March 2013 update

Hey, blogspot readers, March has barely begun and there are MORE hot shows and events rockin' around town ...near and far.

 

All of the following shows listed are 21+ unless duly noted.

 

Tonight (March 8):

Ultra Lounge - Check out No Two Waynes, Vortis, The Mons, Wide Angles and Shut Up (from Dayton, OH)

$5 adv / $8 dos

 

Underground Lounge - Jeff Daschbach has a last minute scheduled performance happening at 10:30p!

 

March 9:

The End Zone Bar & Grill (Aurora, IL) - Devils In Angels, Broken, Born Rotten and Red Poet will be rockin' the stage here.

$5 entry (with printed flyer)

 

Metro - Attend the monthly Nocturna meeting! Now in its 24th year, this is your chance to be seen while dancing with the other fashionable guests as DJ Scary Lady Sarah spins one of your favorite and/or highly requested mix of current and classic goth to industrial, post-punk and more. It's a lot of fun dancing until 5a (dawn)

18+ / 21+ to drink / $10

 

Schuba's Tavern - K.Serra, My Gold Mask and Shuteye will be performing here.

 

March 10:

Beauty Bar (Chicago) - it's Nickel & Dimed with 50cent Beers and FREE Pie-Eyed Pizza (while supplies last) featuring DJs Red Rom Rio, Kite, White Owl and Stella. Hosted by Johnny Zombo

FREE

 

March 14:

Bada Brew (Crest Hill, IL) - Denial Machine and Brave the Pain will be rockin' the fans here.

 

March 15:

Brauerhouse (Lombard, IL) - It's a hot rockin' punk show featuring The Fisticuffs kicking off their tour along with The Horrids, Voice of Addiction and Shotgun Gambling

$5 adv / $7 dos

 

Red Line Tap - DEFCON, SUTURESELF, and Genus will be rockin' a Flabby Hoffman style St Patrick's show!

$5

 

Olympic Theater (Cicero, IL) - it's the Electric Shamrock Festival featuring the best in electro, dubstep, House, trap, trippy rock, hardstyle and more during this St Paddy's Day Dance party. 3 stages / 3 bars / 25 acts with easy access to CTA

$15 discount tickets available (before 8:30p) / $40 ALL ACCESS VIP tickets / $20 at door

17+ / 21+ to drink 

 

Liar's Club - It's a record release party featuring The Demerits, The Ex-bombers and The Artist Formerly Known As Vince Band

 

Underground Wonder Bar - it's Forbidden Knowledge with special guest Boris Kofman on percussion rockin' a double set.

$15

 

March 16:

The Grid Chicago - it's the 1st Annual St Paddy's Party featuring leprechauns jumping rope ...bag pipers and Irish drummers! Plus there will be stilt-walking leprechauns too and much more green fun happening here! Try the green beer and eggs from 8a til noon

$30 per person (for tickets http://www.gridgree.com) or email events@thegridchicago.com for details on how to reserve a table.

 

Lincoln Hall - it's Safe Haven's CD Release show featuring Catfish & The Dogstars and Weber Band

18+

 

Reggie's - Akasha, Stick Figure and John Wayne will be rockin' the lineup here

17+

 

March 17:

Red Line Tap - celebrate your St Patrick's Day here with drink specials and The Rogers Park All-Stars: Micki Croisant (of the Good Name Band), Ian Brocker (of the Grizzly Sweets), Justin Gillom and James Weigel (of Outlaw Family Band/Muddflapps) and more!

 

March 21:

Liar's Club - Band Practice returns to Liar's Club featuring Evil Empire, Vatican Junkies and special guests with a guest DJ set by Johnny Zombo

$5 suggested donation

 

Beat Kitchen - It's the "Choose Your Own Adventure" EP release show featuring Wally Dogger's five new garage anthems rockin' the stage along with Quiet Company and The Websters

$10

 

March 22:

Glasslands Gallery (Brooklyn, New York) - check out Stone Cold Fox and Land of Pines rockin' the stage.

$10 / doors at 8:30p

 

Debonair Social Club - come to the final Rebhab party featuring DJs Zebo v Matt Roan, Hey Champ v Greg Corner, Knife Fight v Ryan Paradise, Johnny Walker v Special Guests (???)

No cover until 10:30p (rsvp at http://www.tinyurl.com/lastrehab)

 

March 23:

Elbo Room - Bob Erl rocks the acoustic stage with DJ Teks Boogie spinning afterwards

 

Penny Road Pub (Barrington, IL) - Blue Eyed Jesus will be performing here

 

SubT - Great Divide's Record Release Party featuring The Congregation and Cole DeGenova & the Peoples Republic rockin' the stage

$10

 

Tiger O'stylies (Berwyn) - Hot Lips Messiah, Mandatory Abortions, Lunatic Click and Aggro Control rockin' the stage here

Sorry this is a 21+ show (ID a must to enter) / $5

 

March 25:

Red Line Tap - Izzy and the Catastrophics will be rockin' the stage here

$5 adv / $7 dos

 

March 27:

Beat Kitchen - Spaces of Disappearance along with Timetables and Daemon Familiar will be rockin' the stage here.

 

March 29:

Hard Rock Cafe (Chicago) - Kelsey Montanez performs an ALL-AGES show that will feature Trainwreck Symphony, Iliana, Julian Bell and Jessica Brown

$10 / All Ages

 

Beat Kitchen - Model Stranger opens for The Western featuring The Damn Choir and Bullet Called Life

$10

 

Cole's Bar - It's Alen's Birthday and Record Release show featuring Bad Bad Meow releasing its Run Through the Middle Ep with Teenage Rage and Peeaboos ...plus an early treat by Bourbonaires.

