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Album Reviews | December 2016 Releases

By: Alex WoodChildish Gambino- Awaken, My Love [12/2]Actor, screenwriter and musician Donald Glover returns with his third full-length release as Childish Gambino, reinventing his sound entirely in the process. Known initially for his fresh and intelligent take on hip-hop, Awaken, My Love finds Glover channeling musical influences like Prince and Funkadelic, leading to an album...

Tomorrow's Verse 2016 Album Of The Year Poll

So many publications offer so many end of the year album lists, so why do most of them look like they are written in a foreign language? Sure a handful of my favorites records find themselves in the "lists that matter", but even after looking at Rob Mitchum's incredible aggregation work, I still find myself...

Setlist / Recap / Photos / Video | Umphrey's McGee @ The Aragon 12/30/16

Words: Ryan Mannix | Photos: Tara Gracer PhotographyAfter a change of venue from Thursday, night two of the UM NYE run got underway with hard rocking Mulches Odyssey, somewhat of a staple opener. Some reggae-inspired jamming followed that included some Dopeman by N.W.A. lyrics spouted off by Brendan.  The song, and the...

Setlist / Recap / Photos / Video | Umphrey's McGee @ The Riviera 12/29/16

Words: Ryan Mannix | Photos: Tara Gracer PhotographySimilar Skin opened Umphreys McGees first of three nights back home in Chicago, and with that, all felt right again. While 2014 doesnt seem like that long ago, too many Umphreaks felt like its been forever since the last true multi-night run in our beloved city.The classic...

A YEMSG Infographic and Chance To Win Some Phishy Prizes

As the Phish world prepares for the tenth Madison Square Garden Phish New Year's Eve show, our friends at the Mockingbird Foundation are busy celebrating the occasion.This infographic isn't as data intensive as, say, our Phish Rotation Chart or Tour Announcement Chart, but it does have some nice graphics, provides a cool reminder of...

PHOTOS / RECAP | Tab Benoit @ City Winery 12/17/16

Photos: Howard Greenblatt | Words: Robin ZimmermanThe cold and wintry weather was out in full force on Saturday, December 17th. But that didnt stop people from flocking to the City Winery for a pair of sold-out shows by Tab Benoit.While Benoit is known for his environmental activism and down-to-earth persona, he also puts on...

Summer Camp Music Festival Announces Initial 2017 Lineup

Summer Camp Music Festival has officially released the initial round of artists performing at the 2017 festival.  May 26th-28th at Three Sisters Park in Chillicothe, IL looks like it will be one for the books. Included are Summer Camp staples, moe. and Umphrey's McGee, along with solo projects from Trey Anastasio and...

Defending Mike Gordon | Thoughts, Video, Audio from Park West 2016

I suppose it takes a talent as singular as Mike Gordon to produce an effect as positively unsettling as what I get from his gigs.This November marks the third time in three years I found myself walking in a way from a Mike Gordon Band show, knowing I'd definitely be back, but...

Preview & Ticket Giveaway | UM Afterparty with Marcus Rezak & Friends 12/29/16

Thursday, 12/29! Harmonica Dunn & Tonic Room host an Umphrey's McGee Afterparty ft. Marcus Rezak of Digital Tape Machine & Stratosphere All-Stars with Greg Fundis (Fareed Haque, Old Shoe), Paul Mutzabaugh (Heather Headley, the Renegades), Chris Clemente (Kick The Cat), Emily Clark (The Passing Fancy), Christian Rogala (Supernatural Beings), and Marty...

PHOTOS | Shemekia Copeland's Holiday Show @ City Winery 12/18/16

By: Howard GreenblattShemekia Copeland brought her powerhouse voice from the outskirts of love to City Winery Chicago for two shows on Sunday.Although she is expecting a bundle of joy next month, she was still hittin it two hours in to the second performance.Shemekia was joined on stage by big brother Ronnie Baker...