Back in June, I wrote about an incredible experience I had with Louis CK.  Yes, the show was excellent.  But I took away so much more from it than an hour of laughs, and I was remarked about how much this performer respects his fans and advocates for their experience.Last...

Words: Lisa Torem | Photos: Philamonjaro Studio | Video: joeypgh1The gorgeous, gilded Genesee Theatre looks like it should host inaugurations, not new wave/pop idols like The B52s, who jacked up their careers by performing in grungy, underground clubs like CBGBs.  But once the swirling, psychedelic backdrop was exposed, and the...

Derek Trucks and Susan Tedeschi have probably done more to bring the music of Leon Russell to larger audience than any other artists, at least over the the last few years.Russell's influence has never been very far from the TTB -- from their Mad Dogs & Englishmen tribute (Russell was the musical director on...

Chicago has often described as a city of neighborhoods -- a metropolis whose bustling financial center and larger-than-life cultural landmarks are humbled by the people who come together in smaller communities that surround its core.And though a robust music scene flourishes here, it is driven less by big power brokers like in LA,...

Words: Carter Stirtz | Photos: Ben Bowen (@benhertz)With perfect fall weather, a tailor-made venue, and two noteworthy bands, jam enthusiasts couldnt have possibly asked for more than what they got over the first weekend in November in Chicago.Expectations were high for this run from seasoned veterans Lotus and the recently exploding Spafford.Seemingly...

Words / Photos: Howard Greenblatt | Video: Wyatt BrakeThe North Mississippi All-Stars brought Mississippi Hill Country Blues to City Winery Chicago for two shows on Sunday afternoon and evening.Brothers Luther on guitar and vocals and Cody Dickinson on drums and vocals were joined by Dominick Davis on bass.The stage was configured with Luthers Marshall amps...

Words: Alex Wood | Photo: @Martybar90 Over the past decade, Ive watched the Wood Brothers grow from a low-key folk duo playing half-filled bars to a full-fledged rock band selling out large theaters. Unlike most bands, this evolution toward fame was both natural and deserved, better for both the fans and the music.Their performance...

By: Howard GreenblattPeople walked away happy from FitzGeralds Tuesday whether you were there for an outstanding blues show or you were more interested in cheering the best team in baseball on to victory.FitzGeralds hosted Tom Markers Bluesday Tuesday and set up their patio to feel like Wrigley complete with huge screen...

By: Alex Wood Phish- Big Boat [10/7]Weve all heard it by now. And sure, studio Phish albums are never supposed to be amazing, right? But this ones bad. Like, real bad. Lets be honest. For a more thoughtful analysis of Big Boats release, read our article here. Green Day- Revolution Radio [10/7]Green Days newest record,...

When Alex made it out Dinosaur Jr. in October (filing this excellent review), we were disappointed that he wasn't able to catch set by opener Steve Gunn, a guitarist who has been dazzling us for some time now.Luckily another contributor was in the house, and even brought his recording gear.  We're happy to...