After party details to be announced

 

March 30:

Red Line Tap - Michael McDermott performs live with Kevin Mileski

$15

 

 

Until next time, support your local scene,

SouthSide

06 Mar 13

 

“...food and housing is a right ...not just for the rich and white...”

Power to the people, blogspot readers!

 

This evening, SouthSide’s taking a break from covering the local scene to focus more on the socio-political side of things happening around town. She alongwith hundreds of others walked the line in front of the 46 aldermanic office in the Uptown neighborhood. This grassroots public display of peaceful protesting crossed many dividing lines such as gender, race, income background, neighborhood, ages and non-profit organizations ...all united together for a common cause – to say “NO!” to Alderman James Cappleman’s war on the 99%. Those who attended this gathering aren’t against seeing this neighborhood redevelop economically but it’s the way this particular politician is doing it by eliminating social programs and aide which serve the homeless as well as the poor to working poor in the area.

And that, blogspot readers, is wrong.

“...we’re Uptown ...we won’t back down...”

Though this protest against Alderman Cappleman may have started after allowing an IN farmer to trap and use pigeons as shooting targets according to recent news reports, but it goes way deeper than that. SouthSide was given a flyer during the protest rally that demonstrates the length this politician has gone (and would go) to keep Uptown rapidly moving forward to regentrification. And to make this very clear – what’s about to be said next is public record, blogspot readers, even though he wasn’t available for comments. Alderman Cappleman opposed a senor bulding (the Ruth Shriman Senor Building located at 4040 N. Sheridan) because HE claimed it would [not only] add to crime in the neighborhood but [also] block their sunlight. Another example – HE tried to have Cornerstone Shelter shut down by claiming the building was unsafe as well as fought the proposal for affordable housing at the Wilson Yards by circulating literature and spreading fear and hate falsely claiming that the Wilson Yard was a plan to build another “Cabrini Green” (one of Chicago’s infamous CHA housing projects) in Uptown.

“...that man [Alderman Cappleman] is crazy...”

However, there were two major issues of recent date that has many who came out tonight hot under the collar ...or let’s just say, hot under the soup ladle. Recently, the Salvation Army, a Christian-based non profit organization, was targeted by Alderman Cappleman because of its service feeding the homeless (as well as low income and moderate residents) from a food truck. Captain Nancy Powers, Salvation Army Corp Officer, stated that “We’ve asked Alderman Cappleman for a follow-up meeting concerning the truck situation but we’ve yet to hear back from him. We hope that he’s sincere in his latest statements that he welcomes our services in the Uptown area.” Yet on the other hand, a spokesperson for the alderman, Chief of Staff Tressa Feher, had this to say: “We haven’t heard from Capt. Powers about furthering our meetings. The Alderman will be in his office during the protest but we’re uncertain it he’ll address the rally.” However, to put this demonstration in a different light, co-organizer and volunteer for Rogers Park Food Not Bombs, Peter Hoy, said the organization is an international movement “...that believes food is a fundamental human right...” citing that local chapters of Food Not Bombs would stand in solidarity with the people of Uptown and also promising to “...share meals in the ward to protest the Alderman’s war on the poor...” He also added, “...if they kick out the Salvation Army, we will be there to make sure the meals don’t stop.”

And it doesn’t stop there, blogspot readers, the alderman also wants to close down two of the last transitional living quarters. the Chateau and the Wilson Men’s Club, in this neighborhood. Even though promising not to, he’s in favor of supporting a development plan at the Maryville property that would give a subsidy of up to $32 million in TIF funds to a developer who, according the flyer printed by Northside Action for Justice, is proposing to build an 800 unit, high rent building. Meanwhile, this far northside community is losing hundreds of housing units like the Norman (located 1325 W. Wilson) that could be affordable to low income residents. See, blogspot readers, this fight in saying “NO” to Alderman Cappleman was merely more than just saving needed services for one select group(s) of people. They were trying to save an entire community by fighting this politician and his supporters bent on wiping them away. Yet, you don’t have to take SouthSide’s word on this ...no, you might get a better understanding if you hear it from the people she interviewed during the protest.

“...No soup for you!”

People like Lair Scott, fellow organizer and CEO of Queer Fest America, has utilized every Uptown social service including the Salvation Army. On Monday, he marked 5 years of being independent after lifing himself out of chronic homelessness. Meet, Edward who currently resides in the Wilson Men’s Club had this to say when asked how he felt about the turnout for the protest “...[I] think it was great...” while Jeremy who works at a homeless shelter said “...there’s a perception that good things aren’t happening at the shelter I work at...” adding he knows the people who sleep under the viaduct and/or in the shelter. According to him, the shelter has a lot of success helping people for example like one person he mentioned to SouthSide who signed his lease today. “...there are good things happening all of the time...” but when asked about Alderman Cappleman and what he’s doing, he stated “...he wants us to do it his way ...there’s not enough housing in the city...” Then, there was “Marie Antoinette” holding her “Let Them Eat Pigeons” sign throughout the protest ...she was, blogspot readers, quite the attraction of the day. This reviewer when asking “Marie” why this particular costume, she replied “...I saw a parallel with the lack of interest in the poor from the French Revolution...” Besides demonstrating and picketing in front of the Alderman Cappleman’s office, there was also feeding the protesters and others with hot soup and chili, blogspot readers, in which SouthSide spoke briefly with Nells from Food Not Bombs organization (from Rogers Park) for her thoughts about tonight. She answered “...think it went well ...both neighborhoods [Rogers Park and Uptown] are facing regenification...” also adding that it was an “...amazing turnout for a Wednesday night ...I’m really excited...”

