30 Jan 13

"...we can solve this problem ...we can solve it now..."

Timothy Scott, newly elected Chairman of Illinois Council Against Handgun Violence

Tonight, they're rockin' the stage to bring a very important issue to light. In case you haven't noticed the recent news, blogspot readers, handguns and handgun violence has suddenly been the forefront on every politicians' and activists' (for and against) as well as re-elected Barack Obama's mind lately. Ever since the Sandy Hook, CT tragedy to the recent death of Hadiya Pendleton, the issue of gun control has been given national spotlight and top priority amongst many concerned citizens and activist groups. At Empty Bottle, SouthSide joined many others on this brisk winter's night at a charity event to help rock and raise money benefiting the Illinois Council Against Handgun Violence.

Found in 1975 by four (4) Chicago suburban women, the Illinois Council Against Handgun Violence is the oldest and largest statewide organization in the US that has been working to prevent tragedies like Sandy Hook and Aurora (CO) caused by firearms. According to Timothy Scott, who was recently elected as chairman of this non-profit organization, this benefit's goal is "...to educate, advocate and pass common sense gun law..." which is designed to reduce deaths and injuries. "...1,000 lives [the number of Illinois residents killed each year by guns] ...1,000 reasons..." says Timothy during a short interview with this reviewer. He continued saying "...firearms are dangerous products ...they need to be regulated..." like any other dangerous product, blogspot readers. However, this doesn't mean his organization is out to do away with the 2nd Amendment of the US Constitution - "...A well regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed..." What the Illinois Council Against Handgun Violence is advocating "...build coalitions to enact change in laws and behavior..." meaning they're not looking at bits or pieces of this amendment but the entire sentence. And did you know that Illinois is the only state that doesn't allow concealed handguns?

While discussing how SouthSide lives in one of two Chicago's high crime areas, she asked how he felt about this issue being in the forefront of political minds these days. Timothy responded "...it's fantastic on what's being done in D.C." then adding "...shame on [the] politicians..." SouthSide did agree with him that it shouldn't have taken innocent children getting killed for them to take action. "...it wasn't bad enough when it was happening to adults in offices, shopping malls, movie theatres ...it takes violence happening at grade schools ...shame on them..." He continued by stating "...we could do much better ...we demand better..." SouthSide asked him for his views about Chicago's rising violence which peaked at 506 deaths (in 2012) and so far 44 (as of January 30th). He found it to be pathetic and also said that Illinois Council Against Handgun Violence not only represents Chicago but the entire state of IL, blogpsot readers. "...it's a historic moment to effect change..." says Timothy "...speak up now..." He also added that if you ever wanted to get politically involved, this is the right cause to do it. Besides going to Springfield to lobby for common sense gun laws (that includes tougher background checks) on April 10th, he also suggested blogspot readers nationwide to contact their US senators and congressmen and President Obama .as well as their local politicians to join the campaign. There are other ways of letting your voice be head like contacting local school boards and telling them "...I do not support training and or authorizing teachers to be armed with guns..." But please remember, blogspot readers, be respectful of all opinions yet have conviction for your own. For more information, visit http://www.ichv.org or http://www.onemillionsforguncontrol.org and http://www.demandaplan.org.

In between informing the audience on how they could get involved with the Illinois Council Against Handgun Violence, blogspot readers, there were musical entertainment as well as lovely raffle prizes to be won and yummy treats to be eaten (the apple crumb was the bomb!). All proceeds from the door entry, raffles and bake sale with the ICHV and the bands, out of the goodness of their hearts, performed on stage for free. The lineup of night featured Redgrave, Sunken Ships, TAFKA (The Artist Formerly Known As) Vince Band and Viceroy with The Pirate Twins (the DJ team of Scary Lady Sarah and Willaim Faith). Upon her arrival, Viceroy (http://www.viceroyrocks.com) was already in full swing rockin' the stage with loud thunderous punk guitar rock that vibrated boisterous sound and intense rhythms to headbang to. SouthSide enjoyed the raw vocals (by front man and guitarist Derek) amidst the twitterpating riffs that brought instant cheering reaction from the few near the stage especially during the heated instrumental bridges. It was the kind of sound that got the heart pumping wild on this frosty night. This band definitely blew some ears away when performing Dreamboy. Meanwhile, TAFKAVince Band (http://www.vincerock.com) was beyond wild and crazy during their Empty Bottle performance, blogspot readers ...and that's not a bad thing. This montage of musicians were intense (with the rock sound), excitable (like Energizer bunnies hopping all the stage), chaotic (as punk rock should be) and so much more that she had a difficult keeping up this band while reviewing them.  Loud intense punk rock was their thing and at times the noise volume did exceed the legal limit on the ears. Yet that's what made TAFKAVince Band's act so entertaining as well as enjoyable. Each member made it fun besides it being totally insane and frantic throughout each song. SouthSide must say that she has never reviewed someone who could outshine any woman in a pair of metallic shorts, fishnets and boots and strut around the stage like she own it like Vince did tonight, blogspot readers. This reviewer loved his flamboyant style and stage presence which was wonderfully paired with his female partner - Lauren who popped the lyrics to life with her raw vocal power. And the band behind this rockin' duo truly rocked out Empty Bottle with some wicked space punk wizardry (off the keyboards) one minute then to "in your face" rebel rock the next. It was intense momentum from beginning to end ...SouthSide can't wait for the next "workout" with this band.


