01 Aug 12

"...that song was about a broken G-string..."

Hey, blogspot readers, it's time "give me Thor!" If it's a Wednesday, then it's time for the weekly local music showcase hosted by Matthew Alfano (of Mason's Case) at Lakeview's Elbo Room. However tonight, SouthSide enjoyed the entertainingly delightful set of singer/songwriter performance by new friend Josh Damigo (from San Diego). Recently sharing a tour with her other friend, Matt Ryd, before heading back to California, this artist entertained the audience with funny tales and Disney movie theme songs at the upstairs lounge.

SouthSide highly suggests checking out this singer/songwriter at his next live performance which wasn't so ordinary or a typical acoustic act, blogspot readers. This reviewer got the distinct feeling he likes to keep his audience on their toes. And by doing just that, there were little surprises around every corner with this singer/songwriter. At one point, he improvised a song while Matt Ryd (acting as his roadie) re-strung his guitar - more about that one in a minute. With his heartfelt emotions inside the dynamic vocals amidst a unique acoustic sound that featured a loop to add his own voice and/or music as backing, SouthSide enjoyed the energy and spirit to which this singer/songwriter had wrapped around his songs. Even while emitting some heartfelt tenderness, Josh and his voice made you feel not just the music but every word spoken. For example, he took a popular Jim Croce ballad (I'll Have To Say I Love You In A Song) sort of flipped it to make the song feel more personal and sentimental within his vocal style adding the right amount of emotions that he almost made SouthSide cry. And to sing part of the song without a mic - now that was impressive to this reviewer. Just to hear his natural tone emitting the purest emotions loud and clear in a downtempo rhythm ...well don't know how the audience felt but to her - it was truly amazing. One small note, Josh had a rare chance to perform with AJ Croce at a show. 

After that tender moment, Josh did lighten up the mood with his Otis Redding's (Sitting On) The Dock of the Bay sounding song to which will definitely lift you out of your doldrums due to the wit and humor in the lyrics. Another fun moment was when he performed Pocket Change but not as song but in a poetic spoken word style with the audience clapping and Matt using a speaker box for percussion rhythms - all this while he was trying to string his guitar. Now, add a couple of improvisational voice beatbox tones to a loop machine and watch this song take off into a new direction. Yet, also SouthSide enjoyed his vivid imagery during the song LA Is Not My Home to where he clearly conveyed and described life there off his lyrics before rousing the audience with another demonstration of his vocal powress as heard in the song, Saves The Day. Now Josh concluded his performance with song requests from fans like Slow Going and Cougar (yes, a song about older women with their cubs) in which both featured intense guitar playing as well as a spectacular demonstration of his dynamic vocals. Then out of the blue, Josh started singing a couple of bars of Disney's Little Mermaid, Part Of Your World, blogspot readers, that not only surprised this reviewer (since Elbo Room wouldn't be a typical place to hear Disney tunes) but also quite unique to hear this iconic song from a male point of view. He even did a few bars of Kiss The Girl too before standing on a barstool to powerfully close out his show.

Josh Damigo, blogspot readers - an artist not afraid to sing Disney songs at a venue! For more information about him and his music, visit http://www.joshdamigo.com.

Untill next time, support your local scene,
SouthSide

CD Review

Hey, blogspot readers, the summer tunes keep playing on SouthSide's stereo system. For acoustic blues/rock/alternative fans, she highly suggests giving Dara's 9-track CD a good listen while for those who love the fast lane of electric guitar rock, she suggests sinking your teeth into the 3-track CD by Red Mercury Sky.

