18 Oct 13 - Carnivale Delirium

Hurry ...hurry ...hurry ...step right up and witness magical feats and alluring delights that will astound your mind ...and seduce your senses at this carnivale...

Move along, kid ...you're too young to enter ...move along or I'll box your ears...

That's right, folks, don't be shy ...come closer to the stage ...there's plenty of room for all. Eager to enter through the tent, aren't you, sir? That's right, madam, come closer and see things you've never seen before at Carnivale Delirium!  Oh no, blogspot readers, this isn't some ordinary carnival where the rides are cheap and thrills are weak! No! Our wonderful host, Lord Joseph Cr Vourteque the 4th would never invite you some run-of-the-mill event. That's not his style ...especially since this is also his birthday party. Take a gander at this fine lineup of acts and sideshow wonders, folks, at Carnivale Delirium...

Meet the lovely Karolina Lux, a temptress of the burlesque belly dance and other delights ...her moves will make the proudest of all virgins blush ...if magical tricks and slight of hand is your thing, sir, then watch our resident Magician Michael Burke wow the mind ...if a bit more daring, witness the mysteries of science and together with Sanjula Varama ...or have some fun with Professor Pinkerton and his Dead Man's Carnivale featuring the magic of Shandini ...come hear a tune or two with our resident operatic vagabond, Eric Stern and finally dance to the sweetest vaudevillian gypsy music you've ever heard by Candy Town. While inside the carnivale tents, blogspot readers, peruse the latest in Victorian/steampunk fashion and neckcollars for the ladies ...for the gents (and ladies too) we have stylish mustache tattoos as well as an opportunity to make your very own Clockwork Vaudeville poster... 

Don't be shy, folks... 

Come and enjoy all that you see here with SouthSide at Carnivale Delirium!

Michael Burke

After passing through the tent curtains, blogspot readers, you'll find Michael Burke with his lovely assistant from the audience, Jess, ready to amaze you with a couple of tricks with cards and a clown nose before completely blowing your mind away with the disappearing card trick ...but wait, how did that deck of cards come out of his mouth?! Aw ...that's the wonders and magic of the mysterious unknown ...and he's not revealing how he does it. Now, Michael will further astound your mind with his famous rope trick that started in three different sizes before turning into one single piece of rope and then back to three different sizes again. Yes, madam, that was incredible. To end his time with you at Carnivale Delirium, he will attempt another card but with several cards to choose from with his new lovely assistant, Marlene. His assistant has picked card number four which is a seven of diamonds ...and look - he somehow has picked the same card! Isn't that amazing, folks?! Say goodbye to Mr. Michael Burke ...it's time to see our next attraction.

Karolina Lux

Move along, folks. So much to see ...so little time left to do all and see all. As we approach this next stage, please keep your hands to yourselves, gents ...no touching the beautiful ...seductive mistress while she's dancing. Very hypnotic with each hip movement, isn't it? Yes, watch closely as she expertly uses her divine skills theatrical dance to shake and ripple her hips in an enticing way to lure your senses with such delightful carnal thoughts. Our temptress here at Carnivale Delirium - Karolina Lux (http://www.karolinaluxpresents.com) - combines tribal belly dance with some burlesque to tease as well as tempt you with every swivel performed in time to the lively music. A lovely creature indeed who can further tempt your mind with the feathery fan dance or skillfully handle a sharp saber on top of her head even in a split! Lovely ...quite lovely, wasn't she, blogspot readers? We shall see her again shortly...

Sanjula Vamana

Please be warned ...this next stage is not for the weak at heart or those with a medical condition. Enter at your own risk. Now, we come to the part of Carnivale Delirium where the mysteries of science and magic are answered, folks. Meet our resident rajah Sanjula Vamana (http://www.sanjulavamana.com) who will become a human dart board for your entertainment. Who would like to volunteer? You, sir? Or You madam? How about you, Lord Vourteque since this is your birthday party? Give his lordship a round of applause as he makes his way to the stage ...and yes, those darts in Sanjula's hands are real and sharp. Ah, look, we also have the lovely Mary from Dead Man's  Carnivale assisting our rajah with the inflating of the balloons. Here's how the human dartboard works - for every balloon that Lord Vourteque pops, Sanjula will remove an article of clothing. Ha, he's such a comedian, folks, as he removes his trousers and shirt to set up the act's finale. Poor, his lordship, he got a face full of Sanjula in the end! For his next trick, he has the lovely Jess assisting him as she steps barefoot on a Tesla coil pad. Be careful, Lord Vourteque when connecting the cord to the plug ...yes, folks, that's a dangerous piece of equipment so do not touch her if you have metal on. Wow - that's so amazing while we watch how she lights this tubing with the touch her hand (and being on the Tesla pad). Now holding her hand is the dashing Master Bator and LordVourteque who's holding Sanjula's hand as he sticks a light bulb in his mouth. Voila - the bulb lights up! See the firestick become enflame from the touch against her skin and tongue. This, folks, is fun with science!

