonprofit organizations, festivals and venues too. Her love and support for the indie scene has led others (many of them celebrities, publicists, management, promoters, music lovers, etc) outside Chicago's boundaries to take notice what's happening and rockin' the local stages. For me, personally, it's a startling realization as I celebrate 5 fun wonderful years as my nom de plume.

And honestly, I seriously thought this "SouthSide" gig wouldn't survive beyond year one.

After 5 years, over 600 shows logged (so far), nearly 2000 bands/artists and countless hours of being a partying rock chick, boy was I dead wrong!

It takes a lot of heart, soul and dedication in being any band's head cheerleader, girlfriend, groupie or whatever you want to label SouthSide besides music reviewer/critic. It's not easy either when you also have a private life such as a mother of two music-inclined daughters and fiancee to a wonderful yet busy corporate guy ...but it's also fun exposing them and close friends to the wonders of Chicago's rockin' local scene. And as SouthSide, I've seen and had so many memorable as well as not so memorable adventures that someday I should pen a "tell all" book about the places, bands/artists, shocking secrets and fans (this includes my tangling with a few celebs) one day. Who knows ...it could probably be a New York Times best seller. I did have some wild and crazy "behind the scenes" adventures that don't get published in SouthSide's On The Town reviews.

Yet, I'm very humbled by this experience ...and no, that's not an understatement. Those who know the real me behind this name can tell you that I don't like being called a "celebrity" ...that I'm flattered as well as embarrassed even though many view SouthSide as "Chicago's local scene queen". Personally, I view SouthSide as a rock star. I mean it when I say the bands/artists on stage featured in my reviews are the true celebrities. I merely give them that well-deserved, center stage spotlight. Still, I'm not chest-thumping about SouthSide's many accomplishments. There's so much I have yet to achieve and want to accomplish within my next five ...ten and beyond like attending SXSW or taking SouthSide on the road and maybe across the pond. There are SO many bands I've befriended on Myspace, Facebook, and elsewhere on the vast social networking internet world that I would like to meet and review. Plus there's also finally finishing SouthSide's secret project that she's been writing for over a couple years now (not the "tell all" book) but will disclose more details when the mansucript is officially completed. However I can tell you - the book is about the rise and fall of band.

Then there's one other SouthSide goal which may take longer to complete but will definitely happen one day. I would like to open a venue/museum/bar or something to that effect that will feature all of the posters (taken off the walls of venues around town), buttons, song lists, stickers, CDs and whatnot collected over the years (you should see my apartment) on display with my pride and joy - an autographed acoustic guitar - in a glass case. This would be a place for musicians to reminisce, fans to bask in their band's moment under the spotlight again and music lovers to appreciate how vast and eclectic Chicago's local scene was (and still is). Believe me, I've (mostly) seen and heard it all ...from the wild dark theatrics of a Metal/Goth show to glam/electronica rock with some two-steppin' Country/Western, steampunk villainy and everything else in between. It might be a lofty goal at the moment with the economy as it is now but I'm determined to make this dream real ...when SouthSide's ready to hang up the pad and pen and retire from the music scene. Yet everyone knows, there's no retiring from the music scene ...look at the Rolling Stones. They'll probably still be rocking on stage in wheelchairs.

There are so many "thank you" that need to be said and shared with those who made the "SouthSide" experience and adventure possible. It's not an easy thing to do when you're a DIY (do it yourself) blogger/media person. It requires risk factor as well as good networking and people skills, building long-lasting contacts and business relationships and more. You really have to put yourself out there ...sometimes 3 to 4 nights a week ...in all kinds of weather just to keep that promise of reviewing a band's set (unless there's an emergency). From the bottom of my heart, this "thank you" goes out to all of the people I've met and been in contact over the years - bands/artists, management, publicists and venue owners ...this includes street teams and fans. I would like to name each and every person but I might forget a name or two. And there's a special "thank you" to my blogspot readers for reading this blog in which I share my many adventures with you. Hope you've enjoyed reading the ups and downs as much I've experienced them and finding new bands/artists to check out.

Well, blogspot readers, time to rock into SouthSide's next year and beyond.

Are you ready because I promise you it's going to be an even wilder time around this town than the first five years...

Until next time, support your local scene,
SouthSide

10 Sept 11

2011-09-13T09:52:00.000-07:00

Hey, blogspot readers, walk through these doors of this incredibly famous place and you would be stepping into over 90 years of Chicago history. There's only one place SouthSide knows that can boast such a claim - The Drake Hotel. This world class hotel has had royal and papal guests as well as was featured in the 1983 movie Risky Business (starring Tom Cruise). And if you want to experience a proper British high tea, The Drake is where you should go but do dress accordingly since high tea is a formal event.

