NYE & January 2014

Happy New Year!

Yes, blogspot readers, it's another 365 days of fun and excitement happening around town! So don't let winter's icy chill keep you home and away from these hot shows during the month of January. 

Included in this calendar are a few more NYE suggestions in case you need last minute suggestions $10 and under.

Please note all shows listed are 21+.

Dec 31:

Dank Haus - polka your way into the new year with The Polkaholics!

$10

Fitz's Spare Keys (Elmhurst, IL) - Thrash Martini will be rockin' the stage at this benefit party.

Exit (2nd Floor) - there's a FREE champagne toast at midnight while dancing to featured DJs Eddie Rio, Julio Sierra, El Diablito and more.

NO COVER 

Empty Bottle - rock your way into 2014 with Oozing Wound, Magic Milk and Jimmy Whispers with DJ Mike Lust

$10 adv / $20 dos

Quencher's Saloon - ring in the new year with Furious Frank, The Amen Brothers, Pirates! and Pinto and the Bean

$10

NEO - attend this nightclub's New Year's Eve Speakeasy party featuring DJs Moyers and Razor X ...dressing in a costume is encouraged
$10

Jan 2:
Foundation Room (House of Blues, Chicago) - Empire State Express will be performing a special yet intimate show inside this luxurious VIP lounge
6p

Jan 3:

Scubas Tavern - Verona Red along with Big Paraid and Tanks & Guns will be performing on stage here.

$10

Double Door - The Alder Kings along with The Buckshot Hounds, Stolen Silver and The Race To Space will be performing live here
$8

Bottom Lounge - attend this Winter Formal featuring She's Alive, Call It Treason, A Photo Finish and Jordan Benker
ALL AGES / $10

Jan 4:
Penny Road Pub - rock your Saturday night with 6 Degrees of Separation

Coq d'Or (The Drake Hotel) - local Jazz crooner Jesse Charbonier performs your favorite classics and rarities all night long at this legendary bar.
FREE / 9p

Reggie's Rock Club - Dread Zeppelin, Mr. Blutto and Blue Dream will be rockin' the stage here
7p / $15

Jan 6:

Schubas Tavern - check out MER's Music Showcase featuring A Friend Called Fire, Anthony Bagnara of Makeshift Prodigy, Gordon Robertson of The Damn Choir and Noah Gabriel performing acoustically on stage

$8 / 7p

Empty Bottle - it's a FREE Monday show featuring Chandeliers, Videotape, Spaces of Disappearance and Distant Cities

FREE

Jan 8:

Mayne Stage - Elle Casazza will be performing here

Door No.3 (Double Door) - Door No.3 presents FABITAT: Live featuring a live set by The Iceberg with DJ Adam EL (of 16 Candles/Berlin) and also a drag performances by Lucy Stoole, Anita Bershen and Curlene Ribbon.

FABITAT is a night for the west side's LGBTQ community and its supporters

FREE

Jan 9:

Underground Wonder Bar - Room 11 begins their residency again at this venue

Metro - Carter Tutti plays Chris & Casey with John Elliot's Hieroglyphic Being and DJ Scary Lady Sarah

$21 / 18+ / 8p

Jan 10:

Debonair Social Club - 8090 along with Middle City Sound, Sansara, Brad Brubaker & The Crowd Goes Wild will be rockin' this venue

ALL AGES

Wynfields Sports Bar (Satellite Beach, FL) - rock with Staring Blind, Southside Junction and Anyone's Guess

Metro - Comasoft with The Dead On, Hard Kiss and The Queue will be performing live on stage

$10 / 18+

Double Door - CAU Dog Records Showcase presents Matthew Morgan and The Lost Brigade with special guests Flabby Trio headlining the lineup featuring Pitchy and the 44s and Kathy Greehholdt. Also - it's BYO crotch stuffing zucchini!

$7

LiveWire Lounge - attend Famous Fido Animal Shelter (located in the Andersonville neighborhood) benefit show and help support a good cause
For more information, visit http://www.famousfidorescue.com

Coq d'Or (The Drake Hotel) - Jesse Charbonier will be performing your favorite Jazz classics as well as seldom heard rarities inside this legendary bar.
FREE / 9p

Junior's (in Pilsen) - NSP Live presents polka and more inside Pilsen neighborhood featuring The Polkaholics, Krol Kleks and The Lucks!
$7

Cobra Lounge - attend the Man On Fire ...a benefit for Diane Larsen.
All donations will be going to help pay medical bills and time missed from work due to a recent accident.
There will be live music performances by Guns and Ammunition, Tutu & the Pirates and The Dyes with an extra special performance by Sanjula Vamana
$10 suggested donation

Lincoln Hall - check out this special screening of the new Chris Hefner feature film, The Prisoner which will feature a live overture performance by Daniel Knox (who composed the movie's original score).
Two showings - 7p and 10p
$15

Jan 11:

Phyllis Musical Inn - JD3 will be performing live on stage.

