28 Jun 12 - Ministry

Hey, blogspot readers, it's "date" night during this special On The Town adventure. Well, not really an actual boyfriend-girlfriend date night for SouthSide. She's simply hanging out with one of her many buds - Shawn Kellner, keyboardist of Top Shelf Lickers. Together, we went to see the legendary Ministry rock the stage during one of their two-night Chicago performances at Vic Theatre. The band, now performing as an industrial metal, once pioneered the synthpop in the early 80s with hits like (Everyday Is) Halloween but during the late 80s (til present), Al Jourgensen (front man/guitarist) revamped Ministry's sound as well as its lyrical focus.

Opening for Ministry tonight was the Cleopatra Records duo - Blackburner (http://www.blackburner.org/), two of the creepiest "Frank" looking (Donnie Darko reference) characters ever seen on stage, blogspot readers. Shawn's take on their appearance at first was "...I'm so disturbed and confused..." due to the shock value this electronica/dubstep pair had during their performance. The pair appeared on stage with glowing LED eyes and bunny ears rockin' the audience with its hardcore guitar riffs amidst a disturbing array of laser lights, special fx (a fire extinguisher) and creepy electronica rhythms. As amazing as this opening set was, it soon fell horribly flat after reaching the middle of the set. Why? The momentum had totally lost its luster, the "Frank" weirdness was getting stale, and the crowd (including this reviewer) wasn't "feeling" the music and the performance. Truth be told - the performance even put SouthSide's "date" to sleep. The shock value could only go so far for Blackburner, blogspot readers, that they would have been more suited for a place like Neo and/or an event like Nocturna. Someone even posted on Ministry's Facebook page about the opening performance stating he or she hopes Ministry had a better opening act for their Friday night performance. One this is for sure, blogspot readers, the Ministry fanbase here tonight was going to be tough to please.

Not only tough but very, VERY impatient for their heroes to appear on stage. Tension was running high amongst the balcony as well as the main floor, blogspot readers, while the Ministry crew quickly set up the stage for the band. Excitement was at an all time high especially for both SouthSide and Shawn - this was our first Ministry concert. You could also hear the excitement from the many screams and hollering surrounding us (even through ear plugs) until ...darkness falls and up pops Al Jourgensen opening the show with a soliloquy about how you're worth more dead than alive to lead into the song - Ghouldiggers which featured a video to accompany it. Throughout Ministry's performance (which included two encores for a total of 19 songs), there was a video attached to each song performed to give a better understanding of the band's music as well as lyrics if not familiar with the "new" Ministry sound and look. SouthSide liked how Al and the band poked fun at Bush, Cheney and Powell (during No W) or protested our greed and need for oil from the Middle East and big oil coporations (in Rio Grande Blood that featured plenty of footage from Iraq "war"). As you see, blogspot readers, Ministry has taken a stance these days to enlighten the masses about what's happening in the world via their songs where it's mainly anti-something (i.e. religion, government, corporations, Wall Street, et al). And this truly delighted the crowd.




After Senor Peligro, the crowd on the main floor was becoming agitated from the central theme heard within the tense yet hardcore industrial metal rock sound as heard in Lies and then 99 Percenters - about how Ministry hates Wall Street ...could say it's the unofficial official anthem of the 99% and Occupy movement. Between observing the band and crowd, SouthSide can honestly say that the majority do share Ministry's hardline political point of view. It's quite obvious that this band speaks to a generation that's disenfranchised by the set establishment or by how, for example, there are more "eyes in the skies" (Watch Yourself) or how violence still begets violence even if it's meant to bring peace (Life Is Good - that featured morbidly disturbing video images of people getting blown away by bullets ...this particular video made SouthSide a little squeamish). By this time, mini mosh pit riots were forming on the main floor while in the balcony the audience up here were beginning to revolt to fist pump and head bang to the harsh guitar riffs and wild industrial keyboard rhythms (which you sometimes couldn't hear above the rock side of Ministry). The performance ended with Kybher Pass to which this reviewer enjoyed the strange melodic guitar riff floating in between the pounding percussion in this metal song and the video accompanying it displayed images of Usama Bin Laden and 9/11  on the screen.

