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

14 May 14

Two shows ...one fun adventurous night on the town...

 

Hey, blogspot readers, it’s a music takeover within the heart of Rogers Park! Recently, at Mayne Stage, SouthSide’s good friend (and local icon) Michael Teach and his staff at CAU (Chicago Acoustic Underground) had full run of the entire venue – Act One Pub and Mayne Stage to showcase rising singer/songwriters and bands. The Mayne Stage lineup featured the touring duo Sister Speak (with its band) along with The Aldermaniacs and Barrett’s Hidden Agenda. This reviewer arrived in time to check out the middle performance of Barrett’s Hidden Agenda in which she liked the rockin’ vibe felt from this local band’s funky musical fusion of bluesy Americana with an urban sound. This group had soul ...had a swingin’ beat you could tap your toes to ...it had a fantastic rhythmic floetry to make each song and its picturesque lyrics pop with life. She loved how his combined use of storytelling and contemporary music created a pleasant musical atmosphere for all to enjoy, blogspot readers, including the rockin’ Zydeco encore. However, there were a couple of things this reviewer didn’t enjoy during Barrett’s set. First, he could have engaged and/or interacted with the audience more in between songs (especially while tuning the guitar) instead of creating moments of “dead air” silence. Second, it would have been nice if he mentioned a few of the songs that either were performed or about to be performed for those (like SouthSide) who aren’t familiar with them. It would have been nice to include or at least mention one or two for inclusion in this review (for example, like the one song sung by the bassist). What SouthSide is suggesting – Barrett’s Hidden Agenda needs a little more work on its stage presence so everyone (including this reviewer) could feel “included” during the set like Barrett’s family and fans loudly sitting behind her.

 

“Chicago is one of my favorite places in the world...” ~ Sister Speak

 

 

SouthSide highly recommends checking out the duo (with its touring band) known as Sister Speak for its emotional yet soulfully dynamic sound not only heard in the vocals but also within the music itself. It was like seeing two performances tucked inside one rockin’ set, blogspot readers, in which Sister performed a mixed of acoustic as well as alternative rock for its audience. However for SouthSide, it was Sherri Anne and her soulful vocals that got her hooked when opening with a very subtle yet lively toe-tappin’ acoustic sound featuring some sweet heat from the blues harmonica (by Graham). That’s when this reviewer knew she was in for a fun time, blogspot readers. Performing songs off the new album, Sister Speak had this calming music atmosphere even while rockin’ the stage with some of its livelier and up tempo songs such as “Mountain Song” and “Lose Control” where both feature Sherri wowing the audience with her vocal range of being soulful, sultry and energizing at the same time. Meanwhile during songs like “Lady Love” and “Say You Will (Be There)”, we got to hear the vocal power behind the emotions in her voice that not only lifted the lyrics but shook the roof a little. And to say she and the band had the entire audience captivated throughout Sister’s performance would be a gross understatement. Sister Speak had everyone spellbound (except those rudely ruining this reviewer’s music enjoyment, blogspot readers, with loud conversations). Though, sadly, this reviewer wasn’t able to stay until the end but she did enjoy what she heard from this touring band and highly recommends blogspot readers attending a Sister Speak performance. For more information, visit http://www.sisterspeakmusic.com.

 

 