FREE / 9p

Martyrs' - rock to Sousaphenia 3 featuring Bassel & the Supernaturals with Environmental Encroachment, The Viper & His Famous Orchestra and Four Star Brass Band

$10 / 9p

Cobra Lounge - it's Hate Department, Project .44, JILT, Lockjaw and WORM rockin' the stage

Exit (2nd Floor) - it's VENUS featuring Eddie Riot and Akira Smith spinning at this party

NO COVER

Metro - Honey & the 45s along with Gramps The Vamp, Felix & Lyons, Sara Masterson and Bluefish Fellows will be rockin' the stage here

18+

Double Door - Why So White, Deep Fayed, Patrick Hartman and The Last Glances, Mos Scocious with DJ Ricky Drako will be rockin' the stage

$10

Door No.3 (Double Door) - Akasha presents: Simmer Down Sound with The Graduate, Rad Brian, Marcus I featuring a live performance by Akasha  and family

FREE

Prop Theater (3502 N. Elston) - learn how to speak Rhinoceros during the 25th Annual Rhino Fest in which Sid Yiddish & His Candy Store Henchmen will be making their debut on this date.
Tickets are $12 online or $15 at the door OR pay-what-you-can, NO ONE will be turned away.
7p

JJ Kelly's (Lansing, IL) - attend the South Side Metal Shred Event featuring David Shankle (ex-Manowar) and Gabriel Anthony (ex-Tyrants Reign) with Testimony and ScreamKing
$7

Jan 15:

Fizz Bar & Grill - electro swing at this edition of Rouge! Chicago's (premiere) Electro Swing Night!

Tonic Room -The Great Divide will be rockin' the stage as part of Chicago Bluegrass & Blues Fest with Bigg Otis and Nick & The Ovorols
$10

Jan 17:

Double Door - The Coop and Jon Wayne & The Pain will be rockin' the stage

$10 / 8p

Liar's Club - rock at Slash Fest with Voice of Addiction, Death and Memphis, The C-Sides and Dollar Drafts

Jan 18:

Double Door - it's Soul Summit's 4th Anniversary Party with DJs Sloppy White, Dave Mata and Duke Grip

FREE ($10 VIP tix avail)

Cobra Lounge - rock with Modern Day Rippers, The Brothers Gross ("Ready To Roll" CD release), Ridgelands ("Daggers Down" CD release), The Dewtons and The Morons
$5

Jan 22:

Door No.3 (Double Door) - Door No.3 presents FABITAT: Live featuring a live set by The Iceberg with DJ Adam EL (of 16 Candles/Berlin) and also a drag performances by Lucy Stoole, Anita Bershen and Curlene Ribbon.

FABITAT is a night for the west side's LGBTQ community and its supporters

FREE

Jan 23:
Empty Bottle - North by North will be celebrating the release of their debut double LP - Something Wicked along with Aktar Aktar and The Ivorys
$8

Jan 24:

Double Door - attend Double Door's Winter Formal featuring Brother George, Jonny Drake and Santah on stage.

$10 adv / $15 dos  / 8p

Concord Music Hall - dance the night away to the electronic groove of BOOMBOX with special guests to be announced

Get tickets at http://www.clubtix.com

18+

Goose Island (Wrigleyville) - check out Josh Hill rockin' the stage here

Beat Kitchen - join Polarizer rockin' the stage along with Moon, A Friend Called Fire and Injecting Strangers
$8

Mayne Stage - rock to a night of tributes featuring Kid A (Radiohead), Gnuman (Gary Numan), Unknown Pleasures (Joy Division) and Guns and Ammunition (Clash)
18+ / $12

Jan 25:

The Burlington Bar - check out Magicks at Savage Sister's and Lykanthea's record release show with Architecture

9p

Concord Music Hall - Rusted Root and Donna The Buffalo will be rockin' this Chicago Bluegrass and Blues Fest
$30 adv / $35 dos / 17+

Jan 31:

Uncommon Ground (Clark St) - attend this unique acoustic show featuring A to Z ...Matthew Alfano of Mason's Case and Nate Z of Jack Rabbit

