News Stories

Setlist / Video Playlist: Elton John @ Allstate Arena 11/30/13

Do you like "Greatest Hits" style shows? Elton John released a new album in 2013, but his tour in support of it sure relies heavily on the classics. Nothing groundbreaking here, but there's no doubt these songs still sound good.Here's the setlist and a nice four song YouTube playlist courtesy of Sojahsey1 and a pretty...

Furthur's John Kadlecik Lends A Hand At Helping Phriendly Orchestra - Martyrs 11/21/13

John Kadlecik is no stranger to the Martyrs stage.  He played there weekly as a member of Dark Star Orchestra in the early days of that band.  Back in town for two scheduled Chicago gigs, tonight's ambitious Top Of The Tower Jam and Saturday's solo show back at the North Side club, the...

Chicago Bluegrass & Blues Plan Multi-Venue Festival Lineup For 2013

Each year brings a little something different for the Chicago Bluegrass & Blues Festival. From big shows and headliners to outrageous special guests to diverse lineups and even a three night String Cheese run; the fest has followed its own muse to bring best and brightest to Chicago. In 2014 the fest takes a more "South...

Setlist / Video Playlist: Gary Clark Jr. @ Vic Theater 11/19/13

Rising star Gary Clark Jr. is doing exactly what a rising star should do. He sold out the Vic Theater last night, and though he had been through Chicago as an opening act and on festival bills in the past, this Theater gig was a bit of milestone. A sell out crowd pretty much puts...

More Musical Lego Creations: Phish, The Beatles, A Record Store

As a childhood Legomaniac and father of three boys, it's no surprise that my hearts races whenever I see something truly awesome made of the bricks, moreso if it's music related. If it's related to my favorite artists, I may have to be physically restrained from posting about it. Here's another trio of ultra creative...

R.I.P. Carla Leonardo 1950 - 2013

We lost a voice known to many around Chicago and a great friend to The Barn Presents this week. Carla Leonardo, a presence on Chicago airwaves for 35 years, lost her battle with leukemia on November 9th. Her voice was pure rock and roll, and it came from deep within her spirit. For a Chicago radio...

Poster / Setlists: Phil Lesh & Friends @ Tower Theater, Upper Darby, PA 11/11, 11/12 & 11/13, 2013

And so begins the final run of Phil's last tour with his friends in quite some time (ever). As with the previous two stops on this quick Northeastern jaunt, the run's poster gives clues into the themes, one of which is a carry over from the New York City run.Perhaps a bit more obvious...

Another Phil Lesh Poster Reveals Setlist Themes For Best Buy Theater Run In Times Square (11/5, 11/6, 11/7, 11/8, 11/9, 2013)

After treating Capitol Theater attendees to healthy helpings of The Band, Neil Young and Lynyrd Skynyrd over four nights, Phil and Friends curiously left the stage with Rolling Stones' "Gimme Shelter". Would it be a bridge to the next set of themes for the Times Square run, starting just a few miles away in two...

Some Thoughts On Wingsuit: A Slightly Different Perspective

Greatest thing ever. Worst thing ever. Seems like everybody's got an opinion on Phish's "album from the future" stunt on Halloween. I had a few thoughts of my own that represent a slightly different perspective.With Phish's touring schedule somewhat calcifying over the last couple of years, I was on alert as soon as they...

Drive By Truckers Channel The Stones at Chicago Halloween Gig (Setlist / Video 10/31/13)

Drive By Truckers went slipped a handful of songs by or associated with The Rolling Stones into their set at Chicago's Vic Theater on Halloween. Their take on "Miss You" even featured Chicago harmonica legend (and original performer on the Stones version) Sugar Blue. Check out the full setlist, which also featured Sugar on another...