After the peaceful demonstation was “officially” over, SouthSide could see seeds of networking and where to take this fight next sprouting amongst the mini gatherings large and small as people shared, discussed and planned with each other. This, blogspot readers, was socio-political activism at work and in action ...even some right in front of the Alderman Cappleman’s windows where a few jeered and taunted those sitting inside. “It’s sad that he [Alderman Cappleman] wants to target the poor and this protest will represent only the beginning of many protests to come.” says Lair Scott in a press release dated Monday. There will be another meeting in which the public is invited to attend the Northside P.O.W.E.R. on Sunday March 10 from 6:30p to 8p at Willye White Field House (located 1610 W. Howard St., in Chicago). The topic of the night will be “...It’s just Common Sense to invest in the Common Good... – 2/3 of corporations in Illinois PAY NO INCOME TAX! If they’d pay their fair share, Illinois would not have to make devastating budget cuts...”

 

 

Until next time, support your local scene,

SouthSide

 

01 Mar 13

 

Vintage Blue at sound check

Road trip!

Yep, that's right, blgospot readers, SouthSide has embarked on her first ever road trip away from Chicago's local scene for the bright college lights of Madison, WI! And boy, did this reviewer witness some things that she'll never forget. She along with a few fans, band Vintage Blue, a penguin and banana (more about those two in a minute) invaded the dairyland up north to rock out the stage inside High Noon Saloon. This venue, a stone's throw from the Wisconsin's capitol building and University of Wisconsin, offered a certain rustic charm of a Western-style saloon with dual bars on other side. There's plenty of balcony space to sit and observe the floor show below as well as video games (pinball machine too) and pool tables to keep you entertained between bands. And the main thing SouthSide enjoyed the most was High Noon's frosty cold bottles of root beer! Overall, blogspot readers, this place was quite relaxing ...friendly but be forewarned - it's definitely a college party bar too. Many of  U of W students hang out here so do expect some wild party times happening inside this bar like it did on Friday night.

 

Ifdakar rockin' the stage

Besides, Vintage Blue, tonight's lineup also featured performances by Ifdakar, Evergreen and Asparagii. Sadly, this reviewer wasn't able to stay for the entire show but she did catch part of Ifdakar's wild, tripped out set that not only was accompanied by art in motion but also a penguin and banana rockin' with the other shiny happy people to the eclectic hardcore psychedelic guitar rock, blogspot readers. What can SouthSide say? Except you have to check out this band. Never had she seen a band create instant reaction and motion to their band in a heartbeat ...these college kids (and some older adults like this grandma) were totally electrified and hyped to Ifdakar's vibrant instrumental groove especially during the epic-sounding first song. This reviewer while enjoying the weirdness happening around her (and she definitely means "weirdness") also delighted seeing a local artist creating his masterpiece ...bringing this portrait of a woman to life from the music he felt and (probably) heard from the band and it's digital-wizardry fusion. Each Ifdakar piece performed had its own unique sound, definition, rhythmic tone and more without losing a single melodic beat as it kept this crowd of bodies erratically gyrating (now insert the "weirdness" here) in front of the stage as well as near the back. Whew ...it was somewhat exhausting trying to keep up Ifdakar but they're definitely worth a listen, blogspot readers, especially if it's a live performance.  For more information about this band, visit http://www.ifdakar.com.
 

"Like to say they had beautiful sax together..." ~ Ben of Vintage Blue

 

SouthSide highly suggests checking out her new friend, Vintage Blue for the band's heartfelt yet energizing pop/alternative rock that featured harmonizing vocals and a hot horn section to jazz up the band's core sound a little. Only 1 year and half old as a band (that also opened for Sister Hazel during last year's Summer Fest), Vintage rocked the stage with plenty of toe-tappin', feel good music sound that had the audience swaying to the rhythmic beat after opening the set with a rousing organ vibe during Alone. And let's not forget the cowbell (oh, you gotta have MORE cowbell!) adding fun amidst the steady tempo within Here To Stay until the horns blasted vibrantly during Set You Free across the stage to really rev up this dancing audience to life. She was wowed by the harmonies especially from Katie who had some in the audience wanting to hear more from her whenever this vocalist popped the words to life. Now SouthSide isn't big on bands doing covers during their sets however there's always an exception to that rule ...and Vintage Blue was that exception, blogspot readers. This local band didn't simply perform these hit songs like their original composition or as heard on the radio. No, Vintage played around with the songs ...sometimes meshing together a couple of stanzas from a song or two thus turning them into an entirely different song though consisting of the same subject. For example, check out their mesh of eclectic funk/soul/blues while performing Wheatus' I'm Just A Teenage Dirtbag before moving into Fountain of Wayne's Stacy's Mom and then Huey Lewis & the News' Power of Love (which featured the lovely yet soulfully divine Kate on lead). This rockin' mesh definitely had the audience groovin' now ...including a grandma showing off her best moves! Even their closer, Unchained Medley consisted of the original song before hearing David Bowie-Freddie Mercury's Under Pressure and Vanilla Ice's Ice Ice Baby merging into it. Yet what truly made this particular song interesting was hearing the three different songs being lyrically sung individually at the same time. This reviewer recommends listening to Vintage's Speaker (a downtempo song but with enough kick to keep you dancing to the rhythms) and Chicagoan (which had some down home blues mixed by the funk and spunk within the alternative rock sound). For more information about Vintage Blue and where this band will be performing next, visit http://www.reverbnation.com/vintageblue.

 

Until next time, support your local scene,

SouthSide

One On One with Jim Rose Circus

Hey, blogspot readers, let's runaway and join the circus!