ALL AGES

Beat Kitchen - it's an evening of Punk, Metal and Experimental music at Ideamen's "Schemata" CD release show featuring Voice of Addiction, Downtown Brown, Maggot Twat, Something Involving A Monkey (from Cleveland, OH) and Stuck Underwater (also having a CD release)
17+ / $10

Lincoln Hall - GoldFord will be opening at Caleb Hawley's record release with Tall Walker and Mighty Fox
$12 dos / $10 adv


Until next time, support your local scene,
SouthSide

17 Dec 13

Hey, blogspot readers, SouthSide's rockin' around the Christmas tree at this holiday rock show tonight! Along with her newly adopted daughter Amber, she hung out at Wicker Park's Double Door to see local bands like Elements of Style, Mooner and 10,000 Light Years featuring headlining act Magatha Trysty rock the stage. 

This band came and conquered the stage by rockin' the late night audience with its intense pop energy full of clashing cymbals, electric vibe and electronic rhythms ...what an upbeat sound to groove to, blogspot readers, especially when opening with their hit single - This Is Your Magic. Recently featured in a Rock In Chicago podcast, Magatha Trysty immediately had this reviewer liking the "happy-go-lucky" sound and feel of their music without blasting her ears with long introductions or overdoing it with extended instrumental bridges. Nope, this local band kept the Double Door in a festive party mood during other songs like Ugly Side Of Pretty (the "softer" side of Magatha) and The Clocks Run In Reverse (the band's new song).

Yet it was more than just music with Magatha Trysty, blogspot readers. The quartet of musicians were also about having fun while performing on stage. Listening to their songs, you might get the sense of seriousness from the subject matter yet, there's light humor and wit as well. For example, when Catherine took lead vocals on Clairvoyant, the slightly faster tempo created a fun danceable rhythm in which a few near the stage took advantage of to show off some funky moves.  Or groove to the song Paper Cranes even though the reverb off the bass did overshadow Catherine's voice a little. Meanwhile the film school dropout song aka Raygun lit up the stage as well as the few left in the audience amongst its upbeat swing and melodies. Magatha Trysty, blogspot readers, had cool whistling too like during Ugly Side Of Pretty.

However the highlight of the night was when the band performed its rendition of Darlene Love's Christmas (Baby Please Come Home) to close out their performance. And what a rendition it was, blogspot readers.  Literally felt the power of Catherine's dynamic voice on lyrics to which there was probably not a dry eye in the house. It was one of those touching holiday moments where you should hold that special someone close to you while watching the band rock out to this tune. SouthSide highly recommends checking out this band during 2014 ...be prepared to dance and have fun while immersed within its lively pop/rock music. For more information about Magatha Trysty, visit http://www.magathatrysty.com.


Until next time, support your local scene,
SouthSide

14 Dec 13

 
"...Jingle bells ...schmingle bells..." ~ Don of The Polkaholics

Hey, blogspot readers, what does beer, bowling and party have in common? Well, if you were out Saturday night in the Lincoln Square area, you probably heard the sounds of ten pins falling amidst lively polka music. And if there's polka music, then it must be The Polkaholics rockin' this venue - the Lincoln Square Lanes. This bowling alley was the sight of this local polka-loving band's annual holiday party in which attracted a crowd of friends, family and fans for good times and fun. It was wild time for SouthSide and her daughter as they enjoyed a spicy plate of chicken wings and music ...and it was the first On The Town review at a bowling alley, too, blogspot readers.

This holiday polka party included three sets of this band's hits from the numerous released albums
like a Halloween polka mash-up, Old Style (beer) song, Beer Garden and many more as well as songs off the Christmas release titled Jingle Bells, Schmingle Bells, blogspot readers. Yes, it was three hours of polka music and fun to be had by all! And the beauty about attending The Polkaholics performance, you really don't have to like polka. Seriously, it's not really the typical Polish kind ...there's Mexican, German, Bavarian, etc and Don (front man on guitar) mixes it with classic rock sounds from The Rolling Stones, The Knack, Black Sabbath, etc to give it an edgy polka flare. So in essence, you're rockin' to polka rock! It's the band's longtime goal - to conquer the world with polka one fan at a time and judging by The Polkaholics' growing popularity, they're gaining new converts after each performance.

