18 July 13

It's a hot and steamy night, blogspot readers! It's so hot that SouthSide's cooling off by rockin' to music performances during this special On The Town adventure. Tonight, she's hanging out at Wicker Park's hippest rock venue - Double Door for a pre-Pitchfork party featuring three amazing acts currently on tour presented by Conflict of Interest. Music fans crowded the main floor to see ...And You Will Know Us By The Trail Of Dead and UME (both from Austin, Texas) with The Red Paintings (Australia) opening the show. 

This reviewer thoroughly enjoyed the sights and sounds of The Red Paintings which combined a rather semi-acoustic music set coupled with two artists creating art on stage with the duo musicians. What truly made this performance very interesting to review was the elaborate costumes worn on stage which was a bit shocking especially after a record-breaking temperatures. She wishes that she had pictures to show the anime-inspired wear complete with a Russian hat and coat and kimonos adorning the two. The opening act itself could be described as intense and eclectic while having a vibrant folk music amidst such beautiful melodic rhythms even when performing a song about young woman who committed suicide leaving behind a young child. The highlight of Red's show came at two points, blogspot readers. The first happened during a powerful rendition of a rarely covered Nirvana song You Know You're Right that demonstrated a fine display of vocal emotions on the lyrics not only popping in the ears but smacking the music right into your face with such intense acoustic sound. The second happened at the conclusion of Red's performance when the electric was tuned up at the beginning of The Revolution Is Never Coming in which was the most powerful display of fiery emotions and frustrations ever witnessed by SouthSide. She enjoyed the political overtones heard within the lyrics that everyone inside the Double Door could feel the venomous heat dripping from Trash's lips as he spewed "...your revolution is never coming..." Wow...so intense and so true, blogspot readers. SouthSide suggests checking out this band. For more information about The Red Paintings, visit http://www.theredpaintings.com for fall tour dates with  Mindless Self Indulgence.

Are you ready to rock, blogspot readers? SouthSide means ...are you REALLY ready to rock with this next band from Austin, TX? Are you ready to do more than headbang to wild, intense electric guitar-driven punk rock with this band known as UME? And wow - did this hardcore trio ever blow this reviewer's (and everyone else in the vicinity) ears away! They had this crowd feeling as well as reeling within the full blast of hard-hitting electric riffs throughout their performance full of that gritty Southern rock sound. Even while taking the energetic momentum down for a moment, UME still kept that intense electric charge going though it was also the moment when Lauren's (the band's female lead on guitar) microphone needed to be upped a little. This reviewer was totally grooving to the crazy floetry off the harsh chords that sometimes might be a bit jarring on the eardrums (if you don't have earplugs like this reviewer) but that's how this bands rocks, blogspot readers. Don't expect this band to slow down either. It got brutally rough ...and that was a good thing. Each song had that "in the your face wham bam thank you, ma'am" type of rock coupled with Lauren's vocals on lyrics. She might fool you with that soft voice however you'll be amazed on how raspy and dynamic as well as soulful she can be a lead vocalist adding lots of steamy sex appeal most times. Yet watch out, fellas, she can rock harder than most of you especially when she hits that moment within an instrumental bridge or jam - she really lets her hair fly all around while making her guitar "sing" and wail with such energy. Ending on a high note, UME was one of the most exciting rock bands SouthSide has seen so far and suggests checking out this band at their next show. For more information about UME, visit http://www.umemusic.com.

Now it was really time to rock out, blogspot readers! To the sound of joyous cheers and thunderous applause, Austin, Tx band And You Will Know Us By The Trail of Dead stepped onto the stage ready to blast us away with intense yet melodic guitar rock. One thing you can definitely say about this band (besides the long name which accompanies it) is its core sound was designed to be epic dazzling the senses with rhythmic chords and dramatic crescendoing buildup throughout the instrumental bridges before returning the song's original tempo. Yes, the music was almost like an orchestrated composition and very expressive to the bone which also highlighted the front man's vocals on lyrics. And believe it or not, blogspot readers, this was merely the prelude of more great things to come from And You Will Know Us By The Trail of Dead. For this reviewer it was the melodic sound that instantly grabbed her attention. She enjoyed how each guitarist played the riffs with a vigorous fervor and such intensity while creating beautiful rock music in between the harsh floetry and tempo pace. To say, SouthSide awestruck would be a gross understatement and it would be somewhat difficult to describe the energetic momentum that flowed within this venue. Midway thru the performance,  And You Will Know Us By The Trail of Dead debuted songs newly recorded when they were in Hanover, Germany which demonstrated a stark contrast in music style than what was heard at the beginning of the performance. Instead of the melodic sound and rhythms, the new songs demonstrated the band's progression into hardcore rock intensity with gritty guitar riffs and raw vocal angst on the lyrics. Now this stage along with the crowd was totally on fire, blogspot readers! Fueled by the cheers, the intensity grew by the minute as show became wilder and crazier ...not one inch of the stage was left untouched though the crowd (especially where SouthSide stood) was somewhat restrained. Yet that doesn't mean they weren't enjoying the intense rock performance. And though the melodic side to this band was not really present within their hardcore side, you can still hear and feel the epic crescendoing rise and dramatic smack of sound was there to leave you breathless and wanting more. This was SouthSide's first time reviewing a band like And You Will Know Us By The Trail of Dead performing under such "grueling" pressure - which isn't a bad thing to do since it did keep the many fans attending this show very excited and caught up within the momentum. It was certainly the wow factor for them each time the guitars wailed to its gritty sound or the drums thundered out its rhythms until the end. Overall, blogspot readers, this reviewer recommends checking out this band live up close and personal at their next show and be prepared to have all five senses blown away when they're finished rockin' the stage. For more information about And You Know Us By The Trail of Dead, visit http://www.andyouwillknowusbythetrailofdead.bandpage.com.


Until next time, support your local scene,
SouthSide

February 2012

Hey, blogspot readers, where can you find love, learn about history, celebrate with a couple of dead presidents, sleep with a ground hog, eat, drink and get beads and still have an extra day to do it?

Why, February of course!

SouthSide highly recommends checking out these events happening during this rockin' month.

1 Feb - Dead heads (re)unite at Double Door for the Grateful Dead Tribute show! Begins 7:30p
Visit http://www.doubledoor.com for more info.

Meanwhile good friend, Matthew Alfano (of Mason's Case) will begin hosting a weekly Local Music showcase at Elbo Room. 21+ / FREE
Visit http://www.elboroomchicago.com for more details and lineup.

3 Feb - the lovely Estelle will be rockin' the Double Door stage.

Meanwhile frieds, Dot Dot Dot and AM Taxi will be rockin' House of Blues along with State & Madison and The Scissors.

4 Feb - Rockin' Bada Brew (located in Crest Hill, IL) is the Benefit for The Fallen. SouthSide highly recommends showing love and support for her friend Nate who recently lost everything to a fire (including most of the band's, Bleed For The Fallen, gear) before Christmas. With your generous $7 donation, you get to rock to metal-tastic performances by Devils in Angels, IN2 The Inferno, Catalyst, Renegade and more. 21+ show

At Quenchers Saloon, good polka-loving friend, The Polkaholics will be rolling out the beer barrel for a rockin' triple birthday celebration there. $5 donation / 21+

Meanwhile at Reggie's, it's the annual SXSW showdown where SouthSide's friend Yellow Jackets will be competing against other local bands for the final spot on the lineup. Each band will be judged on the following: performance, music originality and (most importantly) crowd reaction. Good luck to all! $10

6 Feb - head to NiteCap for Devil's Playground and celebrate David Bates' birthday too. FREE entry at this 21+ show - also rock with the house band of the month: Deadmanswake.

7 Feb - it's another HOT topic to debate during this month's Intelligence Squared US Debates. If in the NY area, check out the topic - Obesity Is The Government's Business - "...With 33% of adults and 17% of children obese, the U.S. is facing an obesity
epidemic. A major risk factor for expensive, chronic conditions like heart
disease, diabetes, and cancer, it costs our health care system nearly $150
billion a year. Should government intervene, or is this a matter of
individual rights and personal responsibility?" For tickets - http://web.ovationtix.com/trs/pe/9045265

10 Feb - SouthSide gets an early jump on Valentine's day with Alpha Clef Project band at Darkroom for "The Love Before" Concert. Also featured in the lineup - Khari B, Aniba Hotep & The Sol Collective, Ish and Soltre Jones.

Meanwhile at Double Door, it's a winter camp in! Join other campers at Wakarusa Music and Camping Festival rockin' this hip Wicker Park venue. Visit http://www.doubledoor.com for details and more.

11 Feb - get an awesome workout and/or Valentine's gift at these two charity events supporting two great causes. First head to TriCity Health Club for a workout from 10:30a to 1:30p where your $15 donation will get your bod into shape ($10 will be donated to Animal House Rescue, a non-kill animal shelter in Huntley, IL and Ken Gussy fund - to help pay for surgery in which Ken's sister will be donating half her liver to save his life). Then after working out head to Ray's Evergreen Tavern (in St. Charles) for an urban market - vendors will be donating 20% of their sales to both causes.

