Upcoming Events

Hey, blogspot readers, check out the following shows happening soon...

From 17-19 in July 2015 in Louisville, KY, it's FORECASTLE - a music, art and activism event that will feature live performances by Sam Smith, My Morning Jacket, Modest Mouse, Cage The Elephant, Tweedy, Portugal. The Man, Gaslight Anthem, Milo Greene, The Revivalists, Empires and many, many more.

For more information and tickets, visit http://www.forecastlefest.com.

Guess what Chicago, MXPX and Five Iron Frenzy will be performing a show together at Concord Music Hall on May 8 along with Kristopher Roe from the Ataris! SouthSide hears this show is guarantee to sell out ...so get your tickets now!

AA / 6p doors

http://www.concordmusichall.com for tickets and information.

On May 10, the band will play but you have to sing, blogspot readers, during Punk Rock Karaoke at Cobra Lounge! From Social Distortion to Bad Religion to NOFX and more, this band (featuring Greg Hetson, Stan Lee, Ed Tater and Derek O'Brien) will be your background music while you stand on stage being the "rock star" ...if you dare. Tickets are on sale now.

Sorry, kids, this is a 21+ show.

John Cooper Clarke, infamous for his combinations of custom crafted poetry, sharp satirical wit, melancholic language and hilarious political puns, will be making his way back to North America in over 35 years with a 10 city tour kicking off in Las Vegas and ending in Toronto. This poet, movie star, rock star and comedian who collaborated and toured with such legendary bands and artists like The Clash, The Sex Pistols, Elvis Costello and Alan Ginsberg will be performing here in Chicago on May 5 at Lincoln Hall.

Delicate Steve will be releasing a new album "Live In Las Vegas" as well as touring North America with stops scheduled in Baltimore, MD, Austin, TX (for SXSW), Los Angeles and Claremont, CA. Chicago fans catch see this songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Steve Marion at the Beat Kitchen on April 1. For more information and tickets, visit http://www.delicatesteve.com.

Last Rites presents Covenant sharing the stage on Saturday April 11 at Abbey Pub with The Labrynth and DJ Scary Lady Sarah!
7p / $16 adv / $20 dos / 17+
For tickets, visit http://www.abbeypub.com.


Get your tickets now before the show/event sells out!


Until next time, support your local scene,
SouthSide

06 Nov 14

Terror

Thrills

Chills

Horror ...now scream, blogspot readers, as this musician warps the mind and soul with his horrific, terrifying eerie musical sounds within his EDM spectacle - Terrorvision! Inside the darkest of Logan Square's Concord Music Hall, no one will hear you scream when Figure lets the blood (and body parts) fly all around you amidst his heavy bass DJ music performance. Yet it wasn't just the music creating this ominous atmosphere tonight. It was the montage of horror movie clips behind Figure providing the additional spooky creepiness to scare the bejesus out of you, blogspot readers.

That, in a nutshell, blogspot readers, is a fair description of what Terrorvision is all about without giving too much away in this review. Well, SouthSide can mention one more thing - be prepared to dance all night long while listening to the haunting music and viewing the movie clips. Being amongst the spectacle of neon lighting within the dark setting and video, this popular venue was totally transformed into a dark version of Spring Awakening as the fashionable (and mostly costumed) crowd bounced, jiggled etc to Figure's dark EDM sound.

From Chucky to the classic three - Jason, Freddy, Michael to horror classics like Nosferatu and everyone and everything else in between, Figure's Terrorvision was nightmarish trip into the darkest reaches of this musician's twisted mind, blogspot readers. Take caution. It's very, very dark and scary in there. And if you have a weak heart condition, well, don't say SouthSide didn't warn you when you experience this dance scene event yourself. As frightening and terrifying as Terrorvision was, this reviewer loved it! It was like experiencing all the creeps and spookiness of Halloween one week later. 

It was amazing what Figure could do during this show. For example, while showing scenes of  lycan/werewolf transformation (think American Werewolf in London), the rhythmic beats and techno sounds were running in sync to the video clips. Like zombies? Well, so does Figure, blogspot readers, and he gave them their big moments on screen by showing every zombie movie you could think of. Hey, there's a brief (more like a "blink and miss" moment) scene of SouthSide's friend - Kyra Schon aka ghoul girl from Night of the Living Dead!

Not scared yet? Well, you will be the longer you stay within Terrorvision's horrifying realm. And according to Figure, "...there's no turning back..." This reviewer enjoyed how this musician found movie clips rarely shown on tv or found in the local video store. Scenes so disturbing with its many terrifying ways to die at the hands of demented psychopath, blogspot readers. Just remember, you're only getting a small glimpse of what's churning inside Figure's head. Peek any further we all might die from the madness that lurks within. His brainwaves are indeed supersonic ...and should not be taken lightly.

Time for SouthSide's Freddy (of Nightmare on Elm Street - the original with actor Robert Englund) moment. It was so awesome that Figure paid homage to this pop culture horror icon ...even used the iconic Freddy nursery rhyme as part of his music was quite creepy. Oh wow - he pulled out another horror classic ...The Creature from the Black Lagoon ...then it was The Munsters ...and some Beetlejuice - just for fun, blogspot readers. Totally loving the iconic Danny Elfman theme remixed. Wait, since when are Ninja Turtles scary? SouthSide guesses when they're the original movie version of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles sort of dancing on screen to Figure's dark music. And for the crowning touch - Dario Argento's Susperia! Besides Profondo Rosso (Deep Red also by Argento), this reviewer was backing happily within Figure's love for the horror and terror. Then it was onward to sci-fi horror scenes like Event Horizon and the Alien movie montage.