Until next time, support your local scene,
SouthSide

27 Jan 13

Hey, blogspot readers, let's party! SouthSide's rockin' the Double Door once more on this wet and icy night around town at a special birthday bash. Even though the audience was at its lowest (many stayed away due to weather), the guest of honor and  fans supported the bands who truly pumped one exciting show by rockin' the stage hard and loud. Tonight, the lineup featured an eclectic mix of music from hard-hitting psychedelia guitar rock (We Killed The Lion) to energizing industrial/steampunk electronica (V Is For Villains) to mobilizing an army of classic hard rock (General Patton & His Privates). SouthSide highly recommends checking out all bands listed in this review at their next scheduled appearances around town.

We Killed The Lion

We Killed The Lion did more than just thrilled the initimate audience of a few, blogspot readers, ...they opened with a sonic bang of tripped out psychedelia rock vibe while performing songs like The Scene, To The Sky (dedicated to SouthSide) and Back Down. Fans of this genre will like how this trio of musicians combine intensely wicked guitar riffs, rhythmic flow and groove of sound to surround you and the rawness heard in the vocals by Brian (front man/guitarist) on the lyrics especially during To The Sky. Though there were times when they did take that intensity down to a mellow vibe (as heard in 7 Circles), WKTL didn't skimp on the energizing wave of psychedelic grooviness felt within the soothing music. During this particular song, the band's music will give off the sensation of tripping or floating along to the tempo underneath the Double Door's lava lamp-like lighting effect illuminating the stage. Yet that feeling will soon wear off once you're sent back to the intense electrifying sound of Back Down which incorporates some wild stax guitar wailing within the band's hardcore guitar riffs just to give this particular tune an extra kick before steadily keeping you in that sound groove with Slayer. Even after closing their set with the rousing, fired up song Revival, the audience wanted more and got Jet Plane to zoom them into the next band appearing on stage. For more information about We Killed The Lion, visit, http://www.reverbnation.com/wekilledthelion.

 

"...sometimes shit breaks..." ~ Fallon Flynn of V Is For Villains


V Is For Villains

Where's Scotland Yard when you need them?! Villains have taken over the stage during their Double Door premiere, blogspot readers. And though it came with a few minor problems (Fallon Flynn blew a guitar and Mr. Agitator rockin' the stage with sore leg), this villainous band of wanted criminals still perform one heck of show especially after enticing the audience with a very seductive entrance of belly dancing by their newest member Isthar (also on keyboards). Beware ...she's one powerful villain while luring you closer towards the stage as the others ensnare your ears with songs like Everybody Hates Me, Sinner and Evolve or Die. SouthSide is not faulting the band for a somewhat lackluster appearance ...and also knows there will be moments like this show when nothing seems to be going right. Every band has that one "bad" performance. Still these Villains made the best out of a somewhat rather interesting show where most of the set was missing Fallon's electrifying guitar sound and the keyboards and drums had to rock the show. Also, this reviewer was totally amazed after hurting himself at another event weeks ago Mr. Agitator (villainous leader of the band) took command of the stage in full villain style and force even while in pain. Ladies, he looks very dapper sporting a cane to his look too. All was not lost during their Double Door debut, blogspot readers. The Villains did return to full strength with it's electrifying industrial/steampunk sound and pulsing intensity that fans love and enjoy so much. Just in time too when it was time to perform Broken Doll and Sinner. Sinner didn't have quite of intensity or sex appeal as it did during the Villains' House of Blues debut but it was shocking as Mr. Agitator revealed his true self to the world by removing his mask. *shock* *awe* But NO Villain show would be complete without the ever popular Pink Elephants haunting the stage before ending with the anthem, Playing The Villain. For more information about V Is For Villains, visit http://www.visforvillains.com.