During the first encore, with the crowd already agitated and pumped, Pslam 69 and N.W.O. truly had things exploding into wild pandemonium - moshing and slam dancing ...ice and/or cups being tossed from the balcony. However it wouldn't be safe for long in the balcony either, blogspot readers. If Ministry wanted to cause a near riot during their first of two shows, then they certainly accomplished that and more inside Vic Theatre. The band even took a quick minute or two for  what they called a "pot" break before finally ending the show with United Forces. According to Shawn, Al had to be carried off stage by his own security team just to end the show. "...holy shit that was good! You know it was good when you get carried off stage..." Shawn also stated saying  it was an awesome show but the lead singer (Al) was shitty. It's a fair enough assessment, blogspot readers. And SouthSide concurs - the Ministry show was awesome ...full of that space cadet glow for this reviewer. She enjoyed the symbolism and political (as well as personal)  pov presented in each song to the music that sent chills down her spine from the guitar riffs and industrial sound. Then there's the legion of Ministry fans - young and old who were observed rockin' out to their favorite songs.

If you haven't experienced a Ministry show, SouthSide highly recommends that you do. For more information, visit Ministry at http://www.ministrymusic.org/.




Until next time, support your local scene,
SouthSide

July 2012 update

Hey, blogspot readers, more HOT shows rockin' this month ...SouthSide highly suggests checking out.

SouthSide's friend, Strange Arrangement will be rockin' this week with 4 shows starting July 4th in Cincinnati at Stanley's for the official Umphrey's McGee after-show before heading to Grand Rapids on July 5th for a free show at Founders Brewery. Then, they will be stopping in Indianapolis for a show at The Mousetrap on Friday, July 6 and finally, Saturday, July 7th at the Petunia Festival in Dixon, IL. For more information, visit http://www.strangement.com/.


For those into the hip hop / rap scene - check out this event:
MTM Group Chicago in partnership with Hanibl.com presents Respect the Mic X.0! Happening on Thursday July 12, 2012 at 8:30 pm at Shrine 2109 s Wabash Chicago IL. Performances by:

Rhymefest
Naledge (of Kidz in the Hall)
Notrydo.Sincere
Hanibl Phee
Sid Sound+Others

Musical accompaniment by the Versatile Band

Hosted by Super Producer Tony Baines

Sounds by Dj Aris
 
 
SouthSide's friend, Trip Effect, has managed to sneak its way into an appearance at Rock'n The Valley (for 2 sets no less). Stage & time is still TBD but we will be playing twice on the first day of the event (July 13th* & 14th).


Rock'n The Valley - July 13th & 14th - 48 hour camp-out fest. 6 stages, $45 for two tickets (B.O.G.O. Free)! They can be purchased by emailing TheTripEffect@gmail.com or they can be purchased at Discount Tobacco (615 S Rockford Ave, Rockford, IL 61104) at Charles St. & 20th Ave.


On Saturday, July 21 - friend Verona Red will be rockin' the legendary House of Blues with Kings By Friday, Satellites, The Rails and Marina City at this 17+ show.
Doors 7p / $10 adv / $13 dos


Until next time, support your local scene,
SouthSide

Elbo Room notice

Hey, blogspot readers, SouthSide's good friends at Elbo Room asked her to post this notice on her blog about open performance dates.

Below are the available dates for the MAIN ROOM:


e-mail ADAMPOWERS@ELBOROOMLIVE.COM]
7/8 8pm and 12am

7/12 12am

7/22 10pm

7/26 10p, 11p and 12am



8/2 9p, 11pm and 12am

8/3 9p, 11pm*

8/4 8p, 9p, 10p*

8/9 9p, 10, 11p and 12am

8/10 10p and 11p*

8/11 8p, 9p, 10p and 11p*

8/12 8p, 9p and 11p

8/16 8pm

8/17 8p, 10p*

8/18 8pm*

8/19 8p, 9p, and 11p

8/23 9p, 10p, 11p and 12am

8/24 9p, 11p *

8/25 11p *

8/26 8p, 9p, 10p and 11p

8/30 9p, 10p, 11p and 12p

8/31 8p*



9/1 – All Open*

9/2 – All Open

9/6 – All Open

9/7 – All Open*

9/8 – All Open*

9/9 – ALL Open

9/13 – All Open

9/15 – All Open*

9/20 – All Open

9/21 – All Open*

9/23 – All Open

9/27 – All Open

9/28 – All Open

9/29 – All Open*

9/30 – All Open

-------------------------

Below are the available dates for the COCKTAIL LOUNGE:

e-mail KAYLA@ELBOROOMLIVE.COM

7/16 8p-9p, 9p-12a

7/17 9p-12a

7/24 8p-9p, 9p-12a



8/1 9p-12a

8/2 9p-12a

8/3 8p-9p

8/4 8p-9p, 9p-12a

8/6 8p-9p, 9p-12a

8/7 9p-12a

8/8 8p-9p, 9p-12a

8/9 8p-9p

8/12 8p-9p

8/13 9p-12a

8/14 8p-9p

8/15 8p-9p, 9p-12a

8/16 9p-12a

8/17 9p-12a

8/18 8p-9p, 9p-12a

8/19 8p-9p, 9p-12a

8/20 9p-12a

8/21 9p-12a

8/22 8p-9p, 9p-12a

8/23 9p-12a

8/24 8p-9p

8/25 8p-9p, 9p-12a

8/26 8p-9p, 9p-12a

8/27 10p-12a

8/28 8p-9p, 9p-12a

8/29 8p-9p, 9p-12a

8/30 8p-9p, 9p-12a

8/31 8p-9p, 9p-12a



9/2 8p-9p, 9p-12a

9/4 8p-9p

9/5 8p-9p, 9p-12a

9/6 9p-12a

9/7 8p-9p, 9p-12a

9/8 8p-9p, 9p-12a

9/9 8p-9p, 9p-12a

9/11 9p-12a

9/12 8p-9p, 9p-12a

9/13 8p-9p, 9p-12a

9/14 8p-9p, 9p-12a

9/15 8p-9p, 9p-12a

9/16 8p-9p, 9p-12a

9/17 8p-9p, 9p-12a

9/18 8p-9p, 9p-12a

9/19 8p-9p, 9p-12a

9/20 8p-9p, 9p-12a

9/21 8p-9p

9/22 8p-9p, 9p-12a

9/23 8p-9p, 9p-12a

9/24 8p-9p, 9p-12a

9/25 8p-9p

9/26 8p-9p, 9p-12a

9/27 8p-9p, 9p-12a

9/28 8p-9p, 9p-12a

9/29 8p-9p, 9p-12a

9/30 8p-9p, 9p-12a

 
http://www.elboroomlive.com/ [1]

http://www.facebook.com/elboroomchicago [2]
http://www.myspace.com/elboroomchicago [3]

http://www.twitter.com/elboroomlive [4]
http://www.sonicbids.com/elboroomchicago [5]
http://www.flickr.com/elboroom [6]
 
 
Until next time, support your local scene,
SouthSide

July 2012

Hey, blogspot readers, summer's truly heating up with a July full of fun, food, entertainment, fests and of course - music! Check this rockin; calendar of happenings near and far.

*note - all shows 21+ unless duly specified*


July 1:
The Sometimes Family CD Release show @ Double Door featuring Lindsay Weinberg and Wait, What?

Vanattica featuring Reverse Order @ Hard Rock Cafe (as part of their Summer Patio Series)
5:30p / All Ages

Greg Gunn (of Black Flag) and Royal We featuring Owleater @ Red Line Tap
9p


July 2:
Time For Livin': Tribute to MCA & The Beastie Boys @ Lincoln Hall
(proceeds from this star-studded local collaboration  event will go to Benefit Students For Free Tibet)
8p / $10 adv / DOS

Daniel Knox & featuring a string quintet and world's greatest horn player, Ralph Carney with Joan of Arc @ Millenium Park (Jay Pritzker Pavilion - as part of Downtown Sound Series)
Free / All Ages