Ek ...it's The Blob ...creeping all over the screen!

More just for fun - Tim Burton's Nightmare Before Christmas...

Before SouthSide gives too much away, she'll stop here by recommending all horror and EDM fans to check out Figure's Terrorvision when and where he brings the screams and heavy bass madness to venue near you! For more information including tour dates, visit his Facebook page or follow him on Twitter at http://www.Twitter.com/ImFigure. You can find free music tracks at http://www.soundcloud.com/figure.

Until next time, support your local scene,

SouthSide

November 2014

Autumn is full swing, blogspot readers, yet don't let the let the falling temps and change of season keep you away from rockin' at the following shows/events happening during the month of November!

Please note each show/event listed is 21+ unless specified...

Nov. 1:

The Burlington Bar – rock with The Flavors, The Elements of Style and Jesse W. Johnson.

$7 /9p

Neo – it’s the El Día De Los Moyer / Day of the Dancing Dead celebration …come attend the last night of Neo’s Six Nights of Halloween featuring DJs Moyer and Spatula.

Primary Nightclub – React presents Ben Pearce performing with special guests UK duo Billion. For tickets, visit http://www.clubtix.com.

Constellation – singer/songwriter Angela James will be celebrating the release of her debut album “Way Down Deep”.

Mike & Denises (Joliet, IL) – attend this Day of the Dead Bash featuring rockin’ performances by Shiftwrekk and Wicked Deception.

Double Door – attend this show featuring The Hood Internet with Hologram Kizzie (aka Psalm One), My Gold Mask and Fluffy.

$15 / 8p doors

BrauerHouuse (Lombard,IL) – check out Dead On TV sharing the stage with The Timmys and Headspins. For tickets, visit http://www.brauerhouse.com.

18+ / $5

Nov. 2:

Elbo Room -  check out Brett Newski entertaining the upstairs lounge along with Carl Hulsey.

Nov. 3:

Schubas Tavern – check out Sarah Marie Young when she celebrates the release of her sophomore album “Little Candy Heart”, a follow-up to last year’s “Too Many Februaries”.

Reggie’s – it’s Mandatory Abortions, Against The Grain, HEMI and Sacred Monster rockin’ the stage here.

$8 adv / $10 dos / 7:30p

Nov. 5:

Red Line Tap – it’s The Maxies along with The Smart Kids, Modern Advances and Amber Stereo featuring DJ set by DJ Bashert. For tickets, visit http://www.brownpapertickets.com.

City Winery – celebrate with Donna The Buffalo’s 25 years as a band with Adam Levy opening.

$16 SRO / $22 seated / 8p show

Door No. 3 – it’s Wednesday Night Blues with Keith Scott and friends.

FREE / 7p

Nov. 6:

Smart Bar – get ready rumble when Guilty Pleasures slugs it out against FABITAT …DJs vs DJs Adam El and Ldy Prblms (FABITAT) spins against Boy Alberto and Lolly Gagger (Guilty Pleasures) …host Lucy Stoole (FABITAT) vs host Madame Envy (Guilty Pleasures) …winners take all!

FREE / 10p

Concord Music Hall – FIGURE will be performing his unique “Terrorvision” show as part of Nightmare Festival.

Standard Bar & Grill - come here to watch Thursday night football and then stay for Monika & Jimmy's set afterwards.
10:30

The Throne Room - CAUdog Records presents a lineup featuring live performances by Greg Jackson Combs, Gunner Cleeman and Ellis Clark with special guests Justin Yates and Jake Foy.
$10

Nov. 7:

Elbo Room – feel the heat when rockin’ Espanol with Sin Anestesia, King Cloud, The Friendly Lens and Rob Winn

$10

Lincoln Hall – React presents Chris Malinchak performing here. For tickets, visit http://www.clubtix.com.

18+ / 10p

Sammy’s Pizza (Kankakee, IL) – check out Digeometric sharing the stage with Todd Hazelrigg and Fried Egg Nebula.

The Empire Concert Club & Bar (Akron, OH) – it’s G$’s Annual Rock Concert/House Party featuring performances by Dakota Wilkinson’s Band, Devil Strip and We’re All Lost.

AA / $5 / 7p

Shark City (Glendale Heights, IL) – check out Catalano along with Lynch and Man The Mighty rockin’ the stage here.

Double Door – Super Happy Fun Club will be rockin’ the stage along with AM Taxi, That Lyring Bitch (featuring the members of Plain White T’s) and Love Me Electric.

$10 adv / $12 dos / 8p

Door No. 3 – attend Soft Leather #11, a pansexual dress to sweat event featuring DJs Deathface, Teen Witch, House of Szechaun and 100 LB Dead Lift.

FREE / 10p

Nov. 8:

Thalia Hall – yeehaw, come to the 10th annual Barn Dance Apocalypse featuring The Golden Horse Ranch Band performing on stage.

$15

Double Door (early show) – check out the Art Battles!

5:30p / FREE

SPACE (Evanston, IL) – attend this special performance when Jann Klose opens for John Oates. For tickets and/or table reservations, visit http://www.evanstonspace.com.

$22 - $46

Duke’s Alehouse and Kitchen (Crystal Lake, IL) – get cosmic with Fried Egg Nebula and Digeometric rockin’ the stage together.

Concord Music Hall – Riot Fest presents Yellowcard sharing the stage with Memphis May Fire and special guest Femarosa. For tickets, visit http://www.clubtix.com.