Meanwhile love, peace, happiness and groovy sounds will be rockin' this year's Winter Peace Fest happening at the historic Portage Theatre (located near six corners Irving Park/Milwuakee/Cicero). This all day ALL AGES event will feature bands (Digometric, General Patton & His Privates, Monk 9, Awdazcate - to name a few), DJs, Spinners, Speakers, Lasers and other surprises until 2a. Tickets are $15 - get them now! Visit http://www.peacefestchicago.com for more info.

Over at Elbo Room - Life After Liftoff will be rockin' the stage with friend RayIsDude.

And finally, SouthSide will make her debut at NOCTURNA'S monthly show happening at Bottom Lounge where the fashionably dressed of the Goth/music scene will be partying. This month, they will be celebrating new loves and broken hearts at this Valentine's themed party. GlitterGuts (cool photo folks) will be there to document everyone's best holiday black and red attire while good friend DJ Scary Lady Sarah spins your favorite "dark" loves songs (send requests in now). And as an added bonus - heart-shaped treats for all.

12 Feb - over at Mellow Yellow restaurant (located in Hyde Park), check out good friend Jesse Charboneir along with musicians Adrian (on piano), Michael (on bass), and Nils (on drums) as they jazz up your pre-Valentine's Sunday brunch from 10a to 2p. It's ALL AGES so bring the kids for a wonderful music experience ...musicians are encouraged to jam with the band too.

Meanwhile at Fitz's Spare Keys (located in Elmhurst, IL), friend Ivory Theory will be hosting a SXSW fundraiser to help finance their rockin' trip to Austin, TX in March. ALL AGES (except afterparty is 21+ only) / $7 donation

17 Feb - hey, do you want to know a hot secret ...promise not to tell anyone - sorry, blogspot readers, it's SO hot that even SouthSide cannot tell you but she can only say it's involves a local band ...a good friend and it's happening at Metro.

19 Feb - good friend, I Can Hear Myself Levitate will be rockin' a special Sunday Elbo Room appearance along with Disarmed, Curio and Track & Field.

21 Feb - MARDI GRAS partying

23 Feb - check out good friends, Kelsey Montanez and Kona Villamil (of Trainwreck Symphony) with SouthSide as they rock the stage at Elbo Room.

24 Feb - SouthSide returns to Elbo Room for more music and fun as good friend Alaya Conscious rocks the stage with Chicago Trash Ensemble, Artist vs Athlete and Zero to End featured in lineup.

25 Feb - a special, non-review outting for SouthSide. She's ditching the pad and pen for a relaxing evening at The Drake's famous Coq d'Or lounge with good friend and jazz crooner, Jesse Charboneir who will be performing three of her favorites (this reviewer has many standards and rarely heard favorites) by Bobby Darin, Frank Sinatra and Billie Holiday.

Also happening this month - Urban Circuit Market ...stay tuned here for date and details.

Until next time, support your local scene,
SouthSide

26 May 13 - The Drop

Hey, blogspot readers, welcome to The Drop! It's a WLUW 88.7 FM sponsored event recently held at Double Door where media, artists, designers, musicians, bookers/promoters and photographers could network under one roof while enjoying performances by some of the best within Chicago's local scene. Since this event was free to all, attendees were asked to donate a canned food item to help support the Chicago Food Depository. Tonight's featured lineup included a variety of music genres from such bands - BlahBlahBlah, Good Evening, The Bright White and God and The Architects with Paper Thick Walls opening the show.

 

Paper Thick Walls kicked off the night with its heartfelt storytelling lyrics amidst haunting vibe of their Americana/folk sound. Yet, blogspot readers, don't let that fool you becaue this local band can not only wow with such rhythmic melodies but also the powerful yet complimenting vocals by Eric and Kate. This pair created an energizing momentum that popped the words to life while the band performed a floetry of intense piano-driven rhythms in which at times this unique music-vocal combination tends to hypnotize the audience. Or perhaps it was the calming ...soothing but lively downtempo vibe that was luring everyone deeper inside Paper Thick Wall's sound especially when featuring some cool violin melodies or hot tempered trumpet to the mix to spice up their Americana a little. Though the band was without their bass player for this performance, the band as a quartet was able to pull off another good show despite this reviewer missing a few moments where a bass could liven up the music or added a funky rhythm or two to balance out the somber tone. For more information about Paper Thick Walls, visit http://www.paperthickwalls.com.

 

God and The Architects (MI), blogspot readers, had this flowing melodic mellow rock sound yet that could change instantly in a heartbeat like it happened during the beginning stages of this band's set. One minute, SouthSide was floating on the ether of guitar twangs before getting rocked by the lively upswing within the tempo and rhythms. Despite having that energized soundwave to which had some in the audience were enthusiastically grooving, she noticed the lead vocals were being overshadowed by the boisterous music ...and where SouthSide was sitting and observing the action (in her usual balcony spot), she could barely hear. She doesn't know if this was the fault of Double Door's sound team or the band, one thing is sure - there was a need for more vocal umph into the microphone, blogspot readers, to compliment the dramatically intense rock sound as well as to be heard above the wail of electric guitars. This also had this reviewer feeling a little confused during the progression of God's performance when the band when from symphonic to rock/alternative and something a little in between. In her honest opinion, the band sounded way better as a rock/alternative band than whatever rock genre mesh  was being heard on stage. Under this genre, God jammed with energizing intensity and the vocals were clearly there pumping plenty of heartfelt emotions into the lyrics. For more information about God and The Architects, visit http://www.myspace.com/godandtheartchitects.

 

The Bright White came bursting onto the stage with fire, spunk and lots of rock-n-roll energy like SouthSide has never seen before ...and she had just seen this particular band back in April when they opened for Makeshift Prodigy at Reggie's Rock Club. This was definitely a different The Bright White band pumping a lively yet intense mix of Brit rock/guitar rock thus bringing more than life and excitement back to the stage midway thru this lineup especially when Matthew is doing double duty - vocals and guitar. Not saying there was none to begin with when he was only doing vocals but when on the guitar, it not only changes his vocal projection but instantly also the direction of band's music and sound compared to when he's not on it. While on the guitar, The Bright White will rock your faces off with energizing momentum that will have their audience grooving to the electric rhythms. On the flipside, when not on the guitar, Matthew tends to be more vocally expressive on the lyrics ...his falsetto voice becomes the center of attention popping the heartfelt lyrics to life. It's hard choosing which side of The Bright White to like the most, blogspot readers, even though both sides are equally good in SouthSide's eyes. Sadly, this was the band's last performance as they take a much needed (and deserved) hiatus from the stage. However, when they do return, she highly recommends check out this band live. For more information, visit The Bright White at http://www.thebrightwhite.com.

 

Now there was a major with this next performance by Good Evening, blogspot readers. First - acoustic performances on the Double Door stage doesn't bode well especially if the entire band is very hard to hear. Second, the band is VERY, VERY hard to hear when only those standing up front of the stage can hear you and no one else throughout the venue can. That's what SouthSide was faced with throughout Good Evening's time on stage. It was as if the volume suddenly went dead and the chatting noise from around the Double Door when up. Each member whenever they played, spoke and/or sang could not be heard in the back of the venue as well as up in the balcony. Since she couldn't hear the vocals, this reviewer tried to review the band's set and stage presence to which sadly she found quite lackluster, blogspot readers. There was no excitable umph or momentum to grab her attention ...to draw her into their acoustic/folk music after the opening the song. This reviewer did her best to give Good Evening a chance but the noise was totally overshadowing their entire so only to be fair to them and their fans, she stopped reviewing. It wasn't their fault this happened. SouthSide will try to review this band at another time, blogspot readers. For more information about Good Evening, visit http://www.goodeveningmusic.com.

Given the band name, blogspot readers, BlahBlahBlah isn't blah at all! This band immediately had this reviewer liking their brand of neo soul/R&B sound even though the microphone problems remained as Solomon (guitars/front man) sang. Yet that didn't deter this reviewer from enjoying the soulful groove of his falsetto style amidst the melodic rhythms and upbeat swing off the rest of BlahBlahBlah band. Oh yes, there was plenty of swing and groove coming from this particular band, blogspot readers that it had many near and around the stage dancing to the energizing beat despite not having their keyboardist for this show. Now, this revewer wonders what this band sounds like in full mode ...and she can't wait to hear them again with their keyboardist rockin' the stage. It was so easy to get into the floetry of this band's vibrant sound ...it was delightful and refreshing as they incorporate the neo soul and classic R&B to rock Double Door even while in  downtempo ballad to which has Solomon pumping expressive heartfelt emotions on the lyrics. There wasn't a body near the stage standing still, blogspot readers, since Blah was ready to party all night long. Thank goodness Monday was a holiday too. For more information about BlahBlahBlah, visit http://www.blahblahblahmusic.com.