After rolling out the barrel and jamming to their theme song, The Polkaholics got their holiday party off to a good start by featuring songs like Yakov The Polka Reindeer (i.e. Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer) and Sausage Balls (JingleBells) in which had them dreaming of a Polka Christmas (White Christmas) too. As you can see, blogspot readers, nothing escapes the polka path ...not when it comes
to The Polkaholics. For example, there's the Chicken Dance as well as the Hokey Pokey polkas that will require your participation when the band performs those two particular songs. So be prepared to shake your entire body (that includes your neck, liver, shins and more) during the Hokey Pokey. They even had a few audience member dancing the Horah (Jewish circle dance) while rockin' out the stage with a little of The Rolling Stones' Painted Black during the Halloween mash-up. No one cared that it wasn't the correct holiday music for this party but for Don and the guys everyday is Halloween to them. There's a polka dedicated to local weatherman Paul Konrad (of WGN-CW station). Also from the Stones, look for riffs from Sympathy For the Devil during the intro to In Excelsis Polka song ...plus there's The Kinks' Gloria somewhere too before taking your ears on the highway to polka, blogspot readers!

It was pretty wild ...Don rockin' the guitar on the bar counter. Yes, this "old" rocker was living up the life fantastic entertaining the crowd around the bar area. Even had some by the pool tables dancing along too. Other songs during the first two sets included Barfly (dedicated to the Mickey Rourke and Faye Dunaway movie), I Loved You Till You Chicken Danced (featuring Gary Glitter's Rock-n-Roll Part 2 and Chicken Dance), Son Of A Gun polka (dedicated to Lil Wally, the King of Polka featuring
ten seconds of the quietest music by the band) and so much more. Hanging out with The Polkaholics
over the past three years , blogspot readers,  has this reviewer learning more and more about polka ...the different kinds of polka and the famous music performers of this genre - that she does have a fond appreciation of this lively fun music. Ah, what fun it was but sadly it getting late for the young daughter. This reviewer highly recommends polka-ing your way with this local band. So, you better watch out ...you better shout but don't cry because The Polkaholics are coming to your town and/or venue (like Lincoln Square Lanes) near you in 2014.

For more information about The Polkaholics, visit http://www.thepolkaholics.com.


Until next time, support your local scene,
SouthSide

13 Dec 13

Red Team Kasteteers unite! 

It's time to pick up your sword and fight against the evil Brown and Gold teams ...for chivalry and honor!

Yes, blogspot readers, the lads from Bristol, England (by way of riding a "Horse") recently returned to Chicago rock their fans at Wrigleyville's Cubby Bear when they opened for Moistboyz (PA) on a chilly Friday the 13th night. It has been a long while since SouthSide rocked amongst the wild chaos and hardcore metal rock at a Cealed Kasket show where just about anything happens on or off stage.

Throughout their opening performance, there were fierce battles between the three teams (Red in which SouthSide is a proud member of, Gold and Brown) in which each "fight" to be named champion by Mortal Death (front man of Cealed Kasket) as well as believing in the guitar magic of the band's elder wizard - Sarsicus and toasting to the golden days of rock music and chivalry and honor. Performing songs like Drink and Drive, Sarsicus and Horse, Cealed Kasket entertained the near sold-out crowd with a new one called Belt which featured a lively hardcore guitar rock sound with a little electronica (thanks to Soul Collector).

Yet more importantly, blogspot readers, it was great to see this particular band performing on stage after a long absence. Mortal Death, sporting new threads and shoes, still had that exuberant energy to rally this wild and crazy crowd into a frenzy after each song. Sarsicus, in a proper wizard's garb, excited everyone during his towering "rise" on stage when performing his song to which he felt many believing in the magic again. Maurice (on large guitar) looked very dapper, ladies, especially when serenading Lady Red during his song about having the power of 5 dicks in one. This reviewer cannot forgot about Scott (on drums) dressed his Middle Ages battle garb despite the chilly snowy weather outside. He seemed so naturally at ease creating the rousing thunder on his kit while Soul Collector, who was doing more than collecting souls, rockin' the stage with his usual "stash" on hand and electronic rhythms to keep this show wildly exciting.

There wasn't only wildness happening on stage but also amongst the throng of people ...especially those crowded close to the front of the stage, blogspot readers. Gold team leader was missing all of the drunken fun in which he would have enjoyed tonight. Brown and Red team leaders were loudly rallying their teams to battle throughout the show as well as brawling during Horse and other songs (though Cubby Bear does discourage moshing inside its establishment). Wenches (some of them having a little too much malty brew) and their brave knights everywhere head-banging to Cealed Kasket ...like they never had forgotten the golden days, blogspot readers. Fresh "coke" (really baby powder) was plentiful too. If the wild craziness and obscene things done and/or sung offend you, then attending a Cealed Kasket show isn't for you because this is what normally happens ...sometimes more.

Usually, blogspot readers, Cealed Kasket rocks a party longer than a normal forty-five minute set. However, this reviewer was happy to relive the golden days once more with this rowdy band of chivalrous knights and wizards because there's no party like a Cealed Kasket party. Hope to see more of them during 2014.