Though it's been SouthSide's lifelong dream to be part of the big top, she would like to caution you reader that this is NO ordinary circus with clowns and lion tamers. No ...the circus she's hinting at features skills of amazing (and sometimes) humanly impossible feats of magic and trickery that will either leave you astound or doubtful when it's over. Come meet, blogspot readers, sideshow performer, author, founder of Jim Rose Circus and weekly television show "Jim Rose Twisted Tour", Jim Rose himself who will be hosting the London Burlesque Festival, dubbed as "...the most prestigious festival of its kind..." happening May 16, 17, 18 & 19. X-Philes (fans of the Chris Carter series X-Files) will probably recognize his circus from the second season episode titled Humbug where he was featured as Dr. Blockhead (oh btw, Gillian Anderson actually did eat a live cricket as part of a dare during filming). Through the wonderful use of modern technology, SouthSide sent Jim a few inteview questions asking him why most of us are fascinated by the Cirque du Freak shows to if he's consider bringing his circus to American shore at a steampunk festival/show and much more.

 

SouthSide: Please describe the Jim Rose Circus performance in five (5) words or less. No penalties if it's more than five words.

 

Jim Rose: thrills chills and doctor bills

 

SouthSide: Care to explain why you chose those following words to describe your circus?

 

Jim Rose: You'll see the unexpected. A ticket's good for a seat but you'll only use the edge. It's over-the tope high-flying bone-jarring excitement. Not since Christians were fed to the lions has there been a show this hysterical.

 

SouthSide: Your resume includes performing at Lollapalooza of '92 and touring with Nine Inch Nails, have you considered traveling with another sideshow/freak troupe?

 

Jim Rose: [I] don't co-op anything..I rarely tour w/ bands and [I] am best known for starting my own circus called the Jim Rose Circus. That show has done 7 headlining world tours.

 

SouthSide: Briefly, share how the Jim Rose Circus got its start?

Jim Rose: I lived across the street from the fairgrounds and went to all the traditional circuses, monster truck shows, motorcycle daredevils, freak shows and legitimate theater that came to town. My first job was at the fairgrounds, doing odd jobs like going around selling soft drinks. I fetched soft drinks and cigarettes for the Lobster Boy, the Penguin Boy, the Frog Boy. I was doing that for awhile and then learned to do the human blockhead and learned how to be a motorcycle daredevil. That was my first real job, but I had a little motorcycle accident. I attempted to jump 27 cows and must have landed on some spent cud. I went a bit wobbly, I cleared the cows but still managed to crash. I hurt my back so that's why when I speak to you today I have the posture of a jumbo shrimp.

I kind of gave up on entertaining for a while: I attended the University of Arizona and studied political science, moved to Washington DC and dabbled in spoken word performances, played in punk bands and the like while working on fundraising events for social causes (as well as a stint in car sales). I used to perform at a place called D.C. Space that was back in the day of Henry Rollins and Fugazi, this was right about 1984-85. I was there when that happened, I didn't break because I was not very good at that time, I only got started.

At one of my shows I ran into a little French girl named Bebe who comes from a circus family in France. I began working with her family circus. She introduced me to the European tradition of circus spectacle, which inspired me to research it thoroughly. Her brother is the director of the Royal De Luxe, the largest circus in Europe; one sister and her German husband have the Randalini circus, and I used to travel with them, going around the Lake of Constance. So I learned a great deal about circus stuff and freak shows at that time, I didn't know too much about how to run a freak show. It was hard to find anything about it in the US because it had disappeared for about fifteen years. So I brought some of the American stunts over there and I picked up some Euro stunts, brought them back to the US. I then went to Venice beach where I worked as Jimmy the Geek Rubber Man, I got my presentation skills up doing seven shows a day, seven days a week as a street performer. That is how I made my money - fucking with tourists...

Then I started the Jim Rose Circus and reintroduced American audiences to freak-show attractions in Seattle and it seemed like likeminded monsters sat up in their crypts and started auditioning. Things went so well in Seattle that we went down to Portland,OR and that sold out, and soon we were asked to tour Canada. We became so well known in Canada that we started getting calls to do TV shows and then things exploded. It all happened in about a 6 month period.

 

SouthSide: So what were the "old fashion" methods you used to find your circus performers before the age of Facebook, Myspace, Craigslist, etc?

 

Jim Rose: There was a little click of people that were interested in it and there was no place really to perform this stuff. I would go around the clubs in Seattle and talk to the owners about it and they would look at me like I killed the Lindberg kid. I found this little Middle Eastern restaurant that was across the street from my housec alled Ali Baba's, which on Thursday nights they had belly dancers. So I talked to the owners Ali and Baba, whatever I don't remember their names, and I ended up doing a gig. I put up some posters and I thought that I would get about twenty of my friends; instead I got there two hours early and the place was packed with a line outside. Since everyone had gotten in early so they didn't have to pay, I had to start the show going around getting money from everyone. There was this group of people outside who refused to pay and pressed their faces against the window of the restaurant. I was just winging it at the time, didn't even know what my show was going to be since I thought no one was would show up; so I started the show off talking to those people staring through the window. In that melee of people were individuals like Kurt Cobain and a few other names that escape my mind, so I went outside with a plastic bat and told the people they had to pay a dollar or I would hit them over the head with the bat. The people on the inside who had already paid the 6 dollars to be inside got to watch. I turned the people outside INTO the show. Everyone inside was looking outside at me going around collecting those dollars, if they didn't have a dollar I would bop them on the head with the plastic bat. That is pretty much how the show got started, I got back in and did my shit, it was pretty punk. I guess that is why I get some kind of weird credibility, because before that show punk pretty much meant rock and roll, and I pretty much expanded it to include performance type art that wasn't musical.

 

SouthSide: Have you considered bringing your Circus to any of the steampunk/sideshow freak events on US shore this year?

 

Jim Rose: [I] love that movement and have been credited for helping to start it and would love too. I haven't been approached. It's a very youthful movement. I guess I've just run out of steam hahaha

 

SouthSide: I'm sure you have a "doubting Thomas" or two during your travels, how does one win over a non-believer with your feats of trickery and magic?

 

Jim Rose: life's too short for that energy.

 

SouthSide: Has there been one particular stunt that you have yet to attempt? Would you do it? Is there one you would never try because it might endanger your life?

