30 Nov 13

It's the most wonderful time of the year, blogspot readers! The holiday season has descended upon us with the rush of Thanksgiving and Black Friday sales ...however during a recent outing around town, it was time to give back and help others so they won't go hungry another night. SouthSide's first stop was to Bucktown's The Mutiny to donate her contribution at Rock In Chicago's Punksgiving show and   canned food drive for The Greater Chicago Food Depository. Featuring live music by The Riot, Sub X, Flagass and Street Fist, fans attending day two of this free show were asked to bring a food donation. The first night at Livewire Lounge featured performances by Blastoff!, The Kreutzer Sonata, Solution Unsatisfactory, This Obsession and The Light Fuse.

After stopping at The Mutiny, it was time to head to Cubby Bear where bands like KF Jacques and Distant BR were rockin' a packed house. SouthSide recommends feeling the alternative rock of Hero Monster Zero as well as the lyrical hip hop sounds of 8090 meshed together on one bill. As Hero Monster Zero,  lead guitarist/vocalist Andy Metz and the band blasted the audience with hard-hitting guitar rock and harmonies thus creating a fun, energetic vibe and momentum. Sometimes, he might even merge both lyrical freestyle rap with the rock during the set as heard before covering an awesome version of Gorillaz's Clint Eastwood. It was the first time this reviewer had seen a local band covering the fictional band and/or any of its songs live on stage ...Hero Monster Zero totally had the audience jamming to their version of this hit song. For more information, visit http://www.facebook.com/HeroMonsterZero.

They rocked the stage with a lively boost of soul/groove rhythms within their rock sound which instantly got this audience moving to the funky beat. Ariada started their Cubby Bear performance with a loud bang, blogspot readers, that this reviewer liked mostly yet there were moments when the loud sound overshadowed not only the band but also female lead Lesliegh (on vocals and keyboard). She enjoyed the energetic momentum Ariada created for their fans judging by the excited reactions heard song after song. Definitely excitement was in the air tonight but on the downside, the boisterous music had a way of being the main focus and not the vocals and/or the actual music. For example, Lesliegh showed some difficulty reaching the high octave vocal range that she seemed to force out of her instead of naturally reaching it. SouthSide also noted that her use of softer side to her dynamic voice would easily get overshadowed by the entire band though able to hit the right notes for that dramatic emphasis. It was moments like this she seemed to be shouting out the words instead of singing, blogspot readers, in which caused her voice to fade in and out by the seventh song. Just to be fair with this review on Ariada, SouthSide conducted a tiny experiment during this performance by standing at different spots around the venue to get a better sense of band and its sound. This reviewer found the sound to be a little fuzzy off the monitors whenever the keys and electric guitar were tuned up high ...thus finding a couple of songs on Ariada's playlist should be a bit quieter to not only highlight the vocals but also the music behind their female vocalist. There should some a little more interaction with the audience since it felt like the band was rushing between songs or Lesliegh's voice was too soft over the mic to hear the song titles where she was standing. SouthSide suggests the band listening to a live recording of their performances and judge for themselves on which songs should be performed under the intense sound and vice versa without losing that excited energy. Though this reviewer has mixed feelings about Ariada, she does see potential from this particular band. With a little more work (i.e. vocal harmonies and music volume perception on certain songs), Ariada will make its mark in the rhythm/soul/rock genre, blogspot readers. They do jam as a band with wild enthusiasm thrilling their hardcore fans down the last note ...they do know how make a show fun for them. For more information about Ariada, visit http://www.araidaband.com.


Until next time, support your local scene,
SouthSide

27 Nov 13 - Trilogy of Terror

"What's the proper cooking time for a Zuni doll? Do you baste it?"

After dancing with the suave electronic "man of mystery" at Bottom Lounge, SouthSide ended her night hanging out at Door No.3 - Double Door's newly renovated basement lounge to view the 1970s horror - Trilogy of Terror starring Karen Black! Besides being one of the most recognizable horror classic (as well as one of SouthSide's many favorites), it's a made-for-television movie in which has this legendary actress portraying four different main character roles within three short stories including the infamous one about the African doll coming to life in "Amelia". For SouthSide, this was a rare opportunity to view the movie on the "big screen" but along with a unique soundtrack perfectly crafted by industrial DJ Peter Propaganda and new friend Jojo Baby hosting this free event.