For more information about Cealed Kasket, visit http://www.cealedkasket.com ...or Myspace (yes, they still rock the Myspace site) at http://www.myspace.com/cealedkasket.

Until next time, support your local scene,

SouthSide

Top 5 Bands of 2013

As 2013 winds down into history, blogspot readers, SouthSide was challenged into getting off the fence by embarking the most difficult task ever in her reviewing career - picking her Top 10 bands of the year. For the record, she has long avoided doing these kinds of lists because she might either forget a band or two OR (finally) admitting which bands she enjoyed the most. Peeking inside the mind of SouthSide is not an easy task ...so that's why it was so difficult picking a Top 10. So to be fair, blogspot readers, she resorted to doing a Top 5 by grouping them in the following categories - Local, National and International. All shows (127 completed and still counting at the time of this post) featuring the following bands were  the tops during the 2013. Enjoy.

Top 5 Local:

5. (tie) - I AM Fest / Honey & the 45s ...SouthSide picked I AM Fest due its unique lineup which featured a strong variety of musical acts from electrifying pop/rock (Energy Commission) to hip hop/lyrical rap (RayIsDude) as well as  two female powerhouse vocalists (Leah Druzinsky and Kelsey Montanez) in the middle and more this year. There was something for everybody to like and enjoy during this one-day music festival. 

Honey & the 45's rocked the Cubby Bear earlier in the year with a one hot performance which was sexy, "in your face" funky kind of groove during a chilly winter's night. Never had this reviewer sweat to the groove (except when Bernie Worrell came to town years ago) along with many others around her to songs like "Got The Need" and the James Brown classic "I Feel Good". SouthSide will be seeing this band again at Metro coincidentally on the same date (Jan 11) when she first saw them.

3. DJ Scary Lady Sarah ...she's a fixture in the local scene by playing the best of industrial/post industrial/shoegaze/and more as well as keeping it alive for over 25 years with such events like NOCTURNA (held once a month at Metro or sometimes Bottom Lounge) and MACHINA (she dj's on the 1st Wednesday every month at Smartbar). Besides that, she has her own band - The Bellwether Syndicate ...dj's time to time in support of other shows ...and now working hard Convergence 20 Chicago First & Last & Always (occurring in April 2014), blogspot readers.  SouthSide is quite honored to know her as a friend and artist.

2. Social Focus ...after accidentally "discovering" this band's CD laying around the Elbo Room one night, then taking a listen and immediately liking demo sample (especially Merry-Go-Down), this reviewer had the extreme pleasure of watching this local band grow from obscurity to releasing a full self-titled album and rockin' out a crowd at House of Blues during I AM Fest 2013, blogspot readers. She hopes 2014 brings more exciting things for the members of Social Focus.

1. Makeshift Prodigy ...another local band SouthSide accidentally "discovered" back in 2009 when she was reviewing another band at Metro and soon got caught in this band's awe-inspiring music that instantly blew her away. She watched the members and music grow and evolve to what it is today ...still mind-blowing, motivational, inspirational symphonic rock to which they had a chance to tour and share with others on both sides of the coast ...and rockin' the crowd at Lollapalooza 2013. This band has a bright future ahead of them, blogspot readers.

Top 5 National:

5. Captured By Robots (CA) ...it's one of those bands you have to see to believe, blogspot readers, where's a lone human on guitar surrounded by a band of animatronic robots performing on horns, guitars and drums. The entire show itself was weird ...psychedelically trippy ...mind-bending as if you have taken acid before the show but nonetheless a fun time while absorbing the strangeness that was this band, blogspot readers. SouthSide can see why Captured has a strong fan following in Chicago...

4. Scary Cherry & the Bang Bangs (TX) ...this reviewer highly recommends rockin' to this Texan band's glitter glam/punk rock at their next show, blogspot readers. They love to have fun and be sure to sing Cherry Bomb with them on stage. She hopes they return in 2014 to rock Chicago again (as well as munch on deep dish pizza and Chicago style BBQ).

3. Esh the Singer (WI) ...in word - WOW. This soulful sister will blow your mind with her voice. She can be dynamic as an R&B/Soul vocalist but also can rock hard like Stevie Nicks when she covers classic rock songs, blogspot readers. SouthSide had the pleasure in seeing her bring the audience to their knees by pumping so much emotions (from heartache to anger) into her lyrics during an acoustic set as well as when she's amplified with the full band. You heard it here first - she's better than Rhianna.