Professor Pinkerton

Leaving the science and magic behind, we now arrive to our next stage performance featuring the infamous Professor Pinkerton and his sideshow carnival troupe of Dead Man's Carnival (http://www.deadmanscarnival.com), blogspot readers. Sadly, for our Carnivale, he couldn't bring his entire menagerie of colorful characters with him however he did bring Shandini to amaze us with his spectacle feats of magic and whatnot after his opening act. Again, this stage is not for the weak of heart especially when he's pushing this long needle into his arm. Yes, the needle is real, folks, and sharp! No, there aren't any pre-existing puncture wounds in his arms. Next we have Shandini (and the lovely Marlene assisting) to show you a few slight of hand tricks with his magic ball and cups before revealing how it's done, folks. Again, we have Shandini (this time now assisted by Lauren) with a very dangerous game featuring an array of  cups but under one is the spike! And nervous tensions are running high as he smashes each cup until ...whew - the very last cup had the spike! Isn't that incredibly amazing?!

Shandini

Before leaving this stage performance, Professor Pinkerton needs four volunteers to join him  for this unique game of chance in which he has $60 (yes, real money, folks!) to be given to the lucky person who picks the correct envelope. First, they must choose out of the five envelopes - Yours, Mine, Nothing, Sex and Something - that has the cash prize. Contestant #1 picked Yours and received a sticker ...contestant #2 picked Mine and received a sticker ...now here's contestant #3 feeling a bit lucky but sorry there was Nothing in that envelope except a sticker ...and lastly it's contestant #4's turn ...will that person be lucky? Sorry, folks, the envelope marked Sex had a sticker. Where's the cash prize? In the one marked Something. The good Professor has one last trick for you, folks, and he needs another volunteer to help assist him with his ice pick trick! Our lovely volunteer will gently spike the pick into his face ...please leave now if you have a weak constitution, blogspot readers, because this magic trick is not for the faint at heart. There she goes ...gently spiking a real ice pick into his face! Then, he pulls it out - not a single drop of blood! Oh, he has just one more trick to perform swallowing this balloon whole before your very eyes! Watch as he digests it til the very end and ...out pops the deflated balloon and colorful streamers! How's that for a finishing act, folks?! Weren't you amazed?!

Eric Stern

Rounding the corner here inside this huge Carnivale Delirium tent, we finally meet our vagabond of the operatic voice and accordion extraordinaire, Eric Stern (http://www.ericsternmusic.com) of Vagabond Opera, blogspot readers. At this stage, he will delightfully entertain you folks with song ...a little comedic flare and lively tunes performed on his squeeze box. Yes, madam, he does have a fine tenor falsetto while singing his poetic ballad Love Come To Me before entertaining you with an upbeat tune on his instrument. Yes, folks, please do dance to his music. Ah, listen to his strong vibrato in such fine operatic sound while singing about chess players in the park in this tune called Chess Fiends ...and sadly they never noticed him playing his accordion. Shed a tear or two during his vocal demonstration of an operatic aria, folks. Before we leave, does anyone have questions for our vagabond artist to answer? Yes, you sir - what's your question ...he wants to know where does Jesus make babies? Yes, is there another question ...ah, here's one for you to think about - would you fight 20 duck-size horses or 1 horse-size duck? Hm ...good question. One more - what's the best way to pay the guy who paints the trim on your house? Good news, folks, he will entertain us with a couple more songs. Be moved by his Italian rendition that will make you cry a few tears before the temptress of the dance joins him on stage to perform a song she wrote and will sing especially for you tonight. Not only will she sing and entice you with the seductive swivel of the hips she will also play the trumpet. Now, it's your turn, folks, to join this couple in a rousing drinking song as you Sing For Your Lives ...and dancing to this lively upbeat tune is strongly encouraged!

Before meeting our last Carnivale Delirium performance, just want to mention how fashionably stunning everyone looks in their Victorian/steampunk attire tonight. You lords, ladies, and gentry folks ...the creme of the creme in society strutting around in your finest while attending this non-ordinary carnivale/birthday party. While waiting for the next act to begin, take time out to visit the latest fashion and collar neckpieces for the ladies by our featured vendors of the evening. Don't have a stylish mustache to adorn your face? No problem ...we have a fine selection of mustache tattoos to choose from  at your pleasure, gents ...and ladies too. Also , you can design your very own Clockwork Vaudeville poster to take home! Plus we have electro swing and Vagabond Opera music on sale. Or try your hand at luck at one of many Carnivale contests with Lord Vourteque, blogspot readers. Be judged on your mustache ...or pick what's the best to be judged on. Would you choose - the length of a name ...the shiny baldness of one's head ...the tolerance of shaming or the best one-liner? Hm ...who should win the prize of free drinks/beer at the bar tonight?