Tonight, during this extra special On The Town adventure, SouthSide and her number one fan, Joe, had a rare chance to sit inside the legendary Co d'Or bar lounge for another enchanted evening with friend, jazz singer/songwriter Jesse Charbonier. The Coq has its own special place in Chicago history, blogspot readers. For instance when Prohibitiion was repealed on Dec 5, 1933, the Coq d'Or opened its doors the next day serving lines of customers wanting a glass of whiskey at 40 cents a glass. Then in 1940s, this was the place to hang out if you want to mingle with local politicians and newspaper reporters - oh the scoops and scandals the Coq walls must have been witnessed to. And though it's not related to Coq d'Or but this reviewer found this tiny bit of historical fact very interesting - Joe DiMaggio carved his and Marilyn Monroe's initials into the Cape Cod Room bar. She wonders it they're still there...

If you truly want to experience an enchanted, romantic evening of classic jazz standards by Frank Sinatra, Elvis Presley (yes, the King has a jazz standard), Nat King Cole, Billie Holiday and more, SouthSide highly suggests spending your next Saturday night (Sept 17 and with dates in October too) with a sauve, debonair friend of hers - Jesse Charbonier. This amazing singer/songwriter, along with Michael on bass and Adrian tickling the ivories, brought back to life the standards (as well as rare or not so popular tunes) from a generation who heard them first but with his unique magical twist. This reviewer knows anyone can do their best to sing and/or imitate Nat King Cole while performing his classic hit Unforgettable. And that's fine. However, when Jesse performed this particular song, it was more heartfelt and meaningful as he sung the lyrics within a downtempo pace which brought out more depth and emotions ...something SouthSide hasn't heard from any other artist who has covered this song than Jesse. She wish she could verbally describe what this vocalist does to make his repertorie of songs pop to life that had couples dancing during his performance. yet that would be giving away a magician's most trusted secret. Believe SouthSide when she says, Jesse is some magician, blogspot readers. He can take a song (for instance Elvis Presley's I Need Somebody from Viva Las Vegas) and add a hint of tender sadness into the lyrics while the accompaniment plays in a downtempo pace ...and voila, the magic of his voice and music hits you in a certain way that you actual "feel" the song instead of hearing it for the first or twenieth time.

Yes, there was plenty of magic happening throughout the time SouthSide spent inside the Coq d'Or with Jesse (his shows run until 1a) in which many enjoyed his lively upbeat tempo as well as the reverently graceful tempo pace of the songs chosen for the night. Jesse in his own magical way added fun lightheartedness to Sir Charles "Lil Tramp" Chaplin's Smile and Chuck Baker's Let's Get Lost. Both songs are among many in which this singer/songwriter put a little romanticism into the lyrics making you want to take a spin around the tiny dance floor of this busy bar lounge especially during the bass bridge solo of Let's Get Lost. Even Frank Sinatra's Fly Me To The Moon (one of SouthSide's favorite songs by the Chairmen of the Board) received that special Jesse treatment of fun yet in more of a downtempo pace to which a couple showed off their divine dance moves for the audience ...such an awe-inspiring moment, blogspot readers, before creating more wonderful memories with Billie Holiday's Easy Living.
Other songs included tonight were Dinah Washington's What A Difference A Day Makes, Nat King Cole's Almost Like Being In Love and the ever popular song (made famous by both Frank and Billie) All Of Me before having to leave for the night. According to Jesse, the fun certainly continued into the early hours of the morning with a large crowd joined him and the band. He said "...It was amazing! There was a lot of romance in the air. It was joyous!"

If you enjoy watching Mad Men (Jesse and SouthSide love that AMC program) and want to relive hearing music from the 30s, 40s, 50s and some 60s, then head to Coq d'Or this Saturday night ...but get there early - that place jumps around 10p and 11p and table seating is hard to find. Also he will be at the Mellow Yellow Restaurant (located 150 E. 53rd in Hyde Park) for a post Hyde Park Jazz Festival celebration from midnight to 3a on Sept 24. For more information about Jesse Charbonier, visit http://www.jessecharbonier.com.

Until next time, support your local scene,
SouthSide

07 Sept 11

2011-09-08T09:10:00.000-07:00

Hey, blogspot readers, come be a VIPer with SouthSide! Tonight, this reviewer's rockin' a rare appearance at the Foundation Room (the VIP lounge) of Chicago's House of Blues for a stripped-down rock performance. Long time friends, I:Scintilla held a rather intimate double acoustic set featuring classic and new stuff as well as a few covers inside this legendary venue. This was merely a prelude of what fans can expect to hear (when totally amplified) at Cubby Bear next Thursday on Sept 15 with SouthSide's other good friends, Beneath The Stares (21+ show / $5 cover).