And what an experience, blogspot readers! One side, there's watching the stories where either Karen Black is the frumpy-looking college English instructor with a deadly secret or a schizophrenic with a complex dual personality disorder. Then on the other side, Peter's carefully selected industrial tracks/remixes running in sync with the storylines ...word for word especially during the suspense building intensity. For example, towards the end of the first story, "Julia", the music added a touch of creepiest with the repetitive lyric "...she's got the look..." as it faded away into the next one, "Therese and Millicent". During this story, the haunting echo of "...I hear voices on the radio..." to further intensify the paranoia felt within the opening sequences when Millicent is writing in her diary. For the final story, Peter was a little crafty but dead-on by using hardcore instrumental music to elevate the terrifying scenes of the Zuni doll chasing Amelia around her apartment until you see the iconic climax. Sorry, no spoilers here ...if you haven't seen this horror classic, SouthSide highly suggests that you do, blogspot readers.

For Peter's next movie and music combination, he's going for a holiday theme ...who knows, it could be  the screening of the original Black Christmas, blogspot readers, also another SouthSide favorite.


Until next time, support your local scene,
SouthSide

27 Nov 13

Twas the night before Thanksgiving, blogspot readers

 and this pilgrim is a "Revel Without A Cause"!  

Tonight, SouthSide's making special Black Wednesday appearances at two events before taking a mini holiday break. First, she's at Bottom Lounge for William Control's "Revel Without A Cause" tour which featured Davey Suicide and the fun lads from UK - Fearless Vampire Killers with The Relapse Symphony opening. Afterwards, she made a mad dash to Door No.3  (located at Double Door) to see the Karen Black horror classic - Trilogy of Terror featuring soundtrack music by Peter Propaganda with JoJo Baby hosting the event, blogspot readers.

Despite missing most of The Relapse Symphony's (http://www.therelapsesymphony.com) opening set, this reviewer had fun rockin' out the final minutes featuring intense, hard-hitting metal rock music, blogspot readers. Plenty of head-banging sound and energetic momentum that thrilled their audience besides generating excitement especially when the band performed Panic Time Is Running Out. The Relapse Symphony was the perfect start to kickoff this hot lineup. SouthSide highly recommends checking out this band from Washington D.C. at its next show, blogspot readers. Also, check out the Hollywood glam rock by her good friend Davey Suicide who triumphantly announced to his fans "...the circus is back in town..." And what a circus it was! Looking like he was a character from the movie Mad Max Beyond the Thunderdome, Davey sent chills down a few spines with his blood-curdling scream to "terrify" his fans to draw closer towards the stage. He had them feeling the fierce jubilant tone heard in songs like God Head Killers and Kids of America especially when he cried "...we want it all..." while strutting across the stage. Though, his presence on stage can be quite menacing, blogspot readers, but this front man used it to convey a strong message to this generation of glam rockers. Still, this reviewer found it fascinating how he projects what they're disillusioned about by today's society like "...sex sells suicide..." (from Sick Suicide). Even after giving a short inspirational speech about dedicating yourself to doing what you want to do (he was told in his young life that if he wanted to succeed he should stay on the straight and narrow to which Davey emphatically denounced as "...bullshit..."), he took a swipe at One Direction telling his fans to support (local) bands so they wouldn't have to deal with bands like that before closing with One More Night and Generation Fuck Star, blogspot readers. SouthSide highly recommends joining the Hollywood glam circus whenever Davey Suicide comes to a venue near you. For more information, visit http://www.daveysuicide.tumblr.com.

They're a fearless group of lads from the UK, blogspot readers, rockin' the stage to "kill" the mopey vampires of the Goethe scene with their music! Taking their name from the 1967 Roman Polanski comedy/horror film, the Fearless Vampire Killers rolled into town recently as part of William Control's "Revel Without A Cause" tour in which the band was kind enough to grant SouthSide an exclusive interview before their appearance at Bottom Lounge. This reviewer immediately liked the five - Kier, Laurence, Drew, Barrone and Luke (who has yet to see the movie the band's named after) when first meeting them backstage in the dressing room especially when each chose one of five words to describe the band. The lads tossed out words such as "...stinky ...visceral ...melodious ...and harmonious gits..." according to them they're "...everything in one nutshell...", blogspot readers. Since this was SouthSide's first time seeing the band, she wondered what kind of performance to expect from Fearless Vampire Killers but they told her "...never really expect anything..." The show, according to band, "...could be terrible or fantastic..." because "...one song could be sublime or craptacular [yep, a word this reviewer has used before but didn't know it reached across the pond] or great..." Or in other words, blogspot readers, Fearless Vampire Killers plan to give you "...an expensive show on a shoestring budget..." with some "...awkward gyration [and] bad dancing..." too. That's some show they had planned for their American fans especially since they rocked the stage under exuberant energy that was not only fast and fierce but an intense Goethe sound. Each one throughout the performance were generating much excited momentum in front of the semi-packed crowd of screaming fans ...so wild they were almost like Energizer bunnies hop dancing every square inch of the stage. This reviewer enjoyed how they had fun turning an 80s Phil Collins' classic - Easy Lover into a heart-pounding yet melodious cover tune with some shagadelic sex appeal and slightly faster tempo.