2. Hellions of Hollywood tour (CA) ...this tour featured Dawn of Ashes and Psyclon 9 rockin' the stage at Livewire Lounge after when a heavy downpour soaked Chicago, blogspot readers. Thanks to her friend, Tom George of Tag Publicity, SouthSide had the extreme pleasure interviewing both bands before they rocked and shocked their fans with intense headbanging thrash/dark electronica metal rock full of Hollywood glam and glitz all night with local band JILT opening for them. Yep, SouthSide got her metal on that night ...and lost her hearing too - now that's a good show.

1. Revel Without A Cause tour ...this tour featuring The Relapse Symphony (Washington D.C.), Fearless Vampire Killers (UK), Davey Suicide (CA) and William Control (WA) recently rockin' the Bottom Lounge on Black Wednesday night. Before the show (and thanks to her friend Tom George), she was lucky enough to do interviews with William Control and Fearless Vampire Killers as well as hang out with Davey Suicide (whom she interviewed when he was in Chicago with Blood On The Dance Floor a year ago). The lineup had the Chicago fans rockin' and dancin' as well as begging William for "one more song" to which he obliged giving them two more before having to finally end the show. If you there, yes, you caught this reviewer amongst the crowd dancing.


Top 5 International:

5. Anna von Hauswolff (Sweden) ...along with Noveller accompanying her and the band during their first U.S. tour, SouthSide highly recommends getting very acquainted with both and their instrumentally night music. You will be left in silent awe when listening to the melodic sounds. Also read the review recently posted on this blog.

4. Robert Plant with Sensational Space Shifters (UK) ...there's no better way to enjoy (free) music in the park during the Taste of Chicago than basking in the Led Zeppelin glow of this legendary rocker with thousands of other Zep fans (young and old) around you, blogspot readers. Plus she even got a chance to meet him for a few minutes after the performance. SO not worthy...

3. Dope Stars Inc (Italy) ...these Italians headlined at Cobra Lounge rockin' the stage with their 80s rock and much more, blogspot readers. Though the weather was a little too cold for them, they did enjoy Chicago when SouthSide got a chance to interview this band. She hopes they return in 2014 bringing the entire band this time.

2. The Red Paintings (AU) ... rock music and performance art ...nothing new for SouthSide but add the lead guitarist/vocalist dressed in a Russian hat and coat and his violinist in a kimono as well as two visual artists (one having a live model being painted) creating art during the band's opening set. This reviewer was totally blown away when they performed the title track - The Revolution Is Not Coming with such angered fervor and intensity. Check them out when they tour again in 2014.

1. Ian Anderson (UK) ...Thick As A Brick 1 & 2 - seeing this not only once but twice three months apart, blogspot readers. And SouthSide enjoyed both instances but loved it a second time due to the many Tull fans treating the performance more like a rock concert than a musical theatre. They were shouting ...cheering and rockin' out when Ian and the band performed Locomotive Breath during the encore - still that wasn't enough for them. They wanted "one more song" ...if he had the chance, SouthSide would have been shouting "Aqualung" at the top of her lungs. This reviewer would like to thank her good friend Anne Leighton for setting her up with tickets for both performances. SO not worthy but ready to see Ian Anderson again in 2014.


Until next time, support your local scene,
SouthSide

09 Dec 13

 "...this is our first U.S. tour ...we're going to remember this rest of our lives..."

Anna von Hausswolff

Hey, blogspot readers, winter's frosty chill has arrived a little head of schedule yet that doesn't stop SouthSide from rockin' the scene on a Monday night. Tonight, she's hanging out at Schubas Tavern to witness the instrumentally ambient /experimental rock sounds of Anna von Hasswolff (from Sweden)  and her band who made a special stop here during her first U.S. tour. Opening for her was another amazing talented woman - Noveller (from New York) who stunned this crowd in silence from beginning to end during her set. 

Under the cover dark toned lighting and random images projected behind her on a screen, this musician rocked the venue with a unique symphonic sound using only her electric guitar but not without some help from her elaborate pedal board. Combining the two created the most wondrous vibe of flowing electronic rhythms and ambient melodies bursting continuously bursting to life. And as SouthSide mentioned earlier, she indeed had this audience (including this reviewer) in complete awe ...and deafening silence - believe it or not, blogspot readers. It was like watching an artist at work especially gently strumming her guitar like cello or viola which produced an eerie vibe floating across the stage while running in sync with the images shown on screen. These images (some of them independent movie shorts) helped enhanced everyone's listening pleasure as well as convey the story being told by Noveller's orchestral music of the night. The music itself was too beautiful for lyrics yet you could basically feel stories being told during each song. For example, whenever the scenes had spinning tops or showing a side view of an x-ray on screen, the music was moving along with those images until fading out like a cold whispering wind blowing against the surf. At one point of her performance, you could literally feel the thunderous vibrations surrounding the venue ...encompassing you with such intense floetry and melodic beats, blogspot readers. Truly magical to behold yet very intense to hear whether she's fingering the strings and/or pushing the pedals with her hands. You definitely must see this artist live in order to fully experience her night music. For more information, visit Noveller at http://www.sarahlipstate.com.