In SouthSide's opinion, a true measure of any rock band is if their unique music and/or style could go acoustically unplugged. With some assistance of digital tracking for a few songs, I:Scintilla and its selected songs acoustically rocked the Foundation Room entertaining an intimate gathering of fans and concertgoers (attending Blondie show with The Handcuffs opening). Opening their double performance with Translate (one of this band's first songs that introduced SouthSide to them), I:Scintilla easily translated its hardcore industrial/metal sound into a rather subdued yet passionate acoustic sound. Even without the use of amps and other electrical things, this reviewer enjoyed how the music in acoustic form brought out more dynamic power and fierce from female lead Brittany and her vocals. In each song, she truly immersed herself into the emotions behind the words to make attentive listeners feel what she's feeling. Plus while performing cover songs like Orestes and Winter (by Tori Amos), her dynamic vocals personalized the words into a meaningful something for her and the band rather trying to copy the originator's composition. The highlight of the covers choosen by I:Scintilla was the their version of Nick Cave's The Ship Song in which Brittany's fiery fierceness within a solemn tempo range blew away SouthSide's ears. Off the band's collective repertoire of songs, this reviewer highly suggests listening to Prey On You (the interesting combination of digital track programming and acoustic music created a haunting dark theme), Worth The Wait (Brittany's voice brought to life the poetic atmosphere felt within the words) and Ammunition (a complete different version of I:Scintilla's original within an acoustic setting). Both Prey On You and Ammunition are featured on the band's new album ...also check out their Facebook page for the Sebastian Komor Mix of Prey On You.

For more information about I:Scintilla, visit http://www.iscintilla.com.

Until next time, support your local scene,
SouthSide

03 Sept 11

2011-09-08T08:45:00.000-07:00

EXTRA! EXTRA!

Villainess Eva Trix and her young protege, Sunday, elude Scotland Yard with another daring escape Saturday night! Chief Inspector Lastrade and his detectives of Scotland Yard staked out London's most wanted last known whereabouts the Metro concert hall in Chicago where the two were spotted in mixed company with the world's most evil mastermind, Mr. Agitator and his gang V Is For Villains. According to Chief Inspector Lastrade, he also noted other wanted villains gathered inside the concert hall known as Kazy and Sheriff Scabs with The Lords and Ladies of Steampunk Chicago providing entertainment delights before and in between performances. Though Eva and her child-like cohort had evaded capture this time, Lastrade vowed to bring the vile duo to justice for their crimes against the crown.

Halloween came early as these masked ghoul and goblin musicians opened this festive villainy gathering with a high energy tune titled Hooks. Kazy rocked out the Metro all-ages audience amidst its haunting nature and dark themes heard within their industrial/metal rock songs. What made this band unique was the electronic violin used as an extra guitar (sometimes) adding to Kazy's creepiness and dark tome which seemed to subsequently impress the youngsters. Besides performing the fan favorite of the INXS' Need You Tonight, the ghoulish band also blasted hardcore metal coupled with lyrical verse in LFM and Violate (a bit of sexiness and temptation heard in this song too) as well as Trick (the most intense instrumental bridge of music to rock the stage). It's recommended to check out Kazy's new song, Goodbye, that featured intense "in your face" shredded guitar riffs and violin rhythms. This act received a rousing thumbsup from Sunday liking the masked musicians as the band closed with another fan favorite, Wolf. For more information about Kazy, visit http://www.kazymusic.com.

Come one ...come all as Sheriff the Carnival Barker invited the Metro audience to partake in the delights and music of the Sheriff Scabs performance featuring Ivan Russia (of Mr. Russia) on guitar. Immediately, this quartet of rockin' musicians filled the venue with intense hard-hitting guitar rock wrapped inside dark themes though not as creepy like Kazy. Sheriff featured more of a deep rapsy vocal tone by front man Sheriff that at times fiercely emphasized the lyrics even while in a downtempo riff and steady rhythmic beat. Besides performing current band tunes for the excited audience. Sheriff Scabas also covered a couple of tunes from its former name incarnation, Black Country Rock (in which Sheriff started with Ivan). This was when the front man was vigorously energized as well as animated generating such momentum with his stage presence thus displaying more vocal intensity too. This was some rockin', foot-stompin' music that villain cohort Sunday enjoyed while Sheriff closed the set with a blast of punk/metal sound. For more information about Sheriff Scabs, visit http://www.sheriffscabs.com.