July 3:
Makeshift Prodigy @ Mojoes
7p / All Ages (21+ to drink) / $10

Teen Wolf Tuesdays @ Debonair Social Club
guest DJ for July 3rd - DJ Jimmy Con (of Ghosthouse)

July 4:
The InnerVisionists featuring BasiQ lyrical painter, Sorfrito & Mayonnaise, Cochise Soulstar @ Underground Wonder Bar
9p


July 5:
The Prep School Tragedy's It's All A Show CD Release show featuring Aesthetic Perfection and Kink Ador,  X-Rx and Blakopz @ Reggie's Rock Club
6p / All Ages /  $13adv / $15 DOS


July 6:
Syncronicity / Discipline @ Ultra Lounge
9p

Carnal (Friday edtition) @ NEO NightClub

Northwoods Music Presents Jammin' On The Wolf Pre-Party featuring Electric Boogaloo, The New Fuse, Brothers Rage and Taggant Transcontinental @ Double Door
8p / $8

Watson Peace Fest Pre-show featuring Helium Fuse, Bizaarro, Closing In, Copper Harbor and Red Deer Cave People @ Gasthaus (located in Elgin, IL)
6p / ALL AGES / $10

Southside Underground DJs event - Let's Glow! @ Crisp Pizzabar (Milwaukee, WI)
10p

Mia LeBlon along with Joe Corley & Joshua Shiffman with Ben Johnson @ Uncommon Ground (Wrigleyville location)
No Cover - donations accepted / 10p


July 7 & 8:
Vlado Music & Art Fest @ Vlado's (located 10011 S. Commercial AV - SE of Chicago)
Noon / 21+ / $8 adv / $10 DOS


July 7:
WhiteWolfSonicPrincess rockin' Tim's B-day Party @ Cal's Bar
9p

Sutured Psyche & Persistence of Memory @ Underground Wonder Bar
8:30p

A Chicago Style Sound Party @ Goose Island (Wrigleyville location)
9:30p

Jammin' On The Wolf Jam Off featuring Digeometric, Sneaky Gene & The Schiavos @ Volcano Room (located inside Bottom Lounge)

The Bright White with Rockit Girl and The Jetbirds @ Double Door
$8

The Livest Show in the Corridor - a Southside Underground DJs event @ Hide House Lofts (Milwaukee, WI)

Strange Arrangement @ Dixon Petuntia Festival (Dixon, IL)

Nocturna @ Metro
10p / 18+ / $10

Sick Idiot with Mona Mur, En Esh and Promonium Jesters, Go Fight featuring DJ Mr. Bobby @ Cobra Lounge
9p

V Is For Villains @ Anime Midwest (will be hosting a panel as well as performing 2 shows at Lisle, IL)
$25 (for one day wristband) / $35 for entire weekend


July 11 - 15:
Taste of Chicago
Check out Mucca Pazza and Kids These Days performing Thursday, July 12 (at Bud Light Stage), My My My  performing Friday, July 13 (at Bud Light Stage) and The Waco Brothers (sings Johnny Cash) & Robbie Fulks (sings Lynyrd Skynyrd) performing Saturday, July 14 (at Bud Light Stage)


July 11:
Project .44 returns to the stage @ Double Door
8p

Paragon & Hoobastank @ River Rockhouse (located in St. Charles, IL)
7p

Ideamen @ Elbo Room
(will be kicking off their two tour schedule to promote upcoming sophomore [untitled] album due out this fall - visit http://www.facebook.com/iloveideamen for more details)

July 13 - 14:
Rock 'n The Valley 2012 @ Pecatonica, IL
http://www.rocknthevalley.com/


July 13:
Produce, a multi arts experience in four parts returns @ Fasseas White Box Theatre (located inside The Drucker Center)
every Friday until August 3rd / 8p
Friday the 13: the Party @ Cigars & Stripes (located in Berwyn, IL)

As Built Presents: Reuben Bettsak's event - Tiger Mountain with Infinite Jeff, Future Carnivores, Young Adults and more @ Radio (Somerville, MA)