 

Jim Rose: I'm seriously working on a way to put my foor in a running steam boat propeller without getting injured. If I can figure it out maybe I'll get a steam punk gig.

 

SouthSide: LOL. In your opinion, why is there such a human fascination and/or curiosity for sideshow or cirque de freak performances?

 

Jim Rose: we all have a pretty good understanding of the human body because we live in one. Any time we someone doing something that we can't it causes curiosity.

 

SouthSide: Care to share your thoughts about hosting the London Burlesque Festival this year?

 

Jim Rose: I'm honored. That festival has grown into the largest and most prestigious of its kind and being asked to host it is a real thrill. I can't wait.

 

SouthSide: Off the top of your head, could you share what you're most proud of?

 

Jim Rose: One day I had an epiphany "give punk a new tentacle ...dot it with sideshow ..the old ways weren't working for that genre anyways so force this stuff into rock clubs ...most of these stunts haven't been seen in 20 years ...there's a lost generation ...fuck it I'm going to try this ...sure beats a cubicle" ...best decision I've ever made. Now there are 100s of troupes all over the world doing it ...every time I see new performers or shows I get a tingle ...half of them don't even know about my show ...that's cool too ...together we brough a slice of lost art back on our own youthful terms.

 

SouthSide: Any advice out there for anyone who's interested in venturing into this sort of lifestyle?

 

Jim Rose: be prepared to work harder than any real job and never lose sight of your love for the arts.

 

SouthSide: Any famous last words for the younger readers who might follow in your footsteps?

 

Jim Rose: Try to stay away from bear repellent.

 

SouthSide: Interesting...

 

 

For more infromation about Jim Rose Circus, visit his official site http://www.jimrosecircus.com or you can find him on Facebook and YouTube. Also for more details about the London Burlesques Festival, go to http://www.londonburlesquefest.com.

 

 

Until next time, support your local scene,

SouthSide

March 2013

Hey, blogspot readers, are you feeling a little Irish yet?  Ready to "spring forward" with the Easter Bunny? Well, get ready because March is definitely roaring in like a lion for this busy reviewer with a month full of fun events and shows rockin' the local scene around town.

 

She highly recommends checking out the following dates listed below. Also there are special SXSW events happening in which this reviewer suggests checking out - The Audio Wall Invasion from March 11 to March 17 at Sixth Street. Plus JivedWire will have two featured (non-sactioned) SXSW FREE shows at the Rooftop on Sixth and 311 Club March 13.

Please, remember all events/shows are 21+ unless duly noted.

March 1:
High Noon Saloon (Madison, WI) - SouthSide hits the road! She will be doing her first (ever) On The Town review at this venue along with a bus load of fans to cheer Vintage Blue as the band competes for a spot at Summer Music Festival 2013!

Lilly's - it's Forbidden Knowledge with an after set following the show with special friends
$10

Fizz Bar & Grill - Mayo The Guitarist will be performing at his Dance Guitar show

Ace Bar - Blue Eyed Jesus, Listen, Natalia, and Original Mechanical Mouse will be performing here

Bottom Lounge (upstairs in the Volcano Room) - it's NOCTRONICA, the all EBM, aggrotech, industrial party featuring resident DJ Scary Lady Sarah, C-LOS!, Jesse Restriction and Sarah B with special guest DJ Alpha-Omega (aka Jean Luc)
$7
Sorry this is a 21+ event

Red Line Tap - Scony Mack featuring Dastardly Bastards, Crook County and the MMMs on stage

Cubby Bear (Wrigleyville) - We Killed The Lion headlines featuring Bullet Called Life Uh Huh Baby Yeah and Kazy
$6 adv / $10 door

March 2:
Quenchers - it's a rockin' send off party for The Future Laureates who have two Red Gorilla Fest shows during the week of SXSW in Austin, TX. This show will also have live performances by The Big Deep, River Rising and Kate Quimby

Township - Patrick Krief (of The Dears) will be performing along with Cobalt and The Hired Guns and Darling
18+

Ace Bar - Digeometric will be rockin' the stage along with Apetrio and J.J. & Dre

Congress Theater - Major Lazer with Dragonette and other special guests will be appearing on stage
http://www.clubtix.com for tickets

Double Door - Eat That Plastic, Red Jr, Platform 29 and High Street will be rockin' the stage
$8 adv / $10 door

Fuller's Pub - Mike Felten will be rockin' the stage

Ye Olde Town Inn (Mount Prospect, IL) - Calling Zion, Genus, and Apocrypha will be rockin' the stage
$8

March 5:
LiveWire Lounge - Help say "Go Away, Cancer, No One Likes You!" featuring live music by Crusader, Mikey Classic & His Lonesome Spur, Voice of Addiction and Crosstown Collision. Doors will open at 7- for the Blackhawks v Wild game.
Show starts at 8p

March 6 - 10:
Logan Theater - it's the 20th Annual Chicago Underground Film Fest.
http://www.cuff.org for more details and ticket information

March 7:
SpyBar - SouthSide will be hitting the red carpet again for this Music Industry Workshop event as she attends the Official Ableton Live 9 & Push Launch Party

Reggies - Dot to Dot Management presents Gifts from Enola, The End of the Ocean and Sioum to the stage

March 8:
The Gallery Cabaret - it's the Flabby Hoffman Trio Paints The Town show
11:30p

Cubby Bear (Wrigleyville location) - it's a 90s Tribute show featuring Our Name Is Jonas (Weezer) performing the blue album along with Kid A (Radiohead) and Don't Speak (No Doubt)
$7

Congress Theater - React presents Dillon Francis and Flosstradamus to the stage
Get tickets at http://www.clubtix.com

NEO - it's TRANSMISSION Friday featuring synth, post punk, industrial, disco noir and more music

Stonefly (Milwaukee, WI) - check out Esh the Singer as she performs at the "Looking Back, Moving Forward" show

Bells Brewery - The Twin Cats will be scratching as well as rockin' the stage

Chris' Northland Tavern & Grill - a monthly evening meeting where you can glow and shine at SHIMMER featuring the best of Shoegaze and Dreampop with DJ Scary Lady Sarah and Philly Peroxide
$2 before 10p / $5

Touche - Riot Bear Productions presents: Get A Little Irish In You featuring Germ T Ripper spinning pre-punk to post hardcore Oi to powerpop and more. Plus there will be a raffle benefitting K 9 4 Keeps, a non-profit organization that helps dogs find their forever homes.