Fearless Vampire Killers recommend listening to the entire debut album - Militia of the Lost since it captures everything they're about as a band. This reviewer liked All Hallow's Evil for its grandiose intro to the hardcore screamo vocals to put fear and terror into yer soul ...plus it was a prime example of how the band's core music and sound could from "day" to "night". Yes, there were plenty of tingling shivers running down the spine whenever Will's primal scream rocked the room, blogspot readers. So what's happening for the band in the coming new year? Well, actually they don't have any definite plans except releasing their next album and doing more tours, blogspot readers, since they're under new management. "...now [it's] someone else's job to manage us..." And because this reviewer is all about the local scene, she wanted to know if London had any type of scene happening there which to her surprise she discovered there's a scene but nothing like what's rockin' Chicago's local music community. According to the lads, there's a scene then again it's not really a scene "...bands in England don't help each other..." So what Fearless Vampire Killers normally do is perform with their friends' bands and/or other bands they've come to know thanks to the internet. Surprisingly, there's a Goth scene but not as intense like it's here in the states or in Chicago. They call it "chill-out" or the suit-and-tie Goethe scene "...modern Goethe ...technocolour Goethe..." were also some descriptions tossed around during the interview. On the flipside, Fearless Vampire Killers told SouthSide the band get locked out of the scene because they're too jolly. Yet, that was partly true. She has never seen a cheery bunch of Goethe people rockin the stage even when performing a song about having a broken heart. "...[We] like putting a positive spin on the scene ...putting on a smile..." to which SouthSide commented with "...can't be mopey all of the time..." - it might be the band's motto one day. She did mention briefly about Chicago's Goth scene and invited them to attend Nocturna with her next time.

Sadly, her time with Fearless Vampire Killers was fast coming to a close, blogspot readers, but SouthSide had one more question before leaving the lads. Fearless Vampire Killers would like to thank their fans especially their US fans for keeping interest in them though not releasing an album for awhile. They do care as well as miss their fans back home too. Plenty of "thank-you's" for coming to their shows, blogspot readers, and to the really nice people they've met while in the US. Speaking of being in the states, the lads stated this has been a "...bittersweet experience..." from the beautiful landscape to the cultural differences compared to the UK. For example, it was shocking that (in certain states) you could go into a Walmart and to purchase a gun where as in England, they can't own a gun unless you're a DCI (Detective Chief Inspector) or higher within Scotland Yard. SouthSide hopes Fearless Vampire Killers return stateside again for another rockin' time in Chicago. For more information about this band, visit http://www.fearlessvampirekillers.co.uk.

"...I love it when you scream..." ~ William Control

He's suave ...debonair ...and so ultra-cool as well as conceited, blogspot readers, especially when he rocked the stage under techno stage lighting, pulsating electronic music and e-cigarrette in hand. He is William Francis but to his many fans he's known as William Control and SouthSide was lucky enough to snag an exclusive interview with this charismatic musician who fronted the hardcore rock band Aiden before starting this side project. At the start of this review, blogspot readers, you read how this reviewer saw this musician. Yet how would William describe himself in five words or less? Though it was a bit of a challenge, he did answer with "...fucked up ...insecure ...neurotic ...immature [?] ...and emotional..." to which SouthSide followed with another question as to why he would pick such words. "...[it] seemed to be fitting for the character I portray..." And after seeing his charismatic man perform on stage, blogspot readers, SouthSide certainly had to agree with this statement. His stage persona had many female fans screaming (or swooning) and men wishing they were him ...he is THE man of mystery of the electronic scene. With that persona, William transformed Bottom Lounge as his personal own mini club while being sandwiched between a guitarist and DJ (Hans and Franz from Berlin). The show itself was what he told this reviewer earlier during the interview "...energetic from start to finish..." featuring plenty moments of "...dancing and singing..." Mostly everyone was "...having a good time..." because there's not much talking during song breaks. That's what SouthSide also liked about William Control's performance at Bottom Lounge, blogspot readers.