Candy Town

Our last act is now ready to perform for you, blogspot readers. Come a bit closely ...don't worry, these musicians adorned in harlequin white face paint don't bite but will entertain you with a unique combination of vaudeville comedy and gypsy rock while moving in sync to the music with their choreographed pantomime movements. And to further your enjoyment with this band, they have cool kitties singing vocals to bandleader Sean on main vocals. Don't be shy. Dancing is strongly encouraged during Candy Town's (http://www.facebook.com/candytown) act, folks. This vaudeville-like band will be performing your favorite swing hits like Private Pennies, Dr. Jangle, Top Hat, Shirley and that old time tune we all love - Shine One Harvest Moon. Notice how the soft lighting illuminates their white make-up bringing a bit of pre-Halloween creepiness to their performance especially with the backup singers (Maggie and Kristin) prancing around the stage as slinky cats (with cat's eyes too!). In between songs, there will some vaudeville style comedy and wedding ...that's right, folks, the young Lord Vourteque is about to be betrothed not one but two lovely women tonight! This will take place after singing the song Home On the Range (a lovely arrangement instead of the standard Happy Birthday) to him. Wow, what a selection of eligible ladies to choose from, folks, as two are brought to the stage to marry his lordship and bandleader Sean performs the quickie ceremony. What a snog on the lips by the alluring redhead! Enjoy the chill down jazz scene with your partner. "Hope all your dreams come true" says bandleader Sean before  Candy Town performs Last Song as this ends our time at Carnivale Delirium, folks...

Just walk through the exit sign to return to your daily lives ...until the carnivale returns next year...

Hope you had fun!


Until next time, support your local scene,
SouthSide

18 Oct 13 - Josh Hill Band

Hey, blogspot readers, do you enjoy a little blues with your rock that's combined with lyrics sung from the heart? If so, SouthSide highly recommends checking out Josh Hill Band (from Akron, OH) performing tonight at Elbo Room opening for Minus Six and The Tyme Machines. 

Though not being able attend this particular show, this reviewer was given access to music by this singer/songwriter and his band in order to give those who are attending the show some sort of idea of what to expect. After listening to songs like Live Until You Die (kind of a morbid title for song but wait until you hear the lyrics and the music) and Forged By Fire (an inspirational song of hope for those who seek it when it gets rough) off the band's self-titled CD, SouthSide can guarantee you're not going to be disappointed by this band's performance tonight. 

Expect Josh (front man on guitar) to spotlight heartfelt emotions amidst some sage insight within  his songwriting style where the lyrics may offer you sound advice on hope and/or love, blogspot readers. While listening, this reviewer had a distinct feeling Josh was writing from experience too because the words seemed personal and from the heart instead speaking from a third person point of view. The music will have you comparing the trio to The Black Crowes (for that blues/rock) and Jon Mayer (for that alternative) rolled into one unique musical combination. SouthSide enjoyed the energizing feel to Josh Hill's music to which it had a few toe-tapping moments.

For more information about Josh Hill Band and where else they will be touring during the rest of the month, visit http://www.joshhillband.com.

Until next time, support your local scene,

SouthSide

13 Oct 13

In this corner ...a weighing in at whopping weight of rock intensity and hardcore guitar riffs...

Let's get ready to rumble!!!

Welcome to another knockdown ....knockout fight to be number one at this local battle of the bands, blogspot readers! Held at Reggie's Rock Club, this battle featured local up and coming acts rockin' the Chicago area like Abscissors, Calamity Matrix, Loose Lips, Driven and many more during this special Sunday afternoon all-ages show presented by Gorilla Music. 

Though a rather short performance of two songs, it wasn't enough to win over this reviewer into liking this opening band, blogpot readers. In her opinion, Loose Lips kicked off the Sunday afternoon lineup with a weak opening that had no pizazz or excitement within their hardcore rock sound for the early arrivals in the audience. Perhaps, another guitar would have helped boost the band's music as well as spike female lead Karina's voice into being more emotionally intense and forceful to which the two songs desperately needed some strong vocal umph instead of cutting her voice short whenever she reached that high vocal range. Don't hold back that rock angst ...scream out that frustration ...tap into the female rocker voice power on the mic! People need to feel it melting their faces off besides hearing it. On a good note, the energy was there, blogspot readers however, as newly formed band, it wasn't enough to rock out the venue or "...with a dirty, sleazy taste..." in this reviewer's mouth like Loose Lips' Facebook page promised. Question - in between songs, why did she disappear and then re-appear? It was somewhat confusing for SouthSide to see her walk off stage after the first song that she thought the set was over. For more information, visit http://www.facebook.com/looselipschicago.