Dara
http://www.daratunes.com

Wow, what a soul-searching you're going to have with this particular CD, blogspot readers. This album will give you the sense that each of us in life embark on a lifelong mission in finding the undeniable truth but only to discover we're not perfect. Yet it's our imperfections is what makes and defines us as a person and who we are in this crazy world. Singer/songwriter Dara (who does all of the vocals and guitars for this CD) wonderfully conveys such a notion throughout each song reaching different stages of life. Through the use of his soulfully dynamic vocal falsetto range to heartfelt expressiveness in his voice as well as the tone, mood and different music genres cleverly meshed together, Dara offers little slices of life while taking your ears on that journey to search for the truth about yourself (via his lyrics) which at times can be somber as a sad ballad or upbeat and inspirational. For example, take a listen to track 2 - Hold Of My Soul in which this particular song was a little reminiscent of Johnny Cash's Walk The Line yet with a more tempered acoustic/alternative rock sound ...enough to highlight the dynamic tone and emotions in the vocals. This truly had SouthSide's attention but in the last place you would think - her soul. The words demonstrated how humanity when at our weakest is when we are great - it was moving from beginning to end. Check out track 5 - Heard The News where it was dark and somber amidst the lyrical imagery while listening to the emotions pouring from Dara's voice to paint a not so pretty picture about life. His words were absolutely realistic, blogspot readers, to say we rarely have that "they lived happily ever after" ending in life. Definitely check out the lively, upbeat feel of Judgement Day (track 6) where you get to feel as well as hear the vibrant blast of blues rock ...even this artist's voice clearly projectes that same excited momentum meanwhile in track 8 - No Coming Back, you can truly tell that he means it this time ...if you leave, there's no coming back though he's willing to be there when you fall ...but in track 1 - Guilt, you will be moved by the heartfelt emotions though surrounded in somber tone with a slightly upbeat guitar riff tempo. Ending with an uplifting inspirational song (track 9 - Alright) in which Dara reminds us after all of the trials and tribulations in our lives, there's always the notion things will be alright. And that's our saving grace and hope as human beings while surviving in this crazy world.

Red Mercury Sky

http://www.redmercurysky.com

What do you get when you combine the best of two former local bands - Heavy The Fall (Dan Graunke on vocals/guitar and Erik Kikke on guitar and The Branded (Jay Mishur on drums and M-Shen on bass)? Well, blogspot readers, you have the sound of hardcore electric guitar rock with some melodic vocals and hip-shaking grooviness. SouthSide highly suggests cranking up the volume while listening to this 3-track CD to feel the electric vibe flowing off each song (especially the last track - Mad Love ...the "wham bam thank you fast and furious ma'am" type of  guitar rock here). This reviewer was thoroughly impressed by the tiny sample of this band's rock sound ...and don't even try to categorize it either since the music itself has its own little mood swings. The songs project 3 different sides to love (or however you want to preceive the lyrics) that is met with dynamic falsetto and emotions in the vocals, intense energy and momentum (especially at the instrumental bridges) to immerse you deeply into their soundwaves, and the electric flow coupled with the thundering percussions - SouthSide couldn't get enough of it. Yet all the while - these songs have a groovy melodic tone and tempo for that hip shaking vibe. After diving into track 1 - Blood On My Hearts, get ready to feel that emotional dynamicness of Dan's voice during Save Me (a love that needs rescuing) where the electric is a little low key, but not to worry, blogspot readers, the band does crank out the guitar rock at the chorus before quickly moving into track 3 - Mad Love (love on the fast run) - this particular will leave you feeling breathless due to its electric rush woven throughout the melody. Definitely crank this song up on the highest volume setting you have to fully enjoy every heart-pounding sound. If you want to see this band live and up close, then head to Ultra Lounge on August 10th where they will be sharing the stage with Mindsight and Sunset Empire. The show is 21+ and $8.

Until next time, support your local scene,

SouthSide

August 2012 - update

Hey, blogspot readers, there are more hot summertime shows/events you should know about that are happening this month!

All shows are 21+ unless noted.

Aug 9:
The Shrine - Akasha and Illuminati Congo with Barrington Levy and special guests Mama Sol, Aniba Hotep, Phenom and DJ Special and DJ Madrid
8p / FREE (with rvsp: http://www.theshrinechicago.com)

**Please note, blogspot readers - this event at The Shrine has been cancelled due to unforeseen VISA issues HOWEVER all tickets will be honored on the rescheduled date of Oct 18th**

Reggie's - Jeff Daschbach will be performing live

Aug 11:
Fins Seafood and Grille (Findlay, OH) - Steve Mullan will be performing live
6p / All Ages / FREE

Alexandria's (Findlay, OH) - Steve Mullan will be performing live
10p / All Ages / FREE

Lincoln Tap Room - Cirque De La Femme: Peep Show / Freak Show
10p

Aug 17:
Charter One Pavillion - The Aggrolites will hit the stage at this All Ages show as part of their Summer Tour 2012.
Visit http://www.bit.ly/Aggrolites_TourDates for more details and ticket information.