The atmosphere, intense at times, was continuous and free-flowing of electronic music that had many in the audience (including SouthSide) dancing to the rhythmic sound while William himself controlled the stage by looking so dashingly handsome in his business suit. Performing songs like The Whipping Haus ("...would like to stay until it's a sweaty orgy with whips and chains..." claiming he's good with a whip) and Beautiful Loser, each electronic pulse throughout his set sparked some type of reaction from his diehard fans ...always asking for more and more to keep this huge dance party going all night. "...did you say 'thank God'? Thank me..." Williams quips at one point during the show. He recommends listening to songs I'm Only Human Sometimes since it sort of described his answer for the first question and Razor's Edge "...[it's] an accurate description of the band..." This reviewer recommends checking out his new one (coming out soon from The Neuromancer) titled Illuminator for it's haunting electronic sound and smooth rhythmic vibes. However, as the show progressed, "exciting" wasn't the correct word to describe it, blogspot readers. There were moments of sexual tension gradually building in the air especially when William declared he makes music to have sex with. Watching him under that sex appeal (like when he used the microphone cord as a whip) can make this reviewer swoon a little. Again ...the crowd wanted more from William. Not just "...one more song..." blogspot readers but two more songs before having to end the concert with I'm Only Human Sometimes and the other that revealed the emotional side of William Control. STILL, they wanted more of William ...and they did get their chance while standing in the long line at the merch booth after the show.

Besides being the electronic "man of mystery", blogspot readers, did you know that he's an author? William told the crowd that he had just written a book - Revelator: Book One The Neuromancer in which he's trying to bring literature/reading back into fashion. "...I had to google what 'twerk' was ...don't understand what 'twerk' and 'dat' [slang for 'that']..." before commenting that he has reached "old guy" status. During the interview, SouthSide asked William if he found himself doing a balancing act between being the front man of Aiden and William Control. Surprisingly, he switches between the two but he's more focused on William Control now "...[it's] part of me and who I am..." in which "...I have gravitated towards William Control as I've gotten older..." Only because, blogspot readers, he's not as angry as he was before. Coming from Seattle, Washington, he told this reviewer there isn't a local scene since it's mostly hip indie bands he doesn't give a shit about. Then, she wondered what's happening next for William. He told her that he's producing a new album for the band Ashes To Angels as well as touring the US (again) and Europe in the summer of 2014. At the end of the Bottom Lounge show, William told his fans he will return to Chicago sometime in April - be sure to read this blog site for details of when and where William will be performing again. Lastly, William would like fans to know this "...thank you for supporting my art..."

SouthSide highly recommends dancing your night under the electronic music scene with the suave and ultra-cool William Control at his next performance. For more information, visit http://www.williamcontrol.com.


Until next time, support your local scene,
SouthSide

26 Nov 13

Hey, blogspot readers, the Thanksgiving countdown begins! SouthSide has a busy schedule of shows/events before and after the holiday that's rockin' around town from Double Door's Door No.3 to The Mutiny and more in between. Tonight, she's at Schubas Tavern in the Lakeview area to jam with her friends of the local band - Swearwords, opening for the touring Canadian band Hollerado. This reviewer highly recommends checking out this band whenever they're performing next at a venue near you.

What SouthSide enjoyed about this band was how each member rocked the stage with such enthusiasm and energetic vigor which instantly jumpstarted the audience into toe-tappin' dance moves. Swearwords  had the venue feeling the melodic rhythms and 3 part harmonies (sometimes) within their lively pop alternative rock, blogspot readers. This band was serious at the business of making sure everyone was having a fun time. Performing songs like West of Western and Not To Be Afraid, Swearwords' music sometimes had an electric edge to its rock sound to match a certain tone or mood  of the song and/or Neil's strong falsetto voice. Check out new one Native Fortune in which the band had a gritty blast of retro guitar rock sound that totally dominated this particular song. Yes, it did definitely told a sad take of a tortured heart, blogspot readers, under its intense music especially when gradually leading towards the outro end. But there was also a "lighter" side to this band with No Move No Shake that you can groove to the rhythmic beat.