General Patton & His Privates

This general is looking for a few good men (and women) to rock out the stage with him and Rockasaurus, blogspot readers! Don't worry, Rockasaurus doesn't eat meat ...he simply rocks out the stage while devouring  the twitterpating guitar rock music of General Patton & His Privates. The general himself was in fine form tonight as he commanded his army of musicians into battle with a performance featuring classic tones of psychedelic guitar rock and screaming punk on lyrics. Loud wouldn't be the correct term to describe it. It was intense, head-banging rock to where your ears were assaulted with heart-pounding riffs and chord changes after another especially during the instrumental bridges. You were meant to feel this army of three storming the stage with full force especially while performing Sorry (dedicated to those who told the General their excuses for not being able to attend this rockin' birthday bash) and Cyber. SouthSide was simply blown away by this band ...and felt the groove when Rockasaurus joined the band for his special song. Got to love a rockin' dino who loves to rock out with this band, blogspot readers. This reviewer spent most of her time rockin' out with the band than writing since it was a party ...so why work too hard not enjoying the fun! For more information about General Patton & His Privates, enlist at http://www.myspace.com/generalpatton. He and his army as well as others will be rockin' the Winter Peace Festival happening at Portage Theater on Feb 16.

Until next time, support your local scene,
SouthSide

20 Jan 13

"...going to funk up some shit..."

"...a white guy with black glasses and a black guy with white glasses..."

Hey, blogspot readers, come celebrate a music milestone featuring rockin' fun and more along with this legendary band! Tonight, deep within the heart of Wicker Park area, SouthSide made a rare  Sunday night appearance to party and review 20years of homegrown "acid" jazz and soul with Liquid Soul. Getting their start as a mainstay on the Elbo Room stage back in the early 90s, this Chicago band has graced many stages around town (including Double Door and Mayne Stage) as well as around the world to festivals (ie Taste of Chicago) and even performed at a presidential inauguration for former president Bill Clinton. This extra special show not only included a crowded stage of current Liquid Soul band members but also former members as a one huge family reunion of sorts throughout this double set celebration ...actually more like "...4 drummers, 3 DJs, 2 MCs and a partridge in a pear tree..." In order to get this party kicked off right (besides defrosting the crowd), DJ Jesse de la Pena rocked the venue with his vibrant mix of retro and modern R&B/soul music that featured Sade and an instrumental funk/soul version of John Lennon's Imagine.

Now, that the crowd was warmed up, they were ready to party all night long! Work on Monday?! Yeah right ...not this crowd! As soon as Liquid Soul took the stage, a rousing cry of cheers and whistles quickly filled up the venue from front to back while the band opened with a exuberant burst of energy and sound amidst the fast lyrical hip hop verse. This unique combination (as seen throughout the show) soon had many dancing and grooving to the funky music vibrations floating from the stage, blogspot readers. This legendary band fused the tones and elements of Chicago Jazz with some funk, R&B, hip hop, Latin spiciness and whole lot of soul along with a hot horn section (led by co-founder Mars Williams) to add sparks to its rhythms within their songs off albums like One-Two Punch, Here's The Deal and Liquid Soul. SouthSide particularly loved the space wizardry funking up the scene amidst a lively upbeat tempo and rhythmic soul sound. This instrumental piece wonderfully meshed together Jazz, DJ scratching, hip hop beats and more until it gelled towards the bridge where the trumpet solo took over firing up the crowd into a frantic frenzy. To say at this point (it was merely the second song into the first set) the entire band was on fire would a be a gross understatement, blogpsot readers. Liquid Soul was setting the stage ablaze song after song popping all over with funk-tastic sound within each note performed.

Liquid Soul did have this unique floetry about their music besides the "acid" Jazz, blogspot readers. During another fun moment, the band tossed in some R&B/groove music to their lyrical hip hop verses as MCs Dirty MF and Brian rocked the mics featuring a guest MC, Mr. Green.  Meanwhile during another song, Liquid upped the not only the rhtyhms to now feature heart-pounding congas and other percussions to the mix but also electrified the stage with hot spicy blasts from the band's horn section and twitterpating electric riffs laced throughout this song though keeping the jazz element within pockets here and there. The band, though bringing the music and vibe to a downtempo tone, soon rocked the stage with a neo-classic Jazz instrumental piece which peeked with vibrant bursts of energy and DJ scratching here and there showing that any music genre and style could be meshed together into a soulful vibration of sound, blogspot readers. This first set so far had upbeat grooves, a funkified diverse sound of music and eclectic style unlike any other (Jazz) band SouthSide has reviewed before now. She liked how Liquid would slow the rhythm and tempo down to allow the ears to bask in the sensual floetry while at other times make the heart race to the beat of quick-step tempos as well as getting your booty shaking. It's a cosmic fusion of many proportions, blogspot readers, in which this reviewer was glad to be a part of their celebration.