We Killed The Lion @ Elbo Room


July 14:
Cirque De La Femme presents - Peep show / Freak show @ Lincoln Tap Room
10p

Back to the Grave @ Darkroom
(all goth/deathrock/postpunk party hosted by DJ Scarylady Sarah)

Aryk Crowder with S. Joel Norman @ Underground Wonder Bar
8p / $10

Nate Z @ Metrospace (Lansing, MI)
ALL AGES / $5


July 15:
The Frantic @ Fitz's Spare Keys
6p


July 18:
Hammers of Misfortune with Gates of Slumber @ Reggie's Rock Club
8p / 17+ / $16 adv / $18 door


July 19:
Shoeshine Boy Productions Present - Mason's Case, Soulfix, Polarcode, Andrew Fraker & Sons @ Double Door
8p / $5 (w/flier) / $8


July 20 - 22:
Peace Fest Campout @ Hide-A-Way Lakes Campground


July 20:
The Unknown Pleasures @ Grace Street Tap
10p


July 21:
Do It Local Music Fest @ Capitol Night Club (4244 N. Milwaukee)


July 22:
Waynestock 2012 @ Parrish Drive Firehouse (Wayne, NJ)


July 25:
Mutiny on the HMS Bone @ The Mutiny
8:30p


July 27:
Adam & Stubhy Story Tellers Acoustic Show (a LBC event) @ Fitz's Spare Keys
7:30p


July 28:
Chicago featuring Doobie Brothers @ Charter One Pavilion (as of  a 25 Date Coast to Coast Summer Tour)

MOBCORE - Delta 9, 8cylinder, Sir Vixx, Common Dominator, CCDM, Idiom and Tooth_Eye @ Underground Lounge
8p


July 29:
Trash_Audio: Synth Event 12 @ Empty Bottle

Nonpoint @ Mojoes

Wicker Park Fest Down at Akasha Presents Simmer Down Sunday with resident DJs The Grad of Illumanti Congo, Rad Brian of Impala's Sound and movies by Odd Obsession @ Double Door
FREE / 10p


Also ...starting July 9, The Shams Band will begin their July residency at Schuba's celebrating the release of their sophomore album - Cold City! Each Monday, they will feature opening acts like Derek Nelson & the Musicians (July 16) and Archie Powell & The Exports with Young Hines (July 30). For more details and show lineup schedules, visit http://www.theshamsband.com/.


Until next time, support your local scene,
SouthSide

23 Jun 12

Hey, blogspot readers, SouthSide's rockin' a FREE-weekend! In celebration of Wicker Park's Green Fest, the hippest rock venue on 6 Corners lined up 3 spectacular days of free shows all weekend long featuring DJ sets and hot music acts in their effort to continue the spirit and fun of the fest happening next door.

On this particular night, Double Door entertained the fest goers with hot remixes of retro to pop modern classics and hits to keep everyone amidst the summertime momentum until The Retar Crew took over the stage. This 4 piece hip hop / rap crew 's set featured a few special guests joining them tonight on the bill as well as other performances by Knowaries and DJ Adrienne Sanchez. To add to tonight's central club theme, there were dazzling light effects to greet each person entering the venue. However, one thing was quite different for SouthSide - she didn't hang out at her usual spot in the balcony. It was stifling hot up there, blogspot readers, to feel the cool breeze that was blowing on the main floor.

Let's get one thing straight about SouthSide - she's not a fan of any kind of hip hop / rap whether it be Gangsta  or West Coast to whatever she has to endure being blasted from her noisy neighbors' cars. Though enjoying The Retar Crew's performance, she also didn't enjoy it at the same time. Let's touch on what she liked about this local group's Double Door show first before highlighting the bad, blogspot readers. The Retar Crew featured a lively mix of lyrical verse within their hip hop groove and fun beats to the delight of their fans and others to get them dancing to the funky rhythms especially when opening with their Retar theme song - a little ditty poking fun at themselves complete with in sync (sexy) dance moves. Yet, there's one thing you must know about this rap crew - they truly don't take themselves or anything (ie pop culture, life, et al) too seriously. However, there's a message hidden their whimsical lyrics to songs like Dead Celebrities (Too Soon?), Jig n' Fin and Social Media Blues. Prime examples of how Retar takes pop culture turning them in social messages especially Jig n' Fin (about a girl with a nasty you know what down there, so fellas beware) and Social Media Blues (plenty of f-bombs being dropped to which they demonstrate their distaste for everything from Obama [yes, this received the biggest cheer when saying "...fuck Obama..."] to media/entertainment icons). Still there are fun tunes when they're not being "serious" like Awesome (here's when you shouldn't believe the hype about them) or A-A-A Don't Hate (a hardcore hip hop tune than the others performed).

