Thirty days have September ...April, June and November, blogspot readers. And already, we've reached the halfway point of the year! Are you having a rockin' fun time so far? Well, the summer months look to be a VERY busy one this 2012 with new as well as returning favorite fests and bands hitting the Chicago scene. SouthSide highly recommends checking out the long list of noteworthy and happening events occuring around Chicago and far during the month of June.
Please note - all shows/events listed are 21+ unless stated otherwise.
Jun 1
@ Martyrs': celebrate a birthday with friend Jet W. Lee and Swearwords as they kick off the month with a show at this Northcenter venue.
@ Elbo Room: All good things (and people) must come to an end ...and sadly, it's SouthSide's wild and crazy "Jack of All Trades" friend, Brian Bender as he says "Goodbye" to Elbo Room. So come out and share your BEST Brian Bender moment (and she's sure there are many he may or may not remember like that time after his birthday blow-out bash when he was in the women's restroom and...) Yes, this reviewer has PLENTY of secrets to spill about Brian. *wink*
@ Sundance Saloon (Waukegan, IL): Diamond Cuts Productions and Rockin' 4 Vets will host a 2-day event in sponsorship of "Wounded Warrior Project". Friday's lineup will feature performances by Goin' South, friend Steel Chops and Lights Out Chicago (UFO tribute band) while Saturday's lineup will feature performances by friend Thunder Drive, One Night Stand, Molo Rules (Ronnie James Dio tribute band) and many more. Admission is $15 for single day / $25 for both days / half off admission for all active military personnel (must show id)
18+ show / 21+ to drink
@ The Laughing Chameleon (Glenview, IL): Friend Steel Chops will also be rockin' this venue with extra special unplugged show both Friday and Saturday nights.
@ Empty Bottle (as of Do Division fest): The lineup at this venue will feature Black Belles, BBU and more. Hosted by Peter O'Connell.
$5
@ Old Town School of Music: It's Open House night featuring a special performance by local troubadour Matt Campbell at 10:15p in Maurer Hall.
Jun 2
@ Metro: Come out and celebrate Nocturna's 24th Annivesary! This 18 and older dark alternative dance party (held once a month or so) will be partying til dawn with good friend DJ Scary Lady Sarah spinning the best in etheral, shoegaze, new wave, post-punk and more. Glitter Cuts will be on hand to snap your fashionable look as well SouthSide has heard there will be giveaways.
$10 / 18+
@ Schuba's Tavern: School of Rock Chicago will be performing a special ALL AGES show in tribute to Neil Young. This show will benefit The Bridge School (located in California) featuring a silent auction and raffle of items donated by local businesses. 100% of all proceeds (i.e. admission, raffle and auction) will go to The Bridge School. There will be a Sunday Jun 3 performance too.
$10 / ALL AGES
@ Elbo Room: rock with friend The Flavor Savers along with Bob's Yer Uncle and Jenny Franck with DJ Money Z spinning til closing.
@ Cobra Lounge: friend First Jason headlines the lineup featuring Short to Ground and Whore of Babalon with Kinetic Noise Crew DJs spinning Chicago style all night long. Miss SoFiya Smirnova plays hostess at this show.
@ Reggie's: Come to the Pig Roast on the rooftop! It's an "All You Can Eat" trainwreck roast on the venue's rooftop deck. 21+ / $10 / 5p
Then stay for the show too! Friends Black Actress and Control will be opening for Electric Frankenstein with Depravos de la Mour.
$12 adv / $15 dos
@ Empty Bottle (as of Do Division fest): The lineup today will feature performances by Mannequin Men, Peanut Butter Wolf and more. Hosted by Peter O'Connell.
$5
@ Wrigley Field (Sheffield & Addison): Join Abe Froman, the Sausage King of Chicago with many others at Sausage Fest 2012! No matter how you say "sausage" - bangers, weiners, etc, attend this food fest and listen to rockin' music by Company of Thieves, Treaty of Paris, Lovehammers and more.
noon to 10p both Saturday and Sunday.
Jun 3
@ Empty Bottle (as part of Do Division fest): The lineup on this day will feature Teenage Girl Fantasy, Pinebender, The Antlers and more. Hosted by Peter O'Connell.
$5
@ Leavitt Stage (as part of Do Division fest): Mutts will be rockin' the stage at 5p / ALL AGES
@ Reggie's: Al and Black Cats will be performing as well as friend Modern Day Rippers, Tracer Bullet and The Brothers Gross.
$7
@ Stonefly (Milwaukee, WI): Turn Around Milwaukee Block Party will be featuring Southside Underground DJs helping Christopher Roze and Milwaukee Odyssey. Music begins at 1p.
Jun 4
@ Empty Bottle: Teenage Girl Fantasy will be rockin' the stage again with Supreme Cuts and When Clouds Attack.
@ Double Door: Attend this Martin Atkins' Kickstarter Event "Welcome To The Music Business - You're FD!"
Free with donation / doors at 7:30p / show 8p
Jun 6
@ SubT: friends Blue Eyed Jesus and Vanarays will be rockin' the stage at this venue.
@ Empty Bottle: friend Bad Bad Meow will be clawing and rockin' the stage along with Mike Felten and M.O.T.O..
FREE admissin (with RSVP at Empty Bottle website) / $8 without RSVP
Jun 8
@ SubT: friend Electric Touch will be returing to Chicago to perform along with Hank and Cupcakes.
@ Underground Lounge: Join the Revolution Circus featuring good friend Illusions Fate.
@ House of Rock (Lansing, MI): check out friend Losing Scarlet rockin' the stage there.
@ Forest Park Summerfest: friend Blue Moon Swamp (tribute to John Fogerty and CCR) will be rockin' the crowd there.
@ Double Door: friends Board of Governors and The Plastic Boots will be rockin' the stage along with Fly Over State, The Deeper and King By Friday.
$7
@ Red Line Tap: friend WhiteWolfSonicPrincess will be returning there for another rockin' show.
Jun 9 - 10: Spacestock Music and Fest! Located in the land of Funk (actually Martinton, IL) this two-day event will feature 2 stages and over 30 musical acts of super spacy sounds, interstellar and mega posi vibrations by bands such as Indigo Sun, Art of ILL Fusion, friends Fifth World, Digeometric, Old Shoe and Sexfist and many, many more. Plus live art demonstrations by Manny Cortes, Alison Greer and Yael Orellana to name a few.
Please note the following about this fest. blogspot readers:
* Parking fee is $5 but carpooling is strongly advised and encouraged due to limited parking space.
* It's a primitive campsite area - so come prepared with food, water, tent, tarps, bug spray and etc.
* 21+ to drink - have ids on hand because this will be strictly enforced.
* Admission is $50 at gate but do get your tickets NOW for $30 single day
* This is a "Leave NO Trace" event! Respect the owner and property - so do your part to recycle and keep trash to a minimal.
for more information, visit http://www.spacestock.net.
Jun 9
@ SubT: friend AM Taxi will be rockin' the stage along with The Young Distractions.
17+
@ Planet Rock (Battle Creek, MI): friend Losing Scarlet will be rockin' the stage there.
@ Reggie's Rock Club: Post Apocalyptic Burlesque featuring sultry performances by Mistress Cleo, Desiree Demonix, Sydney Scarlet, Queerela Fistalot and more will be tempting your senses. The Final Trumpet will be blown by friend Peter Propaganda.
18+ show / 21+ to drink
@ Elbo Room: friend Professor Kliq will holding "class" as he rocks the stage along with Tamara V and Kick Bricks
$10
@ Quenchers: friend The Bright White will be hosting their Lose Yourself album release show.
$5
@ Oneida Family Fest (Green Bay, WI): friend Blue Moon Swamp will be rockin' the stage there.
Jun 10
@ Elbo Room: SouthSide will be interviewing as well as reviewing friend Nate Z when he shares the stage with Lucrezio, Christopher Joseph and Shannon Richardson Band.
Jun 13
@ SPACE (Evantson, IL): friend Lake Street Dive returns to town to promote new CD - Fun Machine with Midnight Moxie performing too.
$15
Jun 15
@ Austin's Fuel Room: friend Skinwalker will be rockin' this stage along with Dirge Within and Wings of Severamce
Jun 16
@ Metro: friends Midwest Hype and How Far To Austin will be on tap to help celebrate Cobalt and The Hired Guns and Band Called Catch for their album releases!
18+ show / $11 / 7:30p doors.
@ Nite Cap: friend Skinwalker will be rockin' the stage along with Rev Luv, Stonewave and Faultline.