Though needing to turn down the electrics a bit during certain songs, SouthSide highly recommends attending a performance by Sweden's Anna von Hausswolff while she's touring the U.S., blogspot readers.  Here's another artist creating instrumentally ambient/experimental (with some songs containing lyrics) for a frosty night in Chicago that kept the audience stunned into awe and silence throughout her set. Amidst the red glow of the stage lighting, Anna and her band lured everyone to feel the chill of the Scandinavian winter with the image of a full moon projected in the background while the crescendo rise and her soft aria-like vocals enchanted the entire room. What a grand entrance, blogspot readers, to feel that thunderous burst of sound filling the ears (even while wearing earplugs) triumphantly announcing that the Swedes have arrived thus easily conquering Chicago with one haunting sweep of Anna's melodic sound. SouthSide might find it hard to fully describe Anna's music since she spent considerable time mellowing within its orchestral wave that floated from the stage. There was so much to take in throughout this performance ...from the intense feeling of the electric vibrations to the roaring thunder of Valhalla off the drums and then soothing sounds of the band's melodic side gradually merging (or more like intertwining) in between all of the harshness. Again it was simply musically beautiful to behold ...enough to stop writing notes and enjoy more night music, blogspot readers. Like Noveller's opening set, art and music ran in sync to allow the stories within each song unfold besides setting the tone and atmosphere for this audience who either stood or sat in complete awe of this musician's performance. Not once making a verbal sound until clapping after each song ...this is the second time, SouthSide had experienced this from a Chicago audience during a concert. Yet, she must warn you - she's not kidding about the thunderous sound that bursts to life during Anna's set. It was fantastic to feel the vibrations around her but also a little hard on her ears. So earplugs are a must if extremely loud noise hurts your ears yet it's designed for you to feel (as well as hear) the impact of each grandiose note before wowing you how soulful her dynamic voice could be. There was passion ...intense emotions especially when she sang in her native tongue. This reviewer didn't mind there were lyrics to Anna's songs. It was mostly the music that had her riveting with excitement each time she felt Thor's thunder or melodic rhythms. Yet, it wasn't mostly thunder all of time, blogspot readers. Anna did entertain us with a lighthearted (almost child-like) twinkling music which for SouthSide was totally unexpected but playfully welcome to balance out the Nordic booms that previously surrounded the venue. The upbeat rhythms created a symphonic lullaby while her heartfelt voice matched the playful tune in between the intense sound. Visit Anna von Hausswolff at http://www.annavonhauswolff.com for more information of where and/or when her tour with Noveller comes to a venue near you, blogspot readers. It's truly an awe-inspiring music experience.

Until next time, support your local scene,

SouthSide

Top 10 SouthSide Wild Moments Around Town

Every On The Town  adventure has its wild and (sometimes) crazy moments, blogspot readers. And looking back at the year that almost was 2013, SouthSide had some wild and crazy adventures while rockin' the local ...some too racy to mention (but well documented for her tell-all book) meanwhile others too funny and/or too good to be true to be believable.

Yep, it's never a dull moment wherever this reviewer is prowling the streets of Chicago for a show...

10. North Coast Music Fest (Aug 30 - Sept 1) ...as exhausting for this first time Coastie to cover this huge 3-day music festival, SouthSide had the most fun dancing her way around the many stages with the liveliest bunch of party-loving, brightly costumed people within Union Park despite the weather being humid and hot. So ready to bang again next year!

9. I AM Fest (Aug 24) ...this one-day local art and music festival gets wilder and wilder every year as well as better with the bands chosen to perform on stage. This year's lineup feature wild drunken pirate rock to an electrifying energy by Energy Commission. Who knows what will happen during I AM Fest 2014, blogspot readers...

8. High Noon Saloon, Madison, WI (with Vintage Blue) ...it's SouthSide's first ever road trip to the Dairy state with a band! It can very wild at this capitol city, blogspot readers, especially since it's also a college party town at this venue. Nice western decor but wait until the hardcore party/music fans arrive that's when the wild times begin. Twice this reviewer was offered a "smoke" in the women's restroom ...she got "penguin" humped (a guy in a penguin costume) and if you're going to have sex in the restroom stall - CLOSE THE DOOR!