Aug 19:
Long's Park (Lancaster, PA) - Long's Park Summer Concert Series featuring Joshua James
7:30p / FREE

Aug 23:
Fitz's Spare Keys - Robert Mason of Warrant will be performing
9p

Aug 24:
Ye Olde Cock and Bull (Toledo, OH) - Steve Mullan will be performing live
9:30p / 21+ / FREE

Aug 25:
Downtown Main Martini Bar (Brighton, MI) - Steve Mullan will be performing live
8:30p / All Ages / FREE

Aug 26:
Davenport's Piano Bar and Cabaret - Jeff Daschbach will be performing live
7p

Aug 28:
Schuba's Tavern - Grownup Noise (Boston, MA) returns to Chicago as part of a music/comedy tour with Timmy Williams (of The Whitest Kids U Know) and Golden Bloom.
9p


Until next time, support your local scene,
SouthSide

30 Jul 12

If you make a little more noise, you'll probably get Doug to perform shirtless*

Like to apologize to my family from Wyoming ...it's not always Magic Mike

Hey, blogspot readers, SouthSide's rockin' the local scene on a rare Monday night appearance at Schuba's. Here, along with many others crowding the venue in the back of the pub, she's jammin' to the funky Americana rock groove of The Shams Band tonight as they concluded their month long residency at this Lakeview venue. Also helping them close out the final Monday night there was Young Hines and Archie Powell and the Exports featuring Mr. Gac.

After good friend, August Forte (of Novo Arts, Inc) introduces the band, this quintet of musicians immediately got down to the task of rockin' out the packed house featuring songs off their current album - Cold City. In a flash, this band impressed this reviewer with a gritty sound of thundering hardcore Southern rock that was accompanied by heat on the lyrics within a 3 (and sometimes a 4) part vocal harmonization especially during the opening number. The Shams were totally bringing out the emotional angst and frustration before surprising the reviewer's ears with a jump in chord change that livened up the mood and tempo in the end. With an opening like that, blogspot readers, SouthSide knew this wasn't the band she first met couple of years during the Taste of Chicago. The Shams Band's music and core rock sound was a little sharper ...had more bite and steam added to the guitar rock genre within their Americana/alterntive  (especially when there are four guitars occupying the stage on any given song) and the vocals - well, they popped time after time with precise harmonization that you heard each person's part.

This band had the crowd kicking up their heels to the hillbilly/rock vibe even while in a downtempo rhythm but still having some two-step groove to sway to the rhythmic beat. For example, check out Shams' Truck Whiskey which had that Grand Ol Opry country feel within this particular tune that had many in the crowd dancing and twirling around to the lively, hot tempered music. Though no one tossed any whiskey bottles, the music sparked a few cheers and catcalls whenever the word "whiskey" was mentioned. Or try your hand at City Slicker for it's toe-tappin' groove amidst the band's Americana/folk with a spicy dash of rockabilly (and some bluegrass too) woven throughout the tempo and the organic sounds of the tambourine livening up the rhythms. Then there was another particular song to which exploded with bursts of energetic momentum now that all four guitars were visibily rockin' the stage as well as amongst the crowd who were loving the mentions of Chicago tucked in the lyrics. A few fine examples of the way this local band kept their fans, family and friends delightfrully entertained with the music's exuberant energy and life. But what held SouthSide's interest the most was the 4-part vocal harmonies.

She was mostly impressed on how song after song the guys, Donnie, Paul, Brian and Ben, tickled the ears with such falsetto harmonies popping the words to life. They made the songs have that lively spirit needed to match the same felt as well as heard in the music but then again - this reviewer enjoyed the acapella touch to certain songs to truly soak the ears deep within the harmonies, blogspot readers, like they did near the conclusion of Truck Whiskey. There were two particular songs in which during one the guys jammed to the vocal harmonies amidst hot twitterpating guitar riffs while in the other took it slow amidst the bluegrass feel and sound though retaining that fun tempo for people to dance.

SouthSide highly suggests checking out The Shams Band at their next live performance and get ready to rock your shoes off from an eclectic mix of music genre but also be mesmerized by the vocal harmonies sweetly singing the tunes..