March 9 - 17:

Navy Pier - It's the annual Chicago Flower & Garden show and "...discover the Art of Gardening by fertilizing your mind..."

All-Ages

http://www.ChicagoFlower.com for more details

March 9:
House of Blues (Chicago) - House of Blues and React team up to bring one of the wildest electronic acts to the stage - the Israeli duo Infected Mushroom!
17+

Abbey Pub - The Heard headlines a Summer Camp Musical Festival tour event

Cobra Lounge - KOMMANDANT with special guests Against The Plagues, Wormreich, and Atrum Inritus will be rockin' the stage

Fitz's Spare Keys - it's St Patrick's Day Parade after party featuring Too White Crew

J.J. Kelley's (Lansing, IL) - Denial Machine will be rockin' here

The Savemore Lounge - check out The Fed Up with Winter and Food Donation for the Greater Chicago Food Depository. It's a FREE event but do bring a canned food donation while enjoying music by Moddy Zuma, Bremer & The No Goods and Crazee Heart

Lincoln Tap - Taboo Tabu and The Alley Chicago presents Cirque de la Femme Peep show / Freak show featuring Hannah and David from "Movements of Magic", Dollface, Feli Fury and Shana Von Gabor along with returning guest Shannara Bathery.
Hosted by Jenna Dalgety
DJ - Peter Propaganda

March 10:
In US - spring ahead your clocks ONE hour

Reggies - Wrecking Ball Productions presents a punk show featuring Doghouse Swine, The Tromatons, Cenobites and Deyv Dee

Double Door - it's a Brit (Tribute) Invasion featuring Deep Purple, Cream, Robin Trowers and Pink Floyd!

Q Bar & Grill - it's a REBELMANN jam session

March 11:
Uncommon Ground (Devon location) - whitewolfsonicprincess headlines featuring The Slowbots
$5
reserve a table for the show at 773 465 9801

March 13:
Old Town Music of Folk Music (at Gary and Laura Maurer Concert Hall) - The Creole Choir of Cuba will be performing

March 15 & 16:
House of Blues (Chicago) - It's a double pre-St Paddy's shot of Gaelic Storm during their Above The Roses tour!

 

March 15:

Double Door - Black Bridge will be rockin' the stage along with Goodbye Good Sense, Halfmoon Mad, Eleven Dollar Bills and Girls On Bicycles
$10 - $12

The Mid - the legendary Kevin Saunderson along with Magda and rising stars Dusky take over MAYHEM featuring also the regular MID Friday night resident DJ Zebo
FREE with rsvp at http://www.clubtix.com

WLUW (88.7 FM) - at 2p, Nate Zaremba of Jack Rabbit will be on air

The Spot (on Broadway - Bradley, IL) - Digeometric, The Schiavos and Todd Hazelrigg will be performing here

Arcada Theatre (St. Charles, IL) - Sons of Cream will be performing featuring Kofi Baker, Malcolm Bruce and Godfrey Townsend

Three One One - it's Rogue, An Electroswing Cabaret event. Experience an electroswing cabaret like no other featuring electroswing  and Frenchy House by DJs Vourteque and Mr. Automatic with live music by The Ford Theatre Reunion (Lexington, KY) and Environmental Encroachment, live sideshow performances by The Squidling Brothers (Philadelphia, PA) and Pain Solutions (Oslo, Norway), Burlesque, Fire and Dancing by Adela Arson and Lady Lenux. There's a hosted bar featuring cocktails from Grey Goose Vodka (from 9:30p - 10:30p) with guest cocktail artisan and bartender - Chris Heilgeist. Also complimentary massages by French Angels
$10 adv / $15 with password at door / $20 without password
for door location and password - http://www.floorshowevents.com/rouge

Goose Island Wrigleyville - 72 Hrs returns to the stage with John Burrows Project and Jet Black Comedy

March 16:
Congress Theater - React and Silver Wrapper welcomes 1320 Records owners Sound Tribe Sector 9 (STS9) to the stage!

Ace Bar - The Buddies will be rockin' the stage. SouthSide highly recommends checking out videos "All The Beer Is Gone" (her favorite song) and "A Lifetime At Best" on their YouTube page.

Cobra Lounge - The Pietasters, The Crombies, The Vallures and On Your Marx will be rockin' the stage

End Zone Tap - The Schiavos will be rockin' the stage at this FREE show

Red Line Tap - TVR Universal Artists welcome A Memory Down and Screaming For Silence with Another Black Hour and Ament
$5 adv / $7 door

Empty Bottle - The Socialists will be taking family fun to new heights during this all-ages show

Underground Lounge - it's Lair's QFA (Queer Fest America) Birthday Showcase featuring comedians Marcos, Kate Cullan, Darren Marshall and Thomas Bottoms and music with an aftershoz from Tony Jones, Evil Twin Sister, The Katie Hibben Band, Evil Twin and Count Rugen. Come wish hin a "Happy Birthdaze" as well as donate so QFA can keep bringing you everything queer.
$7

March 17:
Double Door - spend your St Paddy's Day at this annual show with The Beer Nuts

March 18:
Double Door - Local Motive will be rockin' the stage with their bluesy rock-n-soul sounds

March 20:
It's the first day of spring!