For more information about Liquid Soul, its music and where they will be rockin' the stage again, visit http://www.liquidsoul.com

Until next time, support your local scene,

SouthSide

February 2013 part 2

Hey, blogspot readers, here are MORE exciting shows/events happening locally and elsewhere during the month of February. Please note: all shows are 21+ unless stated otherwise.

Daniel Knox has a Hideout residency (every Tuesday night) during the month of February. The first 3 nights, he and the band will be performing the Disaster Trilogy in its entirety – Disaster, Evryman For Himself and the un-recorded Chasescene. For his Feb 26 show, he’ll present music set to projection along with photographer John Atwood.

All shows are $5 / 9p

Feb 1:

The Burlington Bar – Made By Man, Bring Your Ray Gun , Boy Blue and Worrier will be rockin’ the stage

$5

MultiKulti – it’s the Flabby Dabba Doo Album Release party!

Feb 2:

Q-Bar (Darien, IL) – Chicago’s only tribute band to UFO, Strangers will be rockin’ the stage here performing songs off albums Obsession, Lights Out, Strangers in the Night, Walk on Water, Force It, Phenomenon and No Heavy Petting

House of Blues – Papadosio brings their The Future Forest Tour to the stage

Feb 5:

Preservation Club (Knoxville, TN) – it’s Skytown Riot vs The Blue Heavy duking it out in this unique $3000 Scruffy City Band Eat Band competition. Good luck, guys!

Feb 7:

Beat Kitchen - It’s Tomilinson’s Half Birthday show in which the band, Cobalt and The Hired Guns will be debuting new songs too. The lineup also features Jessie Torrisi & the Please Please Me and Witchfeet

$8

Double Door – Jack Rabbit will be joining the lineup that features Private Instigators

The Burlington – Pre-Valentine’s Day fun, music and love featuring El Mejor, The Particulars and Jan King & Medicine Ball rockin’ the stage

$7

Martyrs’ – The Brooklyn band Miss Tess & The Talkbacks will be performing here

Township – The King of Power Pop, Paul Collins along with Little Boy Jr, Blizzard Babies and Scoundrel will be rockin’ the stage

Feb 8 & 9:

House of Blues – React Presents welcome the return of England’s aggressive dubstep electro producer – Feed Me along with his production With Teeth and Estonia’s Mord Fustang

17+ / visit http://www.clubtix.com for tickets

Feb 8:

Wise Fool Pub – it’s the Bad Bad Meow Takeover featuring Kez Ban and Teenage Rage

Lee Street Games & Sports Bar Inc (Des Plaines, IL) – Cream fans check Badge as they rock the stage with an ALL Cream 3-set show!

NO COVER

Chris Northland Tavern & Grill – SHIMMER while shining and dancing to Shoegaze and Dreampop with Scary Lady Sarah and Philly Peroxide

FREE (before 10p) / $5 afterwards until 2a

Whites Bar (Saginaw, MI) – check out Mason’s Case before the band leaves for tour in March

Bird’s Nest – check out Steph & 7 Cents along with Apollo House, John Scarpelli and Zach Wcislo performing on stage

Feb 9:

Congress Theatre – Coheed, Cambria, BTBAM and Russian Circles will be illuminating and rockin’ this ALL AGES show

6:30p 

Bungalow Joe’s (Hanover Park, IL) – Hellwagen will be rockin’ the stage here

Vibe at 1935 (Highland Park, IL) – Borrowed Time celebrates the band’s first jam of 2013

Jerry’s Wicker Park – it’s a special birthday celebration for the legendary Bob Marley featuring live reggae by Rasta Kelly and the Mix with Rad Brian and DJ Papa G

Feb 13:

SPACE (Evanston, IL) – Aryk Crowder opens for national touring artist/guitarist Joe Robinson

tickets are $10 - $18 / visit http://www.evanstonspace.frontgatetickets.com

Kaufman Center (New York) – featured debate of the month by Intelligence Squared – Should we prohibit genetically engineered babies? 

Imagine a world like the movie Gattaca (starring Jude Law, Ethan Hawke, Uma Thurman) where kids are designed to be and grow up genetically free of diseases and parents get to control their son’s or daughter’s height, eye color and intelligence. The reality of that particular movie happening now is closer than you think. Choose your side and cast your vote online.