AA / 6:30p

The House Cafe (DeKalb, IL) - Nobelieum 102 rocks the stage along with Phantom Maggots, The Usuals, Cheap Dates and Ness.
$5 / 7p

Nov. 9:

Chicago Street Theater (Valparaiso, IN) – Jann Klose will be performing here along with shop owners Chris and Megan Marolf. For tickets, visit http://www.chicagostreet.org.

Reggie's Rock Club - Jack Rabbit will be competing for fabulous prizes at Gorilla Music's The Chicago Battle of the Bands.

Nov. 11:

Mojoe’s (Joliet, IL) – check out Wayne Static of Static-X sharing the stage with Powerman 5000, American Headcharge and Central Disorder.

AA / 21+ to drink / 6p

Elbo Room - it's poetry and spoken word night at the monthly Wormwood Collective Poetry Night. Stay for Wire Tripped afterwards.

FREE

Nov. 12:

Door No. 3 – attend this month’s FABITAT event Dancing With The Queens featuring KTF champions …it will be an epic dance off between KTF champions and the Stars of FABITAT with DJ sets by Adam El and Ldy Prblms and drag performances.

FREE / 9p

Reggie's Music Joint - it's She Rides Tigers sharing the stage with Handler and Ryan  Mumby & The Hundred Year Rain.
$7 / 7:30p

Nov. 13:

Double Door – React presents Ryan Hemsworth performing on stage here.

$12 GA / $22 VIP / 9p show

Berry United Methodist Church – check out the free screening of “The Homestretch”, a film about homeless Chicago youth, one who is LGBTQ. View the trailer here, http://www.homestretchdoc.com/trailer.

FREE

Nov. 14:

Touche Chicago – it’s Rock Against Ass …come here to hear everything hard, heavy and outside the mainstream, of top 40 dance/disco/techno music with your resident DJ Germ of Modern Day Rippers/Sexy Baby Records and Rotten Fruits

Free

Liar’s Club – check out this Chicago punk show featuring HighBall, Avenues, Welfare Beer League and The Mudville Sounds

9p

Constellation – singer/songwriter Quinn Tsan will be celebrating the release of her debut album, “Good Winter” with Passerines and Kelsey Wild.

Underground Lounge – attend this show featuring DJ Mark N of Bloody Fist Records along with Delta 9, Terror Byte, Terry Dux The Bit Jockey, Sir Vixx, Saskrotch and many more.

$12

Double Door – attend the Bring It Up High Fest III featuring performances by The Paladins, Nick Willett (with Joel Patterson), Barbara Clifford, Kevin Flynn &The Avondale Ramblers, The North Ave Stompers and a special performance by The Roadburners.

$15 (all proceeds go to HiFI and The Roadburners Memorial Fund) / 7p doors

Elbo Room - Neon Hitch presents The Yard Sale tour with Jared Evan, Carmen and Camille and Miranda Wood.

$10 adv / $12 adv

Brauerhaus (Lombard, IL) - it's Pale Horseman with White House Burning rockin' the stage here.

Nov. 15:

Township – check out Dos Santos Anti-Beat Orquestra sharing the stage with ESSO Afro-Jam Funkbeat and Sanorama.

$8

Bada Brew Bar & Grill (Joliet, IL) – it’s Ditchwater sharing the stage with Wayland, Rue The Day, Freak and the Ghouls, and Tempered By Trials.

21+ (18+ allowed with parent/guardian) / $10 / 7:30p

Nov. 16:

Cobra Lounge – check out this Chicago punk show featuring performances by The Howl, Honah Lee (NJ), 80 Proof Preacher and Death & Memphis.

$8 / 9p

Nov. 18 – 20:

French Pastry School of Kennedy-King College – spice up your Holiday Pies and Breads making skills with Master Baker / Chef Instructor, Chef Jonathan Dendauw…learn how to make Cherry Pie, Blueberry Crumble Pie, Apple Cinnamon Pie and more. For more information and registration, visit http://www.frenchpastryschool.com/ce-class/holiday-pies-and-breads

Nov. 18:

Blue Lamp (Sacramento, CA) – check out SouthSide’s friend Magicks performing along with Moodie Black and DJ Nocturnal.

$10 / 8p

Nov. 19:

Double Door – it’s “Tiffany’s FUN-damental FUN-draiser” …a benefit event for Tiffany Dean featuring performances by Cochino Y Los Pistoleros, Anger, Dorian Taj, Ladies & Gentlemen, The Dead On, Sunken Ships, The Artist Formerly Known As Vince and Black Cat Heart Attack.

$8 / 8p show

Bada Brew (Crest Hill, IL) - check out Super Bob sharing the stage with Fist Funk Fury, Dustin Walker, and Catapult The Propaganda.
$10 / 8p

Nov. 21:

Double Door – rock out your Friday night at My My My’s record release show featuring support by Molehill, The Ivorys, The Central Standard and The Van Goughs.

$5 (with rsvp on http:///www.do312.com) /$10 (without rsvp) / 9p

Mayne Stage – check out The Future Laureates sharing the stage with The Lauren Wolf Band, Red & Reckless and Sister Speak.

$10 adv / $12 dos

Constellation – rock out the night when Beveled performs here.

Tonic Room – it’s Brain Child along with Glostik Willy and Rusty Gates rockin’ the stage here.

$10

EndZone Tap – attend this performance featuring The Schiavos at this South Western bar.