After playing another round of “CTA Mad Dash” to travel from the far northside to the near westside of Chicago, SouthSide arrived in time to experience her first Danish invasion at Cobra Lounge for the Leaether Strip performance, blogspot readers. The electro-industrial duo were locally supported by opening bands JILT and Cyanotic which this reviewer extends her apologies for missing. But soon she felt right at home ...soaking up the intense industrial sound, heart-pounding electronica rhythms (by this silence synths/keyboardist partner) and Claus Larsen’s raw, venom spewing lyrics as well as the fans in motion moving to the beat of aggression and hate. You could literally feel the aggression/frustration dripping over the mic in lyrics like “...once you start, you can’t stop me...” or “...I’m dreaming what you’re not suppose to be dreaming...”  Plus definitely connected with this crowd when touching on other subjects like pain and being persecuted. From the first moment he stepped on stage to the last dying synth sound, this performance was everything this reviewer expected ...and then some. What she wasn’t expecting was Claus (during the middle one song) telling two (loudly) chatting females to move away from the stage, blogspot readers, because their conversation was seriously overshadowing his performance. Yeah they were shocked and pissed but Leaether Strip fans cheered him for doing that. After all, it’s his show and we all came to see him not hear them talking. Anyway, this reviewer enjoyed how he trapped the crowd within his “hate” or disdain for societal rules placed on us in which he speaks so eloquently well, blogspot readers. And his fans respond to by fist pumping or head banging to the incredibly fast-paced, hardcore industrial sound and lyrics. Believe, SouthSide when she says – there’s no standing still while amidst in Leaether Strip’s music. You either dance to the intense beat or head banging ...or a combination of both. It was ...wow, what else can SouthSide say about Leaether Strip without giving too much away in this review? Perhaps she’ll end with – it was a wild time and she highly recommends attending his next performance, blogspot readers. For more information, visit http://www.facebook.com/leaetherstrip.

Until next time, support your local scene,

SouthSide

03 May 14

 

Hey, blogspot readers, SouthSide returns to the heart of Rogers Park venue district (along the CTA’s Morse Red Line stop) to visit the grand stage of Mayne Stage. Tonight, songtress Elle Casazza was set to perform in the middle lineup featuring The Flips (http://www.theflipsmusic.com) and Canasta (http://www.canastamusic.com) that was sponsored by CHiRP Radio.

She’s a sassy, sultry songtress named Elle Casazza, blogspot readers, who pumped soulful jazz to contemporary pop vocals into her songs amidst a full band backing her. There was plenty of heat being felt as her voice melted the lyrics during the beginning of the set in which perfectly created a pleasant music atmosphere for her audience. Her style wonderfully complemented the smoky jazz/adult contemporary vibe (with a little of edgy blues rhythms) energizing the room around SouthSide. There was some hip swaying moments ...definitely some toe tapping tunes here and there, blogspot readers, as this reviewer enjoyed the danceable beat especially when debuting her new song. While steaming up the mic with her sultry voice within the band’s downtempo rhythm, SouthSide suddenly noticed something about Elle’s performance. She got it. She understood how soulfully dynamic and sultry this vocalist’s voice can get, blogspot readers, but what she couldn’t understand was why didn’t she demonstrate that vocal power and strength when it truly counted. In other words, sometimes there was no “wow” factor in this performance. There were a few opportunities, in this reviewer’s opinion, in which she should have popped the lyrics to life with a strong tour de force of vocal (of what SouthSide) calls “oomph”.

 

For example – “The Body Knows”, that particular song called for Elle to really pop the lyrics to life ...showing off just more than how sultry her voice gets with the neo-soul jazz accompaniment behind her. She could have added a little spice and/or vocal improv (aka beat-bop) while the band members performed their rockin’ solos during the song’s instrumental bridge, blogspot readers. Musically – the number was great but lyrically, Elle could have done more. On the flipside, when performing “Say Something, Elle did put on a little “wow” factor for the audience but sort of lost it when doing the title track to the album “For Your Pleasure” where the band somewhat overpowered her vocally. Good thing she had back up vocalists assisting her on this particular song or SouthSide wouldn’t have been able to hear her. At least, she did end with a little “wow” factor. This reviewer was sorely disappointed that she didn’t totally go “crazy” while covering Prince’s hit song “Let’s Go Crazy”, blogspot readers. Musically it wasn’t the right fit for her vocal style since Elle wafted between “soft”, “normal” and “loud and hardcore” at the same time while singing the lyrics. SouthSide didn’t know if she was trying to sing and/or talk or both her way through the cover song even though it finally sparked some of her fans to dance. On the other hand, the band rocked ...right down to the infamous electric solo despite not hearing Elle screaming “...crazy...” at the end. Overall, blogspot readers, Elle Casazza performed a good show. She does rock the stage vocally as well as musically yet a few songs could use some “wow” factor vocally (especially when covering a Prince song) amidst her neo-soul/adult contemporary sound. There’s danceable rhythms for you tap your feet to or shake your hips.