Midway thru, this performance suddenly became too loud ...even for SouthSide's ears. It wasn't music being performed on stage but either fuzzy noise or overpowering noisiness, blogspot readers. In her opinion, she felt certain songs had the sound turned up at the highest volume than what it originally called for. For example, while performing Common Enemies, she felt overwhelmed by the band's noise that it didn't register the melodies being jumbled together as chaotic confusion ...even the vocals sounded like they were shouting the lyrics instead of singing them. Yet, this was the first instance of the band having this technical problem, blogspot readers. During another song, she heard some muffled off the monitors especially when the electric guitar overshadowed the keyboard rhythms or the keyboards had a moment of bad reverb off the monitors. The blame isn't being placed on Swearwords but on the sound guy. Songs like Distant Planets and Young Bats needed to have less electric or keyboard to merely allow the melodic side to shine and not overwhelm its listener. Songs like Sweet Graffiti and Native Fortune needed that gritty edge to its rock sound so it can match Neil's vocals.

Though sounding a little too noisy for her ears, she still enjoyed herself at Swearwords' opening show at Schubas Tavern. Be prepared, blogpsot readers, to dance a little (or move to the beat) under the band's energetic liveliness and a have fun time.  For more information about the band, visit http://www.swearwordsmusic.com.


Until next time, support your local scene,
SouthSide

16 Nov 13 - ChillFest 2013

In some of SouthSide's adventures around Chicago's vibrant local scene, she has attended shows at art galleries, museums, a Blockbuster store (yep, that's an absolute fact, blogspot readers) as well as a backyard at someone's house. That's how this reviewer recently spent her Saturday afternoon "running" around the Wicker Park/Bucktown neighborhood at the annual ChillFest 2013. This festive day featured acoustic music performances by local artists/bands at over 30 unique venues (like Futuregarb, Sugar Fly, Ready Coffee) throughout this vibrant neighborhood during the afternoon with an after party to rock Subterranean in the evening. At any given time, artists such as Todd Kessler, Maryann Michael or Burnside & Hooker were musically entertaining the venue for shoppers and music fans. It was also a good way for people to discover new places to shop locally ...just in time for Small Business Day (happening November 30th). Sadly, blogspot readers, SouthSide couldn't cover all of the musical acts at all of the venues rockin' ChillFest 2013. It's humanly impossible!  However she was able to cover a few sets at the following businesses - Penelope's (1913 W. Division), ReMarked Salon (2143 N. Damen), The Boring Store (1331 N. Milwaukee) and the first floor bar lounge of Subterranean.

SouthSide began her journey around ChillFest at The Boring Store (it's not actually "boring" either) to join the rockabilly, jug band jamboree with Mr. Mayor & the Highballers (http://www.mrmayorandthehighballers.com). Shoppers as well as fans were delightfully entertained by the lively, toe-tappin' Americana folk sound and upbeat rhythms in between browsing what unique, unusual and one-of-a-kind wares this store had for sale. Here at the store, SouthSide found new buttons to add to her growing collection to little knick knacks for holiday stocking stuffing and vintage-like things she could give as gifts. You could even find your Movember taches here too, blogspot readers, at all sizes and different styles! This quintet group of musicians (somehow comfortably jammed inside the storefront window) performed a wonderful rendition of a classic swing tune before ending their set with a rockabilly song and then off on a shopping inside The Boring Store. What's truly unique about this particular local business, blogspot readers, is that all proceeds from your purchase goes towards the endeavors of 826CHI - a nonprofit creative writing lab and tutoring center. SouthSide highly recommends visiting this store whenever in the area as well as rockin' to old time jug music with Mr. Mayor & the Highballers at their next performance. For more information about The Boring Store, visit them at http://www.boringstore.com.