10p

Bada Brew (Crest Hill, IL) - Bada Brew is going punked featuring live performances by I Hate People, Step Right Up, The Audio Dead, Slow Form of Suicide and Light The Fuse.
$5 / 18+ (to enter) / 21+ (to drink) / 8p

Nov. 22:

Tonic Room – have your multi-pass ready when rockin’ with Leeloo Dallas, Steve Stone and Zack Champagne.

$10 / 9p

Throne Room – attend Aryk Crowder’s “One By One” video release party featuring special guests Zach Longoria Project and Swamp Heat.

$7 adv / $10 dos

Aragon Ballroom – React presents Atmosphere with Prof & Dem Atlas. For tickets, visit http://www.clubtix.com.

18+ / 7:30p

Nov. 26:

Schubas – it’s Old Shoe sharing the stage with special guest Chicago Farmer during this Black Wednesday show.

18+ / $12 adv / $15 dos

Bent River Brewing Company (Moline, IL) – it’s The Dawn and Digeometric performing on stage together here.

Nov. 28 & 29:

Liar’s Club (Nov. 28) / The Mutiny (Nov. 29) – it’s Punksgiving 2014 …the 2nd Annual food drive punk rock shows …all proceeds and donations go to The Greater Chicago Food Depository featuring performances by Rhetoric Vendetta and Turbo Vamps (Fri) and Prison City Brigade and The Land Before Tim (Sat)

Nov. 28:

Debonair Social Club – it’s Chicago Heavyfest featuring Poontoof, Jack Rabbit and Speedfreak rockin’ the stage.

18+ / $10

Elbo Room - Vicarious Venues presents Business As Usual, Red Rose and Groove Canal rockin' the stage.

$10

Nov. 29:

Double Door – check out Har Mar Superstar rockin the stage along with Pizza Underground and Toby Goodshank.

$16 / 8p

Until next time, support your local scene,

SouthSide

05 Jun 14 - Lucent Dossier Experience

 

Hey, blogspot readers, what do you get when fusing together the look and feel of Cirque du Soleil and the avant garde fashion sense of the late Alexander McQueen and Lady Gaga with the musical tone of Engima and M80? Well, you would get Lucent Dossier Experience! And recently, SouthSide had the extreme chance to back in the mystical glow of this theatric troupe from Los Angeles featuring DJ acts Searchl1te and Radiohiro at Concord Music Hall. In this reviewer’s honest opinion, the opening DJs could have used more musical spunk to liven up this crowd attending tonight’s show. The music somewhat flatlined to the point no one was dancing while waiting nearly two hours for Lucent Dossier to begin. If they were going for Spring Awakening or Coachella-like atmosphere inside this venue, sadly both DJs failed to reach that mark, blogspot readers. The music heard did neither inspire the imagination nor motivate anyone to dance. What a disappointing start to what she hoped would be a fun evening.

Opening with a symphonic aria of mystery and middle-eastern mysticism and dance, Lucent Dossier Experience instantly dazzled and amazed this Chicago crowd with a thunderous bang. Yet as the performance moved along (rather rapidly), this reviewer felt she was only getting half of the Lucent Dossier Experience than she originally anticipated, blogspot readers. Yes, SouthSide did enjoy how the music was the main focal point which does grab you immediate attention amidst the acrobatic feats and sensuality portrayed on stage. There’s a storyline featured in Lucent Dossier based on the troupe’s soon-to-be released album, “The Light of the World” and this is why SouthSide feels she missing the rest of the story while reviewing. In her opinion, the storyline felt rush ...certain parts were missing and/or lacking substance to complete the story for audience’s full enjoyment. At times, it was also confusing to which got SouthSide thinking two things: 1 – Lucent Dossier Experience is more of an outdoor festival theatric show ...not an indoor performance (but it could be if performed in the right venue with a higher ceiling height); and 2 – due to the size and space of the venue as well as the stage, Lucent wasn’t able to fully perform many of its acrobatic stunts and more thus ending the performance 30 minutes than listed, blogspot readers.

Still, this reviewer highly recommends attending a Lucent Dossier Experience show while the troupe is currently on tour, blogspot readers. SouthSide enjoyed how the experience part of Experience was dramatic as well as astounding the senses with its sultry sensuality while immersing the ears with melodic middle-eastern music. Fused everything together, all components help accentuate Lucent’s beauty and mystery to its audience. One cannot help feel the sexual tension from the performers even while doing complicated contortion or silk acrobatic acts that’s confined on such limited stage space. Was SouthSide amazed and dazzled? Yes, blogspot readers, she was. She loved the haunting melodic title track from the soon-to-be released album sung passionately by one of the performers ...the theatric feats of Cirque du Soleil (though a few were performed) which added to the Lucent’s mystifying entertainment ...each minute was breathtaking and a lot to take in when it’s a one-night only performance. There were moments when SouthSide feel herself being drawn in deeper and deeper into Lucent’s dark mystery and middle-eastern infused music that specially heightens the troupe’s dramatic sensuality from beginning to end. It stirs the soul as well as stimulates the mind, blogspot readers, even though the dance montage at the end did feel somewhat out of place after being aroused by the sights and sounds of Lucent Dossier.

Lucent Dossier Experience will be visiting Boulder, Co and Austin, TX this week, blogspot readers. If you live near and/or around this two cities, SouthSide highly suggests attending a performance ...it’s worth the price of admission to be spellbound and amazed by the sensuality of the music and theatrics. For more information, visit http://www.lucentdossier.com.