Double Door - it's a post SXSW/Music Industry showcase featuring Super Happy Fun Club, The Secret State (Baltimore, MA), The Ivorys and Mighty Fox with DJ Miranda Wright
$10

March 22:
Beat Kitchen - Mason's Case kicks off its Cut Our Loses tour featuring A Friend Called Fire, Bambi Raptor and Michael Chorvat

SubT - Shoeshine Boy Production presents Women Who Rock Chicago featuring four of the HOTTEST female-fronted bands - Jess Godwin, Janelle Kroll, Diana Lawrence (with Joe Chellman) and Lady Laura
$10 adv / $12 at door

March 23:
Double Door - Camera's The Panic & The Permanence LP release show featuring Golden State, Cassettes On Tape and Audiences
$10 door / $8 pre-sale

Tiger O'Stylies (Berwyn, IL) - Hot Lips Messiah, Mandatory Abortions, Lunatic Click and AggroControl will be rockin' the stage
$5

March 27:
Tonic Room - React and Silver Wrapper welcomes Lucy Rose featuring local artists Jennifer Hall and Anna Soltys to the stage

March 29:
Metro - The Future Laureates return to the local stage by headlining this show!

Mackey's Hideout - Check out Dead Larry and Digeometric on stage.

March 30:
Bottom Lounge - DVS* with Basic Physics and Kobrakai will be performing here

March 31:
Easter Sunday


Until next time, support your local scene,
SouthSide

16 Feb 13 - A Birdsong Valentine

"...I love the sound of my voice..." ~ Brian Bender of ABV during sound check

Warning ...warning ...danger ...danger, Will Robinson! They are back!

Who's back, blogspot readers? The wild, gut-bustin', belly achin' screamin', heavy-hittin' rock sound of A Birdsong Valentine! Yes, ABV fans, the boys are back in town after a long absence from Chicago's local music scene ...and this time Brian and the band are taking NO prisoners either. Believe it or not, it has been nearly 5 years since these party dudes have been on stage performing together yet this time SouthSide won't be in any danger of flying wireless guitar packs. The faces are still the same featuring Chris "Masta" Shen on bass and backing vocals, Oscar Diaz on guitar and backing vocals, Jay of The Branded rockin' on the drums and of course, the mouth screamin' the lyrics Brian commanding the microphone. This was a reunion shows, blogspot readers, to rival all reunion shows as it was held at a packed basement lounge of Elbo Room where long-time (and few newbies) ABV fans were ready to rock out with their favorite band. Moments before the show, SouthSide was lucky enough to snag another exclusive interview with front man, Brian to gain some insight on what brought the guys back and what's on the agenda for ABV in the future.

"...kids love me ...I guess it's the smile..." ~ Brian after another fan says "hi" to him

After repeatedly spelling his name, SouthSide asked ABV's charismatic vocalist to describe the "new" A Birdsong Valentine compared to what it was years ago to he answered "...rejuvenated party dudes to destroy..." and then adding "...we're going to destroy the stage and Jesse [Elbo Room's bartender/venue's heavy metal decorator] will have to build a new stage..." This reviewer heard the whispered rumors that the band was working on or might be working on a reunion show but she did ask Brian what was the real story about their decision to return to the music scene. According to Brian, the guys were having dinner and drinks at Lockdown Bar (located near Thomas and Western) when Lockdown's owner - PJ "Gunshow" Zonis commented to the guys particurally Brian that his "...cover band was nice but it's no ABV..." And that, blogspot readers, got the wheels rolling for ABV however there's a bit of a problem. After calling Adam Powers, Elbo Room's talent buyer, to book the show, Brian and the band had a week to promote it. So, what's a band to do when you don't have Facebook and most people are using it these days for everything? Well, they did the next best thing - the old fashion way. ABV called, texted, tweeted, emailed, etc everyone they knew about the reunion show. Funny thing is A Birdsong Valentine has about 40 friends on Facebook yet has plenty on Myspace (remember that site, blogspot readers?) ...plus they used their Linkedin to promote the show. Brian mentioned it's nice because "...[we're] playing rejuvenated songs written 5 years ago ...and [many] are not recorded ...also we had to look at old videos too..." to prepare for tonight's show.

Though fearing only 3 people would show up, to SouthSide Brian optimistic as he glanced at the door sheet noticing how many had arrived for ABV's set thus far. Still, according to Brian, nothing about the band has changed except drummer Jay from The Branded is now with them. And true to ABV style, Brian already had pissed off Elbo Room management for bringing their own drum kit when the venue supplies a kit for bands to perform on during their sets. "...it has the original ABV logo and drum head..." says Brian. Then, this reviewer asked what could fans expect from A Birdsong Valentine after tonight's show to which he said "...might be doing more shows ...might be recording new songs [like the one Oscar recently wrote] ...might even work on [building their] Facebook fanbase..." He also disclosed to SouthSide that he has found out some people are "sweatin" to ABV oldies (for exampple, the song Sink or Swim) to lose weight. All this done by word of mouth, blogspot readers, to come see their show since he doesn't work at Elbo Room anymore that Brian remarked "...it's refreshing to everyone again..." plus he added "...I can still hit the notes 4 years later..." while saying he won't be on guitar just vocals. To those fans who missed out on tonight's show, here's what Brian had to say "...you snooze you lose ...and you can take that to the bank..." Oh yeah, one more thing, "...I am woman and hear me roar..." Now, it was time to go downstairs and rock out the show with A Birdsong Valentine, blogspot readers.