Jun 17
Happy Father's Day!
@ Reggie's Rock Club: it's Reggie's Record Fair!
10a to 4p / All Ages / FREE
Jun 18 -20
It's Crosstown Classic part duex! Cubs will be visiting the White Sox at the Cell (aka new Comiskey) however SouthSide's team in black will be looking for another sweep this innercity rivalry.
Go White Sox!
Jun 21
@ The Dam Bar & Grill: Celebrate Paragon's 100th rock show with the band as they share the stage with Dropped Once as part of Swedish Days.
All Ages / $5
Jun 23 - 24
Randolph Street Market a monthly 2-day event featuring over 8 acres of indoor and outdoor shopping! From food and music to vintage finds and antiques ...this is the place shop for those one of things to decorate your home, blogspot readers.
For more information, visit http://www.randolphstreetmarket.com.
Jun 23
@ Double Door: Retar Crew will be violating the stage at this FREE show.
Warning: this band has been deemed unsuitable for kids and most adults ...you have been warned.
@ Elbo Room: Our Name Is Jonas along with Go Mary will be rockin' the stage.
$10
@ Beat Kitchen: friend Pasafire will be rockin' the stage at this 17+ show.
Jun 26
@ Shadow Lounge (Pittsburgh, PA): friend Sound & Shape will be rockin' the stage there.
Jun 27
@ Wilbert's (East Cleveland, OH): friend Sound & Shape will be sharing the stage with West Ghost at this show.
Jun 28
@ Reggie's Rock Club: Check out Barbwire Dolls (punk rock from Greece!)along with friend Cenobites, Juicehead and The Fizzy Pops at this hot rockin' show!
$10 / 8p
@ Double Door: It's RAW Natural Born Artists showcase
Jun 29
@ Reggie's Music Joint: Brett Newski and The Corruption will be rockin' the stage at 10p.
Jun 30
@ Reggie's Rock Club: Dot to Dot Management presents If These Trees Could Talk, The End of the Ocean and Sioum at this ALL AGES show.
6p / $5 adv / $10 dos
@ Reggie's Rock Club: Earthen Grave featuring violinist Rachel Barton Pine along with Gaza and Black Cobra during this late 17+ show.
10p / $13 adv / $15 dos
Have a fun June, blogspot readers!
Until next time, support your local scene,
SouthSide
Thursday, May 31, 2012
Tuesday, May 29, 2012
24 May 12
"...I write the funky stuff while Damian writes what everyone likes..."
Chris Greene
Hey, blogspot readers, after an unseasonably warm day, it was time to relax and enjoy a night of cool Jazz. Tonight's On The Town adventure had SouthSide taking a well deserved break from her typical rock scene ...dressing up (a little) for her debut appearance at Mayne Stage. Located in the heart of the Rogers Park neighborhood (and a short walk from CTA's Morse Red Line station), this venue offered one unique concertgoing experience for this reviewer. She noted it had, no matter where seated in the balcony or main floor, an excellent 180 degreed wrap-around view of the stage which gave a sense of being spacious as well as intimate in size. Another plus about Mayne was the sound quality. The audience again no matter where they were seated had a clear crisp audio projection of tonight's performance. And hear that? Pure silence inside the venue too. It was like being inside a recording studio, blogspot readers, with miminal distractions and/or lobby noise to ruin one moment of the incredibly intense music experience during Chris Greene Quartet's performance. If you haven't attended a show or concert at Mayne Stage, she highly recommends visiting it especially when the legendary Jazz-fusion band Spyro Gyra makes an appearance there on June 7. For more information and tickets, check out Mayne Stage's website - http://www.manynestage.com.
Now back to SouthSide's "...incredibly intense music experience during Chris Greene Quartet's performance...", blogspot readers. And what an experience it was for this reviewer. Oh she could say it was uplifting ...awe-inspiring ...soulfully expressive yet those mere descriptions would hardly capture the entire concert from start to finish. You simply had to be there to not only hear but also witness the extraordinary floetry of sound and music felt while attending Chris Greene's "A Group Effort" album release concert. Yes, it was THAT incredible, blogspot readers. No, she wasn't bribed to write such glowing remarks in this review. This Jazz artist and each member of his band had a way of affecting the audience via music whether it was a lively, upbeat rhythmic tempo or a somber yet reverently played tune within a gospel-like tempo. This Quartet took the audience (SouthSide included) on a journey filled with emotional depth and soul-reaching sound during the near two hour performance. You could say it was almost like experiencing "The Twilight Zone" of a profound Jazz performacne in which SouthSide highly suggests taking such a journey yourself. And you don't have to be a Jazz aficionado to apprecciate it either. Just relax ...and let go allowing Chris Greene and his Quartet members take you away...
Performing this concert, according to Chris, as a "...regular old gig...", this Jazz quartet featured a setlist of tunes off the new album, "A Group Effort" as wll as previous ones and a few favorites like Charles Mingus and Madonna. Yes, blogspot readers, you read correctly. SouthSide did mention Madonna ...more about her and Hank Williams Jr later in the review. The setlist alone was an interesting repertoire mix of compositions written by Chris Greene (saxophone), Damian Espinosa (piano/keyboards), and Marc Piane (double bass) with Steve Corley adding his own personal touch to each Jazz piece on drums. In SouthSide's best opinion, she felt the songs performed were a fair representation of the composer's persoanlity besides offering a tiny sliver into their thoughts and/or emotions at the time of composing. For example, the opener - Good Riddance (by Chris Greene), this reviewer got the distinct impression of being told to "hit the road, Jack" from the bit of intensity laced within the rhythmic Jazz groove and sound. She thoroughly enjoyed the energetically loud "in your face" moments heard throughout but it was only to briefly add some spice amongst the relaxing lull of calmness ...creaing an atmosphere full of bursting, ear-pleasing music to which enthused tonight's audience espeically during the piano wizardry by Damian at the bridge.
Meanwhile, STAT (by Marc Piane) from the new album took that same energy and face-paced momentum and switched it for a smoother, laidback Jazz groove featuring a high alto saxophone melody flowing throughout the band's rhythmic beat. Still retaining a certain amount of intensity, used only for spontaneous bursts of life, SouthSide liked the calming poetry writeen in the music that allowed the ears to enjoy each and every instrumental note. Beginning a few bars without Chris' saxophone, the downtempo sound had cascading waves of crescendos and falls from each band member before Chris added a touch of hot spice to truly heat as well as mellow things out. This reviewer also liked how this piece wasn't necessarily rushed even though timed perfectly to feel like an all-night Jazz jam session of beautiful music, blogspot readers, that gradually ended with a calming yet steady rhythm. Then there was Three And Six (by Damian Espinosa) which offered yet another contrasting Chris Greene Quartet moment when deeper into this concert. This gospel-like tune opened with a somber bass 3-chord stance working both melody and rhythm amazingly at the same time until the rest of the band joined in underneath a slower downtempo beat. No offense to Chris Greene but this particular piece really spoke to SouthSide because of its reverent display of emotions within a non-hurried musical atmosphere surrounding her. Though having bouts of sadness, this lovely instrumental piece also had its moment of fiery spirited momentum off Chris' saxophone ...definitely had the audience feeling a wide range of emotions here and there that were wonderfully conveyed from each instrument. Very melodic with its Jazz spunk SouthSide highly suggests listening to this song. After taking a long look at the notes taken during this concert, SouthSide can safely conclude the other songs performed had or slmost had the same profound spiritual effect on the ears, mind and soul, blogspot readers.
She recommends grooving your body and feet to Chris Greene's composition - Bride of Mr. Congeniality to which the Quartet stepped up the rhythm and music up two notches higher to have you rockin' to the swift paced floetry of a funky Jazz sound. Hot intensifying saxophone melodies floating everywhere before the band took center stage during the bridge to calm things down a bit with a featured drum solo by Steve (he totally had some in the audience fired up during the crescendoing buildup). Though a little disappointed that there was no excitable POW after Steve's percussion crescendo to sock it to the audience, SouthSide still enjoyed the livelier side to this Quartet's performance. Also check out You'll Thank Me Later (also a Chris Greene composition), blogspot readers, for its cool classic Jazz sound amidst the waves of rises and falls laced throughout the melodic rhythms. Now, back to Madonna and what this pop artist had to do with Chris Greene Quartet's performance. It's quite unique to hear how different genres of music translated into other genres during a performance like for example Led Zeppelin's Kashmir or Stairway to Heaven done symphonically. Well, Chris and band wonderfully took Madonna's classic 80s hit song Boderline that launched her into the music scene and flipped it into a rockin' jazz number, blogspot readers. Or how about a little Hank Williams Jr (You Win Again) out of the country genre and into a more a jazz tune that you can still move your feet to. Yet the highlight of the covers during this concert was the performance of a Charles Mingus classic - Nostalgia In Times Square. This 1959 Jazz classic was brought back to life with all of its smoky club atmosphere and lively upbeat tempo by Chris Greene Quartet which had this reviewer wonderfully excited note after each note. These talented musician "owned" this jazz cover by giving the music explosively bursts of energetic life and momentum that felt intense yet so cool especially taking the final bars to a quiet lull before adding one last burst of excitement to end with a swinger feel.