Attention, blogspot readers, there’s a “new” bag policy now being enforced by the staff of Concord Music Hall  that this reviewer feels you should be aware of. Though stating this policy has been enforced “...since whenever...” according to the security staff, there have been a few times when SouthSide wasn’t stopped from entering the venue area (located on the 3rd floor) until she attended Lucent Dossier Experience.  The “new” policy now states you have to check-in your backpacks and sling-back bags at coat check (there’s a $4 re-checking fee if you need something out of your bag after checking it in) but purses and messenger bags (this reviewer saw a few around the venue ...so she supposes they are welcome) are allowed despite NOT having this said policy posted anywhere throughout the venue ...NOT even when first entering the Concord Music Hall while going through two sets of security checks. How are concert attendees suppose to know there’s a “new” bag policy if there aren’t any signs duly posted on the front doors and throughout the first and second floors informing them? The staff and management of Concord Music Hall should correct this situation post haste.

 

 

Until next time, support your local scene,

SouthSide

Lucent Dossier Experience Jun 5 at Concord Music Hall

It's dubbed as "...Cirque De Soleil meets Burning Man meets EDM...", blogspot readers, and if you didn't get a chance to experience this one of kind act at this year's Lighting in a Bottle International Music & Arts Festival, not to worry ...because Lucent Dossier Experience is coming your way! Currently on tour, this Los Angeles company is bringing all of its dazzling sights, rockin' music, magical fun and glamorous spectacle to a city or town like Cleveland, OH; Urbana, IL; or Fargo, ND and Austin, TX. SouthSide's excited in getting her Lucent Dossier Experience when it tour visits Chicago on June 5 at Concord Music Hall.

The avant-garde troupe will be subjecting audiences to mind-blowing ...mystifying show titled "Light of the World" after headlining Coachella's Gobi Stage where it was reported they mesmerized the crowd with a unique visionary type of entertainment that not only captivated them with aerial arts, acrobatics and contortion but also with fashion-forward style and high energy amidst eastern-inspired electronic bass music brought together in a 90 minute show. Wow ...there will be so much to see as well as experience, SouthSide hopes her fingers can keep up with the brain while jotting down notes for review, blogspot readers.

What a rare opportunity will it be for this reviewer along with others like you to see this special Lucent Dossier show, blogspot readers! Called as "...ambassadors to a creative revolution...", this world-renowned act searches to redefine the live show experience by ridding the walls that usually separates the artists from the observers and vice versa. This unique show's only goal is to embody a futuristic evolution towards high-art by creating transformative experiences for their audience everywhere. SouthSide has been told that their shows craft a window into a new vision of humanity where other-worldly conceptions are truly realized.


Here's what LA Weekly said about a recent performance describing it as "...a world that doesn't exist, a place where the future and past happen simultaneously..."

Set to live music, Lucent Dossier Experience will be highlighting its soon-to-be release new album Light of the World in which will feature the production and vocals of Lucent leader Dream Rockwell along with singer Sarah Llwellyn and band members, Atla Gadret and Metaphas. The music composition is described of having a sound that represents a collision of eastern-ceremonial sonnets and deep sub-bass frequencies ...something so perfectly designed for a live theatrical show experience like Lucent Dossier, blogspot readers.

SouthSide highly recommends joining her this Thursday to witness, be amazed and experience Lucent Dossier with her at Concord Music Hall. The show is 18+  and tickets are $18.50 (adv) and $23.50 (dos).


Until next time, support your local scene,
SouthSide

 

 

 

December 2013

Happy Holidays, blogspot readers!

There's plenty of time left to rock out your 2013 by checking out the following list of shows happening around town and elsewhere this month.

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


Dec 1:
Reggie's Rock Club - check out sludge metal group Pale Horseman sharing the stage with southern sludgebilly The Midnight Ghost Train (KS) and reptilian acid rock King Hyss
$7

Dec 3:
Livewire Lounge - attention humanoids and robotics, check out Wire-Tripped that will feature not only the best in Electro/EBM/Industrial and Synthpop by The Audio Assault, Circuitry, and Peter Propaganda but also a screening of Blade Runner.
NO COVER

Dec 4:
NiteCap - Asgard Radio, Chicago Metal Alliance and Spook Show Entertainment presents The Devil's Playground featuring host David Bates (of Sinister Fate) as he spins your favorites in metal, rock, industrial, punk and goth with burlesque performances by Jezzibel Bates, Ammunition, Lenux Antibiotix, Lady India Deminuit ...also live music performances by D-Railed, Saence, Pulse Urn and Virtucide of Voodoo Queen Management
FREE / 10p

aliveOne - starting on this Wednesday (and every Wed until Dec 18) Cole DeGenova & the Peoples Republic will begin its residency. The 2nd set will be an open jam session with musicians/singers
FREE

Dec 5:
Double Door - RAWards (in music / fashion / art / comedy / film / multimedia)
$15 adv / $20 dos / 7:30p show

SoFo Tap (4923 N. Clark) - it's Back2Skool time with DJ VoxBox, Tommy Hall and Fred Says happening every 1st Thursday of every month
NO COVER

Abbey Pub - rock with Joe Marcinek Band featuring special guests Jennifer Hartswick and Allie Kral with Spare Parts and Business As Usual
$10 adv / $12 dos

Dec 6:
Ye Olde Town Inn - check out Of The Fallen, 3 Hour Catalyst, Spinning Red and Sinister Fate rockin' the stage here.
$8 / 10p