For more information about The Shams Band, visit http://www.theshamsband.com/

Until next time, support your local scene,

SouthSide

*and he does

26 Jul 12

what defines you as an artist is that you never give up

Hej, blogspot readers, it's an extra special On The Town adventure and this time, it takes place inside a museum! Tonight, SouthSide's rockin' the heart of historic Andersonville to meet and review singer/songwriter Sofia Talvik and her performance at the Swedish American Museum. Founded in 1976, this lovely place is "...dedicated to perserving [the] Swedish heritage and educating all generations and ehtnic groups in Swedish language, art, culture and traditions..." The 24,000-square foot building (located across the street from its original hardware store location) is home to three exhibit areas, a library, classrooms, offices and a gift shop as well as a gallery featuring contemporary Swedish art. The main attraction of this museum is the re-telling of the story of Swedish immigration to Chicago told in two different points of view - one for children and the other for adults. SouthSide's planning to visit again with her family especially during the holiday season for Lucia, Sweden's winter festival of lights and other Christmastime events. For more information about the Swedish American Museum, the hours of operation, admission and more, visit http://www.SwedishAmericanMuseum.org.

Currently on tour for the next two years, this reviewer highly suggests checking out the heartfelt poetic floetry within the docile-like expressive vocals amidst pop/folk music by Sofia Talvik. This Swedish singer/songwriter delightfully entertained her audience under an atmosphere of warmth and friendship while sharing funny tidbits of life on the road (traveling with her husband) or her childhood and a wonderful selection of songs that included some off her current album - The Owls Are Not What They Seem. While tuning her guitar, Sofia regaled the attentive listeners about purchasing and then decorating a RV (that was parked at the Walgreens down the street) with items at Ikea to what inspired her to write about her songs Flo-rida and Jonestown. SouthSide liked the one story of how she promised to perform the rest of her set in the nude if the bar patrons would sit quietly through one song without talking. Needless to say, blogspot readers, Sofia has yet to make good on that promise though she did say it was okay for the audience to get naked if they wanted to. That and other slices of her life brought the connection between artist and audience a little closer each time before performing a song that seemed to coincide with the central lyrical theme or subject.

What impressed this reviewer the most was the beautiful and rich acoustic sound of Sofia's unique take on the folk genre which featured a bit of urban pop under a contemporary vibe thus leaving this reviewer the difficult task of what to spotlight in this review. After opening with the gentitle atmosphere of an acoustic downtempo rhythm found in King of the Willow Trees, Sofia's performance contained a selection of songs from her previous albums Flo-rida (title track full of image-laden lyrics under a lively pop tempo and feel) and Jonestown (another title track based on actual events to which this songwriter still gets chils whenever she performs this particular song) as well as a Glenn Campbell cover - Witchita Lineman (loved Sofia's vocal style on this 70s contemporary ballad that's somewhat told from a female prospective, blogspot readers) after revealing she's a fan of this American singer/songwriter. She even caught his "Goodbye" tour performance at a rodeo which according to her was amazing and appalling at the same time - the rodeo that is. Yet if SouthSide had to truly choose which Sofia Talvik moment as her favorite, she would suggest the following highlights but in no particular order.

Delusional (off Sofia's current album) - for the way the arrangement spotlighted this artist's vocal tone amidst acoustic tempo that also featured a steady percussion sound to counteract but not overshadow her docile voice. Plus the sad tone does tug on the heartstrings especially when she sings some of the lyrics in Swedish; Ghosts - the song that started it all, blogspot readers. SouthSide enjoyed the lively tune amidst an upbeat rhythmic tempo especially for a ballad about a relationship torn apart by an old flame who refuses to move on; Turn Me Over - for the vibrant acoustic sound which nicely highlighted the dynamic side to this songwriter's vocal style. Sofia popped the lyrics to life whenever she became more emotional and expressive bringing a vividly clear image to this reviewer's heard while admiring the Swedish artwork around the walls; At The End - a wonderful yet heartbreaking song about the trials of touring and a relationship that ends badly because of it. One could clearly hear the sadness and heartache wrapped inside the downtempo rhythm and acoustic song highlighting Sofia's voice especially at the end when she gets soulfully dynamic; The Garden (off the current album) - this reviewer enjoyed this particular song for its dark, haunting tone that came with chills down the spine (even off the acoustic riffs) though it's filled with such lovely romanticism, blogspot readers; Something Good - Sofia's heartfelt, feel good song of the night. SouthSide highly suggests listening to this lively song when you're having a tough day and nothing seems to be going right ...try this song for some inspiration; and lastly but certainly not least, the Swedish folk song, blogspot readers, which was also the highlight of the night. Sofia totally shined as an artist while beautifully expressing the Swedish language and poetic floetry to the audience. And even though not knowing what was being sung, SouthSide observed the many mixed reactions to this particular tune - of teary eyes to proud beaming smiles on faces all around her while hearing the lovely spoken words.