Now it's for the "mad dash CTA" game with SouthSide, blogspot readers with SouthSide! Can this local reviewer wear out her Ventra monthly pass transit card in a single afternoon while covering ChillFest 2013? (Will reveal the answer at the end of this review). After a short but quick bus rides from north Milwaukee to Damn and then Damen to Webster, SouthSide arrived at her next destination - ReMarked Salon to check out Farkus' vocalist Tony Maguire serenading the staff and clientele at this Bucktown "venue". For this reviewer, it was one unique stop just as it was probably a unique experience for everyone inside the salon to hear live acoustic music while getting a cut and/or blow dry.  It was quite evident that Tony played from the heart amongst the downtempo guitar riffs and falsetto vocal tone, blogspot readers. He wanted your ears (besides your heart) to believe the heartfelt emotions composed for the lyrics that were being sung. For example, his rendition of Lindsey Buckingham's Big Love took on a different meaning than when SouthSide first heard the song back in the late 80s. Tony's cover was very haunting as his deep tenor falsetto voice made an emotional plea amongst the laidback sound and you definitely could feel the heartache in his voice too. Then he wonderfully covered the Pearl Jam classic Yellow Ledbetter to which it almost brought a tear to this reviewer's eye ...especially when hitting the high falsetto towards the end of the song. Sadly, blogspot readers, SouthSide wished she could have stayed longer but it was time to visit her next stop on the ChillFest 2013 tour around the neighborhood. In the meantime, visit Tony's full band - Farkus when they rock the stage. Visit Farkus at http://www.farkusmusic.com.

CTA mad dash (on the 50 Damen bus) going southbound towards Division where the edge of Wicker Park was alive with shoppers and music amidst the light rain during the early evening time of ChillFest. SouthSide's next adventure took her the clothing boutique Penelope's where Dawn Xiana Moon was finishing her performance. Despite only catching the final minutes of her beautiful yet haunting set, this reviewer enjoyed how this singer/songwriter combined a delightful mix of (West) acoustic jazz music with hints of Asian prose and flavor (East), blogspot readers. Her ballads expressed tenderness and heartfelt emotions amidst a soulful voice and tone ...very dynamic at times that she popped the lyrics to life. The words made you feel the sentiments penned from the heart and soul. This reviewer recommends checking out Beautiful Flowers Under a Full Moon and Unyielding (Song of Songs) off her new album - Spaces Between which also features songs sung in French and Mandarin Chinese, blogspot readers. For more information, visit Dawn at http://www.DawnXianaMoon.com.

After Dawn's set, it was time for Julie Meckler to perform on "stage" at Penelope's, blogspot readers. It was a scaled down version of her full band that featured trumpet and bass backing this rising local artist on her guitar and vocals. Immediately, this reviewer enjoyed her harmonizing vocals tone ...quite soulful amidst a light contemporary pop sound. If SouthSide had to compare her to another artist, she would have to be Julie Collins due to the way her songs were full of storytelling lyrics and vivid images to which her voice popped to life. Throughout the performance, Julie had a way of making the songs like Shadow Dance seem fun and delightful to hear. With bassist Brett, she slightly twisted David Bowie's Soul Loved within her acoustic alternative style and docile vocal tone. During this rendition, Julie became more expressive sans the guitar in her hands while the trumpet playing low lullaby behind the back rhythm. It was so tender and gentle, blogspot readers. Meanwhile in another song, Julie forcefully demonstrated into making you believe she was a jealous, mean, angry etc woman but not in an angst voice pattern. Instead, she used a rather "calm" voice range that allowed it to convey what type of woman she was to the audience inside Penelope's either shopping or attending her performance. She even vividly had you thinking you're in Mexico with her from the way she painted such images in your brain. Also check out her song, Manhattan that featured some whistling at the intro and few improv lyrics to really lighten the mood of this particular song. Don't worry, blogspot readers, if you missed this special performance during ChillFest 2013. Julie Meckler along with her full band will be rockin' The Hideout on Dec 6th. In the meantime, check out her music at http://www.juliemeckler.com.

