Cornmeal Stories

PHOTOS / VIDEO | International Dylan Tribute @ City Winery 6/29/17

Photos & Video: John 'Nunu' ZomotThat's a happy group, huh?It's what happens when a group of touring musicians meet up with a bunch of Chicagoans to celebrate the music of The Bard under the moniker of The International Bob Dylan Tribute.Under the leadership of Dewey Paul Moffit, this late June event at City...

Location, Support Acts Annouced For Blottopia 2016 in McHenry County

Blottopia had a nice long run at a single location through 2011, but since then, the only constant (besides Mr. Blotto's covers of classic albums) has been change, as they switch things up at various locations throughout the region.The team has decided to move again for the 17th edition of Blotto's summer classic, this time...

Shoe Fest Releases 2015 Schedule Grids

Shoe Fest has released its daily schedules for the 2015 edition of its festival taking place over Labor Day weekend at Camp Shaw-Waw-Nas-See in downstate Manteno.They managed to pack in a beefy lineup all with no overlaps or conflicts. Two nights of music from festival hosts Old Shoe,nice headlining slotsfrom David Grisman's Bluegrass Experience...

Leftover Salmon Does Old & In The Way / Garcia & Grisman @ Park West (Setlists, Video)

It was a busy weekend, but Leftover Salmon managed to work in some fun time. while also supplying the big fun for the assembly at Park West for a one-of-a-kind run of shows.While the July 2nd kickoff was your standard two set LoS affair, it did feature an appearance by Col Bruce Hampton early...

New Music From Dawes, Jason Isbell, Who Headline Two Brothers Summer Festival 6/26 & 27

Two Brothers Brewery is raising the stakes once again for its annual summer music festival with a pair of A+ headliners and some rock solid support on Saturday.Top-lining this year's event will be Jason Isbell (Saturday, June 27), one of the finest songwriters presently working, who will bring his band and it's Southern Rock / Country...

Phish Fans Guide To Chicago - Summer 2014 Edition

Among the many things I like about Chicago is the diversity of of options on just about any night. This is amplified when Phish is in town.Case in point: not only can Phish set up shop for three big weekend shows, the city can simultaneously host a multi-band festival with some crossover appeal to...

Phish Weekend 2014 Ticket Giveways

We're staring down at a big big Phish weekend in Chicago. To celebrate, we want to get you out to a few of the aftershows to keep the party going after Phish leaves the stage.Fill out this simple form or drop us an email at info @ thebarnpesents.com with the subject line "Phish Weekend 2014"....

Phase Two: More Lineup Additions for Phase Of The Moon

In early February, I published a piece introducing a new Illinois music festival and doing some speculation on some of the talent that was To Be Announced.Now that the Phase Two lineup has been revealed, let's see how I did... Actually, not bad. but also room for improvement.I suggested that two of...

Preview: Cornmeal @ Durty Nellie's 4/17/14

With roster changes completed, the Chicago favorites in Cornmeal are in a getting-to-know-you stage all over again. The new and coalescing lineup is in the midst of a Midwest and Colorado swing before heading to the Northeast -- they are getting their legs way they've always done it, by playing a shit ton of shows....

Horns & Strings Highlight December Shows At Martyrs - Win Tickets to Rebirth or Cornmeal's Holiday Ramble

Glance across the calendar at Martyrs and you'll find a lineup that competes with the most eclectic festivals in terms of variety and virtuosity. From full on brass band rowdiness to all-star super-pickers. That's one of the reasons we love the place.This month, it'll be a December to remember at the venerable North Side...