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Album Reviews | June 2015 Releases

Damaged Bug-Cold Hot Plumbs[6/2]Thee Oh Sees John Dwyer is the brains behind Damaged Bug, the side-project focusing on synthesizers and keyboards but drenched in the psychedelic style that fans would expect of the prolific songwriter. The tracks are strangely catchy, packed with an endless variety of sounds and noises over loose, live drumbeats and...

Merry Pranksters Choose Cicero For Last Minute 50th Anniversary Event

[Update 7/1 pm] We just received this comment on our Facebook link to this post. I am out of words.   Original Post:Happy ending? Melancholy ending? You decide.I thought we closed the book on the July 4th Merry Prankster festival that sounded too good to be true (and was), but then turned...

VIDEO | Chuck Leavell & Members of Rolling Stones Touring Band Drop Some Jazz on Martyrs'

Chuck Leavell has been the somewhat unsung glue that holds together Rolling Stones tours for some time now. As musical director and keyboardist, his influence is always felt, even when attention is directed on the big boys.He'll occasionally drop by clubs on Stones off days, off which there are many, to jam with other...

Preview and Performer List: Jazz & Colors at Field Museum

Paul Abella is a radio host, musician, writer and occasional contributor to The Barn. His band, Jazz Plays Dead, will be performing at this event and a late night Sunday 7/5 Show at The Store in Lincoln Park. We are thrilled to have him break down the concept and artists for us. -ed.This week is...

Watch Father John Misty Cover Arcade Fire's "The Suburbs"

Though enigmatic songwriter Father John Misty has been known to include covers of Leonard Cohen, Johnny Cash, Cat Stevens and others into his live sets, a recent video of the singer performing Arcade Fires The Suburbs may be his first contemporary cover.Performed acoustic during a session for CBC Music, the video captures a solo...

Photos / Recap / Setlist | Poi Dog Pondering @ Pritzker Pavilion 6/29/15

Photos / Words: Phil SolomonsonLocal favorites Poi Dog Pondering spread their infectious groove for a packed audience at Jay Pritzker Pavilion as part of the Downtown Sound summer music series sponsored by The City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events.From the start, the dedicated crowd was on their feet and dancing. For...

Illinois Legislator Presents Resolution To Honor Grateful Dead To General Assembly

Illinois State Representative (and friend of The Barn) Scott Drury is glad that the Grateful Dead chose to wrap up their saga in his home state. So glad, he's was willing to do something about it."I was so inspired by this weekend's shows, I wanted to make sure that Illinois formally honored the Dead,"...

Analog Son | Funk Music Denver-Style

Words / Photos: Kelley Lauginiger -@peapodmcgeeI just want to share the good news about this amazing band: Analog Son. They're super funky, super cohesive, and have a fly-as-possible fashion sense to boot. Fronted by the soulful, powerful, feminine voice of Devon Parkern juxtaposed against a six-piece drums, bass, and brass combo, they produce an urgent,...

Setlist / Video | Grateful Dead 50 @ Levi's Stadium, Santa Clara, CA 6/28/15

Still processing the weekend, but for those looking to relive (or experience for the first time) in advance of the Chicago shows, there is a webcast rip of the second set of Sunday's show below. The beginning of this set is definitely where the meat is. We posted an audio stream of Saturday's, too.Here's...

Fake Rainbows, Streams, Setlist | Grateful Dead @ Levi's Stadium 6/27/15

I'll have a little more to say about the music after tonight and a bit more time to digest, but for now: the details, the "tape" and the controversy.  See below.GD50Levis Stadium, Santa Clara, CAJune 27, 2015Set OneTruckin, Uncle Johns Band, Alligator > Cumberland Blues, Born Cross-Eyed > Cream Puff War, Viola Lee...