Aug 24, 2015
Maceo Parker Makes It FunkyWords:Joann D. Ball | Photos: Philamonjaro StudioMaceo Parker is a soul and funk legend. Hes best known for bringing the noise for James Brown, George Clinton and Prince. His trademark saxophone percussion style has been a hip-hop samplers delight. For the last two decades, he has been music director of his...
Aug 24, 2015
Words: Mitch Osborne | Photos: Rickie KostinerJoe Hertler & The Rainbow Seekers -- a band with an upbeat party vibe that is true to its hippy-inspired name-- played to a packed Schuba's crowd on a summer Friday.The crowd sang right along with Hertler, You make me feel so goddamn, good. The rest of the set...
Aug 10, 2015
Words:Joann D. Ball | Photos: Philamonjaro StudioLegendary punk rockers X returned to City Winery Chicago for three shows, and displayed a renewed sense of purpose and urgency. The band is donating part of the proceeds from the How I Learned My Lesson tour to support co-founder Billy Zoom who is undergoing chemo treatment for bladder...
Aug 4, 2015
Stiff Little Fingers are Still BurningWords: Joann D. Ball | Photos: Philamonjaro StudioStiff Little Fingers formed Belfast in 1977, the year punk exploded in the U.K. Keen observers of their surroundings, the bands raw political and personal commentary addressed oppression and the Troubles in Northern Ireland as well as youthful rage and rebellion.Never heard of...
Jul 15, 2015
Steve Miller Band Keeps on Rockn and Bluesn with FeelingWords: Joann D. Ball | Photos: Philamonjaro StudioRavinias house lights dimmed, and the stage curtain dropped, while the familiar intro to Jungle Love fired up a near-sellout crowd. After that flashback workout, Miller told enthusiastic fans "Ooh, it's good to be back. Thanks for coming!On the...
Jul 15, 2015
Photos / Words: Mark Gmerek | Audio: Z-ManThree glorious days of Fare Thee Well left but a few fumes in the tank, but Railroad Earth was ready to keep the party going late night across two venues and two nights.For a band that seems to be cut from the same mythic Americana cloth as the Grateful...
Jul 13, 2015
Wrapping Up Fare Thee Well: Fiya Wrappers All Star JamWords: @312mrg| Photos: Philamonjaro StuidoOn a weekend where the "music never stopped", the Concord Music Halls Fiya Wrapper All Star Jam was just filling up as Fare Thee Well came to and end. The final weekend music offering by music promotion gold standard, Silver Wrapper in (...
Jul 9, 2015
Photos: Dale Foster PhotoBilled as the Psychedelic Last Supper, All Star Vibe Entertainment invited New Riders to set up shop in Chicago's Bottom Lounge for the duration of the GD50 weekend.Our friend, photographer Dale Foster was also on hand. We are always appreciative of Dale's submissions, as he not only captures the spirit of...
Jul 9, 2015
Photos: Wyatt BrakeJohn Fogerty and his band touched down to our city's most famous landfill ampitheater on a rainy Wednesday night. His tour is called 1969, and the set lives up to the billing -- with plenty of cuts from the three Credence albums released that year and a few covers as well.Oh hey, there's...
Jul 8, 2015
Joan Osborne Proves She's One of Us During GD50 ChicagoWords: Joann D. Ball | Photos: Philamonjaro StudioThe final day of the week long Weir World celebration at City Winery was programmed with a keen eye for how the shows might progress. Joan Osbornes Sunday brunch show on July 5 offered fans a tasty serving of sustenance and...