There's plenty of time, blogspot readers, to catch this singer/songwriter at her next live performance. She plans on visiting the both sides of the US coasts as well as many cities and towns in between. For more information about Sofia Talvik and where the RV heads next, visit http://www.sofiatalvik.com.

Until next time, support your local scene,

SouthSide

24 Jul 12 - Producers Summit

Hey, blogspot readers, give SouthSide a beat! Tonight, at the Guitar Center (located in Lincoln Park/Lakeview area) was the site for a special yet intimate gathering where indie producers near and far (as in St. Louis, MO) received some helpful advice and insite about being a producer as well as battled their best beats against each other in front of Grammy Award winners, S1 (Symbolic 1) and Rhymefest along with Stephen - Rhymefest's engineer. This was an extremely rare chance and opportunity for those up and coming producers of all ages, ethnic backgrounds and sex to be a part of this Producers Summit. The FREE event was presented by Music Industry Workshop in conjunction with The Guitar Center featuring Brand Aok (of iStandard Productions) hosting and taking on the moderating duties during the Q & A session throughout the open public event.

After a brief welcome to the session by the manager of this Guitar Center Location, Rhymefest opened with a brief history into his rising career as a Battle Fest rapper (noting that Chicago has the best Battle Fest rappers) trying to make a name for himself which included winning a battle against Marshall Mathers (aka Eminem). His connection to Jay-Z and many others began with his connection with Kanye West who was making beats for him because at the time, according to Rhymefess, no one wanted to hear Kanye rap. Soon he was signed to a major (R&B) label however became indie to learn more about being a producer and the craft with Kanye. Besides music, many voters in Chicago should recognize this artist because of his run for the aldermanic race in the 20th ward against Alderman Willie Cochran. Though unsuccessful, it did put this hometown producer in the media spotlight about his passion for community activism to which he currently felt has more of an impact through his new venture - Project Moses with Symbolic 1. Not really going into too many details, Rhymefest did hint that this organization will create its own label as well as sign indie artists to it.

Meanwhile S1 (or Symbolic 1) offered a quick look into his 15 years as a producer which started off making beats for Strange Fruit Project on an indie level before working full-time. Then he met and started collaborating with Little Brother for a while which led up to his meeting with Kanye West via Rhymefest whom he sent a sample of his beats who in turn had Kanye check out. According to S1, "...relationships are so important ...the relationships you build will help in your journey in this industry..." For S1, his journey over the last 15 years has been built on making good connections (ie relationships) around other artists that he had the chance of meeting. Lastly, Stephen, a man of many few words, spoke rather briefly about his career as an engineer and mixer but that didn't stop Rhymefest for truly highlighting how much appreciated this person was to him. The artist stated that Stephen besides being an engineer also had a brilliant mind not just for how music and instruments should sound (has a rock band) but for the business side of the industry too. According to Rhymefest, he has written proposals for him calling the engineer his "...partner..." For Rhymefest, he was able to see a different prospective of music as a business than just producing beats for Jay-Z or Kanye or Beyonce et al.

Now it was time for a brief session of Q & As amongst the participants in this crowded back room and the first question was about how to maintain relationships. Both artists highly recommended to everyone that they be "...a man of [their] word ...follow through if [they] promise something, then do it..." Doing this certainly shows what kind of person you are to others who might in turn tell others and so on and so forth. S1 also added  "...doing small things and being kind..." to the mix. Meanwhile, Rhymefest also highlighted the point if someone does you wrong, don't go with the impulse to snap on people which brought up the follow up question - how to handle a situation when someone has done you wrong. He suggested considering how to use that situation as leverage to your advantage and/or knowing when to walk away from the relationship with your services and pride in tact. Also he advised, if considering the non-profit route, find what you're interested in or want to promote. "...[you] do not have to do everything what people do..." Both agreed that you have to make music "...that's special to you ...as musicians, we're suppose to be starting trends not be controlled..." That is something SouthSide can agree with. "...if you make music, be a leader and have the followers follow you..."