Taking over the stage next was an instrumentally melodramatic rock band ...yet "melodramatic" doesn't begin to describe behind Abscissor ambient, soothing, meditative rock sound. This band from Des Plaines, IL opened their performance was lucid floetry of progressive music before wowing the senses with thunderous crashing cymbals and guitars in one huge punch. What a smack to the face, blogspot readers. And SouthSide was so glad there weren't any lyrics or it would have ruined the intense soundwave as the band gradually returned to the original tempo. There was a moment when Abscissor rocked the venue with a freakishly haunting tune when the guitars played continuously on a series of notes while the drums carried the rhythmic side to the song. Other songs heard during Abscissor's performance included Live Through (a dirty yet musically pleasing chaotic piece that you shall feel lots of energetic frustration) and Fading From Memory (more intense energy amidst random chord changes). The audience not only jammed along with the band but there was some head-banging action and calls for more from the band. While reviewing them, this reviewer was reminded of another local band - The Coop yet on the direct opposite of the music spectrum due to their hardcore instrumental sound. After closing with Endless Motion, Abscissor had taken this audience on one heck of a journey through earth-shattering instrumental music that was epic, blogspot readers. On a sidenote - the band is looking a bassist. For more information, visit http://www.abscissor.bandcamp.com.

With a subtle intro luring the audience to ready their senses for their performance, this trio attacked the stage and its audience with a powerful punch of hardcore guitar sound, energetic momentum and cut-throat rock edginess wrapped around dynamic vocals. Driven didn't have to do much to engage everyone with their music since it was the music doing most of the talking for them, blogspot readers. And did they ever work that stage hard thus wasting no time in giving us what we came for ...a good rock show. This reviewer liked how Driven was built around the band's front man/guitarist Zach and his heartfelt vocals which did give the impression his voice wasn't suited for this type of hardcore rock music. Well, after hearing songs like Awaken and Requiem (both can be found Driven's current CD Abstract(ion)), his voice charmed that mic. It naturally highlighted him being emotional expressive of pain and angst heard in the lyrics against the riveting bursts of riffs and thunderous rhythms. Sometimes he projected a low rumbling vocal tone to surround you within a haunting atmosphere meanwhile during another, it was spewing heated spite. With these type of vocals, it did help that Zach had a powerhouse of a rock sound backing him. The audience had their faces melted by the explosive nature of Driven's lengthy instrumental bridge where the trio allows the ears and mind to ride the intense metal soundwave and/or pulsating crescendos. Yes, heads were banging to the music ...thrilling fans with such guitar wizardry coupled with pounding percussion til the end, blogspot readers. SouthSide highly recommends checking out this hardcore metal band at their next live performance as well as snagging their CD Abstract(ion) ...check out the last track - Silent Dream and be prepared to feel the heartfelt vocal tone amidst the trio's intense music. For more information, visit Driven at http://www.reverbnation.com/drivenband3.


Until next time, support your local scene,
SouthSide

12 Oct 13 - Scary Cherry & the Bang Bangs

...Who wants to fuck?!...

They banged SouthSide ...Texan glitter glam/punk rock style!

Don't worry they didn't bruise her too bad ...but they did get her on stage to sing?! More about that part in a minute...

What a wild and crazy Saturday night deep within the heart of Wrigleyville rockin' Underground Lounge with Scary Cherry and the Bang Bangs, blogspot readers! This band traveling from Dallas, Texas made their only Chicago stop on their Get Banged tour both fun and memorial for all. They introduced this local reviewer to Texan glitter glam/punk rock while she introduced the band, Tweetie the tour manager and guests to Chicago-style deep dish pizza after the show at Beggar's Pizza. Plus she also met Wolfie's (aka Debbie) family who found Chicago's expressways confusing but liked how downtown is not only a business district but a livable area to play, entertain and shop. SouthSide highly recommends checking out the fun interview she did with Scary Cherry and Jinx the Minx - http://southsideonthetown.blogspot.com/2013/09/one-on-one-with-scary-cherry-bang-bangs.html.

Despite being the only band scheduled to perform, Scary Cherry and the Bang Bangs turned their debut into a full length rock concert featuring all of the glitz and glam this tiny underground venue could possibly handle, blogspot readers. Upon entering, those who attended the show received a "Hello, my name is" name tag to wear as well as two signs - one reading FUCK and the other a Scary Cherry head. Both to be used throughout their set. Next, be prepared to get banged whether you're in audience watching and/or being volunteered to be part of the show. SouthSide received the opportunity of being both. Funny thing is - she hadn't sung in front of people in years! 