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

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

18 Jan 13

~ Jess Godwin

Hey, blogspot readers, it’s an adventure around town fit for a Mom and daughter! Tonight, SouthSide and her “manager” spent some quality time together by attending an all-ages show at Mayne Stage located within the hub of Rogers Park neighborhood. There, they rocked to alternative/rock performances by The Matt Ryd All-Stars and Jess Godwin with April Henry (http://www.aprilhenrymusic.com) opening the lineup. 

~April Henry

Though enjoying the lively, energized performance by this singer/songwriter, blogspot readers, which at times her voice did pop the lyrics to life however there were other times when she did strain to be heard above her own band and/or to reach the unattainable high vocal range. April Henry did pop the stage with a rousing child-like atmosphere full of boisterous sound and tempos but sometimes the two left this reviewer confused especially during her third song that featured a lullaby-like tone before sweeping the audience into a dramatic symphonic pop feel. Even the imagery used inside the lyrics didn’t seem to gell or create a pleasing floetry to the ears. The next song should have had the band tuned down a bit (while keeping that fiery feel in the chorus) so April’s vocals could be vividly heard above the loud guitars. It was nice to see an artist portraying the persona of a little girl who still plays with her dolls yet it was too bad this particular artist was visibly as well as musically overshadowed by the rhythmic groove of the band.

~ The Matt Ryd All-Stars

He’s a little bit country but still a whole lot of that alternative/pop rock sound, blogspot readers, as he experiments combining the two elements within his latest EP – Ryd ‘Em Cowboy. Matt Ryd and his All-Star band rocked Mayne’s stage with the artist venturing into his country side but not deep enough that he sounds like Brooks & Dunn. Yet the electronic violin rhythms added to his songs did give certain songs a touch of that down home country feel and tone while retaining the lively pop sound as heard in For So Long and Nobody But Me. SouthSide enjoyed the semi-acoustic vibe during 10,000 Angels which the violin rhythms wonderfully helped spotlight Matt’s heartfelt vocals with some dramatic feeling in the lyrics before the rest of the band joined in. POW! This song took a different direction where you felt the vibrant burst of energy and sound though still remaining so heartfelt at the same time. Matt’s set also featured a few songs that were part of television shows like Marianne (featured on MTV’s Made – he’s not really proud of his songs on TV shows ...or so he says), When I Fall (featured on The Brackston Family Values) and this reviewer’s favorite, Healed (featured on an episode of Scrubs), in which had an energizing upbeat tempo from the violin. The audience were invited to dance along with Matt and his funky white guy dance moves when the band performed a rousing version of Stevie Wonder’s classic R&B hit Signed, Sealed , Delivered even though many in attendance weren’t that adventurous to dance, blogspot readers. Visit Matt Ryd and his music at http://www.mattryd.com.

Continuing with that energizing spirit from The Matt Ryd All-Stars band, blogspot readers, Jess Godwin and her band brought to the stage more hip shaking music and rhythmic sound which had many on the now crowded main floor immediately dancing along. This singer/songwriter really spiced things up with more than just her stage presence and vocals ...she added a lot of expressive body language to the mix while popping the lyrics to life. And wow – there was no stopping Jess from setting the stage ablaze song after song amongst the electrified riffs and lively percussions. Besides the highly intense and electrifying feel in this performance, there was also a bit of playfulness between her band members especially with the acoustic guitarist during one particular song. It highlighted the heartfelt emotion heard within Jess’ voice while pouring out her feelings to which one could easily hear the heartache in her voice. During Let’s Get Down, this artist showed off a bit of her sexy feminine and dynamically soulful sides to truly pop this R&B/soul sound within this lively pop/alternative rock song. This was one headlining performance which had a little bit of everything wonderfully meshed together leaving many dancing in the aisles (or their seats), blogspot readers.  Visit Jess Godwin and her music at http://www.jessgodwin.com.