The next question dealt with on how to handle the direction of a song from different points of view. It was advised that having strong communication and discussions ...thus trading and creating concepts and ideas to build a song. Rhymefest stated that as a writer he's open to edit and has full trust (as well as faith) in the producer, artist, etc. It was suggested that many young musicians and producers don't know how to handle this to which you need to be mature and professional. Then it was asked what was the difference working with major label and indie. Symbolic 1 said there are similarities but with an indie artists it's easier to get your money up front compared to the major label since there's a network of people who have to sign off on your check. According to him, depending on the artists, creativity is cut out and all because of - technology. "...everyone wants you email, pick and then demo the track..." while with indie artists "...[there's] more creativity..." because you're able to work closely with them. Another asked S1 since he was from out of state how did he make relationships outside from where he was from. Jokingly he replied there's "...so much I can do by staying locked in a room..." yet at the end of the day, it's all about that one beat. And since he wanted to put himself out there, he began entering events and showcases despite spending money he didn't have. But it was necessary if he wanted to take his career to the next level. His advice was "...build and maintain relationship ...network..." Before taking a break for two separate producer battles, the last question asked was about how production had changed over the years. Back in SouthSide's day (and yes, she's dating herself again), there was no software just hardware (ie think of that episode of Everyone Hates Chris when he wanted to be a DJ) for creating beats. S1 being sort of old school he didn't want to switch to software after getting quite familiar with his V8Fx soundboard and sampling tools but did switch over upon discovering the sound was greater and was able to manipulate different sounds better.

Just because it as Rhymefest and S1 judging the producer battles, don't think the battling contestants were treated lightly, Oh no - these two artists offered honest and constructive criticism (as SouthSidewould do when reviewing a show) to each of the contestants on what they could do better to how to improve, add, subtract, etc from the sample heard, blogspot readers. Here's a sample of what happened in round 1:  Blitz Beatz was first to which S1 said it was great but it need some tweaking and limit stock sound while Rhymefest stated it was really good however the intro was too long. It didn't have the same build up as the drop. Next, representing the ladies, was Michelle and her track - S1 said it had too much going on (at once) to which she needed to make sure each sound had its own space and identity while Rhymefest wondered (as an artist) if he could rap over it saying the track didn't have enough groove to rap to. There was Treymaine (this reviewer apologizes if name is misspelled) to which both judges liked a lot. Rhymefest began rapping his opinion about the track in time with the beat and declaring it the winner with Blitz Beatz as runner up. Other battle contestants included Buggin' Beatz (the track didn't have enough umph to take it anywhere though loving the pianos used) and Stadium Status (the drums stood out amidst the melody but also needed the right sounding drum beat for this particular track). How does one make the drums harder? "...know your monitors ...know how drums are suppose to sound..."

Here's a sample from round 2: Abliteration took the spotlight with his track to which Rhymefest said it sound like sounds were clashing together ...there was no personality and S1 said he needed to understand (as well as play with) the EQ ...clean everything up, buld it and clean to improve - beware of the instruments. Stephen commented "...instead of adding ...cutting to what the human ear can hear..." Then there was Foo and his track had the a unique drum beat but no groove to which Rhymefest advised that producers should know how people move (ie look at what drugs are popular) meanwhile S1 though liking the track had to agree with Rhymefest since he too was expecting it to go somewhere. J-Hush was next and he received compliments about his track because both judges immediately recognized that he's a producer who knows how to mix very well. According to Rhymefest, the track demonstrated his professionalism and S1 said the song was ready for airplay. Again both judges like the track by Matthew in which S1 said it was "...dope..." because it was "...a real feel good track..." showing his musicianship and Rhymefest liked how the music made him feel because of its vibe stating we needed more producers and music like his. Also battling in this round was Joy (needed more element [ie melody] in her track ...it was too plain though having some style) and Black Norris (both agreed the track was a hip hop joynt though a little dated with the drums). Winners for this round were Matthew and Foo but everyone who attended this session wanted their music to be heard and judged tonight though sadly couldn't due to time constraint.

In the end, blogspot readers, it was a very informative though brief look into the world as a producer within the music industry. One, she hopes, each participant learned something to improve as well as better their craft.


Until next time, support your local scene,
SouthSide

August 2012

Hey, blogspot readers, there's PLENTY of summertime fun left to be had especially in Chicago! SouthSide highly suggests attending a few of these upcoming events, fests and/or shows that will be rockin' the local scene throughout this month.

Please note - all shows/events listed are 21+ unless specified.