For: Sheldon Krimsky and Lord Robert Winston

Against: Nita Farahany and Lee Silver

visit http://www.iq2us.org for tickets

Feb 14:

Logan Square Auditorium – it’s the Chicago Reader’s 4^th Annual Anti-Valentine’s Day Party featuring The Hood Internet, Fly Honeys, Words from Our Loves, Words from Our Exes and Tess from Slo’ Mo

$14

Empty Bottle – it’s Handlebar Tin Year Anniversary Party featuring Pink Frost, The Runnies, Touched by Ghoul, Melina Ausikatis, and Old Black & Blue Eyes with Gel Set DJ

FREE with rvsp (sorry individual rsvp’s only NO plus 1’s) / $8 without rsvp

Feb 15:

The Mutiny – Queer Fest America Benefits Broadway Youth Center’s Education Department. Offering a safe place for LGBTQA and/or youth experiencing housing instability from the ages of 12 – 24 years old, this event will help BYC’s educational department. Attendees are asked to bring backpacks, school supplies, pens, pencils, etc. There will be music performances by queer hip hop/rapper Ripparchie, Cold Country Salty Peters, Kez Ban and the acclaimed LGBTQ artist Tony Jones

FREE

The Frequency (Madison, WI) – it’s the Local Love Fest 2013 where Venus In Furs will be rockin’ the stage during the 1^st night of this 3^rd annual event. It also features other local artists including a reunion set from Way Off The Horse. The first 100 people at the door will receive a copy of this year’s limited edition Local Love Fest Mix Tape

$7

Nite Cap – it’s the Voodoo Queen (aka Yvonne Loveland) / Jeff Iverson’s (of Spinning Red) Birthday Bash featuring Angry Mixtape, Lye, Sinister Fate, Spinning Red, Deadman’s Hand and Today’s Wreckage

$7

Joe’s Bar – The Casey Donahew Band will be performing here

$10 / 8:30p showtime

Metro – it’s Nocturna’s annual New Loves & Broken Hearts Ball featuring request-driven music (current and classic) from industrial and post-punk to ethereal and more. Plus there will be a fashion show at 1a and The Artifixer selling corsetry and other fine steampunk artifacts

18+ / 11:30p til 4a / $10

Feb 16:

Red Line Tap – 312 Presents Nora Jane Struthers of Barefoot with the Mike Meo Trio and Mad Bread

$7 adv / $10 dos

Fitz’s Spare Keys – it’s the 7^th Annual Drunky Monkey Pub Crawl

5p

Feb 17:

SPACE (Evanston, IL) – Emily Hurd introduces her new band, Stone Blood Valentine, at this record release brunch party

Tickets are $12 adv / $15 dos / $22 for reserved seating

Portage Theatre – there’s a screening for Julia’s Smile (a film by Eric Mattson)

doors – 4p / showtime – 5p / PG-13 with a runtime 80 mins / $5

Feb 18:

Boiler Room – it’s Local Focus Film Festival. Enter your film and/or video at InputOutputProductions.net

9p

Feb 19:

Double Door – check out Chicago Music Magazine’s Spotlight/Local Pulse Monthly Music Industry Showcase! “...putting together lineups that [CMM] believe are some of the best emerging talent from Chicago and around the world...” this month’s lineup features A Friend Called Fire, Hypodrive and Ozwald Bozwald (both from NY), and Boots With Spurs 

$7 adv (go to http://www.doubledoor.com for tickets) / $10 dos

Feb 20:

Double Door – Social Focus returns to the stage opening for A Man Called Noon’s CD Release show

$7

Feb 21:

SPACE (Evanston, IL) – New Orleans Suspects featuring members of legendary touring acts The Racliators, The Neville Bros and The Dirty Dozen Brass Band performing live on stage at this ALL AGES show

7:30p / tickets: $12 - $24

Feb 22:

Township – Ormen Lange, An Aesthetic Anaesthetic, Droughts and Zaius will be performing here

Feb 23:

Goose Island Brew Pub Wrigleyville – check out this lineup featuring Walking Shadows, Counting 10, Apollo House and The Pipe Dreams

$8 dos / $5 pre-sale

Feb 24:

Fitzgerald’s (Berwyn) – it’s the Sixth Annual After Brunch Bash featuring music and family barn dancing ...music performances by country/swing group The Teflons and bluegrass outfit Sunnyside Up

Until next time, support your local scene,

SouthSide

19 Jan 13

“This is why I hate Rihanna ...here’s a real sister who can sing can’t get break...” 

