Reviews Stories

IN REVIEW | Jam Cruise 18 - Day Five

Words: Tim Kelly | Photos: Michael LepekStarting at the end? If you missed our prior coverage, check out Day One,  Day Two, Day Three and Day Four.Ok, we made it.This post covers the bittersweet final day of Jam Cruise. Your mind is saying, "I can do this...

IN REVIEW | Jam Cruise 18 - Day Four

Words: Tim Kelly | Photos: Michael LepekOf course, this isn't the first day...  Here's Day One,  Day Two and Day Three.Day four was the trip's other destination day and we woke up docked in Costa Maya. The first scheduled music of the day wasnt until 6:00, so cruisers had the option of...

IN REVIEW | Jam Cruise 18 - Day Three

Words: Tim Kelly | Photos: Michael LepekNot caught up?  Here's Day One and Day Two.Day three brought us to the first of two Days at Sea. By this time, fellow travelers are becoming familiar. You may have shared a ledge for Pigeons, or hung out next to each other on the stairs at Ivans...

IN REVIEW | Jam Cruise 18 - Day Two

Words: Tim Kelly | Photos: Michael LepekIn case you missed it... our story begins on Day One.Day two started with waking up docked at MSCs owned island Ocean Cay. It still seems to be a work in progress. While nothing spectacular, it gives cruisers some beachfront on which to tan and jump in the ocean....

IN REVIEW | Jam Cruise 18 - Day One

Words: Tim Kelly | Photos: Michael LepekIts that magical time of the year when the musical aquatic traveling circus know as Jam Cruise sets sail for destinations that (::checks notes::) truly no one cares about when booking. I dont believe Im alone when asked where is the cruise going, and I answer Im not sure.......

REVIEW: Dr. Dog @ Thalia Hall 2/5/20

By: Ryan MannixTypically, Chicagoans are able to catch Dr. Dog, the Philadelphia five-piece towards the end of a run, but their stop in Chicago this February was at the start of a longish tour.  Fortunately, the band demonstrated no signs of needed warm-up and delivered a 23 song, career-spanning show on a Wednesday...

In Chicago Return, Dopapod Has Transformed [REVIEW / PHOTOS / VIDEO]

Words: Ryan Mannix | Photos: Billy AndresFor many in Chicagos jam scene, Dopapods return was an important night. A band that has word-of-mouth built a following by combining technical precision and explosive creativity, it had been two years since they have been in town. The band seems to like Bottom Lounge a whole lot, playing there...

REVIEW | Dr. Dog @ The Majestic - Madison, WI 2/22/19

Words: Ryan Mannix | Photos: Faraz ChaudryMadison, Wisconsin is one of my favorite towns to visit and a phenomenal place for live music.  I drove up from Chicago last Friday to see one of the great touring rock bands of our era, Dr. Dog. As I pulled up, I realized this is maybe the tiniest...

Review & Photos | Post Animal @ Metro 12/15/18

Words: Ryan Mannix | Photos: Billy AndresCan a band have contradictory influences?Let's say a band has got a DIY, carefree punk side... the last thing you'd also expect to hear complementing it is the mellow 70s pop of Paul McCartney or Steely Dan. Well, that's what's up with Post Animal, who spent an enjoyable evening...

The 2018 Juke Joint Festival In Words and Pictures

Words: Robin Zimmerman | Photos: Michael LepekA large Chicago contingent descended on Clarksdale, Mississippi for the 15th Annual Juke Joint Festival. But, long-anticipated balmy weather was not to be. Heavy overnight rains descended on the Delta on Friday into Saturday, ushering in cold, windy temperatures.Worse yet, much of Clarksdale was without power on the day...