Anyway ...kicking off their show with Don't Wanna (track 1 off Girl) and Tonight, this band wasted no time blasting the ears with such powerful female vocals amidst furiously fast punk sound. This reviewer enjoyed how Leslie (aka Scary Cherry) had the voice of two female vocalists from the 80s - the raw rock tone of Joan Jett and the heartfelt voice of Pat Benetar to which she was able to put either heated spite and/or frustration into the lyrics throughout the performance. As Scary Cherry, she was a fireball of energy, blogspot readers, personifying that Girl in each song. She was that Girl who wants to kick your ass or fuck you and/or a little of both while working not only the stage but also the bar. Yes, this vocalist was the first (to SouthSide's knowledge) to stand as well as dance on the Underground Lounge's bar counter. Wolfie as Scary Cherry's partner in crime added her own badass attitude moments on stage whether she's doing backing vocal harmonies or exciting the audience with her exuberant energy. Together, these gals showed off some true girl power amongst the band of rockin' male musicians.

Speaking of the males of Scary Cherry and the Bang Bangs ...yeah, Jinx the Minx, Tony Coke, Alan and Andrew - these guys banged hard and loud, blogspot readers. Performing other songs like Glitter track 3), Tracked Down (track 11) and Anita 69 (track 10), the guys brought out the ferocious intensity of Scary Cherry's glitter glam sound. Then again, ferocious may not be the right word to describe it. Let's try - explosively hardcore (and sometimes unexpected) to the point you will feel the energy to get banged with other people in the audience i.e. moshing and slam dancing. Yet that's the true beauty of attending a show like this, blogspot readers. The more the intensity this band produced the more explosive they become. And you simply don't watch it either ...you are part of it along with the band. Even the band gets into the act of slam dancing while performing the roller derby anthem - Slaughter. Now, what's this ...about SouthSide singing with band she hinted earlier in this review. Well ...somewhere in the YouTube universe there's probably a video or two as well as photos on the net of this local reviewer singing on stage with Scary Cherry and Wolfie during the song Cherry Bomb. To be honest, she may have sounded off key but who cares?! She was having too much fun dancing and singing with the band on stage.

However the fun didn't stop after the show was over, blogspot readers. Since she had no other plans and nothing else to do, Scary Cherry and the Bang Bangs got a chance to witness and experience part of the midnight hour nightlife in Wrigleyville. While loading their bus (one of those mini buses/vans that are used as transportation for senior centers), the bar hopper crowd was out and about up and down Clark Street checking out the band ...trying on the Scary Cherry head and snapping photos with the band before enjoying a late night meal at Beggar's Pizza for deep dish pizza! Now that they had tried our local delicacy, Scary wants to try ribs next. Sadly, the band had to catch some Zzz's before heading back on the road for points eastward in Detroit and New York (currently they are in New York performing random shows during CMJ, blogspot readers). SouthSide hopes they return to Chicago again with a longer stay for pizza, ribs and Texas BBQ.

Getting banged with Scary Cherry and the Bang Bangs is a must, blogspot readers. SouthSide highly recommends picking up their CD - Girl and try other songs like S.T.F.U. (track 7) and The Secret, Frankie? (track 9) ...just for fun. For more information and where to get yourself banged with the band, visit http://www.scarycherry.com.

Until next time, support your local scene,

SouthSide

05 Oct 13

Well, blogspot readers, she's back where it all began. And she got the best seat in the house too! 

Upstairs standing in the crow's nest of this infamous Wicker Park venue's balcony, SouthSide was on had to celebrate with The Paver on their "Trust" record release. This show also featured performances by Mares of Thrace and Wrekmeister Harmonies. This reviewer would have enjoyed the soothing meditative tone of the opening act by Wrekmeister Harmonies if there wasn't so much horrible feedback coming from the stage. She's not faulting the artist but the venue's sound system which seemed not compatible for this set (as well as for The Paver's either) because the noise muddled everything into a fuzzy chaos bouncing around SubT. And it didn't sound any better in the balcony where she was trying to decipher the complex harmonies from the distortion, blogspot readers. Sadly there were moments when the distortion was overshadowing the vocals and/or the electric guitar ...yet she wonders if that was his plan all along. If so, then he did achieve his desired performance outcome while on stage even though it was a little hard on the ears. Still, somewhere amidst the muddled noise and confusion was something so complex but beautiful and meditative with spoken vocal verses and razor sharp electric notes flowing in between the various programmed rhythms ...until seriously electrifying the stage with a blast of hardcore electric guitar rock. What a harsh smack to the ears, blogspot readers. This guitarist took your calm meditation to the highest level of brutal hearing however kept it so soothing as his voice reverbs endlessly on the mic. Despite the distorted harshness, this musician did perform one mesmerizing set at SubT tonight ...and the balcony was the best place to observe how furious and ferocious he worked the stage under such intense conditions until ending the song with a calming flow. Believe it or not - this was merely part 1 of this particular epic song to which he didn't have time for part 2. Maybe next time when SouthSide sees him again. For more information about Wrekmeister Harmonies, visit http://www.thrilljockey.com/thrill/Wreckmeister-Harmonies/#.UlROz46vIUV.

