By: Heidi Peters PhotographyShovels & Rope dropped their latest LP Little Seeds and are celebrating with two shows at Chicago's Thalia Hall.  This photo set is from Thursday's gig.Michael Trent and Cary Ann Hearst pound out wonderful, darkish flavored songs -- steeped in the South and dripping with ...

Photo via rebeccateresa InstagramThe last time Sigur Rs was in Chicago was three years to the day of Friday's show.  It was a different type of affair, as the group is touring in 2016 as a trio.Gone are the string arrangements and layered soundscapes, but none of the power of their moody...

By: Philamonjaro StudioMike Peters -- front man of the 80's alternative band The Alarm -- rocked the rafters at Old Town School of Folk Friday night for a room full of long time fans.  The show was sponsored by CHIRP Radio - a listener-supported music and arts focused community radio station...

By: Heidi Peters Photography"I love a venue that you can buy rosin in the lobby,"  Sara Watkins confessed, thanking the Old Town School of Folk Music several times throughout her Wednesday night set.  After repeated visits, it's starting to feel familiar for her, and clearly the audience has found a...

By: Philamonjaro StudioThe Thursday night leading up to the 2016 edition of Chicago's Riot Fest & Carnival kicked off with two amazing ska club shows: The Specials with opener The Far East at Concord Music Hall  (an official Riot Fest pre-show) and The Skatalites with special guest Charley "...

We made a plea for more paid shows at this magnificent venue, but free gigs like this kind of soften the blow.Joel Berk (@pfcidb) was on hand to capture the magic of Tortoise on a late summer Thursday night. Here's what he has to say about the band's evolution this year:Tortoise...

Photos: Heidi Peters PhotographyFans of British riff-rock take note, it's likely you're about to hear a lot more about Band Of Skulls.  Photojournalist Heidi Peters was able to catch up with them on a recent stop at Chicago's Metro.It seems the fever has already caught on with the folks in attendance.  It...

Words: Robin Zimmerman | Photos (and experiences): Phil & Nancy DuffinOn September 2nd, 2016, all 17 albums released by the Tragically Hip were listed on the Canadian Billboard charts. This was on the heels of a Canadian tour where tickets sold out almost immediately in the wake of the news that lead singer, Gord Downie, had terminal brain...

Words: Alex Wood | Photos: Heidi PetersAndrew Birds performance at Pritzker Pavilion was one of the best shows in Chicago this summer.Its a bold statement, but hear me out.I saw countless shows in the last four months. From big names like Phish, LCD Soundsystem, Pearl Jam and Wilco to small, equally impressive performances...

Photos: Tara Gracer Design & PhotographyIn the social media age, one way to keep your brand into the public's mind is to constantly have something new to share.Since Umphrey's McGee touched down at Chicago's Concord Music Hall for a North Coast Music Festival after show, they've had more than enough to keep fans --...