7. Protesting Alderman James Cappleman/Marching for Marriage Equality ...it may have been too cold to protest, blogspot readers, however it was SouthSide On The Town's civic duty to cover these two events as well as take part in the march and rallies...

6. The Pump Room North (The Knocks NCMF after party) ...after partying at the park all day and then rockin' the Elbo Room for a show, SouthSide had some strength left to party at this party inside this legendary restaurant/club location in Chicago's Gold Coast. This was her first time basking in the glow of where the major Hollywood A-listers of the day (think Clark Cable, Frank Sinatra, et al) hung out ...ate and drank at booth 1. Now renovated with a modern atmosphere, this reviewer felt out of place (and not properly dressed) to attend this party but she did. WHAT A BLAST ...had a chance to meet the The Knocks (as well as briefly interview them) ...meet CEOs from NewYork (one was hitting on her) and yes, she did more dancing until the wee hours of the morning...

5. YELP's Elemental Experience & Walk On The Wild Side ...Yes, YELP does know how to throw a party, blogspot readers! Their parties are so popular that you have to cross your fingers and hope you get on the list to attend at least one of them after receiving the invite to sign up. SouthSide was lucky enough to attend and cover two YELP parties this year ...the Elemental Experience was held at The Castle (formerly known as Excalibur) where you got to experience the four elements (Earth, Fire, Air and Water) in four different sections featuring local restaurants, businesses and drinks. Meanwhile Walk On The Wild Side was held at the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum where you not only sample more food from local restaurants but also enjoy the museum exhibits (like the Butterfly sanctuary) too. Wild times that it was SO hard to leave when it was over...

4. SAIC Fashion Show 2013 ...first fashion show for SouthSide and dressed fabulous to attend it too, blogspot readers. Students from School of the Art Institute Chicago inspired the imagination with their futuristic clothes for the modern woman and man from the 20 something hipster to a woman and/or man SouthSide's age. This reviewer was in awe by the colors selected ...the many yet unique textures and unusual items used to complete their designs...

3. Carnivale Delirium ...it's more than just than dressing in your finest Victorian/steampunk attire, blogspot readers, it's a fun night of dancing, magicians doing slight of hand and more, enchanting burlesque acts, Lord Vourteque getting "married", Candy Town rockin' the stage in their harlequin makeup, vendors and so much more...

2. Scary Cherry & the Bang Bangs ...SouthSide finally got to meet her new friends from Dallas, TX when they rocked the stage at Underground Lounge. And this band made the most of their show since they were the only band performing that night (there was a band cancellation) HOWEVER they turned this into one WILD party, blogspot readers. Scary Cherry used every inch of the Underground Lounge (bar counter included) as her stage ...and SouthSide was also part of the show when she joined the band to sing Cherry Bomb on stage (she actually thought they were kidding about singing with them). A wild rockin' time inside the venue as well as after the show when they were immersed into the Wrigleyville bar nightlife. Bar hoppers taking photos with the band ...hanging out with them at Beggar's Pizza - they LOVE our deep dish! She hopes they come back in 2014...

1. Pink Floyd's The Wall at Logan Theatre ...this was the chance of a lifetime after viewing this iconic movie on small screen so many times to FINALLY viewing it on the big screen as it should be shown, blogspot readers. SouthSide noticed things about the movie that she didn't before ...plus it helps having other diehard Floyd fans experiencing this as well in which many of us were either singing and/or mimicking the dialogue or adding our own touches throughout the movie. She wasn't able to view the Tommy screening but hopefully Logan will run that and The Wall as a weekend doubleheader one day. SouthSide will definitely be taking the night off for that!


Honorable Mentions:
Trilogy of Terror at Door No.3 (Double Door) ...a classic Karen Black movie with Peter Propaganda on soundtrack on a frosty Black Wednesday night. Oh yeah - that was so much fun, blogspot readers.

Jake Shimabukuro at Park West ...a guy and his ukulele rockin' the stage in front of a sold out crowd. Sounds unbelievable but it really happened, blogspot readers. Plus he's the only performer SouthSide knows who can cover Queen's Bohemian Rhapsody on ukulele. It was awesome!

Thick As A Brick 1 & 2 at Ravinia and Star Plaza Theatre ...it was SO good the first time, SouthSide had to see it again amongst more diehard Tull fans young and old. Maybe she'll see it for a third time if Ian Anderson returns in 2014, blogspot readers.


Until next time, support your local scene,
SouthSide