Chief Inspector Lastade of Scotland Yard nearly caught the elusive and quite deadly villainess Eva Trix while she attended the headlining performance by the evil mastermind Mr. Agitato (also wanted for spreading his villainy propoganda against the government) and his infamous gang, V Is For Villains. Too bad ...he also missed out his chance to capture other fashionably dressed villains of all ages as they converged in front of the stage to see their heroes rock out the Metro concert hall with high intense industrial/steampunk music. However, this time to help further spread the Villain message, this musical group used Hi-Definition 3d video images to run in sync during evry song performed. While working hard at infiltrating this well-organized criminal performance, Chief Inspector Lastrade noted how the young villains seemed to enjoy the heavily synth/keyboard sound that featured a new element not used when V debut in June at Bottom Lounge. Eva Trix noticed it too. The use of live drums added more thundering intensity to this criminal-minded band's music and performance which truly energized the Villains themselves and their legion of followers. Yet there were a couple of minor technical problems which did interfere with this particular performance - villaness Veronica Jade's microphone was on too low during Everybody Hates Me that Eva could barely hear her and the stage lighting clashed horribly against the video images thus not being able to delight in the pretty pictures. Rousing villains everywhere to Evolve or Die (and more), Mr. Agitator wowed the villainy gathering with new song - The Disease which was a haunting composition with low heartfelt vocals to be the creepy infection crawling under your skin. The thundering percussion rhythms and melodic synth sound wonderfully created an air of subtle mystery ...and calming terror for all to hear. This song received major thumbsup from Eva and young Sunday who also enjoyed the dizzy falling down the rabbit hole swirl effects on the screen during the surprise return of Digital Mindy to perform Mr Agitator's theme song. Unfortunately for Chief Inspector Lastrade, he soon found himself knee deep with an army of Pink Elephants (featuring clips from Disney's Dumbo on screen) before nearly nabbing Fallon Flynn who wasn't wearing a mask to conceal his true villain identity. But alas the Villains along with Eva and her child-like cohort were able to slip away (again) undetected into Chicago's bustling Wrigleyville scene. Chief Inspector Lastrade has been quoted that he'll try again to capture this villain network when V Is For Villains returned to the scene of the crime at Kinetic Playground on Sept 23 with Trainwreck Symphony and Black Arrow (21+ show / $8 cover). For more information about V Is For Villains, visit http://www.visforvillains.com.

Until next time, support your local scene,
SouthSide

02 Sept 11

2011-09-06T08:32:00.000-07:00

Hey, blogspot readers, welcome to the swingiest soulful afterparty set to ever rock the Double Door stage! And SouthSide hopes you have your dancing shoes on because that's what she did all Friday night long. In celebration of the start of North Coast Music Festival, Soul Summit DJs Sloppy White, Dave Mata and Duke Grip got the fun off to a rockin' beginning with a lively mix of retro and modern soul/funk/R&B tunes. They certainly kept this gathering crowd thoroughly warmed up until it was time for J.C. Brooks & The Uptown Sound to appear on stage to close out this party.

SouthSide highly suggests spending time groovin' with the hippest group of cool cats ever seen (or reviewed) around town known as J.C. Brooks & The Uptown Sound. Their soulful vibration, blogspot readers, had many within this crowded venue (guys included) screamin like giddy schoolgirls throughout this extended performance whenever their favorite J.C. song was performed. What made this group so unique to the local scene is their homage to the classic Motown soul/R&B sound that also has a lively modern funk/groove flow. Plus coupled with front man J.C. Brooks and his ultra smooth, heartfelt falsetto vocal style on the mic, this band kept everyone dancing to the J.C. magical soul vibration song after song. Performing hits such as Berry Please, Sister Ray Charles and Hold You Back, J.C. and Uptown performed new song Baaaad News off the upcoming album Want More(due out Oct 25 ...record release show on Oct 28 at Double Door) in which SouthSide enjoyed the wicked guitar riffs and hot rhythms pumping excitable momentum into the crowd. Yet to truly feel and experience the full effects of J.C. Brooks & The Uptown Sound, this reviewer suggests listening to Awake - it had a soulful but powerfully dynamic message for the millenial generation almost reminiscent to Marvin Gaye's What's Going On and Mercy Me combined. And for a taste of J.C.'s fast-paced funk vibrations, it's suggested blogspot readers check out Wilco (started off nice and slow but ending Uptown rough and fast like Ike and Tina's version of Proud Mary) and Get It Together (which ended the show on a rockin' high note leaving the crowd hungry for more J.C.). For that J.C. sound that will leave you feeling hot and sweaty from its funk sexiness, listen to 75 Years of Art Sex (included a verse and chorus of Eurhythmics' Sweet Dreams) and Everything Will Be Fine.

For more information about J.C. Brooks & The Uptown Sound, visit http://www.theuptownsound.wordpress.com or http://www.myspace.com/theuptownsound.

Until next time, support your local scene,
SouthSide