Aug 1:

Elbo Room - (and every Wednesday throughout the month) Local Music showcase / FREE

Matt Ryd featuring Josh Damigo

Reggie's Music Joint - Sweet Cyanide performs

Aug 2:

Rockwood Music Hall (New York, NY) – Sky White Tiger performs at 11:30p

Reggie’s Rock Club – BLITZKID / 17+ show

Elbo Room – Nate Z featuring RollemKid, the Sex Bombs, Keeping Cars and Something Fitzgerald at this pre-Lolla party

Double Door – The Syndicate’s Conflict of Interest featuring Delta Spirit presented by Feed the Beat

Late Bar – American Gothic Productions presents Shimmer, a shoegaze / dreampop and more party with DJ Scary Lady Sarah

10p

Fireside Bowl – Muffs’ Separation Anxiety Record Release show

NEO – Chicago Suicide Club presents TECHNIQUE featuring guest DJs JHN RDN, EBG III (from Philadelphia, PA)

Aug 3 thru 5:

Lollapolooza – SOLD OUT

NoCoast Mohawk Fest 2012 (Milwaukee, WI) – locations vary. Please note Aug 3 show is 21+ / Aug 4 & 5 shows are All Ages

$10 or $25 (for all three shows) / 

Aug 3:

Reggie’s Music Joynt– FREE Lolla After Party featuring Environmental Encroachment with Deuce Funk Monsters

Ultra Lounge – Discipline (downstairs) and Synchronicity featuring Gypsy Circus Fire Jam

Goose Island (Wrigleyville location) – FREE After Lolla show (with Lolla wristband) featuring Local Motive, Sweet Diezel Jenkins, Zeta June and Shine Box

Rookies Chicago – Grand Opening Party. Dress to Impress / FREE COVER

Elbo Room – Lolla After Party! Blue Eyed Jesus featuring Big Wig Mechanic, The Middle City Sound and Treeshakers

$10

The House Café – Watson Peace Fest pre-show #3 featuring Bizarro, Helium Fuse, Blue Train and Copper Harbor

All Aages

Darkroom – American Gothic Productions presents Noctronica, all EBM / aggrotech / industrial party featuring resident DJs SLS, Carlos & Jesse with special guest DJ Misterentrophy

Aug 4:

Lollapalooza – check out JC Brooks & the Uptown Sound (12p)

Lowell Summer Music Series (Lowell, MA) – Kingsley Flood will be opening for George Thurgood and His Destroyers

The Sometimes Family will be appearing live on Fearless Radio at 4p

Beat Kitchen – The Bright White

All Ages

Durty Nellies (Palatine, IL) – Strange Arrangement featuring Lake Shore Vibe and Catfish & The Dogstar

Aug 5:

Hard Rock Cafe - Paper Thick Walls featuring A Band Called Catch and Company of Thieves (headlining)

$10 / 18+ / 9:30p

Beat Kitchen – Publicity Stunt presents Chicago! Pinkerton Thugs and The Bollweevils featuring The Bumpus Hounds, About The Mess and Publicity Stunt

Township – Mad Conductor, Agents of Change and Doctor Ed & Friends

Tonic Room – Funkapalooza featuring Molehill

Reggie’s – Curio returns performing their ONLY summer show with special guests Opium Symphony (Dallas, TX)

21 + / $5 / 8p

Aug 6 (and every Monday throughout the month):

Schuba’s Tavern - The New Folk & Practice Space residency featuring The Damn Choir 

Aug 7:

Congress Theatre – Congress Theatre and Riot Fest presents Matisyahu featuring The Dirty Heads at this All Ages show

Exit – Poetry & Absinthe with Peter Nicholi

10p

Aug 9:

Northampton, MA – Kingsley Flood will be performing as part of the Northampton Summer Concert Series

Aug 10:

The Burlington Bar - Get Licked! featuring Bad Bad Meow with The BoomBox Face and She Speaks in Tongues

Ravenswood Park Manor – The Sometimes Family

Abbey Pub – Digeometric featuring Sisters and Brothers and Britt Dignan

Double Door – Save The Clocktower’s album release

Ultra Lounge – Mindsight featuring Red Mercury Sky and Sunset Empire

Aug 11:

Farm Fest 450 (Kinsman, IL) – Strange Arrangement performs a late night show / for tickets and information, visit  HYPERLINK "http://www.farmfest450.com" http://www.farmfest450.com