The Riverside Complex (2313 S. Throop) - It's Ballistic 3 featuring 30k watts of bass and custom video mapping stage to enhance your EDM experience as well as redefining (R)adical (A)udio (V)isual (E)xperience
$13 adv / $20 dos

Joe's Sports Bar - Casey Donachew Band performs material off their new album "Stand Off" at this venue

Double Door - check out Miles Nielsen with Ryan Powers and the Secret Weapons, Daniel and The Lion and Geoff Dolce
$8 adv / $12 dos / 8:30p

Elbo Room - rock with Front Runners, Workout Music and What It Do (On Your Marx)
$10

The Castle Theatre (Bloomington, IL) - check out Electric Elements with Gummy and Team Bayside High featuring Drop Dead and guests Kosmosis Jones and Notorious Nino
18+ dance floor / Exclusive 21+ VIP balcony / $20 (+$1 underage fee charged at the door)

Brauer House (Lombard, IL) - check out Radio Creeps along with WORM (the World Organization of the Righteous Movement) and Flood Damage rockin' the stage

Dec 7 & 8:
Division Street (Between Ashland and Leavitt) - shop local during the Do-Division Holiday Fest
11a / NO COVER

Pulaski Park Fieldhouse (1419 W. Blackhawk) - check out the Renegade Craft Fair Winter Market
NO COVER / 11a

Dec 7:
Saint Gertrude's Church (1401 W. Granville) - shop at this Christmas Bazaar and check out the lovely jewelry selection by Tracy Pilarczyk Shen (or shop online at http://www.stonecove.etsy.com)
FREE / 10a - 4a

LiveWire Lounge - prepare for Sacred Monster returning to Chicago for this one-night only performance featuring Relentless and Psycho Sister

Concord Music Hall - attend Midnight Conspiracy's "Rays of Ra" lazer show featuring Team Bayside High
18+ / $10

Elbo Room - attend Chords For A Cure's yearly concert event to benefit cancer research and help those in need of treatment. **ALL proceeds from this event will benefit the Leukemia Research Foundation** This event will feature acoustic sets by A Friend Called Fire, Crimson and Coal, Letters to Lillian and Rachel Katzman
$10 / 8p

Cubby Bear - it's Calm Like A Bomb's 10th Anniversary show featuring Lateralus Tool and Alice In Chains tribute bands
$7 / 9p

Dec 8:
Double Door - Da Bears Blog and Art of Men present an event to benefit the Otis Wilson Charitable Association featuring a Mike Ditka Look-A-Like Contest
$10 / 7p

Schuba's Tavern - it's the 2nd Annual Woman Power Holiday Show featuring Liza Day, Diana and The Dishes and Lady Laura performing at this benefit for Deborah's Place
$15 / 8p

Dec 9:
Chicago Cultural Center - Chicago Artists Healthcare Town Hall event where artists/bands can learn more about the Affordable Care Act (aka "Obamacare") and how to sign up, find affordable health insurance plans, connect with Chicago-area health resources and enroll in IL Medicaid (if you qualify). Also get a FREE flu shot.
FREE

Schuba's Tavern - Sweden's Anna Van Hausswolff makes a special stop at this Lakeview venue during her US tour performing material off her latest album Ceremony

Double Door - check out this week's Double Holiday Feature: A Christmas Story and National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation with NO commercials!
FREE / 7p

Dec 10:
Double Door - 30 Seconds Over Chicago presents the Chicago Venue Advertising Competition ~ Finals
$10 / 7p

Dec 11:
Door No.3 (located at Double Door) - FABITAT featuring DJ Adam El (of 16 Candles / Berlin) spinning
FREE / 9p

Dec 12:
Liar's Club - it's Current Seas EP Release tour

Abbey Pub - NSP Live presents LEP Bogus Boys, Notrydo Sincere with Kaotic drumline, Beadz and more at this show hosted by Chi-Bizz and Suanye with DJ Kool Ant and DJ Shaun T spinning in between sets
$15 dos / $20 VIP / 9:30p

Dec 13:
Wynfield's (Satellite Beach, FL) - rock out Vertebreaker, Dropshots and Wallow Sound
$5 / 9p

Schuba's Tavern - attend this annual winder coat drive event, Warm, Safe Sound, in which fans are asked to donate coats (and/or sweaters) in exchanged for a reduced cover. There will be live music performances by The Locals, The Bright White, Ace Reporter, Hard Kiss and Young Distractions.
If interested in volunteering, email nowishistory@gmail.com

Ye Olde Town Inn - celebrate Armored Assault's Ten Year Anniversary Bender! featuring guests Cause Of My Affliction, Beyond Death, Testimony and Armored Assault
$8 / 9p

Cubby Bear - Hail to chivalry and honor! Take up arms, Red Team (and you too, Gold and Brown) because Cealed Kasket is returning to the stage in support of Moistboyz featuring Dean Ween
$16 adv / $18 dos

Mayne Stage - check out Jess Godwin rockin' the stage with a full band.
ALL AGES / 7:30p

Metro - rock out with Trainwreck Symphony, Tomorrow Has Arrived, The Run Around, Chicago Loud 9 and Standing On The Shoulders of Giants
18+ / $7 adv / $10 dos

Joe's Bar - Elizabeth Lyons with Brushville will be performing on stage here
$8 / 8p

Lincoln Hall - check out CIMMfest's FILMAGE:  the Story of the Decendants & All with special guest Q & A
18+ / $10 / 8p (sold out) / 10:30p