What a night for music ...what an experience she will never forget.
SouthSide highly recommends attending Chris Greene Quartet's next performance, blogspot readers. Be prepared to have one intense Jazz experience like never before. For more information, visit http://www.chrisgreenejazz.com.
Until next time, support your local scene,
SouthSide
Chris Greene
Hey, blogspot readers, after an unseasonably warm day, it was time to relax and enjoy a night of cool Jazz. Tonight's On The Town adventure had SouthSide taking a well deserved break from her typical rock scene ...dressing up (a little) for her debut appearance at Mayne Stage. Located in the heart of the Rogers Park neighborhood (and a short walk from CTA's Morse Red Line station), this venue offered one unique concertgoing experience for this reviewer. She noted it had, no matter where seated in the balcony or main floor, an excellent 180 degreed wrap-around view of the stage which gave a sense of being spacious as well as intimate in size. Another plus about Mayne was the sound quality. The audience again no matter where they were seated had a clear crisp audio projection of tonight's performance. And hear that? Pure silence inside the venue too. It was like being inside a recording studio, blogspot readers, with miminal distractions and/or lobby noise to ruin one moment of the incredibly intense music experience during Chris Greene Quartet's performance. If you haven't attended a show or concert at Mayne Stage, she highly recommends visiting it especially when the legendary Jazz-fusion band Spyro Gyra makes an appearance there on June 7. For more information and tickets, check out Mayne Stage's website - http://www.manynestage.com.
Now back to SouthSide's "...incredibly intense music experience during Chris Greene Quartet's performance...", blogspot readers. And what an experience it was for this reviewer. Oh she could say it was uplifting ...awe-inspiring ...soulfully expressive yet those mere descriptions would hardly capture the entire concert from start to finish. You simply had to be there to not only hear but also witness the extraordinary floetry of sound and music felt while attending Chris Greene's "A Group Effort" album release concert. Yes, it was THAT incredible, blogspot readers. No, she wasn't bribed to write such glowing remarks in this review. This Jazz artist and each member of his band had a way of affecting the audience via music whether it was a lively, upbeat rhythmic tempo or a somber yet reverently played tune within a gospel-like tempo. This Quartet took the audience (SouthSide included) on a journey filled with emotional depth and soul-reaching sound during the near two hour performance. You could say it was almost like experiencing "The Twilight Zone" of a profound Jazz performacne in which SouthSide highly suggests taking such a journey yourself. And you don't have to be a Jazz aficionado to apprecciate it either. Just relax ...and let go allowing Chris Greene and his Quartet members take you away...
Performing this concert, according to Chris, as a "...regular old gig...", this Jazz quartet featured a setlist of tunes off the new album, "A Group Effort" as wll as previous ones and a few favorites like Charles Mingus and Madonna. Yes, blogspot readers, you read correctly. SouthSide did mention Madonna ...more about her and Hank Williams Jr later in the review. The setlist alone was an interesting repertoire mix of compositions written by Chris Greene (saxophone), Damian Espinosa (piano/keyboards), and Marc Piane (double bass) with Steve Corley adding his own personal touch to each Jazz piece on drums. In SouthSide's best opinion, she felt the songs performed were a fair representation of the composer's persoanlity besides offering a tiny sliver into their thoughts and/or emotions at the time of composing. For example, the opener - Good Riddance (by Chris Greene), this reviewer got the distinct impression of being told to "hit the road, Jack" from the bit of intensity laced within the rhythmic Jazz groove and sound. She thoroughly enjoyed the energetically loud "in your face" moments heard throughout but it was only to briefly add some spice amongst the relaxing lull of calmness ...creaing an atmosphere full of bursting, ear-pleasing music to which enthused tonight's audience espeically during the piano wizardry by Damian at the bridge.
Meanwhile, STAT (by Marc Piane) from the new album took that same energy and face-paced momentum and switched it for a smoother, laidback Jazz groove featuring a high alto saxophone melody flowing throughout the band's rhythmic beat. Still retaining a certain amount of intensity, used only for spontaneous bursts of life, SouthSide liked the calming poetry writeen in the music that allowed the ears to enjoy each and every instrumental note. Beginning a few bars without Chris' saxophone, the downtempo sound had cascading waves of crescendos and falls from each band member before Chris added a touch of hot spice to truly heat as well as mellow things out. This reviewer also liked how this piece wasn't necessarily rushed even though timed perfectly to feel like an all-night Jazz jam session of beautiful music, blogspot readers, that gradually ended with a calming yet steady rhythm. Then there was Three And Six (by Damian Espinosa) which offered yet another contrasting Chris Greene Quartet moment when deeper into this concert. This gospel-like tune opened with a somber bass 3-chord stance working both melody and rhythm amazingly at the same time until the rest of the band joined in underneath a slower downtempo beat. No offense to Chris Greene but this particular piece really spoke to SouthSide because of its reverent display of emotions within a non-hurried musical atmosphere surrounding her. Though having bouts of sadness, this lovely instrumental piece also had its moment of fiery spirited momentum off Chris' saxophone ...definitely had the audience feeling a wide range of emotions here and there that were wonderfully conveyed from each instrument. Very melodic with its Jazz spunk SouthSide highly suggests listening to this song. After taking a long look at the notes taken during this concert, SouthSide can safely conclude the other songs performed had or slmost had the same profound spiritual effect on the ears, mind and soul, blogspot readers.
She recommends grooving your body and feet to Chris Greene's composition - Bride of Mr. Congeniality to which the Quartet stepped up the rhythm and music up two notches higher to have you rockin' to the swift paced floetry of a funky Jazz sound. Hot intensifying saxophone melodies floating everywhere before the band took center stage during the bridge to calm things down a bit with a featured drum solo by Steve (he totally had some in the audience fired up during the crescendoing buildup). Though a little disappointed that there was no excitable POW after Steve's percussion crescendo to sock it to the audience, SouthSide still enjoyed the livelier side to this Quartet's performance. Also check out You'll Thank Me Later (also a Chris Greene composition), blogspot readers, for its cool classic Jazz sound amidst the waves of rises and falls laced throughout the melodic rhythms. Now, back to Madonna and what this pop artist had to do with Chris Greene Quartet's performance. It's quite unique to hear how different genres of music translated into other genres during a performance like for example Led Zeppelin's Kashmir or Stairway to Heaven done symphonically. Well, Chris and band wonderfully took Madonna's classic 80s hit song Boderline that launched her into the music scene and flipped it into a rockin' jazz number, blogspot readers. Or how about a little Hank Williams Jr (You Win Again) out of the country genre and into a more a jazz tune that you can still move your feet to. Yet the highlight of the covers during this concert was the performance of a Charles Mingus classic - Nostalgia In Times Square. This 1959 Jazz classic was brought back to life with all of its smoky club atmosphere and lively upbeat tempo by Chris Greene Quartet which had this reviewer wonderfully excited note after each note. These talented musician "owned" this jazz cover by giving the music explosively bursts of energetic life and momentum that felt intense yet so cool especially taking the final bars to a quiet lull before adding one last burst of excitement to end with a swinger feel.
What a night for music ...what an experience she will never forget.
SouthSide highly recommends attending Chris Greene Quartet's next performance, blogspot readers. Be prepared to have one intense Jazz experience like never before. For more information, visit http://www.chrisgreenejazz.com.