Japanese Culture Center – Geopolis Theater presents Prom Into The Future featuring The Peekaboos and Bad Bad Meow

$5 or $20 wristband (admission and free drinks)

Elbo Room – DJ set featurig Professor Kliq

NEO – Helter Skelter featuring guest DJ :Garz:

Beat Kitchen – I Lost Control featuring The Vindits, Tim Larson, The Owner / Ope in this early show

$8 / 6:30p

Aug 12:

The Dock at Montrose Beach – Furious Frank (at 6p)

Aug 17 thru 19:

Vasa Park (South Elgin, IL) – Watson Peace Fest. Music, fun, freedom and peace

All Ages / tickets: $ 20 single, “pair” $35 , “group” (5 tickets) $85

Aug 17:

Ye Olde Towne Inn – Genus featuring Turbid North, Unwritten Truth and As King

Tiger O’Stylies (Berwyn, IL) – Perversions returns featuring My Minds Eye

Morseland – Room 11 with Babybrutha

9p

Elbo Room – Ovrevolt featuring Jake Shimon, The Reserve, Carmin Jurco and Reels Green

$10

Metro – American Gothic Productions presents Nocturna

18 + / 10p

Aug 18:

Hard Rock Café (in Pittsburgh, PA) – Matt Otis performs

Lincoln Hall - The Cyclist featuring Makeshift Prodigy

KC’s Cabin (Spring Grove, IL) – 5^th Annual Relay for Life Benefit (ALL AGES*) show featuring Losing Scarlet, Indolent, Arcane Framework and many more to help raise money to fight cancer. ALL proceeds go to Relay For Life

*must be with an adult after sunset

Elbo Room – Sonic Pistol’s CD Release show featuring Eyes Backwards, Josh Farrow and The Whoevers

$10

Cole’s Bar – Jet W Lee’s Western Nightmare CD release party featuring Hospital Garden, Josh Catalano & the Dirty Thoughts (from Springfield, IL) and The Rutabega (from South Bend, IN)

9p / FREE

Aug 19:

Glenwood Avenue Arts Fest (loc Glenwood & Morse) – Kmang Kmang (4p) / Furious Frank (5p)

Elbo Room – Pork-n-Beans featuring Blossoms of Fury

$8

Aug 21:

Double Door – The Luck of Eden Hall’s CD release featuring Alligators Eat Gumdrops

Aug 22:

Schuba’s Tavern – The Sometimes Family featuring Clip Art and Midnight Moxie

Aug 23 & 24:

Beat Kitchen – Lovehammers featuring Commove

17+ / 8:30 p doors

Aug 23:

The Sometimes Family will be appearing on WLUW 88.7 FM at 6p

Aug 24:

Portland, ME – Kingsley Flood is scheduled to perform at Empire Dine & Dance

Elbo Room – Your Little Ponies featuring Jenny B & The Caravan, 24^th Star Project and The Last Good Year

Durbin’s (Burbank, IL) – Red Rebel Rocks Durbin’s 25^th Anniversary Tent Party featuring 90 cent beer and Bears legends Dan Hampton and Steve McMichael

Aug 25:

House of Blues – I AM Fest

All Ages

Elbo Room – WhiteWolfSonicPrincess featuring Stagolee, The Trouble and Lux

Fitzgerald’s (Berwyn, IL) – Furious Frank rockin’ a benefit concert to raise money for Canopy

1p

NEO – Helter Skelter featuring guest DJ Curse Mockey

Chi City – 3^rd Annual Black And Brown Punk show raising money for a community center in Uptown called Connect Force, an inner city youth organization that teaches hip hop, graffiti and breakdance.

For more details, visit  HYPERLINK "http://www.facebook.com/connectforce" http://www.facebook.com/connectforce

Aug 26:

Bash On Wabash – Molehill

Midwest Young Artists Music & Fun Fest 2012

Aug 27:

Schuba’s Tavern – The New Folk & Practice Space CD release show

Aug 30:

Lincoln Hall – Cole DeGenova record release

Double Door – Avenue N Guitars Music Showcase benefiting Rock For Kids featuring Phil Angotti Band

Aug 31:

Palm Room (inside Drake Hotel) – Jesse Charbonier performs your favorite Jazz classics at this extra special show featuring a FULL band and special guests

Elbo Room – Mos Scocious featuring Pollux, Castor and Ben Joseph