Dec 14 & 15:
Plumbers Hall - it's the Randolph Street Market's Beaux Arts
$8 - 10 / $3 - 5 (for students)
Please note the admission includes a $5 to $10 voucher good towards purchases
10a

Dec 14:
Empty Bottle - shop at Homemade Market for that special holiday gift
NO COVER / noon / 21+ event

Door No. 3 (located at Double Door) - Akasha presents Simmer Down Sound featuring The Graduate, Rad Brian, Marcus I with live music performances by Akasha (featuring Illuminati Congo) and visuals by Odd Obsession Movies ...drink specials and dancing's required
FREE / 9p

Martyrs' - The Steak House Mints will be performing their final show of the year with Leslie Hunt and Temple Schultz
$8

BBC (Milwaukee, WI) - it's the Heavy Holiday Hoedown featuring a cookie decorating contest and raffle and more with live performances by Modern Echo, Circus Fires and Lost In A Name
$7 adv / $10 dos

Tonic Room - SoundPrism presents Digeometric, Business As Usual, That Freak Quincy and Kabrakoi performing on stage here
$8

Subterranean - it's the 3rd Annual Noise For Toys in which  all proceeds (cover fee and/or unwrapped toys collected) will be donated to Toys For Tots organization (providing families in need with toys during the holiday season) featuring live music by Blane Fonda, The Noise FM, Board of Governors and Chasing Mars
$10 or $5 with donation of unwrapped toy / 17+ / 8p

Dec 15:
Double Door - The Retar Crew with Scratch Pilots (featuring Griff from the Verve Pipe), The Dirty Dirty Dollars and DJ Supernova
FREE

Exit (upstairs) - attend Gigi's (Giselle) Breast Cancer Benefit featuring DJ sets by Tomogatchi, Gil GAvin, Cecil Medin, Scarylady Sarah, Peter Propaganda and more with performances by Gigi Arroyo, Rya Red and Amourena Tsokatos
$1 to enter the raffles / 7p

Serbian-American Museum - attend the Jesse Charbonier Album Release party featuring delicacies by Chef Dejan and performance by Chicago's local Jazz singer, Jesse Charbonier along with Adrian Ruiz (on piano), Michael Lough (on bass) and other special guests. Attendees are asked to dress in vintage wear from 1920's to 50's.
$25 adv / $35 dos / 5p

Dec 16:
Double Door - it's another Double Holiday Feature: Elf and The Nightmare Before Christmas
FREE / 7p

Dec 17:
Double Door - it's the Double Door Holiday Rockathon featuring Magatha Trysty , 10,000 Light Years and The Elements of Style
$7

Reggie's Rock Club - The Wooten Brothers, Victor, Joseph, Roy "Futureman"and Regi will be rockin' this Southside venue.
17+ / $30 adv / $40 dos / 7p








Dec 18:
Door No.3 (located at Double Door) - it's the Thantos 20th Anniversary show with guest guitarist William Faith, Binary Partners, tim Larson and special guest DJs Scary Lady Sarah and Philly Peroxide
$7 / 8p

Fizz Bar & Grill - it's Rouge! Electro Swing time again. Don your finest Victorian / Steampunk / vintage wear and swing the night away with DJ / host Joseph Vourtequue
FREE

Dec 19:
SPACE (Evanston, IL) - actor Harry Shearer and his wife Judith Owen bring their annual Holiday Sing-Along tour with special guests to this venue
$22 - $36 / 7p

Dec 20:
Elbo Room - attend the Philippines Benefit Concert featuring Michael Laechel performing on stage. **50% of all proceeds will be donated to the victims of the Phillippine typhoon**

Double Door - it's the Deal's Gone Bad's 2nd Annual Holiday Homecoming with live performances by Deal's Gone Bad, Hard Lessons, Green Room Rockers and 6'10'
$10 adv / $12 dos / 8p

Lincoln Hall - Derek Nelson's new project Martin Van Ruin will be celebrating the release of their debut album Every Man a King with Pet Lions, NE-HI, and Derek himself opening the show
$12 / 18+

Dec 21:
Subterranean - check out the Steve Stone record release party featuring Molehill rockin' the stage

Ye Olde Town Inn - Celebrate Matt Wolf's birthday with Something Beautiful, Skull Fogger and 5 Minus X sharing the stage along with other birthday surprises.

Rockwood Music Hall (NYC, NY) - Jess Godwin will be performing solo on stage 1
3p

Lincoln Hall - it's the Black & White Dance Party gala featuring Autograf, Them Flavors and Covalence.
Formal wear/classy/fashion forward attire required
18+ (21+ to drink) / $7 adv / $10 dos

Red Line Tap - rock with 6 Degrees of Separation

Another Hole In The Wall (Steger, IL) - 89.1 Pure Rock presents Dark Days of Christmas featuring the following bands scheduled to rock your faces off - The Letter Black, Righteous Vendetta, Echoes of Ruin, Left At The Altar, Forgetting Last Monday, Monolith, Escape The Paradigm, The Trademarked and Unknown Zodiac.
ALL AGES (21+ - need ID to drink)  / $11 adv / $13 dos / 4:30p

The Mutiny - Queer Fest America presents A Very Queer Fest-Of-Us, a benefit event for Gay Liberation Network
NO COVER

Dec 22:
House of Blues (Chicago) - Villains unite! V Is For Villains is taking over House of Blues (again) with El Famous, Seconds to Serenity and Savior Self. Grab your ticket now from any member of V Is Villains and receive a special bonus (pre-holiday) gift!
ALL AGES / $10 adv / $13 - $15 dos / 5p

Dec 23:
Double Door - check out this Double Holiday Feature: Bad Santa and Die Hard
FREE / 7p

Dec 28 & 29:
Ravinia Festival - it's the 2013 Walgreens National Concerto Competition for Young Soloists hosted by Midwest Young Artists.
For details and entry information (including application), visit http://www.secure.mya.org/forms/competition/php

Dec 30:
Concord Music Hall - Gramatik celebrates the new year with Lowtemp
18+ / 9p


Until next time, support your local scene,
SouthSide

08 Nov 13 - Bad Romance

SouthSide's caught in a bad romance ...and there was no way out of it either, blogspot readers.