Elbo Room regular Chris about Esh the Singer

~ The Last Chance Boyz

Hey, blogspot readers, the weekend has barely just begun for this reviewer! Tonight, SouthSide’s doing more than just rockin’ out Lakeview’s local rock venue, Elbo Room ...she’s partying until closing time with Esh the Singer (WI), Astor Place Riot (KY) and The Last Chance Boyz (IN) on this chilly winter’s night. Though unable to rock out with this beer-drinking, girlfriend-stealing scumbag band aka The Last Chance Boyz (can find them on Facebook) from Michigan City, IN, this reviewer highly suggests checking out this lively bunch off rockers who did a very mean punk version of the Richie Valens classic La Bamba. Hopefully, these Boyz will return to Chicago for a full review and perhaps an interview, blogspot readers.

 

The Astor Place Riot

Upon her arrival, SouthSide was automatically mesmerized by the symphonically pleasing sound of a uniquely blended mesh of music genres. It wouldn’t be fair to this band from Lexington, KY – Astor Place Riot in describing how awe-inspiring the music felt or how wondrous the floetry surrounded this reviewer as it drifted across the stage during their performance ...unless you were personally there yourself, blogspot readers. To say it was an amazingly good set would be a gross understatement especially to way this band blended the edginess of symphonic rock with some dreampop, shoegaze and piano-driven sound and dynamic vocals (by front man and guitarist Josh) here and there that made the basement lounge vibrantly pop to life. Sure this reviewer could compare this band to another popular and/or local band she knows but for the sake of Astor’s review, they’ll be spared that since she got the general feeling they want their music to stand on its own merit. And it did. During one particular song, her ears were lost within the energizing pop of the symphonic sound that she briefly forgot how it highlighted the heartfelt sentiments sung by Josh before flipping the script for a more alternative/rock sound and less symphonic while keeping an electrifying tone in the music of the song that followed. SouthSide highly suggests mellowing out when Astor cranks up the intense volume while they perform long instrumental bridges to which the fiery spirited sound excited this audience and fans who demanded for more. Snag Astor Place Riot’s current release Crossing Lines that features songs likes 2 Against 3, All In, Prevail and In Too Close – this particular song truly brought out Josh’s falsetto vocals as well as the band’s intense crescendo music rise at the instrumental bridge. Visit Astor Place Riot at http://www.astorplaceriot.com.

 

Upstairs rockin’ the acoustic lounge, The Silvas warmed up the audience with a dynamic vocal performance set to an electrical acoustic tone that featured a couple of originals and Bob Dylan cover before Esh the Singer took the stage. SouthSide enjoyed the natural floetry from the unique combination of Jasmine’s voice and the electric guitar (used as an electronic sitar) when she sang a couple of traditional songs. Then, it was time for something a little different from Esh (the Singer), blogspot readers. Tonight for her Elbo Room debut, this dynamic rock artist without her full band took the intimate, acoustic route to which thoroughly impressed and wowed not only this reviewer but also the Elbo Room regulars and management. Compared to when SouthSide first heard and met this artist, she enjoyed change of pace that featured a much more dynamic stage and vocal presence out of Esh in which her voice vividly brought each song to life with energizing fire and spirit. And so what if she flubbed on her favorite song (Rolling Stones’ Paint It Black), it was still cool to know she has moments when the famous words can escape her grasp but can still rockin’ it out for her fans while attracting the new listeners who came up from the basement lounge.

Esh is more than just a dynamic female vocalist, blogspot readers. She has a special unique talent of conjuring strong female emotions and then translating them through her choice of songs whether they be her own originals or covers. From the Elbo Room regulars and management, they compared her to Stevie Nicks because of her deep, classically trained vocal style. It has gritty edge in which you’re made to feel her voice permeating through your soul not just sitting there in your chair listening to it. For example, she soulfully drenched the ears with her powerful rendition of No Doubt’s Don’t Speak to which Nick (on electric guitar) took a much slower tempo pace to allow Esh’s vocals to be dynamic and strong while Chico as her male backing vocal added a touch of gentleness. Or check out her version of Radiohead’s All I Need – one of many “wow” moments that SouthSide had to stop writing and just be in awe of this artist’s voice as she emotionally pumped all that she had into this particular song. She turned Chris Issak’s Wicked Games from an overplayed radio hit into something so sexually hot and intensely wicked within slower downtempo electric rhythm. Even while performing her original like You Should Know Me, it wasn’t only her voice doing the “speaking” in this song. Her body language was clearly voicing its presence too, blogspot readers, that she packed a powerful punch of fire and spirit into each word breathed over the mic. Check out her other songs like Toxic, I’m Doing Fine and Burn This Place Down and get ready to be wrapped inside a strong woman whose voice will take you on one heck of a emotional rollercoaster ride ...she will expose  your ears to moments of deep heartache and intense anger through her songs. Visit http://www.eshlive.com for more about this artist and when she’s rockin’ the stage again.