Until next time, support your local scene,

SouthSide

24 May 12

"...I write the funky stuff while Damian writes what everyone likes..."
Chris Greene

Hey, blogspot readers, after an unseasonably warm day, it was time to relax and enjoy a night of cool Jazz. Tonight's On The Town adventure had SouthSide taking a well deserved break from her typical rock scene ...dressing up (a little) for her debut appearance at Mayne Stage. Located in the heart of the Rogers Park neighborhood (and a short walk from CTA's Morse Red Line station), this venue offered one unique concertgoing experience for this reviewer. She noted it had, no matter where seated in the balcony or main floor, an excellent 180 degreed wrap-around view of the stage which gave a sense of being spacious as well as intimate in size. Another plus about Mayne was the sound quality. The audience again no matter where they were seated had a clear crisp audio projection of tonight's performance. And hear that? Pure silence inside the venue too. It was like being inside a recording studio, blogspot readers, with miminal distractions and/or lobby noise to ruin one moment of the incredibly intense music experience during Chris Greene Quartet's performance. If you haven't attended a show or concert at Mayne Stage, she highly recommends visiting it especially when the legendary Jazz-fusion band Spyro Gyra makes an appearance there on June 7. For more information and tickets, check out Mayne Stage's website - http://www.manynestage.com.

Now back to SouthSide's "...incredibly intense music experience during Chris Greene Quartet's performance...", blogspot readers. And what an experience it was for this reviewer. Oh she could say it was uplifting ...awe-inspiring ...soulfully expressive yet those mere descriptions would hardly capture the entire concert from start to finish. You simply had to be there to not only hear but also witness the extraordinary floetry of sound and music felt while attending Chris Greene's "A Group Effort" album release concert. Yes, it was THAT incredible, blogspot readers. No, she wasn't bribed to write such glowing remarks in this review. This Jazz artist and each member of his band had a way of affecting the audience via music whether it was a lively, upbeat rhythmic tempo or a somber yet reverently played tune within a gospel-like tempo. This Quartet took the audience (SouthSide included) on a journey filled with emotional depth and soul-reaching sound during the near two hour performance. You could say it was almost like experiencing "The Twilight Zone" of a profound Jazz performacne in which SouthSide highly suggests taking such a journey yourself. And you don't have to be a Jazz aficionado to apprecciate it either. Just relax ...and let go allowing Chris Greene and his Quartet members take you away...

Performing this concert, according to Chris, as a "...regular old gig...", this Jazz quartet featured a setlist of tunes off the new album, "A Group Effort" as wll as previous ones and a few favorites like Charles Mingus and Madonna. Yes, blogspot readers, you read correctly. SouthSide did mention Madonna ...more about her and Hank Williams Jr later in the review. The setlist alone was an interesting repertoire mix of compositions written by Chris Greene (saxophone), Damian Espinosa (piano/keyboards), and Marc Piane (double bass) with Steve Corley adding his own personal touch to each Jazz piece on drums. In SouthSide's best opinion, she felt the songs performed were a fair representation of the composer's persoanlity besides offering a tiny sliver into their thoughts and/or emotions at the time of composing. For example, the opener - Good Riddance (by Chris Greene), this reviewer got the distinct impression of being told to "hit the road, Jack" from the bit of intensity laced within the rhythmic Jazz groove and sound. She thoroughly enjoyed the energetically loud "in your face" moments heard throughout but it was only to briefly add some spice amongst the relaxing lull of calmness ...creaing an atmosphere full of bursting, ear-pleasing music to which enthused tonight's audience espeically during the piano wizardry by Damian at the bridge.