Until next time, support your local scene,
SouthSide

July 2012

Hey, blogspot readers, summer's truly heating up with a July full of fun, food, entertainment, fests and of course - music! Check this rockin; calendar of happenings near and far.

*note - all shows 21+ unless duly specified*


July 1:
The Sometimes Family CD Release show @ Double Door featuring Lindsay Weinberg and Wait, What?

Vanattica featuring Reverse Order @ Hard Rock Cafe (as part of their Summer Patio Series)
5:30p / All Ages

Greg Gunn (of Black Flag) and Royal We featuring Owleater @ Red Line Tap
9p


July 2:
Time For Livin': Tribute to MCA & The Beastie Boys @ Lincoln Hall
(proceeds from this star-studded local collaboration  event will go to Benefit Students For Free Tibet)
8p / $10 adv / DOS

Daniel Knox & featuring a string quintet and world's greatest horn player, Ralph Carney with Joan of Arc @ Millenium Park (Jay Pritzker Pavilion - as part of Downtown Sound Series)
Free / All Ages



July 3:
Makeshift Prodigy @ Mojoes
7p / All Ages (21+ to drink) / $10

Teen Wolf Tuesdays @ Debonair Social Club
guest DJ for July 3rd - DJ Jimmy Con (of Ghosthouse)

July 4:
The InnerVisionists featuring BasiQ lyrical painter, Sorfrito & Mayonnaise, Cochise Soulstar @ Underground Wonder Bar
9p


July 5:
The Prep School Tragedy's It's All A Show CD Release show featuring Aesthetic Perfection and Kink Ador,  X-Rx and Blakopz @ Reggie's Rock Club
6p / All Ages /  $13adv / $15 DOS


July 6:
Syncronicity / Discipline @ Ultra Lounge
9p

Carnal (Friday edtition) @ NEO NightClub

Northwoods Music Presents Jammin' On The Wolf Pre-Party featuring Electric Boogaloo, The New Fuse, Brothers Rage and Taggant Transcontinental @ Double Door
8p / $8

Watson Peace Fest Pre-show featuring Helium Fuse, Bizaarro, Closing In, Copper Harbor and Red Deer Cave People @ Gasthaus (located in Elgin, IL)
6p / ALL AGES / $10

Southside Underground DJs event - Let's Glow! @ Crisp Pizzabar (Milwaukee, WI)
10p

Mia LeBlon along with Joe Corley & Joshua Shiffman with Ben Johnson @ Uncommon Ground (Wrigleyville location)
No Cover - donations accepted / 10p


July 7 & 8:
Vlado Music & Art Fest @ Vlado's (located 10011 S. Commercial AV - SE of Chicago)
Noon / 21+ / $8 adv / $10 DOS


July 7:
WhiteWolfSonicPrincess rockin' Tim's B-day Party @ Cal's Bar
9p

Sutured Psyche & Persistence of Memory @ Underground Wonder Bar
8:30p

A Chicago Style Sound Party @ Goose Island (Wrigleyville location)
9:30p

Jammin' On The Wolf Jam Off featuring Digeometric, Sneaky Gene & The Schiavos @ Volcano Room (located inside Bottom Lounge)

The Bright White with Rockit Girl and The Jetbirds @ Double Door
$8

The Livest Show in the Corridor - a Southside Underground DJs event @ Hide House Lofts (Milwaukee, WI)

Strange Arrangement @ Dixon Petuntia Festival (Dixon, IL)

Nocturna @ Metro
10p / 18+ / $10

Sick Idiot with Mona Mur, En Esh and Promonium Jesters, Go Fight featuring DJ Mr. Bobby @ Cobra Lounge
9p

V Is For Villains @ Anime Midwest (will be hosting a panel as well as performing 2 shows at Lisle, IL)
$25 (for one day wristband) / $35 for entire weekend


July 11 - 15:
Taste of Chicago
Check out Mucca Pazza and Kids These Days performing Thursday, July 12 (at Bud Light Stage), My My My  performing Friday, July 13 (at Bud Light Stage) and The Waco Brothers (sings Johnny Cash) & Robbie Fulks (sings Lynyrd Skynyrd) performing Saturday, July 14 (at Bud Light Stage)


July 11:
Project .44 returns to the stage @ Double Door
8p

Paragon & Hoobastank @ River Rockhouse (located in St. Charles, IL)
7p

Ideamen @ Elbo Room
(will be kicking off their two tour schedule to promote upcoming sophomore [untitled] album due out this fall - visit http://www.facebook.com/iloveideamen for more details)

July 13 - 14:
Rock 'n The Valley 2012 @ Pecatonica, IL
http://www.rocknthevalley.com/


July 13:
Produce, a multi arts experience in four parts returns @ Fasseas White Box Theatre (located inside The Drucker Center)
every Friday until August 3rd / 8p
Friday the 13: the Party @ Cigars & Stripes (located in Berwyn, IL)

As Built Presents: Reuben Bettsak's event - Tiger Mountain with Infinite Jeff, Future Carnivores, Young Adults and more @ Radio (Somerville, MA)

We Killed The Lion @ Elbo Room


July 14:
Cirque De La Femme presents - Peep show / Freak show @ Lincoln Tap Room
10p

Back to the Grave @ Darkroom
(all goth/deathrock/postpunk party hosted by DJ Scarylady Sarah)

Aryk Crowder with S. Joel Norman @ Underground Wonder Bar
8p / $10

Nate Z @ Metrospace (Lansing, MI)
ALL AGES / $5


July 15:
The Frantic @ Fitz's Spare Keys
6p


July 18:
Hammers of Misfortune with Gates of Slumber @ Reggie's Rock Club
8p / 17+ / $16 adv / $18 door


July 19:
Shoeshine Boy Productions Present - Mason's Case, Soulfix, Polarcode, Andrew Fraker & Sons @ Double Door
8p / $5 (w/flier) / $8


July 20 - 22:
Peace Fest Campout @ Hide-A-Way Lakes Campground


July 20:
The Unknown Pleasures @ Grace Street Tap
10p


July 21:
Do It Local Music Fest @ Capitol Night Club (4244 N. Milwaukee)


July 22:
Waynestock 2012 @ Parrish Drive Firehouse (Wayne, NJ)


July 25:
Mutiny on the HMS Bone @ The Mutiny
8:30p


July 27:
Adam & Stubhy Story Tellers Acoustic Show (a LBC event) @ Fitz's Spare Keys
7:30p


July 28:
Chicago featuring Doobie Brothers @ Charter One Pavilion (as of  a 25 Date Coast to Coast Summer Tour)

MOBCORE - Delta 9, 8cylinder, Sir Vixx, Common Dominator, CCDM, Idiom and Tooth_Eye @ Underground Lounge
8p


July 29:
Trash_Audio: Synth Event 12 @ Empty Bottle

Nonpoint @ Mojoes

Wicker Park Fest Down at Akasha Presents Simmer Down Sunday with resident DJs The Grad of Illumanti Congo, Rad Brian of Impala's Sound and movies by Odd Obsession @ Double Door
FREE / 10p


Also ...starting July 9, The Shams Band will begin their July residency at Schuba's celebrating the release of their sophomore album - Cold City! Each Monday, they will feature opening acts like Derek Nelson & the Musicians (July 16) and Archie Powell & The Exports with Young Hines (July 30). For more details and show lineup schedules, visit http://www.theshamsband.com/.


Until next time, support your local scene,
SouthSide

19 Mar 12

Well, blogspot readers, all good times must come to a rockin' end (for now). And it did on Monday night when SouthSide's St. Paddy's day weekend concluded at Double Door. There, she attended an extra special rock show (featuring live video streaming for the online audience) that included quirky tunes amidst a catchy pop/rock sound by The Family Dynamic and a whacky mix of off Broadway stage theatric/vaudeville like feel within a lively whimsical pop sound by Elvis Bride. This reviewer highly suggests checking out the instrumental guitarist extraordinaire Rob Scallon for his amazing display of intricate fingerwork amidst the selection of passionately intense strummed compositions. During his set, Rob electrified the stage with such emotional depth and fierce tone that SouthSide felt the music come to life under a soulful, breathtaking sound while being mesmerized by the soothing tempo. Within this artist's fingerwork intensity (especially along the guitar neck), one could hear the beautiful lyrics sung whenever he combined the intricate melodies and rhythms to harmonize as one voice. Visit Rob Scallon's Facebook page - Rob ScallonMusic - for more information and music.