Until next time, support your local scene,
SouthSide
Friday, May 25, 2012
21 May 12 - Valarie Pettiford
Hey, blogspot readers, let's play a guessing game. This Hollywood actress has created memorable roles both on screen and television as well as on stage but also is an accomplished dancer and jazz vocalist. Need another hint? You might remember her performance in the movie Jumping the Broom as Aunt Geneva especially during the scene where she's singing a funny rendition of Marvin Gaye's Sexual Healing. Or you probablly have seen her on television as Big Dee Dee Thorne (on Half and Half) or Sandra Lucas, Miranda Lucas Payne's (Keisha Knight Pulliam's character) mother (from Tyler Perry's House of Payne). No googling the answer. Perhaps you attended the Pasadena Symphony's annual Pops program in which she was a featured guest soloist or saw her stage in her Tony nominated role in Fosse or in London's West End production of Chicago featuring legendary great Chita Rivera.
Give up?
The person SouthSide is speaking of is Valarie Pettiford. And this reviewer felt SO honored to interview this lovely woman recently via telephone.
Valarie Pettiford began her career at the tender age of 14 after landing her first movie role ...actually three different roles in the film adaptation of The Wiz where she was a munchkin, one of the Emerald City dancers and part of the ensemble during the Brand New Day scenes. Then, she went on to appear in other films such as The Cotton Club, Glitter (portraying Mariah Carey's mother), Stomp The Yard, Like Mike and Tyler Perry's Why Did I Get Married Too. Her television credits are quite extenstive too, blogspot readers. She originated the role of Shelia Price Gannon on ABC's One Life To Live and appeared in another daytime drama Another World as Courtney Walker. She also made appearances in other drama series like X-Files (as an FBI agent), CSI and CSI Miami, The District, Criminal Minds and Bones. Ms Pettiford also has a recurring guest star role on the HBO series, Treme as the character Victorine Fornerat-Williams. And soon will be appearing in the new ABC Family's series - Bunheads portraying the artistic yet sensible Violet.
Ms. Pettiford's stage credits include her Broadway performance in Fosse that earned her nominations for a Tony, Grammy, Outer Critics Circle and Dora Mayor Moore awards. Besides Chicago, she also performed in the 1987 anniversary of West Side Story tour (as Anita), Dancin', Sophisticated Ladies (understudy to Judith Jamison) and Big Deal in which she was principal dancer, actress, singer and dance captain as well as starred in the Broadway hit, Grind and was part of the national tour of Showboat. This performance earned her recognition for a Vancouver Sun Reader’s Choice Award and an NAACP Image Award, blogspot readers. In the meanwhile, this busy actress is now promoting her new movie - Battlefield America (scheduled for release on June 1) and a follow-up album to her debut Hear My Soul titled Velvet Sky, a unique collection of original lullabies written for new parents to bond with their newborn babies, scheduled for a September release. Though her time was limited on Monday, Ms Pettiford was able spend some time with SouthSide for a friendly discussion giving her an exclusive peek into her new projects ...plus some thoughtful insight about Hollywood and more.
Describing herself as "...a person with a big heart...", SouthSide wanted to know more about her character "Ms Williams" in her upcoming movie Battlefield America, blogspot readers. Don't let the movie title alone scare you into thinking it's another Us versus Aliens bent on destorying the world coming to a multi-plex near you this summer. Nope ...no transforming aliens - this is a dance competition by the same people who did You Got Served. This movie is about a young businessman who hires a dance instructor to turn a group of misfits into a hip-hop dance crew for an underground competition. Looking at credits, Ms Pettiford is simply listed as Ms Williams to which the actress described her as a "...concerned mother..." and this reviewer asked her if she enjoyed playing those types of roles. She loves playing "mom" because it gave her a chance to work with wonderful people like Mariah Carey (in Glitter) and the cast of Half and Half. SouthSide then asked her if she chooses her roles based on her life experiences. She said as an actor, she has a choice to whether accept or decline a role but personally for her "...it's all about being challenged..." Ms. Pettiford portrays the characters as people she knows but unlike the tough, drinking Big Dee Dee Thorne (from Half and Half) or Aunt Geneva (from Jumping The Broom) - she's not like them in real life, blogspot readers. She also picks her roles because according to her they're fun to play and the other people involved in the project make it fun.
Plus she had nothing but praise for the hardworking kids involved in the movie Battlefield America. According to Ms Pettiford, the kids (and their parents) were professional, well-behaved and a reflection of their parents even while doing take after take on set. Though SouthSide was somewhat disappointed that she's not dancing in this movie or in a scene with Lynn Whitfield, Ms Pettiford said the whole experience was wonderful and felt so honored to work with her (Lynn Whitfield) on this project. Also she stated that Lynn Whitfield is one of the nicest people on earth ...never has a bad thing to say about anybody. Plus working with Marques Houston (in which you might know him as Roger from Sister, Sister), Ms Pettiford described him as a young man with a beautiful spirit ...an example of what a man should be. Also he served as a "big brother" mentor to the kids during filming, blogspot readers. Then SouthSide wanted to know if her rousing rendition of Marvin Gaye's Sexual Healing was scripted or ad lib for that particular part within Jumping The Broom. Alas, this reviewer was hoping it was ad lib but it wasn't. According to Ms Pettiford, that scene was thought up by the director and writers.
Speaking of Hollywood, SouthSide wondered with more African-American (as well as other minority) film production making a relevant presence in recent years do we as a race still have a long way to go before cracking through the "glass" ceiling. Ms Pettiford thought the question was a good one and did replied "...yes, we [in African-American race] have a long ways to go..." However, we are making strides and breaking ground with more African-American women taking lead roles in television series than males like Kerry Washington in ABC's Scandal and Loretta Devine in Lifetime's The Client List. Yet is it possible to win an Academy Award without being nominated for portraying the "bad" guy / anti-hero or the "help"? In her lifetime, she hopes so and believes some roles in a romantic-comedy should be recognized by the Academy to which she also stated that's across the board for all racial lines and genders. "...Thank goodness for the Golden Globes..." which does recognizes outstanding performances in a comedic roles for actor and actress. Still, she would like to see the Academy awarding someone for being a "good" guy for once. SouthSide and Ms Pettiford did discuss briefly about "blaxploitation" films, how it generated that sense of how cool it was to live in Harlem when actuality, it wasn't what the movies depicted in reality and how some of today's has that same effect on kids.
Now, don't ask Ms Pettiford who's her favorite in any subject - from jazz vocalist to actor/actress because that would be like asking SouthSide who's her favorite band/artist, blogspot readers. She loves SO many people especially those she has the pleasure to work with as an actress and dancer that she felt she might not mention someone's name in the list. Yet she did mention a few names to SouthSide like Della Reese, Betty Davis, Viola Davis (of The Help) ...believe this reviewer - the list go have gone on and on. With Jazz being her "love" when it comes to music, she does enjoy the classics like Nancy Wilson to Ella Fitzgerald and Doris Day as well as the upcoming modern stuff and all other genres. When singing classics like Nancy Wilson, she hopes people feel what she's feeling when adding her own personal spin to a song (for example The Very Thought of You or Call Me)...also hoping it will inspire a "jazz dialogue" with others about how the music touches their soul. Here's where SouthSide got the extreme chance of stumping her interviewee when asking if there was one artist (living or past) she could collaborate on her next album whom would it be. One name did come to Ms Pettiford's mind - Prince. Her first love, believe it or not, blogspot readers, is Rock and says if having an opportunity, she would like to work with Prince because she feels her vocal style and tone is right for his music. Now that would be a very interesting album to review indeed - Ms Pettiford does rock with original songs written by Prince.
This led to SouthSide asking about her new album Velvet Sky and why a collection of lullabies after her debut jazz album - Hear My Soul. That, according to Ms Pettiford, was the brainchild of her ex-husband who came up with the idea of doing original lullabies. Soon, he started recruited writers Ron Abel, Chuck Steffan, Jamie Wooten and Michael Orland who came up with 13 songs and Tony Radar to produce the project. Ms Pettiford said the lullabies are designed to help new parents bond and build connections through music and play with their babies. The album features a fun song to help putting baby to sleep to some game play with their little ones. Yet there's one song near and dear to her heart titled - My Miracle and it's for parents who have been trying unsuccessfully to have a baby and then successfully having one. For her, it was emotionally heartfelt to sing this particular song. Blogspot readers should be on the lookout for this new album of lullabies in September ...a perfect gift for expecting or already parents of young toddlers.
Alas, time did fly by super fast when engaged in a lively chat with Ms Pettiford, blogspot readers, and it was time for SouthSide to wrap up another On The Town exclusive interview. In parting, this reviewer discussed about being in the "business" i.e. music and acting to which she stated "...I'm in the business because I love it..."
Good words to remember - love what you do and do what you love, blogspot readers. For more information about Valarie Pettiford, visit her at http://www.officialvalariepettiford.com or follow her on Twitter - http://www.twitter.com/MissP160.