Not much of a mad CTA dash for her final stop on her ChillFest tour, blogspot readers. After a quick bite, she head to Subterranean for a rare acoustic performance by local rockers The Lifeline. How rare you might ask? Well, this was the first time in the many years SouthSide has covered their shows around town in which she saw the band in a scaled down version of themselves and still equally rock a packed lounge as if they were a full band on stage. Opening the show with a powerful acoustic rendition of Not For Nothing, the audience immediately felt the power of Ryan's emotional falsetto of pain and heartache in his voice to Rebecca's haunting yet somber rhythmic tone from her violin and everything in between that gave The Lifeline music its dynamic sound. The next song, We've Been Compromised (a new one by the band) was one of many fine examples by this local band incorporating intense power of human emotion into the songwriting process. Some songs tend to vividly highlight the notion of heartache through lost love or pining for love as the pain of loneliness ...and much more. Add the violin rhythms and you have one intense music experience, blogspot readers. Besides performing songs like Push & Pull (off The Lifeline's Reflections of Hope album where you definitely experience the pain of heartache so well), Ghosts (the first song Ryan wrote for The Lifeline that this ghoulish feel from Rebecca's violin combined with Ryan's heartfelt falsetto ...chills down the spine here) and Romeo and Juliet (a darker version of the ill-fated tale of the star-crossed lovers), there were special duet and then solo moments at the middle of this performance. First came a Rebecca-Ryan duet when the pair performed Honesty in which they took the band's moody persona further down to a freezing chill. On one hand, the violin played the song like a sweet lullaby against the somber downtempo guitar riffs thus both highlighting Ryan's strong dynamic voice. Then came Ryan's powerful rendition of Seal's Kissed By A Rose (the love theme from the movie Batman Forever) that literally brought down the house. To be honest, blogspot readers, SouthSide's not a fan of the Seal song. However after hearing Ryan's voice on lyrics while playing the guitar, she enjoyed the ballad more as it was meant to be heard ...full of intense passion and energy. It felt he was singing this song specially written for someone in his life. Now that this reviewer has seen and heard both sides of The Lifeline, she hopes the band schedules more acoustic shows along with their electric side in the near future. For more information about The Lifeline, visit http://www.thelifelinemusic.com.


Until next time, support your local scene,
SouthSide

From the Desk of SouthSide

Hey, blogspot readers, here's some news that you can use...

1.  Vendors, listen up! If you want to participate in the C20 Chicago Bizarre Bazaar, the time is now to sign up. From Saturday 23 November 2013 to Thursday 23 January 2014, interested vendors must send an email with the subject title "C20 Chicago Vendor" to C20Chicago@gmail.com. Merchants must include the following - their name, the name of their company, links to pertinent websites with photos of items to be offered and a brief introduction/description. Shortly all interested vendors will be receiving an email reply containing all pertinent information (size of booth per vendor, cost per vendor, set up/tear down times, lighting, electrical, etc). "...We will endeavor to answer all questions a vendor might have in that email but are happy to provide answers for anything further..."

The final line up of vendors to be included in the C20 Chicago Bizarre Bazaar will be made no later than Thursday 30 January 2014.

2. Recently, JBTV released 29 years of live music performances on ArchLive TV, blogspot readers.  View classic modern rock performances never seen before in their entirety in full HD as well as interviews and RARE classic shows. New content is added every week. Watch today online on your computer or iPad for $3.99/month which unlocks all content like liner notes and selectable set lists.

Go to JBTV on ArchLive TV - http://www.archlive.tv/channel/jbtv

Enjoy!

3.

50th Anniversary of Beatles' Arrival In America To Be Celebrated At 2014 "Fest For Beatles Fans" The initial details for the 2014 Fest For Beatles Fans has been announced by Mark Lapidos, President and Founder of the event.  Celebrating the landmark 50th anniversary of the Beatles' first arrival in America, the Fest will take place on February 7, 8, and 9, 2014 - the exact dates the Fab Four landed at JFK Airport, and made their first appearance on the Ed Sullivan Show.  That TV show - on February 9th, 1964 - garnered the largest US viewing audience in history, snagging 45% of the total population, a statistic that still stands today.  The 2014 Fest will also celebrate the 40th year Lapidos has been producing this event.  The 2014 Fest will be held in NYC at the Grand Hyatt Hotel next to Grand Central Station (42nd St. and Lexington Ave.).  The celebration begins on Friday (7) from 5pm through midnight and goes through Saturday (8) and Sunday (9) from 10:30am to midnight.  Among the festivities planned are live concerts by superstar artists of the British Invasion period, newsreel and fan films of the Beatles, the world's largest Beatles memorabilia marketplace, meet &  greet opportunities, a fashion show, Q+A panels, dance parties, performances by some of the top new emerging indie bands and sponsorships with top national music magazine and radio stations. Full details are expected to be revealed within days. A newly designed website for The Fest For Beatles Fans is slated to be unveiled in early November at www.TheFest.com.

December 2013

Happy Holidays, blogspot readers!

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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








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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Red Line Tap - rock with 6 Degrees of Separation

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

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

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

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

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

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


Until next time, support your local scene,
SouthSide