Rob along with The Family Dynamic and Elvis Bride were the opening acts for headlining band, French Wives (from Glasgow, Scotland) who recently made an appearance at SXSW 2012 in Austin, TX. The Scots conquered the Double Door and its audience with a vibrant pop/rock sound that featured energizing momentum (especially the violin when used as a guitar), catchy hooks and dynamic vocal falsettos. This reviewer thoroughly enjoyed the way French's music instantly sprung to life from its distinct intense yet dramatic presence during any song's intro (for example listen to Numbers) in which the sound grabbed your immediate attention. Plus, if listen closely, blogspot readers, you might here the lively Scottish folk rhythms intricately woven around the band's rock base sound. This truly helped sparked the lively feel to the tempo within French's catchy hooks even while in a downtempo groove which wonderfully immersed the ears to their blended pop/rock tone. The combination help spotlight the dynamic vocal falsettos as heard in the opening song The Second when he sololy led the song full of raw heartfelt emotions before the rest of the band gradually joined in. SouthSide's heart was racing from the soft crescendo rise then - POW - a sudden vibrant burst that upped the tempo and sound into something poppy. It was the same explosive burst of emotions and energy felt during Numbers when his voice and music combined was definitely intense but not so much to lose their lively pop sound. This reviewer also suggests listening to the beautfiul acapella trio of harmonizing voices that lit up the stage when performing their hit song (sorry SouthSide missed the name of the title) and Sleep Tight before closing their Chicago debut with Younger (check out it on You Tube). French Wives will be releasing a new EP Dream of the Inbetween in May but in the meantime visit them at http://www.myspace.com/thefrenchwives or http://www.facebook.com/frenchwives for more information and music.




Until next time, support your local scene,
SouthSide

30 Jun 12

Hey, blogspot readers, it's a double shot weekend! That's right, this busy reviewer will be doing "back to back" shows at Wicker Park's hip rock venue - Double Door. There she will be checking out the latest NoVo Arts Inc bands rockin' the stage on Saturday and Sunday nights. Tonight, it was cosmic wizardry off a mellotron amidst a groovilicious burst of classic psychedelic rock and gritty Southern Blues rock from west of the Mississippi River entertaining the audience at this FREE show. SouthSide highly recommends rockin' your ears (as well as attending their next performances) to Chicago's The Luck of Eden Hall and Salt Lake City's Max Pain and The Groovies!



Far out, blogspot readers! Let's glide on this groovy wave trip of psychedelia that will blow your mind away. Get hypnotized by the spinning wheel on stage while immersing the ears into the intense guitar riffs, mellotron floetry and lyrical poetry all co-mingling nicely within a vibrant yet at times peaceful harmonies. Immediately, SouthSide felt like a flower power child trippin' on daisy chains and love as she was being internally connected with Luck's central songwriting themes wonderfully laced inside their lyrics. She enjoyed the flowery prose that sparked image-filled words (ie she suggests listening to Jupiter and Queen Anne's Lace). However, there's a modern twist to this band's throwback psychedelic groove, blogspot readers. The band's music does contain a strong but electrifying rock background for you to band your head to.



Still when the mellotron takes center stage on the melodic harmonies to balance out the raw edginess - watch out! That's when you will totally feel the groovilicious pyschedelic rhythms and floetry all at once. Toss in Double Door's far out lighting fx and you instantly felt you're part of the hip scene from the late 60s/early 70s, blogspot readers. There's even a cowbell (gotta love the cowbell sound in any song) to add some organic percussion rhythm. It was one wild space trip! This reviewer, in all honesty, had never experienced a show like this in a long time ...not even expecting Luck to rock the stage like they did after previewing their music online. She suggests tasting the waters with Chrysalide before Using All The Colors to make A Drop In The Ocean and then ending with Luck's Velvet and Corduroy. You can find Luck of Eden Hall on Facebook and Reverbnation, blogspot readers.


Crashing hard from her psychedelic ride on Luck of Eden Hall's mothership, this reviewer soon found herself groovin' again but this time to the gritty guitar riffs of Utah's version of Southern Blues rock by Max Pain and The Groovies. Currently on tour - partying their way across America (you should have heard about their wild night in Iowa City, IA), this traveling band of rockers burst onto the Double Door stage with an explosive bang of rock and gyrating dance moves which immediately caught the audience's attention. They're definitely a wild bunch from the westside of the mighty Mississippi (River) igniting the ears (and souls) with such music fury and dazzling delights that front man Max broke his tambourine to pieces! And believe it or not, this was the band's first visit to the Windy City yet you wouldn't have known it by the way they were performing, blogspot readers. They wasted no time in getting down to the business of rockin' out Chicago under an electrifying high energy sound and momentum off three guitars for that gritty stamina amidst thunderous percussion rhythms.



Also this reviewer enjoyed Max's raw falsetto which added a touch of that rusty Blues vocal tone to each of The Groovies' songs. It was a powerful combination felt as well as heard in tunes like Raw Dog, Put Away and Off The Wall. Even  while taking the infectious energy down a notch to focus on his vocal style, there was still enough fire and grit to keep things rather hot and steamy ...and SouthSide isn't talking about the rising humidity and temperature happening outside either, blogspot readers. Max and the band certainly created their own heat to have this reviewer drenched within their rockin' hotness for this particular quick song. Watching Max literally melt the microphone with not only his voice but also his charimatic charm and stage presence was enough to set off the sprinklers inside the venue. Hot twitterpating riffs to seduce any modest virgin's soul to the gritty sound of southern rock that will set ablaze your head banging ways - this band from Utah is the one to see this summer. *fans self* Whoa ...that was a hot set! Look for Max Pain and The Groovies on Facebook, blogspot readers.


Until next time, support your local scene,
SouthSide

23 Mar 13

"...this is just a phase ...I can quit whenever I want..." ~ Pop Radio 101 by Camera

Hey, blogspot readers, spring break has finally arrived without the spring weather here in Chicago. However that didn't stop SouthSide from spending it at Double Door to see an old friend rock the stage there. It was Camera's The Panic and The Permanence (a follow up to the band's 2008 album Fire & Science) LP release show which also featured performances by Audiences, Cassettes On Tape and Golden State (Los Angeles, CA) to assist in the celebration. SouthSide highly recommends checking out all bands mentioned in this review.

 

Though missing Audiences' (http://www.audiencesmusic.com) opening act, this reviewer did arrive in time to groove within the electro powerpop swing of things by Cassettes On Tape (http://www.cassettesontape.com). This local band provided a dreamy yet energerized momentum as the quartet of musicians rocked the ears with an Echo and the Bunnymen sound, blogspot readers, if you had to compare the band's core music style. Not that this reviewer is frowning on the comparison ...she did like the danceable tempo and pop fee within that shoegaze vibe though having her see front man Joe (also on guitars) as Echo's stand-in during most of the set. She instantly fell in love with his deep falsetto vocal tone that popped the lyrics to life with such heartfelt tone and emotions. There's plenty of electro energy to keep you feeling that urge to dance along with the band even while in a slight downtempo rhythm.

 

Next from the warm sunny shores of California, this band brought more than just the bright lights of his rockin' city to the stage. Golden State (http://www.iamgoldenstate.com) also brought to its Chicago audience lots of thunderous energy and electric guitar riffs that had the stage ablaze under such intense fervor, blogspot readers, but not only that  there was some (rock) sexual tension emulating from this band's sound too. This reviewer enjoyed how the music especially during the instrumental was performed quite emotionally as well as passionately to which helped highlight front man/guitarist James' fierce vocal tone on the lyrics in songs like All Roads Lead Home, Save Me and Bombs. Plus it did help to have Double Door lighting working in sync with the band to capture the intensity of Golden State's rock music adding plenty of excitement and energy for the audience rockin' in front of the stage. For example, during one particular song, this reviewer relished in feeling the sensation of the band's pent up electric momentum gradually rise on a steady crescendo that had the blood boiling with anticipation amidst the percussion's rhythm. Too hot to the touch despite the following song afterward having a downtempo energy and momentum but it was not to overshadow James' heartfelt vocal tone, blogspot readers. 

 

Finally the moment had arrived to hear the live version of Camera's (http://www.cameraband.com) new LP, The Panic and the Permanence with a few oldies tossed in their headlining performance, blogspot readers. This local band have what they dub their music as "pop noir" though they do wonderfully pay homage to a few 80s bands like "..Oingo Boingo, David Byrne..." (according to Owl Mag in its review of the new album), and Talking Heads that's heard within core music. It doesn't have a campy 80s sound, mind you yet Camera plays around with it while meshing a different genres here and there within their songs. You might feel a pseudo Latin/sumba electroswing rhythm (track 1 - Grazed By Bullets) going one minute then at the next you're getting a saracastic lesson within a funky electro/powerpop beat (track - 2 Pop Radio 101) or you might find yourself dancing to the fun pop sound (track 6 -The Negotiator).  Though most of the songs on this new album aren't technically "new", blogspot readers, it was great to mix with them a couple of new ones like A Place I Know and Heir Apparent. SouthSide's test audience recently did a test run of Camera's album and found the electro music enjoyable like the previous one - Fire & Science. They had like track 2 (Pop Radio 101) and track 8 (On A Night Like This) for both songs' tongue and cheek sarcasm especially in track 8 in which the lyrics jokinly state "...you're a girl ...so what do you know..." Tracks 4 (Nuclear) and 5 (Debris) are perfect in the order they're placed on this album because you get a somewhat contrasting sound by the band within a sort of "doom and gloom" feeling.  During their Double Door show, Camera did perform three cool oldies (and reviewer favorites) like Wicked Games, One Neo Eon and London Fields.