"...you're the only band I would sleep..." ~ an ABV fan to Brian

"...I'll replace the mic stand..." ~ Brian to Dave Cook, Elbo Room owner

Down there, it was a local star-studded event of other bands like Lucid Ground, We Kill The Lion, Black Bridge, Mason's Case and A Friend Called Fire, lending their support to the headliner, A Birdsong Valentine, along with the many ABV diehards packed in the basement lounge. After a tearful welcome and warming up the ears with a blood-rushing crescendo of hard-hitting guitar riffs and clashing percussions, ABV was back, blogspot readers, and ready to get down to the business of rockin' out this eagerly excited crowd as they opened with Who Lie. And POW! Here's where Brian's ultra cool vocals on the lyrics meets the pent up rage of his gut-busting screamin' that instantly drives the fans wild head banging action. SouthSide hopes the band realized at this moment how much we missed hearing the belly aching screamo amidst the highly intense guitar riffs and drum rhythms while many joined in singing along with the band before moving quickly into one of SouthSide's favorite song, Sink Or Swim - another intense moment where Brian shows off more emotional gut-busting screaming (with some bird calls during the instrumental bridge).  It was truly refreshing to hear those and other ABV songs like Mamma, RIP with You and I Am again rockin' the stage and re-igniting fun memories about this band. This reunion show also featured Lockdown's owner, PJ Zonis performing with the band during Kill Ur Idol where the band grabbed their fans by the balls with lots of screaming and gritty guitar riffs. Fans throughout the show were either singing or head banging to each song soaking up every intense second until the very end ...and still wanting  more after rockin' them with The End. Before officially ending their reunion show, ABV gave them a rockin' version of Shinobi Dragon Ninja, blogspot readers. Overall, it was a hot show seen and reviewed of this local band. Not only were they a rejuvenated rock band but they definitely left their fans wanting more. Hopefully, we'll see more of them throughout 2013 around town.

For more information about A Birdsong Valentine, visit http://www.myspace.com/abirdsongvalentine.

Until next time, support your local scene,

SouthSide

15 Feb 13 - Mister 312

"...come in tight ...leave alright..." ~ Karen, Mister 312's massage therapist

Hey, male blogspot readers, SouthSide has found a place specifically tailored for you! This place features the upscale atmosphere of beauty salon within walking distance from your office (if located Downtown Chicago) but without the upscale attitude or price. She highly recommends exploring all the comforts and luxuries offered at Mister 312, "...Chicago's premier barber, beauty, spa..." just for men, during your lunch or after work hours where you can get a "The Michigan Avenue" service - $52 (it includes Shampoo/Condition, Hot Towel, Scalp Massage, Haircut/Style, Paraffin Treatment and Beverage) or "The Rush Street" - $47 (it includes Mister 312's no frills basic Shampoo/Condition, Haircut and Style to keep you on your busy schedule). Plus for young gents ages 13 - 17, Mister 312 offers same service as "The Rush Street" called "The Hancock" for a slightly lower price of $40 ...something to think about when prom season comes around.

Stephen Charles-Kendall with Serena Patrick

This unique place has it all! Besides being a full-scale hair salon, it also features a hot towel shaves (inside a relaxation-type room) to manicures, pedicures, facials and body waxing as well as massage therapy under one roof. And for those celebrity clients who want to be undisturbed while at Mister 312, they offer the same services inside both of their VIP rooms. What truly makes this place totally cool, gents - each oversize Porsche chair (and yes, SouthSide did say "Porsche" leather designed chairs) comes with its own mini TV at each salon station! That's including the VIP rooms too. So you can watch the game and/or check out the latest stock market report while getting expertly groomed by your barber/stylist. With Mister 312, this reviewer, while attending it's Friday night taste party, was told "...it's all about personal service...". Yet, it's not only about taking care of your outward appearance, men. Mister 312 also would like to help you take care of the inside as well with personal training with Serena Patrick (of NBCs Chicago Fire). Serena also played hostess during the event by serving a fantastic lemonade-champagne mimosa mix and Basil Chicken Salad - they were to die for as well as a yummy assorted arrange of fresh fruit with chocolate drizzle.

"...your style IS our expertise..." ~ Mister 312's website


Nora (on the left), Master Sylist and Mr 312's Owner

During this event, gents, a couple of men were enjoying some of the services (for free) that Mister 312 has to offer. SouthSide met Stephen Charles-Kendall of Premier Working Capital Inc who was getting another haircut to which the stylist did a fantastic job of correcting a prior mistake. He was handsomely styled and readied  for any weekend activities he had planned. Another also enjoyed his haircut and though he stated that he didn't have plans for the weekend, this reviewer is probably certain his wife loved the hair grooming he received that night. Then there was Octavio Lopez of Video Productions/Digital Designs partook in the massage therapy by Karen in one of the back massage rooms. SouthSide got an opportunity to chat with this massage therapist before the tasting was over. She asked Karen how she tailors the massages for Mister 312's client to which she replied "...[it] depends on what the client needs and condition ...it's customized to the customer's particular preference..." SouthSide then asked her how does she focus on client's needs. "...I try to keep myself centered..." By doing this, gents, she's prepared to listen with her ears and hands to what you and your body needs during the massage therapy. "...massages kinda set the balance from the imbalance..." she stated to this reviewer. And though it might be a male salon, SouthSide will be returning to try out one of Karen's Swedish massages.

Overall, male blogspot readers, SouthSide found this upscale salon to be more relaxing and friendlier compared to other places she has been and tried. The staff, Serena, senor hosts and stylists present for this particular event, always had a smile on their faces and were ready to assist in anything possible that this reviewer and others needed. This reviewer is definitely bringing her world traveling guy (and other male friends) to Mister 312 as soon as he's able to visit Chicago again.

For more information about Mister 312 and its services including memberships as well as taking a virtual web tour, visit http://www.mr312.com. You can even find and "like" Mister 312 on Facebook or follow them for upcoming events like this tasting SouthSide attended on Twitter.

Until next time, support your local scene,

SouthSide