Now, as SouthSide mentioned earlier, she didn't like The Retar Crew's show for a few reasons. First, there was an intermission to which surprised this reviewer but also, in her honest opinion, brought down the excitement of their show to a crashing halt, blogspot readers. She's all for promoting and allowing others to share the stage during your special (free) show. However, she couldn't comprehend what possess Retar to add a pantomime puppet show. Granted the puppet show was okay ...she did enjoy the use of Bing Crosby's The Moon Got In My Eyes for this quick 5 minute performance but it somewhat lost the crowd's excitable high and energy dragging it down to a "let's grab a beer" lull. Besides the performance being a bit confusing as well as beautifully artistic, it honestly didn't fit within Retar's central performance theme of the night and didn't really spark any fun interest from the where SouthSide was observing unless you were close to the stage. The second thing which totally lost SouthSide completely during this show was the addition of a Detroit rap group. Now, the show totally came to a grinding halt, blogspot readers. This trio of hip hop artists (including their own DJ) couldn't get this Retar crowd hyped for their short performance especially at the beginning when they hit the stage. This set was incoherent mesh of lyrical verses (the rhymes bouncing off each MC on the mic were garbled whenever they spoke at the same time instead of timed individually to be understood) and of beats that were very uninteresting (sounding like the stuff this reviewer has to suffer through - the excruciating loud thumping one-note bassline). SouthSide can honestly say some (and she means - some) did enjoy this set but most were impatiently waiting for Retar's return to close out their performance.

If this show was just about The Retar Crew (minus the special guests), SouthSide would recommend checking out this local hip hop/rap crew whenever they perform again. Yet, since this featured special guests, she does have her reservations, blogspot readers. This reviewer does plan on giving them another try at a later date.

For more information, visit The Retar Crew at http://www.theretarcrew.com/.


Until next time, support your local scene,
SouthSide

One on One with Nate Z

Hey, blogspot readers, meet an electrifying singer/songwriter who wants to take you from the lake to the moon ...and back with his music. This reviewer had the pleasure of covering her long time friend, Nate Z when he was rockin' the stage with the band Bona Verba as front man/guitarist. He has thrilled audiences with his intense guitar fingering during his performances which would end  in break strings and bloody fingers. Now as a solo artist, times have changed, blogspot readers, and so has the direction and intensity of his music. Describing it as "...folky rock-n-roll with [some] popness...", Nate Z recently gave SouthSide an exclusive peek inside his music from his upcoming album, his thoughts about the local scene and My Chemical Romance and more during an interview before his local showcase set at Elbo Room.

Q: If you had to compare yourself with another singer/songwriter, who would it be and why?
A:  Kurt Cobain ...that was my band [Nirvana] when growing up ...my songwriting can be compared to kurt's however I can't sing like him ...I have tried. I'm now into "old school" folk (think Woody Guthrie) from the 30s and 40s.

Not a big fan of cover bands/artists however I'm a big fan artists who enjoy being themselves. Be yourself musically. I also like Mozart and Beethevon ...composers creating music from within.

Q: Single or taken?
A:  Taken

Q: What was the inspiration behind the catchy tune Lake to the Moon?
A: When I wrote it, I had the opening riff but no lyrics til I got to the chorus and then put them both together. Basically I wanted to keep it as a simple song. For the most part it's about boozing or being under the influence and I lived close to the lake ...enjoyed looking out at moon. So it's simple and the riff is repetitive and I didn't want to sing over the riff - just want to play it. Then too I wanted the song to clever and witty. I take pride in my lyrics to ...they're poetry.