 

 

Until next time, support your local scene,

SouthSide

27 Oct 12

Good evening, ghostly ghouls and goblins, it's that festive time of the year again! And this fashionably costumed reviewer doesn't mean that jolly guy in a red suit either. nope, creatures of the night, it was time to celebrate with a frosty mug of your favorite witch's brew at the 16th Annual Halloween Bash. Held at Double Door, local bands like Panther Style, Hessler and AM Taxi got decked out in their costumes performing as legendary rock bands such as The Cult, Iron Maiden and The Replacements in which fans heard classic hits and B sides. Yet, it wasn't just the bands and fans dressing for the holiday spirit, some of the Double Door staff were in their finest attire including an Alice Cooper-looking DJ spinning tunes to get the growing crowd in the mood for tonight's show. Creativity was the word of the night as many fans went above and beyond this year. SouthSide noted many pirates in the audience as well as an "Audrey Hepburn" from Breakfast In Tiffany's with her "Johnny Depp" Fear and Loathing In Las Vegas escorting her to a "Mitt Romney" and Mad Hatters with a few Alices. The one costume that stole the entire show was person who dressed as Satan. He stood towering over people (due to stilts) with his staff and fierce red makeup paint. There were some notable "dead" rock stars at the Double Door too like Jerry Garcia and Amy Winehouse. Now, on with the show...

"...we're The Cult and you better like it..."

Kicking off this Halloween Bash was The Cult (aka local rockers Panther Style) in which they destroyed the stage with thundering excitement and heart-pounding electric classic punk riffs especially during the second song, Fire Woman. This reviewer enjoyed how Panther brought some kick-arse sound to the venue coupled nicely with twitterpating riffs that some heads banging to the beat. Other songs performed wereWild Flower, Lil Devil and Love Removal, The Cult's hit. Meanwhile, dressed in matching red jackets, Beck (aka The Sweeps) made a rare appearance on the Double Door stage, blogspot readers, performing their selection of hits which included Where It's At, Gamma Ray and Loser. Also the band brought the crowd back to its 2001 days during the performance of Golden Age yet it was the song Loser in which the crowd truly came to life when singing along with the band. Rockin' the stage next was Social Distortion (aka Blackbox) and the band's lead singer did a kind gesture by passing out roses to a few lucky ladies near and around the stage before kicking off the set with Mommy's Little Monster. "...Just trying to see if the all of the kittens are noticing me..." quipped the singer in between songs that featured a punk verion of Rolling Stones' Under My Thumb and a spirited version of Johnny Cash's Ring of Fire besides others like I Was Wrong and Story of My Life.

Halfway through this rockin' Halloween party, blogspot readers ...and oh look, it's Tom Petty (aka Ryan Powers) with his Heartbreakers appearing on stage! Immediately this crowd took to the task of singing along with Tom and his band to hit tunes like Refugee, Runnin' Down  A Dream, Won't Back Down and Last Dance With Mary Jane. You could really hear people singing during Free Fallin' and American Girl which closed out the set. Following after Tom Petty was the heavy metal gods, Iron Maiden (aka Hessler)! Though needing more umph in the vocals to really the crowd into the headbanging zone, this performance was truly for the Maiden fans in attendance, blogspot readers, not for SouthSide.  She felt there was something missing from the performance even though there was energy generated from the epic songs, screaming metal riffs and thundering rhythms to delight any metalhead. Featuring songs like Run To The Hills and Number of the Beast, Maiden did thrill the crowd with the appearance of the Iron Maiden  to close out the set. Next to appear on stage, The Replacements (aka AM Taxi) rocked the stage with their hits like Alex Chilton and Unsatisfied as well as their no nonsense approach to the set. For this particular Chicago appearance, the band performed straight through without breaking between songs which this reviewer can only suppose they didn't want to lose the crowd's momentum and energy especially during this late hour. And closing out this festive party was "...I'm Billy fuckin' Idol..."! Yes, blogspot readers, that bad boy from the UK, Billy Idol (aka The Last Vegas) made another rare Chicago appearance to perform his hits like Dancing With Myself, Cradle of Love and White Wedding. There was a lot of fist pumping excitement ...and what's a Canadian flag doing here? Who knows. The late night crowd really came to life during Billy's rock anthemy song - Rebel Yell as they rocked, danced and sang along with him.
*whew*

What a night, blogspot readers!

Until next time, support your local scene,
SouthSide

27 May 12

*SouthSide sincerely apologizes for the delay in posting this review*


Hey, blogspot readers, SouthSide's spending part of her holiday weekend resting ...as well as rockin'. She attended part 2 of this special doubleheader concert at Wicker Park's hippest rock venue - Double Door featuring local favorite Poi Dog Pondering. Though hot and steamy outside, there was a cool atmosphere for fans packed inside to enjoy the smooth flow of soulful vibrations provided by friend DJRC. His DJ set got the party off on a good note with his mix of retro and classsic as well as neo-soul collection of R&B/Funk and more. Just what this crowd needed to warm up for Poi Dog tonight.

After being thoroughly prepped for tonight's main event, WXRT welcomed the crowd of excited Poi Dog fans to the show which the band was met with a rousing show of cheers and whistles. These fans certainly loved their Poi Dog music and songs based on the type of different reactions witnessed by SouthSide while observing them throughout the concert. Some were reliving many happy romantic fun times ...others following this band since day 1 as they sang along to each and every song. For many years, Poi Dog Pondering has rocked and grooved their beloved fans to their eclectic vibrations of a unique blend of genres that include Acoustic/Americana/Folk/R&B/Soul/Funk/Electronic/Disco and the list could go on and on, blogspot readers. And it was this type of sound along with lively, upbeat tempos and dynamic vocals (by Frank Orrall and Charlotte Wortham) that constantly kept many swaying, dancing, and etc to the rhythmic beat. Believe it or not, there wasn't a single moment during this near two hour (or so) party in which this crowd was motionless. Each song performed whether it was Space Dust, Living With The Dreaming Body or Be The One, Poi Dog fans were groovin' to the luscious vibes flowin' all around them. A few times the Poi Dog music was quite infectious that the entire venue was alive with happy people compared to the times where fans simply swayed to their selected favorite Poi songs. Yet ...actually every song was a favorite song.

Besides rockin' fans with vibrant yet explosively dynamic music and sound from their original songs, Poi Dog Pondering is also known for their cover renditions, blogspot readers. Check out their hot rockin' version of Stevie Wonder's Signed, Sealed, Delivered (I'm Yours) featuring exuberant bursts of excitement and energy. Yet that wasn't the ONLY thing popping the roof off this venue with such momentumous life. There was also the soulfully hot dynamic voice (by Charlotte) excitedly singing the lyrics that drove many loyal fanatics wild. This band totally owned this classic R&B song as well as the sultry version of Marvin Gaye's Let's Get It On. *fans self* It was about to get all sexed up with sensual heat inside Double Door, blogspot readers, due to the very very male falsetto vocals (by Kornell Hargrove) igniting the sizzling flames throughout the venue. He totally made this cover too hot to handle for SouthSide while Poi Dog upped the contemporary funk sound within the R&B groove which gave it a smooth tempo and rhythmic beat for everyone to "get it on". That right there, blogspot readers, was one memorable cover rendition this reviewer has ever witnessed. In between the covers, Poi Dog rocked out the venue with a mix of classic and new songs featuring a hot disco setting (lights off and the Double Door's disco ball glowing) as well as heartfelt downtempo moments that brought out the dynamic powress of Frank's vocals.

Now, this reviewer would like to share every tiny detail of this hot show with you, blogspot readers, however she feels it wouldn't be fair. How can she properly capture the intense emotions expressed on each fan's face when hearing that favorire Poi Dog song ...remember that romantic time when first hearing it ...or how this orchestral band jumped and jived on stage with the very little room they had. It was an amazing night of music happening here. And not to take away your own personal experience, SouthSide highly suggests attending Poi's next show to experience and create your own memories with this legendary band ...be prepared to party all night long too.

For more information about Poi Dog Pondering, visit http://www.www.platetectonicmusic.com.


Until next time, support your local scene,
SouthSide

April 2012

Hey, blogspot readers, don't let rainy showers stop your from rockin' this April calendar full of events, tours and shows happening around Chicago and elsewhere. All shows/events listed are automatically presumed 21 and older unless duly noted.

April 1st - Listen to friend Sid Yiddish on WGN AM radio between 7a - 7:30a or online at http://www.wgnradio.com.
Check out this video - Trailer for Sid Yiddish doc
http://vimeo.com/39018543

SouthSide officially starts the month at Red Line Tap to celebrate with friend WhiteWolfSonicPrincess at their 10 + 1 CD release party! The fun begins early at 4p. FREE

Then head to Double Door with SouthSide for April Fool's Day Fan Appreciation Show! For a small cover fee of $1, you can check out friends The Walking Shadows, Veritae, and Paragon along with The Persistence Memory, Still Searching and The Chinese Professionals rockin' the stage.