Until next time, support your local scene,
SouthSide
Give up?
The person SouthSide is speaking of is Valarie Pettiford. And this reviewer felt SO honored to interview this lovely woman recently via telephone.
Valarie Pettiford began her career at the tender age of 14 after landing her first movie role ...actually three different roles in the film adaptation of The Wiz where she was a munchkin, one of the Emerald City dancers and part of the ensemble during the Brand New Day scenes. Then, she went on to appear in other films such as The Cotton Club, Glitter (portraying Mariah Carey's mother), Stomp The Yard, Like Mike and Tyler Perry's Why Did I Get Married Too. Her television credits are quite extenstive too, blogspot readers. She originated the role of Shelia Price Gannon on ABC's One Life To Live and appeared in another daytime drama Another World as Courtney Walker. She also made appearances in other drama series like X-Files (as an FBI agent), CSI and CSI Miami, The District, Criminal Minds and Bones. Ms Pettiford also has a recurring guest star role on the HBO series, Treme as the character Victorine Fornerat-Williams. And soon will be appearing in the new ABC Family's series - Bunheads portraying the artistic yet sensible Violet.
Ms. Pettiford's stage credits include her Broadway performance in Fosse that earned her nominations for a Tony, Grammy, Outer Critics Circle and Dora Mayor Moore awards. Besides Chicago, she also performed in the 1987 anniversary of West Side Story tour (as Anita), Dancin', Sophisticated Ladies (understudy to Judith Jamison) and Big Deal in which she was principal dancer, actress, singer and dance captain as well as starred in the Broadway hit, Grind and was part of the national tour of Showboat. This performance earned her recognition for a Vancouver Sun Reader’s Choice Award and an NAACP Image Award, blogspot readers. In the meanwhile, this busy actress is now promoting her new movie - Battlefield America (scheduled for release on June 1) and a follow-up album to her debut Hear My Soul titled Velvet Sky, a unique collection of original lullabies written for new parents to bond with their newborn babies, scheduled for a September release. Though her time was limited on Monday, Ms Pettiford was able spend some time with SouthSide for a friendly discussion giving her an exclusive peek into her new projects ...plus some thoughtful insight about Hollywood and more.
Describing herself as "...a person with a big heart...", SouthSide wanted to know more about her character "Ms Williams" in her upcoming movie Battlefield America, blogspot readers. Don't let the movie title alone scare you into thinking it's another Us versus Aliens bent on destorying the world coming to a multi-plex near you this summer. Nope ...no transforming aliens - this is a dance competition by the same people who did You Got Served. This movie is about a young businessman who hires a dance instructor to turn a group of misfits into a hip-hop dance crew for an underground competition. Looking at credits, Ms Pettiford is simply listed as Ms Williams to which the actress described her as a "...concerned mother..." and this reviewer asked her if she enjoyed playing those types of roles. She loves playing "mom" because it gave her a chance to work with wonderful people like Mariah Carey (in Glitter) and the cast of Half and Half. SouthSide then asked her if she chooses her roles based on her life experiences. She said as an actor, she has a choice to whether accept or decline a role but personally for her "...it's all about being challenged..." Ms. Pettiford portrays the characters as people she knows but unlike the tough, drinking Big Dee Dee Thorne (from Half and Half) or Aunt Geneva (from Jumping The Broom) - she's not like them in real life, blogspot readers. She also picks her roles because according to her they're fun to play and the other people involved in the project make it fun.
Plus she had nothing but praise for the hardworking kids involved in the movie Battlefield America. According to Ms Pettiford, the kids (and their parents) were professional, well-behaved and a reflection of their parents even while doing take after take on set. Though SouthSide was somewhat disappointed that she's not dancing in this movie or in a scene with Lynn Whitfield, Ms Pettiford said the whole experience was wonderful and felt so honored to work with her (Lynn Whitfield) on this project. Also she stated that Lynn Whitfield is one of the nicest people on earth ...never has a bad thing to say about anybody. Plus working with Marques Houston (in which you might know him as Roger from Sister, Sister), Ms Pettiford described him as a young man with a beautiful spirit ...an example of what a man should be. Also he served as a "big brother" mentor to the kids during filming, blogspot readers. Then SouthSide wanted to know if her rousing rendition of Marvin Gaye's Sexual Healing was scripted or ad lib for that particular part within Jumping The Broom. Alas, this reviewer was hoping it was ad lib but it wasn't. According to Ms Pettiford, that scene was thought up by the director and writers.
Speaking of Hollywood, SouthSide wondered with more African-American (as well as other minority) film production making a relevant presence in recent years do we as a race still have a long way to go before cracking through the "glass" ceiling. Ms Pettiford thought the question was a good one and did replied "...yes, we [in African-American race] have a long ways to go..." However, we are making strides and breaking ground with more African-American women taking lead roles in television series than males like Kerry Washington in ABC's Scandal and Loretta Devine in Lifetime's The Client List. Yet is it possible to win an Academy Award without being nominated for portraying the "bad" guy / anti-hero or the "help"? In her lifetime, she hopes so and believes some roles in a romantic-comedy should be recognized by the Academy to which she also stated that's across the board for all racial lines and genders. "...Thank goodness for the Golden Globes..." which does recognizes outstanding performances in a comedic roles for actor and actress. Still, she would like to see the Academy awarding someone for being a "good" guy for once. SouthSide and Ms Pettiford did discuss briefly about "blaxploitation" films, how it generated that sense of how cool it was to live in Harlem when actuality, it wasn't what the movies depicted in reality and how some of today's has that same effect on kids.
Now, don't ask Ms Pettiford who's her favorite in any subject - from jazz vocalist to actor/actress because that would be like asking SouthSide who's her favorite band/artist, blogspot readers. She loves SO many people especially those she has the pleasure to work with as an actress and dancer that she felt she might not mention someone's name in the list. Yet she did mention a few names to SouthSide like Della Reese, Betty Davis, Viola Davis (of The Help) ...believe this reviewer - the list go have gone on and on. With Jazz being her "love" when it comes to music, she does enjoy the classics like Nancy Wilson to Ella Fitzgerald and Doris Day as well as the upcoming modern stuff and all other genres. When singing classics like Nancy Wilson, she hopes people feel what she's feeling when adding her own personal spin to a song (for example The Very Thought of You or Call Me)...also hoping it will inspire a "jazz dialogue" with others about how the music touches their soul. Here's where SouthSide got the extreme chance of stumping her interviewee when asking if there was one artist (living or past) she could collaborate on her next album whom would it be. One name did come to Ms Pettiford's mind - Prince. Her first love, believe it or not, blogspot readers, is Rock and says if having an opportunity, she would like to work with Prince because she feels her vocal style and tone is right for his music. Now that would be a very interesting album to review indeed - Ms Pettiford does rock with original songs written by Prince.
This led to SouthSide asking about her new album Velvet Sky and why a collection of lullabies after her debut jazz album - Hear My Soul. That, according to Ms Pettiford, was the brainchild of her ex-husband who came up with the idea of doing original lullabies. Soon, he started recruited writers Ron Abel, Chuck Steffan, Jamie Wooten and Michael Orland who came up with 13 songs and Tony Radar to produce the project. Ms Pettiford said the lullabies are designed to help new parents bond and build connections through music and play with their babies. The album features a fun song to help putting baby to sleep to some game play with their little ones. Yet there's one song near and dear to her heart titled - My Miracle and it's for parents who have been trying unsuccessfully to have a baby and then successfully having one. For her, it was emotionally heartfelt to sing this particular song. Blogspot readers should be on the lookout for this new album of lullabies in September ...a perfect gift for expecting or already parents of young toddlers.
Alas, time did fly by super fast when engaged in a lively chat with Ms Pettiford, blogspot readers, and it was time for SouthSide to wrap up another On The Town exclusive interview. In parting, this reviewer discussed about being in the "business" i.e. music and acting to which she stated "...I'm in the business because I love it..."
Good words to remember - love what you do and do what you love, blogspot readers. For more information about Valarie Pettiford, visit her at http://www.officialvalariepettiford.com or follow her on Twitter - http://www.twitter.com/MissP160.
Until next time, support your local scene,
SouthSide
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
19 May 12
Banana, blogspot readers!
If you have kids in the age range of 2 to 5 years old, then you'll get the reference to a song that's now stuck inside SouthSide's head. On Saturday afternoon, she and her young daughter ventured deep into the heart of NATO protest "war zone" to cover a free kid's show at Record Breakers. This extra special in-store event featured the reggae/ska/soul band The Aggrolites (CA) performing their Yo Gabba Gabba hit, Banana (as well as others) before rockin' out an older crowd below.