And now, blogspot readers, how about a little baroque music with your rock and roll? If you're a fan of one or the other or both, then she highly recommends checking out The Paver at their next performance despite not the sound system not truly cooperating with this particular local band. Though the ears took another difficult toll on the sound, this reviewer still enjoyed the unique musical combination each component brought to the stage throughout the set. Whether it was the electric stringed instruments adding a touch of the classical orchestrated rhythms or the bass and drums roughing up the sound with some thunderous rock, this band packed one heck of a powerful punch of music, blogspot readers, that certainly appeased SouthSide's love of both. However, the poor sound system didn't do The Paver  and its music any justice to which she had a terrible time hearing the vocals and/or the music at times since the distortion overshadowed one or the other ...but mostly both. When the strings were toned down and the synths not in use, SouthSide was able to hear Jesse on vocals amidst the blended combined sound. And, blogspot readers, don't let the calm introductions from certain songs fool you. The Paver did have their moments when the either the classical and/or rock side became intense as well as furious like during one particular song in which this reviewer felt the venomous frustration spewing out of Jesse's voice in between the blaring thunder of music. It went quickly by like it began before giving the audience some "metal meets baroque" in the band's next song ...plenty of angered fury and punk surrounding this venue too especially there was some screamo action. Overall, blogspot readers, SouthSide enjoyed the blended orchestrations throughout the performance even though the venue's sound didn't help enlighten the experience since she feels cheated in not getting the full effect of the band. She hopes to see them again at another venue capable of handling their particular music. For more information, visit http://www.thepaver.bandcamp.com

Until next time, support your local scene,

SouthSide

October 2013 - update

Hey, blogspot readers, SouthSide has received more notifications of rockin' shows happening soon. She highly recommends checking out the following:

Get sauced, blogspot readers, when rockin' with Chicago's very own Hot Sauce Committee as they perform throughout the month. They will be in Kent, OH on Oct 12th, in Chicago (at Social 25) on Oct 25th and Carbondale, IL (for Halloween show) on Oct 26th.
There are Sauce dates happening in November and December too.
For more information, visit http://www.hotsaucecommittee.com

Oct 12:

Clementine Cafe (Harrisonburg, VA) - Jonathan Scales and his Fourchestra kick off their Fall Tour 2013 (part 1) here. Other dates include Oct 20 at 123 Pleasant Street (Morgantown, WV) and Oct 22 at The Tangier (Erie, PA).

For more tour info and tickets, visit http://www.jonscales.com

Oct 15:
Brooklyn Bowl (Brooklyn, NY) - come party at the 15th Annual Conflict Of Interest party during CMJ Music Marathon.
Doors 6p / Listening party for Cut Copy's Free Your Mind album 7p / show 8p
Free with RSVP http://donyc.com/event/2013/10/15/conflictofinterest or a CMJ badge  

Oct 17:

Elbo Room - Shoeshine Boy presents the Dave Tamkin CD Release Party featuring Jon Allegretto (of A Friend Called Fire) and Old Honey Drums

$9

Oct 18:

Elbo Room - Check out Josh Hill Band, a blues/rock trio from Akron, OH, rockin' the stage along with Minus Six and The Tyme Machines

$10

Oct. 19:

Kent, OH - check out Counterfeit I as they kick off their Still Fall East Coast Tour. Other dates include Oct 21 in Wilmington, DE and Oct 23 in Washington, D.C.

For more tour info and tickets, visit http://www.reverbnation.com/counterfeiti

Bardot Hollywood - don your finest spacesuit and take flight at "Space Night" - the newest EDM event in Hollywood featuring Space Natives, Jason Ross, Mat Sonne Music and other special guests TBA soon

Cobra Lounge - rock out to this featured lineup performing on its stage: V.O.A. (Voice of Addiction), Nightcap, The Bumpus Hounds and The Life Champions
$5

Lilly's (Chicago) - it's CILY (Chicago I love you...) DO312's Free Week 2013! This 10-day event (an entirely FREE festival) will be celebrating hundreds of Chicago artists in all genres from music to comedy to art and everything else in between spread across venues throughout the Chicagoland area. Featured at Lilly's Woodrow Hart & The Haymakers (7p), Penthouse Sweets (8p), Bassel & the Supernaturals (11p) and Magicks (12a)
suggested donations taken at the door

Oct 20:
Double Door - support local guys Gemini Club when they open for Sweden's The Sounds
$20 / 8p

Oct 25:
Elbo Room - look out! it's Hero Monster Zero invading this Lakeview venue opening for Man On Earth, Curb Service and Iron Forge
$10

Empty Bottle - check out The Life and Times sharing the stage with Bear Claw and As Hell

Oct 26:
Elbo Room - it's another thrilling Halloween Bash featuring Polarizer (as U2), Bullet Called Life (as The Allman Brothers) Model Stranger (as The Beatles) and Board of Governors (as STP - Stone Temple Pilots)
$10

Reggie's - check out Vanray's Sea of Tin Record Release show with The Melismatics and another band to be announced.