 

Elbo Room after hours with DJ Horsehead

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

February 2013

Hey, blogspot readers, still snowless in Chicago as we quickly approach February! Besides being the shortest month out of the year featuring Mardi Gras debauchery, (anti) Valentines romance and President's Day, there are plenty of shows you should check out around Chicago or even as far away as Australia. Please note: all shows are 21+ unless stated otherwise.

Every Wednesday during this month at Elbo Room – it’s the FREE local showcase

Feb 1:

Metro – Bambi Raptor along with Mike Golden & Friends, Katz Company, The Ivorys and Blood Red Boots will be rockin’ the stage.

18+ / $6 adv ($10 dos)

Shrine – Shabazz Palaces, Illuminati Congo and Morris are scheduled to perform

For tix visit – http://www.ticketdriver.com/shrine

Mackey’s Hideout – Joe Marcinek Band featuring Mattas and Janis of Family Groove Company will be here

FREE

SubT (Subterranean) – Private Instigators will be rockin’ the stage

Jackpot Music Hall (Lawrence, KS) – Illphonics along with Scripts-n-Screwz and the Phantom will be rockin’ the stage

18+ / $5

Elbo Room – Sonic Pistol returns to rock you face off along with Funbrella and Lighten Up!

$10

Greenhouse Theater – The Kiss Kiss Cabaret 2nd Anniversary show (and also Ramona Mourir’s birthday too). This event hosted by Max & Les Flattery will be celebrating 2 years of wild burlesque and crazed vaudeville entertainment

Feb 2:

The Blue Fugue – Illphonics will be here along with another band tba later

The 5 Spot (Nashville, TN) – check out The Bright White’s live performance here

Goose Island Wrigleyville – it’s a Hero Monster Zero Birthday BYOB* Party! Celebrate with Andy and Chris as they turn 28 rockin’ with Local Motive, The Cooks and Sweet Diezel Jenkins featuring DJ Funktopus

$8

*Bring Your Own Ballons

Schuba’s Tavern – Common Shiner will be celebrating the release of Before They Sold Out (part 2) album featuring The Pomegranates

Ultra Lounge – Groundhog Day Deja 2 featuring Stoplight Jones, Jet W Lee and Big Black Bird

Fitz’s Spare Keys – Stubhy and Adam of Lucky Boys Confusion will be performing

Cobra Lounge – Sexy Baby Record’s presents Vindictives Bible School, Stat Dad, Modern Day Rippers, Ridgelands and Adam Widener on stage

Feb 4:

Reggie’s – The Andreas Kapsalis and Goran Ivanovic Guitar duo along with Bryan Rason

Feb 6:

Schuba’s Tavern – Filligar with Taddy Porter will be performing here

AA

Ultra Lounge - check out Hunter Valentine, The Wanton Looks and The Cathy Santonies rockin' this Logan Square venue
8p

Feb 7:

Double Door – check The Private Instigators at this show

Feb 8:

Ultra Lounge – check out What It Do! performing live

Apollo Fine Arts & Entertainment Centre (Peoria, IL) – The Great I Am’s CD Release party featuring Ahmadahere

$15 (admission includes free album download – save Apollo tix for admission to after party at Shifters)

Underground Wonder Bar – check out the France Jean-Baptiste & the Sexy Menz reunion show

Feb 9:

Live Wire Lounge – A.S.S., Radio Creeps, Praise The Fallen, Severed Tether (and 1 more band TBA) will be rockin’ the stage

Young Avenue Deli (Memphis, TN) – The Great Barrier Reefs along with Kaleidophonix will be rockin’ the stage here

Record Bar (Wesport, KS) – Alice Sweet Alice, Alice 102 and Kansas City Local Artists present ASA Masquerade – Mardi Gras 2013! Attendees are encouraged to come with masks and/or costumed attire. Music lineup features Mad Libby, The Clementines. Red Velvet Crush, Molly Picture Club and of course, Alice Sweet Alice

$8 adv / $10 @ dos

Visit http://www.alicesweetalice.com/asaevents for more information

Red Line Tap – God Bullies front man Mike Hard along with Rollo Tomasi and the Polymer Twins will be performing live here

Feb 10:

Ravinia (at Bennett Gordon Hall) – it’s the 6th Annual Discover National Chamber Music Competition. This event is designed to provide an educational as well as competitive experience for pre-college chamber ensembles in 12th grade and younger.