Meanwhile, STAT (by Marc Piane) from the new album took that same energy and face-paced momentum and switched it for a smoother, laidback Jazz groove featuring a high alto saxophone melody flowing throughout the band's rhythmic beat. Still retaining a certain amount of intensity, used only for spontaneous bursts of life, SouthSide liked the calming poetry writeen in the music that allowed the ears to enjoy each and every instrumental note. Beginning a few bars without Chris' saxophone, the downtempo sound had cascading waves of crescendos and falls from each band member before Chris added a touch of hot spice to truly heat as well as mellow things out. This reviewer also liked how this piece wasn't necessarily rushed even though timed perfectly to feel like an all-night Jazz jam session of beautiful music, blogspot readers, that gradually ended with a calming yet steady rhythm. Then there was Three And Six (by Damian Espinosa) which offered yet another contrasting Chris Greene Quartet moment when deeper into this concert. This gospel-like tune opened with a somber bass 3-chord stance working both melody and rhythm amazingly at the same time until the rest of the band joined in underneath a slower downtempo beat. No offense to Chris Greene but this particular piece really spoke to SouthSide because of its reverent display of emotions within a non-hurried musical atmosphere surrounding her. Though having bouts of sadness, this lovely instrumental piece also had its moment of fiery spirited momentum off Chris' saxophone ...definitely had the audience feeling a wide range of emotions here and there that were wonderfully conveyed from each instrument. Very melodic with its Jazz spunk SouthSide highly suggests listening to this song. After taking a long look at the notes taken during this concert, SouthSide can safely conclude the other songs performed had or slmost had the same profound spiritual effect on the ears, mind and soul, blogspot readers.

She recommends grooving your body and feet to Chris Greene's composition - Bride of Mr. Congeniality to which the Quartet stepped up the rhythm and music up two notches higher to have you rockin' to the swift paced floetry of a funky Jazz sound. Hot intensifying saxophone melodies floating everywhere before the band took center stage during the bridge to calm things down a bit with a featured drum solo by Steve (he totally had some in the audience fired up during the crescendoing buildup). Though a little disappointed that there was no excitable POW after Steve's percussion crescendo to sock it to the audience, SouthSide still enjoyed the livelier side to this Quartet's performance. Also check out You'll Thank Me Later (also a Chris Greene composition), blogspot readers, for its cool classic Jazz sound amidst the waves of rises and falls laced throughout the melodic rhythms. Now, back to Madonna and what this pop artist had to do with Chris Greene Quartet's performance. It's quite unique to hear how different genres of music translated into other genres during a performance like for example Led Zeppelin's Kashmir or Stairway to Heaven done symphonically. Well, Chris and band wonderfully took Madonna's classic 80s hit song Boderline that launched her into the music scene and flipped it into a rockin' jazz number, blogspot readers. Or how about a little Hank Williams Jr (You Win Again) out of the country genre and into a more a jazz tune that you can still move your feet to. Yet the highlight of the covers during this concert was the performance of a Charles Mingus classic - Nostalgia In Times Square. This 1959 Jazz classic was brought back to life with all of its smoky club atmosphere and lively upbeat tempo by Chris Greene Quartet which had this reviewer wonderfully excited note after each note. These talented musician "owned" this jazz cover by giving the music explosively bursts of energetic life and momentum that felt intense yet so cool especially taking the final bars to a quiet lull before adding one last burst of excitement to end with a swinger feel.

What a night for music ...what an experience she will never forget.

SouthSide highly recommends attending Chris Greene Quartet's next performance, blogspot readers. Be prepared to have one intense Jazz experience like never before. For more information, visit http://www.chrisgreenejazz.com.


Until next time, support your local scene,
SouthSide