Oct 31 & Nov 1:
Double Door - Halloween Bash times 2! Thursday's lineup will feature Slutter as KISS, Hessler as WASP, Silver Machines as Motorhead and DJ Erik as DJ Axl Rose. Friday's lineup will featureSex Therapy as Janis Joplin, Dead On as Joan Jett & The Blackhearts, Blackbox as U2, Cold Country as Fleetwood Mac and Tony Manno as Neil Young.
tickets go sale Saturday Oct 12 / $10 dos

Oct 31:
Belvoir Winery (Liberty, MO) - Alice Sweet Alice cordially invites you ghouls, ghosts, goblins, and vamps to party inside a REAL haunted mansion this Halloween! Rock while raising money for cancer  at the spooky ...and notoriously famous Belvoir Winery aka Odd Fellows Home! This place has been featured in Midwest Traveler Magazine and in an episode of Ghost Hunters on the SyFY cable channel. There will be performance art by MoonDrop Circus and live music by Cahoots, Gino Bueno and the Sideshow Band, and of course Alice Sweet Alice. Plus - visual art, craft makers, culinary artists and food trucks, costume contests and more...
$15 donation at door / online (helps local families battling cancer)
For tickets - http:/www.nightmareatoddfellows.eventbrite.com

Until next time, support your local scene,

SouthSide

Social Media Week 2013

Whether you like it or not, blogspot readers, we're all part of a global initiative ...connected via all platforms of social media. From Facebook to YouTube to Tumblr and more, we as a global community are sharing, "like"-ing, befriending, "Skype"-ing, etc with others across the vast corners of the world than ever before. Recently in Chicago as well as simultaneously in 7 other global cities (London, Toronto, Berlin, Bogota, Los Angeles, Mumbai, and Sao Paulo) it was Social Media Week in which this week-long conference featured educational and networking events. Open to the public at various location across the city, people like SouthSide were able to attend series of interconnected activities and community-sourced conversation based on the theme Open & Connected Principles for a Collaborative World. It was co-hosted by Zocalo Group and Tribune Media Group's 435 Digital. 

Having over 180 free events (pre-registration was required) at venues like Chicago's Cultural Center, Morningstar, JBTV, Triune Tower and many others, Social Media Week Chicago 2013 was a unique experience for this reviewer. So why would SouthSide attend an event like this? Because, blogspot readers, she was interested about the impact social media had on everyday life. Plus she was given the chance to meet other likeminded people from area companies to academic institutions to non-profit organizations and bloggers in sessions such as advertising and marketing or culture and lifestyle. Social Media Week Chicago 2013 featured keynote speakers like Joe Mansueto (founder of Morningstar) and Ben Huh (CEO and Founder of Cheezburger, Inc.) includingB Mendelson (author of Social Media is Bullshit)  ...all experts from the social and digital space. And she wanted to attend panels that included a live streaming of Momma Cuisine cooking talk show,  how to "mommy blog" her way to success and learn the relationship between social media and music industry, blogspot readers. 

Besides the many panels, there were opportunities to unwind, relax and network too. On Monday (September 23rd) at Rockit Bar & Grill, SouthSide attended the official Social Media Week networking event. Held in the huge upstairs lounge, the vast space allowed many other SMWChicago 2013 attendees to socialize and/or network as well as sample some of this venue's delicious menu. In honor of this social event, there were also specialized drinks/cocktails  like one called Tweet-tini. Now, it was off to a series of panels throughout the week, blogspot readers. On Tuesday, she attended one titled Generational Mashup: Millennials, Baby Boomers, and the Privacy Question in which brought up good points on what and what not to share of the world web as many more Baby Boomers discover the many uses of surfing online and/connecting with their Millennial kids/grandkids. Plus the panel offers a look into how the internet is shaping today's households and each generation views the subject of privacy - you would be surprised (or not), blogspot readers, that most teens have no qualms about sharing everything whether it's texting to sexting and sharing inappropriate photos. Baby Boomers, on the other hand, are more reserved about sharing information on public sites. It was a very enlightening as well as informative panel.