Q: So you can somewhat call yourself a modern age troubadour?
A: *laughs*  Modern age troubadour? That's if what people want to say.

Q: What are the inspirations behind your other songs like On The Train to Chicago?
A: I actually met a girl on a train heading to Chicago. We had must had a good conversation during the ride ...I already had the music set [for this particular song] but needed the lyrics.

Q: So you write your music first before adding the lyrics?
A: Lately, yes - I have the music ready ...simply need the lyrics to complete the song. Sometimes I have the melody in my head ...humming it or singing jibberish until the lyrics finally form.

Q: SouthSide would like your opinion about Chicago's local scene.
A: I should go out more to support the local scene. There are good and bad bands/artists. Personally, I have been it for a few years now ...started at Elbo Room and they do a good job promoting the music scene. I wish there was more comradorie between bands/artists. People - get out and support the local bands. There will be shitty ones but there also will be some good ones to meet and befriend. Keep in contact with the bands too. Also singles guys - it's way to meet hot chicks. *laughs*

Q: Do you find it less constricting to perform as a solo artist than with a full band?
A: Yes, I would like to have a full band but also it has made me a better guitar player. A two piece band is nice yet as a solo artist, I have more freedom and not having to worry what the other guys are doing. Plus this keeps me on top of my game to be a better bassist/electric player. I enjoy it.

Q: Will Nate Z perform with a ful in the near future?
A: Yes, I hope so.

Q: What's next on Nate Z's calendar?
A: I will be performing at Rockapalooza in  Jackson, MI at the Jackson County Fairgrounds and will be the Razor & Die show on WLUW 88.7 FM on July 27th.

Q: Tell SouthSide a little something about the new CD? What's the title?
A: No title yet. If all goes well, the new CD will come out this fall. It will have 10 tracks featuring singles like From the Lake to the Moon, Lithuanian Princess (a love story in a way about wanting to achieve that happy ending) and Keep The Faith (which started off as 3 separate songs but soon took parts from each and rollled into one. This particular song is meant to be an inspirational song.) ...also included in the album Have a Nice Day.

Q: Which song (or songs) should fans familiarize themselves about Nate Z and his music?
A: Lake to the Moon and Have a Nice Day - those two separate songs display my different personality ...one is my mellow side while the other is my strange rock-n-roll side. Basically all of my songs are short love stories. However check out Lake to the Moon on You-Tube (which also features SouthSide in it) however the one used for the video is a demo version. I will re-release the video with the final album version.

Q: Any last words ...shameless self-promoting plugs about yourself?
A: Come to a show ...just enjoy music and just enjoy life ...without music life wouldn't be the same...

For more information about Nate Z, visit this singer/songwriter at http://www.natezmusic.com/.


Until next time, support your local scene,
SouthSide

16 Jun 12

Hey, blogspot readers, welcome to the sauciest, finger-licking fest in Chicago! Today, SouthSide and  her sidekick (her 10 year old daughter) attended the 6 Corners (Irving Park -Milwaukee - Cicero) BBQ Fest within the heart of Portage Park. The block long, two day festival featured an array of delicious offerings of ribs to burgers as well as pulled pork (and much more) smothered in some lip smacking bbq sauce from local restuarants in the area. Besides the tasty eats (and of course drinks), there were local vendors and businesses out in support of this family orinted event. And do you know what goes great with all this good food  and fun? Great music, of course, blogspot readers! This fest boosted an amazing lineup of performances by The Future Laureates, Waco Brothers, Charlie Baran & The Grupo Gringo, The Shams Band, Andrew Diehl & The Nightmen, Magic Box as well as Voodoo Kings (on the main stage) and The Polkaholics (on the north stage).

"...you're on fire tonight..." ~ August Forte of NoVo Arts, Inc.