Before continuing, this statement has to be said - SouthSide is not a diehard monster (Lady Gaga) fan however she does respect the artistry and music by this pop star, blogspot readers. Now that's out of the way, this reviewer recently attended the one-night only musical performance of Bad Romance at Bucktown's newest music venue - Concord Music Hall. Held inside the former V nightclub, this spacious 3rd floor venue had the right atmosphere and setting for tonight's concert which featured a full band, dancers and singers - all professional as well as carefully chosen for this live theatrical production of Lady Gaga's music. Here's where the skeptic side to SouthSide kicked in before the start of the show. As stated earlier, she may not be a diehard monster (like her kids) yet she's well-versed with this artist's songs from Fame to Born This Way albums. So, she did have her doubts about this production pulling it off without any flubs and/or missteps, blogspot readers.

There was excitement in the air as fans of all ages waited impatiently for Bad Romance to start. As the digital clock did a countdown and the lights turned low, this crowd was more than ready to be Gaga-fied by this elaborate musical production, blogspot readers, however the music didn't do much to generate more fan excitement already felt. To be honest, the only ones really feeling the excitement of attending a "Lady Gaga" show were the kiddie monsters seated in the balcony area with their parents. Another countdown?! How many does a musical need before the band and singers finally take the stage. FINALLY, the crowd erupts to life with applause and screams as the "Lady Gaga" character takes the stage.

The concept of Bad Romance is quite simple ...though it's loosely based on Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta (aka Lady Gaga) and her early days in the music scene before performing her first Monster Ball concert. In this musical, the main character strutting around stage mimicking the mannerisms and vocal style of Mother Monster is named Gia and she tells the story about her early days dancing at the Glitter Club to signing with Disco Heaven Records (aka Interscope Records) and her on-off again relationship with her first love, Alejandro, amidst the full band and backup singers performing Gaga songs. The musical featured hits like Monster, Alejandro, Poker Face, Telephone, Judas, Teeth, LoveGame and of course the musical title - Bad Romance (which you have to wait towards the end to hear) ...all recognizable in an instant, blogspot readers.

As musical production goes at this caliber, it was okay, blogspot readers, despite recreating some of her famous videos and/or dance moves. This reviewer did enjoy the relatively plausible storyline of a singer/songwriter who makes it big in the music industry after defying the "odds" and pressure to give up from her friends and family as well as working hard to make the dream come true. In a way, the same could be said about Lady Gaga. She did prove many critics wrong who thought (after seeing her first Lollapalooza performance back in 2007) she would merely a one-hit wonder thus getting lost and/or disappear amongst the sea other pop stars and wannabes. Well, look at Mother Monster now. She has, in SouthSide's opinion, has changed the face of the music industry with her wild and eccentric fashion sense (which keeps EVERYONE talking about what she wore or did for days) to her social activism  (fighting against bullying and for gay rights), acting, and more (like recently hosting Saturday Night Live). From a music critic standpoint, this reviewer enjoyed hearing the unique take on Lady Gaga's songs as performed by a live band even though there are some things you can't really translate with an electric guitar so well. Yet, kudos to the band on the effort especially when they steamed up Alejandro with a sultry opening as well as electrified Telephone as a hardcore rock song.

*sighs*

On the flipside, the production was a little flat and got tiresome gradually fast especially when the "Lady Gaga" character began straining on her vocals after an hour of gyrating, dancing and singing nonstop on stage, blogspot readers. At the beginning of this musical, she exhibited a lot of energy and excitement that had many little monsters singing along with her. There was a bright moment during Speechless when her vocals did shine popping the heartfelt words to life amidst the piano accompaniment but soon you could tell that she was getting tired when performing Born This Way - this 2012 hit received a lackluster rendition. Her vocals were slightly off key (fading in and out when reaching the high falsetto notes) and there was no emotion or dynamic emphasis anywhere on the lyrics. You would have thought the crowd would be extremely excited when she hyped how Illinois finally passed the Marriage Equality Act ...but sadly no. That hype fell flat as a dull doornail, blogspot readers. One more thing, "Lady Gaga" needs to work on her fake playing an acoustic guitar a little more ...she was off on the "strumming" the strings during You And I. The backup singers, who were totally non-existent throughout the entire musical, weren't any better either when you were able to hear their vocals. They were completely overshadowed by the band each and every time that SouthSide had to strain her earplugs to make sure their mics were on. Their reprise of You And I needed more vocal work since it didn't have the same vocal emphasis like the Gia character had earlier.

Despite needing a little more tweaking especially on the vocals, SouthSide somewhat recommends little monsters checking out the musical Bad Romance when the cast and band performs it again. A good effort in covering the famous hit songs by Lady Gaga that many had fun singing and dancing along inside the Concord Music Hall.

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


Until next time, support your local scene,
SouthSide