On Wednesday, SouthSide attended the Mommy Blogging Your Way To Success but unfortunately didn't find this session informative or helpful as she hoped because it was more like attending Blogging 101 class. Though the panelists (Julie DiCaro, Carrie Goldman Segall and Nicole Knepper) in some sort of way are successful (judging how they view what "success" is by the number of tweets and/or who's following them), they brushed over on how they became "successful" with very little or limited details. On a bright note - despite it was a "mommy" blogging session, blogspot readers, it was nice to see a few days (with the kids in tow) attending this session with other mommy bloggers. After a short lunch break at Daley Plaza watching the Austrians celebrating their day, it was off to Morningstar for a live streaming with Momma Cuisine! Cooking Talk Show. This special Social Media Week session featured foodie Johanna Cook (aka Momma Cuisine) with several Chicago-area guests - Caryln Berghoff (CEO of Berghoff Catering & Restaurant Group, author of Cooking for a Gluten-Free Kid), David Blonsky (Corporate Chef of Sienna Tavern), Catherine DiOrio (the new host of Check, Please!), Nina Mariano (Community Relations Manager for Mariano's Fresh Market) and Andrew Zimmerman (Iron Chef American winner and of Sepia).  With Chef Zimmerman, Momma Cuisine asked about one of his competition challenges in which he had to make five (5) dishes using one single ingredient - his was cream cheese and mentioned how there was one judge who wasn't getting enough of the cream cheese flavor in his dishes. Then they briefly discussed about his restaurant (a contemporary American place that specializes food in what he feels represents America) before quick cooking demonstration. And with Catherine DiOrio, it was about the new season of Check, Please! in which she disclosed about about the set but the same format as before however with a slight twist, blogspot readers. Catherine said they would be shooting a few more episodes where locals will be taking her to their favorite Chicago/Chicagoland spots to eat.

Thursday was the busiest day out of the entire week for SouthSide. Her day began with the panel that was more of her interest since it about the relationship the music industry has with social media. Hosted by the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events, the Social Media and the Music Industry session was simply a continuation of where the recent Chicago Music Summit ended featuring panelists - Lyla Catellier (of ChicagoMusic.org), Brendan Kelly (of The Lawrence Arms), and Jeremy Scheuch (of DO312) with Jaime Black (of Dynasty Podcasts) moderating. This session featured on ways bands and fans are connecting more than ever through the many platforms of social media - whether it's Facebook, Myspace and/or Twitter, there are so many forms of communication for musicians/bands to reach out to their fanbase, blogspot readers. Topics of discussion included how each panelist can relate social media to the music industry, which social media platform is most viable to them, how they are engaging with fans on Facebook and is social media a good or bad thing. Even though social media gives everyone a voice to be heard (even the ankle-biters and haters), questions were also raised on how does one stand out from the rest to how does one motivate people to step away from the computer screen and attend your shows. Well, blogspot readers, it mostly depends on your fanbase and it was suggested for up and coming bands to try performing anywhere and everywhere they can. Yet on the flipside, if you're a popular band, try not to play everywhere but make your shows an event ...something your fans will remember until the next time you perform. Other topics during this very informative hour included transparency of an artist (think Daft Punk and their mysterious persona), what topics are taboo (advice - don't say anything about Sept 11th on Sept 11th) and whether or not you should keep your personal and business accounts separate. There was a mention about bloggers in which panelist Dani felt blogs have their place but doesn't think they carry any weight meanwhile DO312 doesn't really do or use blogs because they don't have the staff for it.

After that discussion, it was time to relax and have some tailgating fun at Tribune Tower, blogspot readers. There, SouthSide and other SMWChicago attendees enjoyed samples of Tostitos salsas (Cantina Chipotle and Cantina Roasted Garlic) with chips while testing your clue-solving skills to win a fabulous tailgating prize! Nissan provide display models of their vehicles in which had random clues for attendees to solve by tweeting their answers for a chance to have a one-week vehicle loan, $500 gift card and Frito Lay tailgating prize pack. And as an added bonus, blogspot readers, you could snap a photo of yourself standing next to the Heisman Memorial Trophy that came with it's own trophy handler (just like the Stanley Cup) to make sure no one ran away with it. Yet how could you when it weighs approximately 70 pounds or more.

Soon afterward it was time to make another television appearance at JBTV to see not only local band Big Paraid but also a rare behind the scenes look inside where music icon Jerry Bryant edits and creates his shows. She recommends checking out this lively Brit-pop/rock inspired band that rocked the stage with songs likes Kill The Killer, Black And White Wildlife and Innocence Comes And Goes and their own Big Paraid band girls sexing up the performance during the closing song. The many times SouthSide has been here this was very special for her to see the area where the magic happens and where he interviews the band after performing on stage. Believe it or not, this local music television program will be entering its 30th year on the air in 2014 where it has featured iconic bands/musicians like Kill Hannah, Smoking Popes, Filter, Fall Out Boy, Semi Precious Weapons, Electric Touch, Makeshift Prodigy - just to name a few who have graced the stage inside this studio. This reviewer highly recommends attending live taping at JBTV television studios - it's free and lots of fun too.

What a week, blogspot readers, and SouthSide cannot wait until next year to attend Social Media Week 2014 Chicago. Plans are now underway for Social Media Week 2014: The Future of Now being held cities like Tokyo, Japan; New York City, NY;  Barcelona, Spain; Hamburg, Germany and Copenhagen, Denmark during the week of February 17 - 21. Registration will happen in sometime December 2013, blogspot readers. For more information, visit http://www.socialmediaweek.org.

Until next time, support your local scene,
SouthSide