Visit http://www.mya.org/chambercomp or email - benrusch@mya.org if you have any questions

Feb 11 & 12:

Elbo Room – KMA Management presents Battle of the Bands to SXSW in Austin, TX

$10

Feb 13:

United Center - attention all little monsters, Mother Monster aka Lady Gaga will be bringing her Monster Ball here for two sold out shows starting tonight.

Feb 14:

Liar’s Club – it’s the Anti-VD show featuring Napervillains, MILFs, Underground Day 1 and Panzer live on stage

Feb 15:

Nowhere Bar and Terrapin Brewing Co (Athens, GA) – Great Barrier Reefs returns for an Athens double banger! First at Terrapin Brewing Co from 5:30p – 7:30p and then at Nowhere Bar 10p until ?

NO COVER both shows

River Rockhouse – Spyderbone featuring Sparkplug Assassins, Stonewave and Simple Simon on stage

$5

Elbo Room – Peter Terry & The City Profits, Kelsey Montanez, Trainwreck Symphony and Sean Magwire

$10

Martyrs’ – Steak House Mints will be celebrating the release of their album – Love Songs for Prostitutes featuring Paper Thick Walls and Leslie Hunt in the lineup

Feb 16:

Cubby Bear (Wrigleyville location) – work up a sweat with Workout Music and Energy Commission featuring Kairus Down and Twilight & the Sound

$5 presale

TBA – V is for Valentines featuring V Is For Villains and Hayley Jane (burlesque dancer)

$10 dos / $16 for couples

The Portage Theater – Winter Peace Festival featuring Family Groove Co and Drugula

Arcada Theatre – The Guess Who live on stage performing hits like “American Woman”, “These Eyes” and “Share The Land"

Visit http://www.oshows.com for more information

Feb 17:

East Peoria Event Center – Cabin Fever Indoor Camping & Music Festival. This 30+ hrs of music, 3 days and 2 stage event runs from Feb 15 – 17 featuring food, camping (indoor and HEATED) and fun but The Great I Am rocks the stage on Feb 17

AA

Visit http://www.CabinFeverCampin.com for tickets and lineup details

Feb 18 & 19:

Elbo Room – KMA Management presents Battle of the Bands to SXSW in Austin, TX

$10

Feb 21:

Elbo Room – Blue Eyed Jesus along with Carsick Radio, Kickaways, Thaddeus Pine and The Sound Check will be here

$9

The Southern (1840 W North Ave) – it’s the Bourbon Dinner! Experience a sampling of rare bourbons paired with tasty southern bites as well as learn about the exclusive whiskeys from expert Armando Zapata. Purchase ticket to reserve your seat.

$45 includes tax and gratuity

Feb 22:

Elbo Room – It’s the Michael Laechel and Bob Erl show! Also performing Kelroy with Call Me King, Sean Magwire and The Strongest Swimmers

Des Plaines Theatre – it’s the Winter Wreckoning

Amplyfi (Los Angeles, CA) – check out Vanattica rockin’ the stage with Reverse Order

AA / 7p

Feb 23:

Chris Club (Vallejo, CA) – check out KLANK, The Bastard Makers, Trainwrecked and Zeroclient rockin’ hard on stage

$5

Double Door – Bickhamstock 5 featuring Cheer Up Mooncat, Little Boy Jr, Mugwump Specific, The Uglies and Cousin with a special acoustic performances by Frank Maloney
$7

Elbo Room – Illphonics along with The Old Comiskeys, The Trouble!, Back Alley Riot and Jordan-Morgan Lansdowne will be performing

Goose Island Wrigleyville – Free Spirited’s First showcase

Feb 25 & 26:

Elbo Room – KMA Management presents Battle of the Bands to SXSW in Austin, TX

$10

Feb 26:

The Wall (Sydney, Australia) – Blood On The Dance Floor will be rockin’ this ALL AGES show

Reggie’s Music Joint – Magatha Trysty opens for the legendary Mr. Blotto

$5

Feb 28:

Phoenix Youth (Melbourne, Australia) – Blood On The Dance Floor will be here rockin’ this ALL AGES show

Will update this blog as more shows/events are sent to SouthSide to post, blogspot readers.

Until next time, support your local scene,

SouthSide