Everyone's A DJ featuring Anthony Cozzi (of Radar Eye) rocks Empty Bottle. FREE

Turqoise Jeep and The Rectar Crew will be at Reggie's Rock Club. 8p


April 2nd @ Martyrs', Vic's Drum Shop hosts Virgil Donati Drum Clinic. All Ages / 6p / tickets are $12 - http://www.vicsdrumshop.com
.
@ Bottom Lounge - Kid Savant rocks the stage. 8p

@ Hard Rock Cafe - singer/songwriter showcase featuring SouthSide's friend Matthew Alfano (of Mason's Case). $5 / All Ages

@ Uncommon Ground (Devon location) Geri X and Leslie Hunt will be performing there. 8p


April 3rd @ Reggie's Rock Club - friend Cyanotic rocks the stage opening for Faderhead.

@ Metro - Ting Tings return to Chicago to perform


April 6 @ Reggie's Rock Club - friend Ovrevolt will be rockin' the stage with new material at a late show with one of the most ferocious pioneers of industrial metal comes back to Chicago - BILE! 10p

@ Bottom Lounge - Live Salsa World Series featuring Angel Melendez. 8p

@ Elbo Room - Beneath The Stares will be headlining the lineup that will feature Labirinto (from Brazil) opening.

@ Club 38 (243 W. Roosevelt RD, West Chicago) - it's Kriz's Hollywood Sendoff /EP release party! Help SouthSide's friend get a good start on the road to Whiskey A Go Go where he'll be performing on April 21st!


April 7th @ Double Door - it's Spaghetti Wrestling and Chicago Outfit Fundraiser! The Chicago Outfit Roller Derby team will be hosting this event to raise money for their opening season as well as collecting non-perishable (canned) food for Chicago Food Bank. doors 9p / $7 ($5 with food donation)

@ Elbo Room - friend 20 Mark Helga rocks the stage along with The Unemployed Architects, The Heroic Charade and Brother Nature.

@ Goose Island - The Banana Convention with The Ewing Theory, Audio Content, and Adrian Krygowski will be performing.

@ Underground Lounge - Thunderunderus performs with Lords of the Trident.

@ Empty Bottle - Mannequin Men will be sharing the stage with Outer Minds and Summer Girlfriends featuring DJs Tood Hozac and Sriracha. 10p / $8 (FREE with RSVP)

@ Bobby McGees - friend Pipedream rocks the stage.

@ The House Cafe - friend Old Shoe with Bonzo Terks and Sneaky Gene will be performing.

@ Club 3160 (3160 N. Clark) friend Jesse Charbonier will be making his northside debut with two solid shows celebrating Billie Holiday's birthday and her legendary music. RSVP 1-773-327-59-69 or http://www.3160chicago.com.


April 8th @ Mellow Yellow restaurant (Hyde Park) enjoy a special Jazzy Easter brunch with Jesse Charbonier.


April 10th @ Double Door - Raspuntina and Daniel Knox will be rockin' the stage. $15 adv / $17 dos

@ Mojoes (of Joliet) friend A.D.D. will be rockin' the stage.


April 12th @ Smart Bar - Wolfpack presents April Showcase featuring Silkie (live) and debut of Space Race aka Nameloc, Zebo Bandit and more. $5

@ Ultra Lounge - We Killed The Lion (read their debut review from March 16th at Elbo Room) featuring The Blind Pets (from Austin, TX) and The Mantras (from Greensborough, NC) will be sharing the stage.


April 13th @ The Rave - friend Losing Scarlet shares the stage with Shinedown and Adelitas Way. All Ages show

@ Canoe Club Lakeside Grill (Summit, Mo) friend Oakhurst will be there performing live.

@ The Q - friend Once A Pawn along with Pharmacy Spirits featuring Lil P and Sharen Cox will be performing on stage.

@ Schubas - friend Mr. Gnome (Ohio) returns to Chicago.

@ Metro - friend Trampled By Turtles (MN) returns to Chicago featuring These United States in the lineup.

@ Neo - it's Amnesia - Remember party

@ House of Blues (Chicago) - How Far To Austin will be rockin' the stage.

@ Shark City (Glendale Heights) it's the Battle of the Effin Rock Semi-Finals! Cheer on friends The Steep Chops and Illusions Fate as they battle each other and Negative One for the spot in the Finals.


April 14 @ Metro - friend Adora has their CD release show.

@ Empty Bottle - it's the Windy Soul Club. Chicago's rare soul dance party. $5 / 10p

@ SubT (Subterranean) - Artist Growth Presents "Celebrate The City" featuring Secret Colors, Go Long Mule, Red Tail Ring and Deserters.

@ The Burgundy Room (215 E. Washington ST, Waukegan) friend Thunder Driver will be sharing the stage with Felony 4 and Luciferum.

@ Reggie's Rock Club - come to Gearbox Fantastique II with SouthSide and see some amazing, death-defying feats and villainy by friend V Is For Villains!

@ Abbey Pub - Kid A returns to the stage!

@ Founders Brewing Company Tap Room - friend Furious Frank will be sharing the stage with Poor Ol' Jim and Northern Skies.


April 15th @ Elbo Room - check out SouthSide's friend from UK Capelle as they share the stage with Maris Maeve and Thick Leather Brick.


April 17th @ Double Door - your last chance to see friend from UK Capelle rockin' the stage with Cheer Up Moon Cat at this $1 show.

@ Mojoes - friend Blood On The Dance Floor will be entertaining their legion of fans at this All Ages show along with Broken Clyde and Deuce.


April 18th @ Double Door - friend Bambi Raptor with Chains of Love will be rockin' the stage.


April 20 @ Elbo Room - friend On Your Marx will be rockin' the stage with Empire Lines.

@ Goose Island - sing Cherry Cherry and Sweet Caroline with friend Neil Diamond Philips as they return to the stage with Visionaire.

@ Bottom Lounge - it's the monthly meeting of Nocturna with a special band performance at midnight featuring friend DJ Scary Lady Sarah!

@ Double Door - Soul Summit presents FREE dance party with Soul Summit DJs and special guests.

@ Joe's Bar on Weed ST (940 W. Weed ST, Chicago) friend The Steel Chops will be opening for Country rocker John Eddie.


April 21st - Besides it being SouthSide's birthday, it's also Record Store Day! Visit and support your local record store today.

@ Elbo Room - friend Luring Thieves headlines this lineup featuring Cobra Lanche, Thieves & Rivals and Fox Deluxe.

@ Old Town School of Music - CHIRP Radio presents Ami Saraiya and The Outcome.

@ Mojoes (of Joliet) - friend Skinwalker opens for Sepultura at this All Ages show.

@ Cubby Bear (Wrigleyville) - friend Bootsy Collins will be brinin' the funk, y'all.

@ Cubby Bear (Lincolnshire) - friend Losing Scarlet will be performing with Cold Steel (NE) and Arcane Framework.

@ Old Settler's Music Fest (Driftwood, TX) - friend Gaelic Storm will be performing new material from upcoming album Chicken Boxer (due out July 31).

@ Whiskey A Go Go - check out friend Kriz performing at this legendary venue.


April 22nd @ Empty Bottle - it's Books, Booze and Brunch (not necessarily in that particular order).

@ Ace Bar - friend Kelsey Montanez along with Adam Faucett, K. Serra and Thee M.T.'s will be be performing.


April 25th @ Double Door - friend Mos Scocious will be sharing the stage with Maitri, Deep Fayed and Fadrbooste (headliner).


April 27th @ Glencoe Union Church - attend an evening of classical guitar featuring the works by such composers Bach, Debussy, Mertz and more performed by friend Ben McMunn, Jesse Langen, Ron Stark and others. The event is FREE but donations to help benefit the People's School will be accepted.


April 28th @ The Viper Room - check out friend 28 North performing on stage there.

@ The Mutiny - it's Chicago's Punk Night featuring Dick Finger and The Larroquettes at this FREE show.

@ Reggie's Rock Club (late show) Last Rites present Earthen Grave with violinist Rachel Barton Pine on stage along with Question of Madness and Deep Space Riot at this 17+ show. http://www.ticketfly.com/events/105883


April 29th @ Soldier's Field - SouthSide will be participating with many others at the American Cancer Society's Walk and Roll raising funds to fight all kinds of cancer. Will be posting more information soon on how to support her and/or donate to this cause.

@ Dirtroom (located inside Double Door) - Akasha presents Simmer Down Sunday with DJs The Graduate of Illuminati , Rad Brian of Impala Sound and special guests TBA at this FREE show.


April 30th @ Elbo Room - I AM Fest Battle of the Bands begin!