The Aggrolites, taking time out to hang out with their much younger fanbase, rocked out Record Breakers in a mini semi-acoustic set just for the kiddies upstairs performing the Banana song (a Roy Ellis cover) within a rockin' reggae/ska/soul sound and music for everyone to enjoy. After munching on hot dogs and soda, the kids along with many of their parents sang this Yo Gabba Gabba tune while dancing to the island tempo beat. This reviewer liked this band's lively acoustic reggae sound and style featuring guitars (acoustic, banjo and bass) and a simple tom drum for that rhythmic beat even while in downtempo groove during this 30 minute performance. Though not performing from a ready-made set list for the kids, The Aggrolites did take requests to which they did other songs like Complicated Girl and Jimmy Jack for the adults in the audience as well as more kid songs - Work To Do (about climbing trees and being safe ...it's also cool counting song for the kids to learn about subtraction) and Free Time (which was featured in a film called Band Slam). The mini store performance concluded, blogspot readers, with a whimsical nursery rhymed song before having to say "goodbye" to their little fans.
For more information about The Aggrolites, visit http://www.aggroreggae.com.
SouthSide's friend Elle Quintana (who put this show as well as many others for Reggie's) is planning more shows like this one featuring other local artists/bands performing mini sets for the kids scheduled for near future.
Until next time, support your local scene,
SouthSide
16 May 12
Hey, blogspot readers, ready to anime-nated?
Tonight at Reggie's Music Joint, it's a special pre-NATO rock show featuring the J-Pop/punk superheroes - Red, Yellow, Green, Pink and Silver of Peelander Z! They came to rescue Chicago fans from Mad Tiger and So Many Mike while rocking them with high engery of a fun punk/J-Pop/anime music combination. Yet with Peelander Z, it's more than just an ordinary rock show where you the audience simply watch them perform on stage. No, blogspot readers, you are part of the fun and action too. But before rockin' on planet Peelander Z, the crowd was treated to an epic performance of electronica/instrumental rock by Arc Impulse (http://www.arc-impulse.com). This local band powered their way with an exciting hour that featured renditions of video game themed songs from Zelda (2 and 3 included) Mario Cart as well as their own originals like Rainbow (a fantastical journey comprised of three songs rolled into one long epic masterpiece with some bars of Somewhere Over the Rainbow at the bridge). The electronic orchestra explosively filled the Music Joint with memorable gamer music, bursts of intense energy and momentum to the delight of the crowd especially when ending their show with a Rocky themed epic song.
They came from a distant planet in an uncharted galaxy far, far, far away called Peelander where everyone speaks Japanese, eats sushi and drinks saki, blogspot readers. And every so often, the colorful cast of anime-nated/punk musicians make perilous journey to Earth to whisk their Chicago (and elsewhere they roam) fans into the nether regions of the universe to experience a journey of music and fun. Peelander Z rocked out Reggie's Music Joint by incorporating the energy and sound of J-Pop with the intensity of punk rock and the action packed dazzle and fun of anime done live rolled into one hour of a performance. Yet, when you're having so much fun rockin' to songs So Many Mike, Mad Tiger and Lucha Libre (yes, it seems these "aliens" enjoy Mexican wrestling) like SouthSide was, it truly didn't feel such an amount of time had passed. Don't think just because the venue was a bit smaller that this band skimped on fun and excitement either. Peelander Z, though downscaling the rowdiness and action a little, still brought to their enthused fans everything that Peelander Z is known for. Whether it was participating in a group limbo line (how low can a group of adults go?) to jumping rope with Peelander band members and a Mad Squid ...or how about Mad Squid bowling and then baseball - there was something happening throughout this show. Believe SouthSide, all that and more happened inside this Southside venue, blogspot readers. There were moments of Red Z standing on the shoulders of a group of fans and then body surfing while playing his bass ...lucky fans rockin' stage on Peelander instruments and/or banging pans along with the band which truly intensified the crazy fun all around. Performing songs off their latest album, Space Vacation, Peelander Red, Yellow, Green, Pink and Silver also delighted their fanbase with favorites such as E-I-E-I-O, Learn Japanese and Ninja High Schooool (a retro rock-n-roll tune) as well as some new ones - Get Glasses, Space Vacation and Star Bowling. Still it wouldn't be a Peelander Z show without any mention of their favorite food to eat (besides sushi) like Taco Taco Tacos, Ice Cream! and S.T.E.A.K.(yes, there's a song about eating a medium-rare steak, blogspot readers!). Sadly, our journey had to come to an end but not before performing a goofy rendition of Cyndi Lauper's Girls Just Want Have Fun to Boys Just Want Have Fun. SouthSide highly recommends rockin' to the anime-punk style while doing some human bowling with SouthSide's friend Peelander Z. Visit this J-Pop/punk band at http://www.peelander-z.com.
Until next time, support your local scene,
SouthSide
Tonight at Reggie's Music Joint, it's a special pre-NATO rock show featuring the J-Pop/punk superheroes - Red, Yellow, Green, Pink and Silver of Peelander Z! They came to rescue Chicago fans from Mad Tiger and So Many Mike while rocking them with high engery of a fun punk/J-Pop/anime music combination. Yet with Peelander Z, it's more than just an ordinary rock show where you the audience simply watch them perform on stage. No, blogspot readers, you are part of the fun and action too. But before rockin' on planet Peelander Z, the crowd was treated to an epic performance of electronica/instrumental rock by Arc Impulse (http://www.arc-impulse.com). This local band powered their way with an exciting hour that featured renditions of video game themed songs from Zelda (2 and 3 included) Mario Cart as well as their own originals like Rainbow (a fantastical journey comprised of three songs rolled into one long epic masterpiece with some bars of Somewhere Over the Rainbow at the bridge). The electronic orchestra explosively filled the Music Joint with memorable gamer music, bursts of intense energy and momentum to the delight of the crowd especially when ending their show with a Rocky themed epic song.
They came from a distant planet in an uncharted galaxy far, far, far away called Peelander where everyone speaks Japanese, eats sushi and drinks saki, blogspot readers. And every so often, the colorful cast of anime-nated/punk musicians make perilous journey to Earth to whisk their Chicago (and elsewhere they roam) fans into the nether regions of the universe to experience a journey of music and fun. Peelander Z rocked out Reggie's Music Joint by incorporating the energy and sound of J-Pop with the intensity of punk rock and the action packed dazzle and fun of anime done live rolled into one hour of a performance. Yet, when you're having so much fun rockin' to songs So Many Mike, Mad Tiger and Lucha Libre (yes, it seems these "aliens" enjoy Mexican wrestling) like SouthSide was, it truly didn't feel such an amount of time had passed. Don't think just because the venue was a bit smaller that this band skimped on fun and excitement either. Peelander Z, though downscaling the rowdiness and action a little, still brought to their enthused fans everything that Peelander Z is known for. Whether it was participating in a group limbo line (how low can a group of adults go?) to jumping rope with Peelander band members and a Mad Squid ...or how about Mad Squid bowling and then baseball - there was something happening throughout this show. Believe SouthSide, all that and more happened inside this Southside venue, blogspot readers. There were moments of Red Z standing on the shoulders of a group of fans and then body surfing while playing his bass ...lucky fans rockin' stage on Peelander instruments and/or banging pans along with the band which truly intensified the crazy fun all around. Performing songs off their latest album, Space Vacation, Peelander Red, Yellow, Green, Pink and Silver also delighted their fanbase with favorites such as E-I-E-I-O, Learn Japanese and Ninja High Schooool (a retro rock-n-roll tune) as well as some new ones - Get Glasses, Space Vacation and Star Bowling. Still it wouldn't be a Peelander Z show without any mention of their favorite food to eat (besides sushi) like Taco Taco Tacos, Ice Cream! and S.T.E.A.K.(yes, there's a song about eating a medium-rare steak, blogspot readers!). Sadly, our journey had to come to an end but not before performing a goofy rendition of Cyndi Lauper's Girls Just Want Have Fun to Boys Just Want Have Fun. SouthSide highly recommends rockin' to the anime-punk style while doing some human bowling with SouthSide's friend Peelander Z. Visit this J-Pop/punk band at http://www.peelander-z.com.
