After putting out two nights of incredible music, Umphreys came out swinging with an epic new year's party that had a little something for everyone.The new-ish rocker Attachments kicked off the festivities, but The Fussy Dutchman that followed felt like the true set opener.  The complex, yet melodic tune explored some beautiful textures...

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...

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...

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...

Words & Photos: Tara Gracer | Video: Michael JacobsonNow in its 14th year, The Brendan and Jake Holiday Show has become an annual tradition for family and friends from all corners of the United States.  Like its predecessors, this edition found its snowed-in attendees with spirits lifted through cheerful song and levity.&...

AliveOne celebrates 20 years of serving thirsty Chicago fans.  They've been about the music from day one, and have had a great tradition of hosting live shows and related events since the beginning.  The "all live jukebox" has always been a staple.To mark the occasion, they are throwing a private party on Saturday,...

By: Carmel O'Farrell (@carmelocorn) | Photos: Kristine Condon (@kristinebobean)TAUK first caught my attention back in 2013 at Summer Camp Music Festival.  They played an energetic set opposite Trey Anastasio Band as buckets of rain drenched Three Sisters Park.  While most of the festival crowd gravitated to TAB, it was fairly obvious to...

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 --...

By: Tara Gracer Design & PhotographyAter hopping off the green line at the Ashland station and squeezing into the security line waiting to be searched, Chicagoans waited patiently for entry to the concrete jungle's musical escape for Labor Day Weekend.Located at Union Park, a green diamond-shaped oasis just a short distance from downtown,...

Photos: Kristine Condon PhotographyLesson #3 from our How Vulfpeck Hacked the Music Industry feature was "Sell Out Every Show".Given that the band had an upcoming show in Chicago at the time of publication, and it had yet to it sell out, you'd think we'd be sweatin' it.Sure it was as big a room...