Words: Ryan Mannix | Photos & Video: Wyatt BrakeThe road-warrior Steepwater guys keep the gravel and grit in their instruments as much as their appearance. Friday night at Schubas brought energy, boogie, and several dual-guitar shred fests throughout the balls-to-the-wall two hour set, drawn heavily from their latest release ...

While Chicago area music fans may have just gotten their fill of Jim Pollock's concert posters this June, perhaps they have some other interests as well?The fall brings another showing from the renowned poster artist, celebrating the work of cannabis.  The High-Phi Rock Poster will be shown at Galerie F starting on Friday,...

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 "...

My Morning Jackets Jim James announced a new solo record, Eternally Even, out November 4.The album, which was produced by Blake Mills, will be his second endeavor separate from his band, following 2013s Regions Of Light and Sound of God.Speaking of the album, James stated that it hopefully speaks to the issues of the...

We'll always cover the old favorites, but it's also worth keeping a lookout for artists that may be on their first few swings through Chicago. This feature, 8-UP, showcases eight acts on the way up -- catch 'em before they're big.Check them out in this Spotify Playlist and read a little more about&...

By: Brad JohnsonThe culture of rap is about gain.  Many MCs who start out writing about their lives, struggles, and relationships are usually talking about their gold watch by their next album.But Chance the Rapper doesnt retreat into his fame. The 22 year old, Chicago-born artist has used his burgeoning fame as a...

By: Howard Greenblatt - Imagine PicturesBlues in the desert?  Bisbee, Arizona hosted its 12th Annual Blues Festival this year at the Bisbee Royale and City Park in Brewery Gulch.The three day event kicked off on Friday night with a special performance featuring The Blues Wizard, the T.S. Henry Webb &...

By: Philamonjaro StudioA pre-festival after-show?  As anticipation builds for this weekend's Riot Fest Chicago, organizers presented a late night warm up gig at Cobra Lounge with Agent Orange and Counterpunch on Sunday night.Agent Orange hit the stage at 10:15 to a packed crowd of diehard fans.  ...

By: Howard Greenblatt (Imagine Pictures)Meet The Blues Wizard, Keith Edward (aka Keith Kifer).Originally from Warren, Pennsylvania, Keith now lives in Bisbee Arizona where he repurposes items such as suitcases and hubcaps into playable guitars and amplifiers at his storefront business, the Lunatic Fringe Luthiery.He plays these unique instruments at festivals and on...

At 36 years of age, William Tyler has arrived at an enviable artistic space.He is a writer and performer who combines the inventiveness of youth with the confidence and singular expressiveness of somebody who has found his voice after decades of practice.  An oft unsettling combination of fearlessness and wisdom, it is embodied in...