Until next time, support your local scene,
SouthSide
Friday, May 18, 2012
12 May 12 - Nocturna
Hey, blogspot readers, it's the bewitching hour and SouthSide's night has just begun! After rockin' part of with The Future Laureates at SubT in Wicker Park, it was now time to dance til dawn in the Wrigleyville/Lakeview area at Metro with the other fashionable vampires.
In its 23rd year, this monthly event hosted by friends William Faith and DJ Scary Lady Sarah (also of The Bellwether Syndicate) spun featured requests (by the Facebook Nocturna group members) from industrial, dubstep and emo to techno, metal and more. This local club scene is nothing like the club scene along River North area - no one's dressing impress another just yourself. Whether it may be a pirate to ALex DeLarge (a Clockwork Orange reference) or post-industrial or something you create yourself. It's nice watching the reactions from those hanging out at the bars on Clark Street while walking towards Metro on Saturday/Sunday morning. Dressing "weird" in black does tend to keep a few from bothering you, blogspot readers.
SouthSide knows they don't understand that everyday is Halloween. While at Nocturna, this reviewer did her usual people watching before hitting the dance floor - she loved the array of fashions strutting or dancing around Metro. This monthly "meetin" attracts people of all ages as well as racial backgrounds and beliefs ...it's more like a "safe haven" where no judges on how you're dressing or dancing. And if you want to show off your best industrial or metal dance moves, Nocturna is the event to do it especially at this local venue. Plenty of dance floor to show your fancy footwork while rockin' to tunes like a remix of The Smiths' How Soon Is Now, New Order's Blue Monday or SouthSide's request Cyanotic's Alt_Machines.
Tonight's event had friend VVasher VVoman passing out some of her vegan chocolat s'mores - yummy and of course, Sarah's cauldron of sweets to keep dancers recharged with sugar between dance breaks. Yet besides the music, Nocturna also features local artisans from Lunasol Arts (http://www.lunasolarts.com and also on Facebook) displaying their fine handcrafted Goth jewelry, neck pieces and more for sale. Lots of pretty things to accessorize your Dark Shadows like this year, blogspot readers.
SouthSide highly suggests spending a Saturday night with the local "vampires" of Nocturna at the next monthly meeting to dance until dawn.
Until next time, support your local scene,
SouthSide
In its 23rd year, this monthly event hosted by friends William Faith and DJ Scary Lady Sarah (also of The Bellwether Syndicate) spun featured requests (by the Facebook Nocturna group members) from industrial, dubstep and emo to techno, metal and more. This local club scene is nothing like the club scene along River North area - no one's dressing impress another just yourself. Whether it may be a pirate to ALex DeLarge (a Clockwork Orange reference) or post-industrial or something you create yourself. It's nice watching the reactions from those hanging out at the bars on Clark Street while walking towards Metro on Saturday/Sunday morning. Dressing "weird" in black does tend to keep a few from bothering you, blogspot readers.
SouthSide knows they don't understand that everyday is Halloween. While at Nocturna, this reviewer did her usual people watching before hitting the dance floor - she loved the array of fashions strutting or dancing around Metro. This monthly "meetin" attracts people of all ages as well as racial backgrounds and beliefs ...it's more like a "safe haven" where no judges on how you're dressing or dancing. And if you want to show off your best industrial or metal dance moves, Nocturna is the event to do it especially at this local venue. Plenty of dance floor to show your fancy footwork while rockin' to tunes like a remix of The Smiths' How Soon Is Now, New Order's Blue Monday or SouthSide's request Cyanotic's Alt_Machines.
Tonight's event had friend VVasher VVoman passing out some of her vegan chocolat s'mores - yummy and of course, Sarah's cauldron of sweets to keep dancers recharged with sugar between dance breaks. Yet besides the music, Nocturna also features local artisans from Lunasol Arts (http://www.lunasolarts.com and also on Facebook) displaying their fine handcrafted Goth jewelry, neck pieces and more for sale. Lots of pretty things to accessorize your Dark Shadows like this year, blogspot readers.
SouthSide highly suggests spending a Saturday night with the local "vampires" of Nocturna at the next monthly meeting to dance until dawn.
Until next time, support your local scene,
SouthSide
12 May 12
"If you don't stick around for The Future Laureates, I'll wrestle you..."
Cobalt and The Hired Guns
There's no other like your own mother ...so treat her right
Hey, blogspot readers, this busy mom's rockin' out her Saturday night with not one but TWO shows! Tonight, SouthSide's hitting the streets going to two hot spots within Chicago's vibrant local scene where she celebrated a record release and then danced with the fashionable vampires til sunrise. And what an exciting (as well as busy) night it was during this latest On The Town adventure. First, this reviewer rocked Wicker Park's other hippest venue (that was once a Capone spot complete with hidden access tunnels), SubT (or Subterranean) while attending CAUDog's show featuring the release of The Future Laureates' Fortress Sessions CD. This amazing venue boasts a "crow's nest" view of what's happend on the main floor especially if reviewing the night's lineup performing on stage or if you want to get away from the crowd below. That's where you can usually find SouthSide, blogspot readers, up in the balcony and tonight, she was alongside with her longtime friend, Michael Teach of Chicago Acoustic Underground (http://www.chicagoacousticunderground.net).
CAU is every music fan's source for original indie music from across the United States and around the world. Michael and his hardworking staffers connects fans to the artists and vice versa through podcasts as well as music downloads, CDs and sponsored shows like tonight's. CAU's shows has showcased some of the best from singer/songwriters to full bands rockin' the local stages around Chicago like Brian Walker, Crystal Bowersox, Goodbyehome, The Future Laureates and more. Saturday's show was a record for SubT and CAU - a near soldout crowd thanks to hard work of the bands promoting this particular show. Also on the lineup in support of The Future Laureates' big occasion was Tree and friend Cobalt and The Hired Guns. SouthSide highly suggests rockin' the ears to the hip sound of "new" country/rock by the band - Tree. Lead by a dynamic female vocalist on guitar, this reviewer enjoyed the way this lively group rocked and rolled the packed main floor with upbeat tempos, rhythmic music and vibrant bursts of energetic momentum. Their style of country-folk mix brought a taste of hot summertime fun to SubT on a rainy night which also had this crowd demanding one more song when Tree's set was finished.
Then, SouthSide's friend, Cobalt and The Hired Guns continued with the night's rockin' theme of fun during their performance of alternative/pop/rock featuring an array of instruments in the band set up. The lively rhythms off the cello (at times), horn section and digital programming added those moments of boisterious music to pop the band's core alternative sound alive and kicking. However tonight, Cobalt added a female vocalist to the mix to counter as well as complement Tom on main vocals during certain songs featured off their upcoming new album. SouthSide, though couldn't physically hear her sometimes since she was overshadowed by the music, liked how her dynamic voice had the right range to be paired with Tom's heartfelt falsetto style during one particular song featuring a ballad-love song. The touching sentiments in between pockets of energy even while at the bridge where the music was intense to match the song's mood and tone could be felt besides being heard. Yet watch out, blogspot readers, when Cobalt and The Hired Guns truly get into the party mood while performing Of Summer. There's a wave of electro-energy and momentum flowing across the stage and into the crowd as they kicked up the vibrant bursts of music amidst an eclectic mix of alternative/punk rock sound. Yet what really surprised this reviewer was the band's switch out of their comfort zone into trying to be a straight rock band. And yes, Cobalt can actually be and have an ordinary rock band and sound when premiering a new new song as a test on the audience. Sans the horns and cello ...even without the digital programming, this band proved they can still rock the stage like a hardcore guitar rock band which also opens the vocals more. You can feel the emotional spite and fire especially Tom sang "...you never called at all..." - it was powerful but dynamic tone that gave SouthSide some shivers. SouthSide suggests rockin' the ears to More Than You Know and Like You Like Me Like Me as well as seeing them perform live again at Metro during their CD release show on June 16. This show will also feature friends How Far To Austin, Midwest Hype and Band Called Catch ...it's going to be hot 18+ show, blogspot readers. For more information, visit http://www.cobaltandthehiredguns.com.