Also happening this month:

Every Wednesday at Elbo Room, it's The Local Music Showcase - Free admission

Damaged Thursdays rock Ultra Lounge on April 12th featuring Matt Szlachta (of Chimera) and Tom Richmond (of In The Weeds) and on April 19th featuring DJ Erik and Bobby Miller (of Black Actress). RSVP at http://www.do312.com for no cover

Intelligence Squared US Debates will be posing the question - "WHEN IT COMES TO POLITICS, THE INTERNET IS CLOSING OUR MINDS" on April 17th. FOR - ELI PARISER
Author of The Filter Bubble & MoveOn.org Board President and JOSEPH TUROW
Professor of Communication, Annenberg School, University of Pennsylvania. AGAINST - JACOB WEISBERG Chairman & Editor-in-Chief, The Slate Group and EVGENY MOROZOV
Internet Scholar and Author, The Net Delusion. TICKETS ARE $40($12 for students) and can be purchased online at http://www.iq2us.org.

The Claudettes will be making rounds this month:

April 5 @ Founders Brewing Company (Grand Rapids, MI)

April 6 @ Papa Pete's (Kalamazoo, MI) with The History Channel House Band

April 7 @ Inside Out Gallery (Traverse City, MI)

April 19 @ The House Cafe (DeKalb, IL) with The Mutts

April 20 @ The Livery (Benton Harbor, MI) with Chuck Jagers

April 21 @ Flint Local 432 (early ALL AGES show) and Churchhill's (late show) with DJ Michael A.

April 26 @ Cowboy Monkey (Champaign, IL) with Temple of Low Men and Cameron McGill

April 27 @ Black Sparrow (Lafayette, IN)

April 28 @ Plurals (310 E. North ST, Lansing, MI) party and show with Hat Madder

friend Great Barrier Reefs will be performing on April 5th at Honest Pint (Chattanooga, TN) and on April 8th at Huey's Midtown (Memphis, TN).

friend VOA (Voice of Addiction) will be rockin' the Pickups Bar (Lynwood, IL) with The Royal Sons of a Guns and The Ruiners on April 20th and on April 28th will be performing in Sheldon, IL with Mitress and The Haunts.

UPDATE:
Friend Phantom Tails will be touring this spring too!

April 6 @ Frank's Power Plant Milwaukee, WI

April 7 @ Crown Tap Room (Logan's Square) Chicago, IL W/ Los Vigilantes

April 10 @ Silk City Philadelphia, PA

April 11 @ XPO 929 Broadway Brooklyn, NY

April 12 @ Trash bar, Brooklyn, NY

April 13 @ Springfest WSBF Tiger Park Clemson, SC

April 14 @ Flatiron Greensboro, NC w/Fort Wilson Riot

April 17 @ Melody Inn, Indianapolis, IN

April 21 @ Kitty Kat Club - MPLS, MN w/ Dial-up, Buffalo Moon, Slapping Purses


Until next time, support your local scene,
SouthSide

May 2013

Hey, blogspot readers, April showers gives way to May flowers for your mommy on  Mother's Day or rowdy Cinco de Mayo fun before remembering the fallen on Memorial Day. It's also the height of springtime fun before a summer-long vacation of festivals!

Please note that all shows mentioned are 21+ unless duly noted.

May 1:

City Front Plaza – join the May Day Anti-Capitalist Demonstration

10a

Viper Alley – it’s Saving Abel rockin’ the stage there.

Venue One (8:30p) – attend the Free Macallan Scotch Tasting. You’re asked to select a date and time that fits your schedule to attend the tasting on May 1 or May 3 (start time at 7:45p). Your arrival is requested at the appointed time you chose.

Burlington Bar – check out Spaces of Disappearance with Belmont & Clark

MID – React presents a new event – Body Language which will be focusing on the underground dance music scene (i.e. something like a cross between Smartbar’s Machina and Nocturna) inside the luxurious Century Room (located upstairs at the MID) featuring rising UK producer and DJ Duke Dumont

FREE / rsvp at http://www.clubtix.com

Smartbar - it's Machina as DJ Scary Lady Sarah spins the best of the 80s and 90s from alternative to goth, industrial, new wave and punk

May 2:

Riviera Theatre – check out Nashville’s Drew Holcomb and The Neighbors rockin’ the stage here

Elbo Room – Shoeshine Boy Productions present Matthew Alfano of Mason’s Case performing an acoustic set. Expect new songs and special guests during this performance.

Crocodile Lounge (basement) – WeOut Here presents Dirty Drugs rockin’ the stage

Harte’s Saloon (Evergreen Park, IL) – Digeometric performs their monthly residency show

Hard Rock Café – rock with Four Star Brass Band

Smartbar - James Blake's DJ set ...they advise snagging your tickets now before it sells out
***Sorry - the Metro show has sold out***

Primary - React presents the rising UK duo - Gorgon City at their first appearance in Chicago also featuring DJ Sushi, Plus Plus, and Equator Club
Grab your tickest now at http://www.clubtix.com

evilOlive - it's Zombies vs Skeletons "Death to Pretty Ricky" with special guests Ghosthouse DJset (Deep V CD release), Gunplay and Stella

May 3:

House of Blues (Chicago) – How Far To Austin returns to the stage after a 9 month hiatus supporting Mathien during their record release along with Jackpot Donnie and special appearances to be announced.

17+ / $15adv

The Loft – check out Mason’s Case with Framing Hanley, The Chuck Schaffer Picture Show and Life Remaining

AA

Engelmann Cellars (Fresno, CA) – attend a Friday night wine tasting featuring Joe Taylor who’s opening for the duo Whiskey Row. Don’t forget to bring your own chair and/or blanket ...or reserve a table for only $50.

Attendees are allowed to bring their own snacks and non-alchoholic beverages but no outside alcohol is allowed.

ALL IDs, ice chests, and bags will be checked.

For more information http://www.engelmancellars.com

27 Live (Evanston, IL) – punk rock fans check out this venue punk rock night every 1^stFriday – the lineup will feature Death and Memphis, Voice of Addiction and The Shallow Hearts

Tonic Lounge Portland (Portland, OR) – rock with Die Robot, Cleansweep7 and We Are Brothers

Ace Bar – attend Elle Casazza’s album release show. For tix – http://www.tktwb.tw/13dahqr

Ultra Lounge – attend the Poetry and Absinthe show

Beat Kitchen - Hemmingbirds will open for Tenki at their record release show along with Dirty Pigeons
get tickets via Do312

Oberlin Spring FolkFest at The Cat in the Cream Coffeehouse (Oberlin, OH) - check out Lake Street Dive as they begin their May tour
for more tour information, visit http://www.lakestreetdive.com

Cobra Lounge - NSP Live and Unholy Empire present Dope Stars Inc (Rome, Italy), The Rabid Whole (Toronto, Canada), The Obscene Kiss, Lockjaw and Illusion Fate with special guest burlesque performance by Lady Lenux and grinding by Fahrenheit 666. it's going to a hot one!
$10

Bird's Nest - rock the room with BDB, The Shivaos and Josh Mezyk

Timewarp Music (Los Angeles, CA) - check out Wasteful Consumption, Patterns Khrome 2013 Official tour stop

Hideout - The Claudettes will be setting up shop (to pay their rent) along with The Cell Phones and The Embraceables.

May 4:

FREE Comic Book Day

Ultra Lounge – it’s the Brickwall Vultures’ record release show featuring The JetBirds

Mutiny – Creeping Chicago will be presenting They Live (MN), Control, Claw Toe and The Nix rockin’ the stage

Institute for Cultural Affairs (4750 N. Sheridan, Chicago) – attend this event that will feature James Tracy (co-author of Hillbilly Nationalists, Urban Race Rebels and Black Power: Community Organizing in Radical Times) in a discussion of 1960s and 70s Uptown radical organization and activists. What can the legacies of Peggy Terry, Jobs or Income Now Community Union, The Young Patriots and others teach us about organizing today?

Donations requested to help support the work of Uptown Uprising but no one is turned away.

Bobby McGees (Chicago Ridge, IL) – TAFOYA’s Lost Boyzz sharing the stage with special guest Rockaholics and Badge

Double Door – rock out with Magatha Trysty, The Mirandas, High Energy Physics, The Bribes and King By Friday

Swing State – May the Force Be With You during Star Wars Day featuring Eylia, Count Rugen, Evil Twin Sister and another band TBA on stage.

7p / $6 ($10 with Hookah) / AA

Elbo Room – check out Matt Ryd Allstars with Cobalt & The Hired Guns, Laura Green, Michael Roth and The Box Berrys

$10

Subterranean – check out Goodbye Good Sense, The Scissors, The Sky We Scrape, Dead On TV and Man Eating Tiger performing live on stage

17+ / $10 adv / $12 dos

Wisconsin Marathon (Kenosha, WI) - it's NEVER too early to polka rock with the Polkaholics
note the time - 7a to 10a

Abbey Pub - Last Rites presents Captured By Robots with I Love Rich, Beast Warrior and Hamburglars!
$10 adv / $12 dos

Quenchers - Phantom Note Productions present The Moses Gun with Native Signal, Ateliers and Ronnie and the Puzzle
$5

Abbey Pub - Bad Bad Meow will be clawing the stage as they open for John Tiger and Snow Ghost

May 5:

JBTV studios - Makeshift Prodigy will be taping an episode with Jerry Bryant and the crew

Mojoe’s – rock out with Central Disorder featuring The Agonist

$10

The Original Mother’s – celebrate Cinco de Mayo with AM Taxi!