Want to add some sizzle to your BBQ, blogspot readers, try a little Voodoo Kings next time. This local band not only electrified the stage with its unique "hot" (in a good way here) mesh of rockin' combination of punk/soul/glam/retro and more but also wowing the early evening crowd plenty of uplifting as well as spirited orgran-driven rhythms and tempos, twitterpating guitar riffs and (at times) 4-part harmonies (especially during American Lights) that melted the mic. This band constantly had feet moving to the beat and bodies (no matter the age) dancing which left many wanting "one more" song. Even while in a downtempo riff, one could still hear the boisterious energy flowing from the music straight down to the hot electric sound wrapped around the heartfelt vocals inside this toe-tappin' feel good music. This wasn't "sit down and enjoy" type of music, blogspot readers. Oh, no. Voodoo Kings certainly worked their magic in keeping most dancing throughout the set. Yet, what truly fascinated SouthSide about this particular band besides the "hot" music and rockin' sound, was the pictureseque imagery used during certain songs. For example, for American Lights - she vividly got the sense of being on a road trip with the Kings as they described different destinations along the way. Or listen to the anthem-like theme running inside Strong Will Survive ...or feel that Voodoo animialistic powress and roar when listening to Animal ...or feel that sultry as well as soulful vibe (especially inside the vocals) in When I See Her. But, beware, blogspot readers, Voodoo Kings will toss in some "hot" funk sounds at you too as heard during Last Child to which definitely had this crowd feeling (besides hearing) each vibrant guitar riffs to the thundering percussion and rhythmic blast on the organ. *fans self* The funkified sound was so hot Mother Nature rolled in the clouds and strong breeze to cool everyone down - now that's voodoo music magic at work. SouthSide highly recommends rockin' your next fest with her new friends, Voodoo Kings and bring your dancing shoes with you too. For more information, visit http://www.voodookings.com/.

"...Polka is the new punk..." ~ The Polkaholics

Now, after having some of the tastiest BBQ in the 6 Corners area with Voodoo Kings, you need to wash it down with something - like beer and polka! Don't laugh, blogspot readers, but SouthSide has special place in her heart for polka ...and who better rock a fest featuring their favorite thing in the world - The Polkaholics. This lively, energetic trio of over 50 year olds (who says you have to be young to rock a stage) once again brought their brand of polka/punk rock music creating a fun and danceable atmosphere for all ages as they performed their hits like Beer Barrel, Too Smart Polka, Blue Haired Lady and more. Yet, what makes this polka music quite special as well as unique is how they incorporate classic rock/punk sounds to the polka rhythms. Yes, it's true - polka is the new punk especially with this trio converting songs, for example, out of Iggy Pop's Lust For Life to Lust For Beer (which includes There's No Beer In Heaven) or the gospel song Revive Us Again (Hallelujah) into swinin' polka songs, blogspot readers. No song and/or genre is untouchable. Not with The Polkaholics making new converts one fan at a time. Even ever popular Chicken Dance gets its own polka sound as well as Ramones' Blitzkrieg Bop (turned into Blitzkrieg Bop Polka). During your experience with her polk-loving friends, you might also hear some Black Sabbath/Ozzy Osbourne, Deep Purple, and KISS - yes, this reviewer did say KISS as "...I want to rock and roll all night and party every day..." but here it's "...I want to polka all night and eat ribs every day..." Besides educating everyone about classic rock through polka, The Polkaholics also taught the crowd a thing or two about other polka styles or history such as German polka during Existentialist before dedicating Polka Celebration to the Chicago's polka king, Eddie Blazonczyk, who recently died at the age of 70. However, for The Polkaholics, every day is a celebration for their love of polka and of course, beer. And they did show their love for the malty brew by performing their one and only love song about it titled Old Style (then again - most of their songs has a mention or two about beer). You might think it's weird polka-ing, blogspot readers, but if you were at this performance, you could hear the impact this local trio has on its fans by the requests for songs being shouted throughout the performance as well as dancing bodies.  They even performed an encore, KISS My Polka - the band's first song written, and the crowd wanted more. "...America needs people like The Polkaholics..." according to one fan. So, beware ...The Polkaholics are bringing back the polka craze into the 21st century. For more information, visit http://thepolkaholics.com/.


Until next time, support your local scene,
SouthSide