After introducing Ellis Clark (producer of many CAU Dog Records artists' albums including TFL's Fortress Sessions) to the crowd packing the main floor, Michael Teach then introduced the honored guests of the night - The Future Laureates, blogspot readers. Even before hitting one note, the band first honored their own moms and other moms as well as thanking everyone for out to the show. Then, finally - they got down to the business rockin' out their headlining show with a BANG of music that featured an Irish whiskey song (Moonshine) and guests musicians like Christina on violin and Joe Redman on guitar. SouthSide thoroughly enjoyed the vibrant bursts of TFL's momentous sound (and there were plenty, blogspot readers) that kept everyone whether they were crowding around the balcony or on the main floor deep within the band's alternative/pop sound. And not only does this band excite musically but also vocally as proven in the opener Galahad's Song which ended in a round robin-like of harmonizing vocals seperately then together. Even the crowd has their favorite TFL band member to which they started chanting "James" during certain songs like Escape From the Shadows (featuring his bass solo). SouthSide doesn't know where to begin to say about the band, its music and/or the show because there were SO many fantastic moments that happened ...and she's amazed that she was able to jot notes and rock out with them at the same time. To fair, she did pick a few highlights that she feels were special in her opinion. For example, when performing Carry Me Away and Kingston Blues, TFL wonderfully demonstrated their bluesy side of their music via a ukelele inside a downtempo groove and intense falsetto vocals. Both songs not only had them dancing a tiny jig here and there but also had many in the crowd joining in the fun alongwith them, blogspot readers. TFL boasts an infectious rhythmic beat and upbeat tempos that will instantly grab you especially when adding some pseudo ska into the rhythms (Kingston Blues). And then having the crowd doing reggae moves (how low can you go under the limbo bar), this record release turned into a wild party! The next highlight came when the audience of voices joined with the band during their cover of Tom Petty's American Girl. Though this wasn't the only moment where you heard the crowd singing (Creative Differences), SouthSide picked this moment because of the heartfelt vocals on the lyrics while in a livelier upbeat tempo than its original counterpart. Still it was something to witness when hearing 99% of the entire venue in one voice singing this classic Petty song shaking the chandelier rafters of SubT. You had to be there, blogspot readers, to see and hear this moment. The other audience participation moment came during Crooked Third Wheel and the special hand clapping at the intro of the song ...plus more sexy dancing on stage. This reviewer will stop right here - she doesn't want to give too much away about TFL and their show. She does recommend rockin' their next live show and snagging a copy of Fortress Sessions. For more information, visit http://www.thefuturelaureates.com.
Until next time, support your local scene,
SouthSide
Cobalt and The Hired Guns
There's no other like your own mother ...so treat her right
Hey, blogspot readers, this busy mom's rockin' out her Saturday night with not one but TWO shows! Tonight, SouthSide's hitting the streets going to two hot spots within Chicago's vibrant local scene where she celebrated a record release and then danced with the fashionable vampires til sunrise. And what an exciting (as well as busy) night it was during this latest On The Town adventure. First, this reviewer rocked Wicker Park's other hippest venue (that was once a Capone spot complete with hidden access tunnels), SubT (or Subterranean) while attending CAUDog's show featuring the release of The Future Laureates' Fortress Sessions CD. This amazing venue boasts a "crow's nest" view of what's happend on the main floor especially if reviewing the night's lineup performing on stage or if you want to get away from the crowd below. That's where you can usually find SouthSide, blogspot readers, up in the balcony and tonight, she was alongside with her longtime friend, Michael Teach of Chicago Acoustic Underground (http://www.chicagoacousticunderground.net).
CAU is every music fan's source for original indie music from across the United States and around the world. Michael and his hardworking staffers connects fans to the artists and vice versa through podcasts as well as music downloads, CDs and sponsored shows like tonight's. CAU's shows has showcased some of the best from singer/songwriters to full bands rockin' the local stages around Chicago like Brian Walker, Crystal Bowersox, Goodbyehome, The Future Laureates and more. Saturday's show was a record for SubT and CAU - a near soldout crowd thanks to hard work of the bands promoting this particular show. Also on the lineup in support of The Future Laureates' big occasion was Tree and friend Cobalt and The Hired Guns. SouthSide highly suggests rockin' the ears to the hip sound of "new" country/rock by the band - Tree. Lead by a dynamic female vocalist on guitar, this reviewer enjoyed the way this lively group rocked and rolled the packed main floor with upbeat tempos, rhythmic music and vibrant bursts of energetic momentum. Their style of country-folk mix brought a taste of hot summertime fun to SubT on a rainy night which also had this crowd demanding one more song when Tree's set was finished.
Then, SouthSide's friend, Cobalt and The Hired Guns continued with the night's rockin' theme of fun during their performance of alternative/pop/rock featuring an array of instruments in the band set up. The lively rhythms off the cello (at times), horn section and digital programming added those moments of boisterious music to pop the band's core alternative sound alive and kicking. However tonight, Cobalt added a female vocalist to the mix to counter as well as complement Tom on main vocals during certain songs featured off their upcoming new album. SouthSide, though couldn't physically hear her sometimes since she was overshadowed by the music, liked how her dynamic voice had the right range to be paired with Tom's heartfelt falsetto style during one particular song featuring a ballad-love song. The touching sentiments in between pockets of energy even while at the bridge where the music was intense to match the song's mood and tone could be felt besides being heard. Yet watch out, blogspot readers, when Cobalt and The Hired Guns truly get into the party mood while performing Of Summer. There's a wave of electro-energy and momentum flowing across the stage and into the crowd as they kicked up the vibrant bursts of music amidst an eclectic mix of alternative/punk rock sound. Yet what really surprised this reviewer was the band's switch out of their comfort zone into trying to be a straight rock band. And yes, Cobalt can actually be and have an ordinary rock band and sound when premiering a new new song as a test on the audience. Sans the horns and cello ...even without the digital programming, this band proved they can still rock the stage like a hardcore guitar rock band which also opens the vocals more. You can feel the emotional spite and fire especially Tom sang "...you never called at all..." - it was powerful but dynamic tone that gave SouthSide some shivers. SouthSide suggests rockin' the ears to More Than You Know and Like You Like Me Like Me as well as seeing them perform live again at Metro during their CD release show on June 16. This show will also feature friends How Far To Austin, Midwest Hype and Band Called Catch ...it's going to be hot 18+ show, blogspot readers. For more information, visit http://www.cobaltandthehiredguns.com.
After introducing Ellis Clark (producer of many CAU Dog Records artists' albums including TFL's Fortress Sessions) to the crowd packing the main floor, Michael Teach then introduced the honored guests of the night - The Future Laureates, blogspot readers. Even before hitting one note, the band first honored their own moms and other moms as well as thanking everyone for out to the show. Then, finally - they got down to the business rockin' out their headlining show with a BANG of music that featured an Irish whiskey song (Moonshine) and guests musicians like Christina on violin and Joe Redman on guitar. SouthSide thoroughly enjoyed the vibrant bursts of TFL's momentous sound (and there were plenty, blogspot readers) that kept everyone whether they were crowding around the balcony or on the main floor deep within the band's alternative/pop sound. And not only does this band excite musically but also vocally as proven in the opener Galahad's Song which ended in a round robin-like of harmonizing vocals seperately then together. Even the crowd has their favorite TFL band member to which they started chanting "James" during certain songs like Escape From the Shadows (featuring his bass solo). SouthSide doesn't know where to begin to say about the band, its music and/or the show because there were SO many fantastic moments that happened ...and she's amazed that she was able to jot notes and rock out with them at the same time. To fair, she did pick a few highlights that she feels were special in her opinion. For example, when performing Carry Me Away and Kingston Blues, TFL wonderfully demonstrated their bluesy side of their music via a ukelele inside a downtempo groove and intense falsetto vocals. Both songs not only had them dancing a tiny jig here and there but also had many in the crowd joining in the fun alongwith them, blogspot readers. TFL boasts an infectious rhythmic beat and upbeat tempos that will instantly grab you especially when adding some pseudo ska into the rhythms (Kingston Blues). And then having the crowd doing reggae moves (how low can you go under the limbo bar), this record release turned into a wild party! The next highlight came when the audience of voices joined with the band during their cover of Tom Petty's American Girl. Though this wasn't the only moment where you heard the crowd singing (Creative Differences), SouthSide picked this moment because of the heartfelt vocals on the lyrics while in a livelier upbeat tempo than its original counterpart. Still it was something to witness when hearing 99% of the entire venue in one voice singing this classic Petty song shaking the chandelier rafters of SubT. You had to be there, blogspot readers, to see and hear this moment. The other audience participation moment came during Crooked Third Wheel and the special hand clapping at the intro of the song ...plus more sexy dancing on stage. This reviewer will stop right here - she doesn't want to give too much away about TFL and their show. She does recommend rockin' their next live show and snagging a copy of Fortress Sessions. For more information, visit http://www.thefuturelaureates.com.
Until next time, support your local scene,
SouthSide
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