FREE / 7p

City Winery – check out The Chris Green Quartet performing on stage here

purchase tickets on Do312

May 8:

Double Door – Polish rock band Riverside supporting new album S.O.N.G.S. featuring Jolly and A Friend Called Fire

$12 adv / $15 dos

SPACE (Evanston, IL) – check out Genevieve from Company of Thieves performing solo with Treehouse

7:30p

Reggie’s Music Joint – starting on this and every Wednesday date afterwards, attend Wax On Wax Off event. RSVP reggies@gmail.comto reserve your slot to play vinyl record(s) from your private collection

Phyllis’ Musical Inn – check out this themed rock show The 12-Step Guide to Being a Badass

Subterranean – attend this show featuring Pool Holograph, Stereospeak, Wad and Magicks

$8

May 9:
Township - check out Alice Russell (UK Electro Soul) celebrating her new album "To Dust" in which the lineup also features Esso Aftojam Funkbeat and DJRC
$10 adv / $15dos

May 10:

The Blue Pig (Cadahy, WI) – rock out with Spyderbone with Habit Of Force and Carbellion

Beat Kitchen – Camera will be rockin’ the stage here

$8
***Sorry, but Camera had to back out of this show, blogspot readers.***

Rendezvu (Batavia, IL) – it’s a FREE show featuring Helium Fuse

Whammy Bar (West Allis, WI) – rock with Bellevue Suite

Papa Pete’s Pizza (Kalamazoo, MI) – enjoy a pie with live music by Fresh Hops and Digeometric

18+ $8 / 21+ $5

Bottom Lounge - rock to some sweetness with Candyland and Gladiator featuring Team Bayside High and Fatboy
17+ / tickets - http://www.clubtix.com

Reggie's Rock Club - Barb Wire Dolls: these Greeks rock da punk music

MID - React Presents and the MID welcome Gold Panda (live) with a special DJ set from RAC for their Mayhem event.
FREE w/rsvp at http://www.clubtix.com

Multi Kulti - The Wishing Well will be performing live

River Rockhouse (St Charles, IL) - Hellwagen and Two Ton Anvil will be ripping it up!

Bottom Lounge - Cole DeGenova will be opening for Australian guitarist Joe Robinson

May 11:

Elbo Room – check out Andy Metz rockin' double duty as he performs with Hero Monster Zero and with his hip hop counterpart Seth Williams of 8090

Double Door – groove with Honey and the 45s, State & Madison (releasing their new album – Tar and Feathers) and The Sweeps

Soldier Field – join other beer enthusiasts while sampling America’s finest beers at the American Beer Classic

For more information, visit http://www.americanbeerclassic.com

Bada Brew – check out Psycho Sister rockin the stage at Bitch Fest 2013

Bottom Lounge – Sound Prism Productions and Nickmo Productions present live music performances by The Coop, The Manhattan Project, Digeometric and Shapes & Colors

$17 adv / $20 dos

Uncommon Lounge (Clark St location) - The Loneliest Monk performs with Ian Cooke (Denver, CO).
Seating is limited - call 773 929 3680 for reservations

Lincoln Square Lanes - polka rock with the Polkaholics along with Ambassadors to Earth
FREE / 9p

May 12:

Music Box Theatre – spend Mother’s Day with your mother (or mother-type figure) watching the screening of Mommie Dearest

May 14:

Double Door – rock out with Elvisbride

May 15:

Reggie’s – rock with Wednesday 13, Vampires Everywhere and Sinister Fate

17+ / $14 adv / $18 dos

Abbey Pub – attend the debut of this rock duo Berto and The Lizard performing together on stage

FREE

May 16 - 19:
Empty Bottle - it's the annual HoZac Blackout Fest! This unique music festival will feature some of the midwest's wildest punk and rock acts like the 1970s Boston KBD Punk legends Unnatural Axe (making their 1st Chicago appearance headlining the Friday night lineup), Mike Rey & Tommy Jay, Pezband, Make-Overs (South Africa), The Sueves - just to name a few
4 Day passes available now!

May 16:

Bottom Lounge – rock your Wednesday night with In Flames, Armored Assault and Born The Remains

AA / $22 / 6:30p showtime

Mutiny - rock your night with Coaster and Rathammer

May 17:

Subterranean – it’s the Mike Mentz CD Release show and party!

Columbia College - Manifest: Urban &Arts Festival featuring live performances by Now Now, Electric Groove and Chance the Rapper on the mainstage.

Penny Road Pub – the “bridge” to London Tour continues featuring In The Flesh (Pink Floyd), Nick Bell’s Hour of (Robin) Trower and Deep Shades of Purple (Deep Purple) tribute bands.

Smartbar – check out Osunlade with Luke Solomon and Julius the Mad Thinker rockin’ this underground dance music venue

Reggie's Music Joint - Mia & the Bear begin their bi-monthly residency during happy hour (5:15p).
FREE

May 18 - 20:
Join others as they march from the Westside of Chicago to the Southside to City Hall in the 3-Day March for Education Justice in Chicago. Take it to the streets! Fight to save our schools ...communities ...make sure your voice is heard!

May 18:

Lincoln Hall – come attend this party as Super Happy Fun Club celebrates its release of their record “All Funned Up” featuring performances by Ryan Powers & the Secret Weapons (also celebrating the release of their “The Goodnight, Goodbye Hour”) and special guests Bury Me Lights

18+ / $10 adv / $12 dos / 9p showtime

Lucky Bar (Victoria, British Columbia) – check out Rococode on stage here

Canopy Club (Urbana, IL) - EGI (Ethereal Groove, Inc) and Digeometic will be rockin' the stage along with Electric Habit
18+ / $5

Quenchers - attend Hospital Garden's record release of "Mover"

May 19:

Double Door – engaged couples check out Wed Local Wicker Park / Bucktown Expo

May 20:

Elbo Room – cheer on Legions of Raum as the band competes in the I AM Fest Battle of the Bands competition

May 23:

Pierce Memorial Chapel (Wheaton College) – the American Liszet Society presents Italian pianist Antonio Pompa-Baldi in recital performing works written and inspired by Liszet

$15 general admission / $10 students & senior citizens / FREE for Chicago/Midwest American Liszet Society members

for tickets – http://www.americanliszetsociety.tix.com or 800-595-4tix (4849)

7:30p

Empty Bottle – all the way from Saigon, Vietnam it’s Bret Newski & The Corruption rockin’ the stage

Liar’s Club – Voice of Addiction, Infected (KY), Blastoff and The Commonwealth will be rockin’ the stage here

May 24 – 26:

Three Sisters Park (Chillicothe, IL) – are you ready to attend Summer Camp Music Festival? This festival will feature 3 days of Moe, Umphrey McGee and Trey as well as performances by Anatasio Band (with 2 full sets), Thievery Corporation, Diplo, Taj Mahal Trio, Maps & Atlasses, North Mississippi Allstars, Cornmeal, Van Ghost, Papadosio, Filligar and many, many more ...also including a Thursday pre-party lineup that will feature Digital Tape Machine.

Over 100 artists on 7 stages ...late night shows ...on site camping, craft vendors, kids camp and musician workshops.

There will be plenty of beer and food too.

For tickets, call 800 514 ETIX or visit http://www.summercampfestival.com

Chicagoland Speedway – glow at Electric Daisy Carnival that will feature and expericence of 5 stages occupied by hundreds of artists and performers, interactive art installations, immersive audio and visual production with other thousands of beautiful fans.

For more information and ticket details, visit http://www.electricdaisycarnival.com

May 25:
Reggie's - rock with this band The Socialists!

May 26:

Double Door – Radio One Chicago presents The Drop featuring The Bright White and special guests TBA

FREE / 8p

May 28:

Burlington Bar – check out Clouds Becomes Your Hand, The Hecks and The Christmas Bride on stage

Alice Sweet Alice releases its 4 th album, Ribbons & Stone

May 29:

Double Door – attend the Chicago Craft Beer Advertising competition

May 30:

Empty Bottle – check out Village sharing the stage with Outside World and The Suaves

Free with RSVP (http://www.ticketweb.com/fb3516074/eb) or $8 w/o

May 31 – June 2:

Vittum Theater (Adventure Stage Chicago) – Studio Mangiameli presents Quejios – Cries In The Air

May 31:
NiteCap - rock with Skull Fogger with a few other bands yet to be announced while celebrating Eddie's Birthday ...heard it's going to be a wild time!

the Intersection of Leland & Lincoln (near the CTA's Brown Line station) - it's Maifest and there will be polka rock music by the Polkaholics
FREE / 6p - 11p

Cole's Bar - come celebrate at Jesse's (of Jet W Lee) Birthday showcase featuring performances by Big Black Bird, Coed Pageant, Elements of Style and Jet W Lee

Just check back here or another blog for updates as the month progresses with more shows!

Until next time, support your local scene,

SouthSide