For the last decade or so, Ive rounded up my favorite albums at the years end. Outside of satisfying some nerdy, personal desire of mine, it gives me a reason to revisit each album, spending November and December doing so, inevitably rediscovering some musical gems along the way. As the author of many album...

By: John 'Nunu' ZomotOne of the best things about covering the music scene over several years is witnessing the development of trends that slowly evolve into traditions.Los Lobos' December Chicago run definitely fits the mold, as the band has turned its multi-night pre-Holiday runs into something for both the band and its fans...

[instagram id="Bc8v_CyHV3R"]A partnership born in a period of turmoil for former YMSB mandolinist Jeff Austin and Umphrey's McGee guitarist Brendan Bayliss, seems to have settled into a nice holiday tradition.The pair performed at Martyr's on Wednesday (their third area appearance in the last three Decembers), offering a rundown of...

By: Philamonjaro StudioNew York City's third-wave ska ensemble The Slackers had the house skankin' for three full-house performances the weekend of December 1-3 at Reggie's Rock Club in the South Loop.The special occasion was to perform their 1997 Hellcat records release Red Light in its entirety. Also, they released a 180...

By: Alex WoodIts no secret in Beatles lore that Paul McCartney recorded an album for his three fellow band mates in 1965 titled Unforgettable, a gift that contained homemade recordings, favorite songs of his at the time and, supposedly, much more.The acetate recording supposedly surfaced recently on YouTube, thanks to DangerousMinds, but is it...

Six years ago today, Wilco wrapped up one of the more creative endeavors of their career.While always having a special relationship with the fans in -- and city of -- Chicago, Wilco took this relationship to the extreme in 2011.The band first announced their intention to play the city's ornate Civic Opera House for...

Watch some of Tomorrow's Verse's favorite artists hit the promotional late-night television circuit. 1. Ty Segall on ConanProlific garage-rocker Ty Segall is returning with a new album, Freedoms Goblin, out in January, and stopped by Conans show to debut a new song, Fanny Dog. This songs about my dog, Fanny, he awkwardly says before breaking...

Words: Alex Wood | Photos (from 12/12): Zach StoneFor a number of reasons, Andrew Birds Gezelligheid performances at 4th Presbyterian Church have become a holiday tradition for me.From the gorgeous, decorated church setting on Michigan Avenue to the intimate, warm performances from the native-to-Chicago violinist, the unpredictable setlists, guest musicians and natural sound quality form an...

Photos: John 'Nunu' ZomotGuitarist Joe Marcinek is the chef who is always cooking up something special with whatever ingredients are on hand.As luck would have it, the cupboard happened to have a little from two separate camps for a December run.  Melvin Seals, the longtime Jerry Garcia Band organist was available for...

Well, I thought we were lucky when Phil broke out of his Terrapin Crossroads & Shapiro-venue exile for a pair of Riviera shows earlier this year.But Chicago's luck continues -- we a hosting a full third of the shows on Bob Weir & Phil Lesh's first ever duo tour.The March 10th and 11th...