By: Philamonjaro StudioMagic!Attending the first of two Mavis Staples concerts at Thalia Hall seemed to have that special something -- the sold-outroom was electric. These werefirst Chicago performances since the release ofthe HBO documentary Mavis! and new album Livin' On A High Note, and like most, theyfelt like a homecoming and a triumphantreturn.How...

By: Philamonjaro StudioComing off asold out run that spanned fromSeattle to Miami, cellist IanMaksin and guitarist Goran Ivanovic are back home performing theirunique collaboration.Two of Chicagos top-talented solo instrumentalartists havejoined up to create a one-of-a-kind fusion of styles andsonorities: Ivanovics electrifying mix of Balkan, Arabic and Flamenco withMaksins soulful blend of classical, jazz and...

Here's a story that I've been following with great curiosity and still have to pinch myself a little to believe it's true.Since about 1985, I'm sure there's been no figure as singularly important in the jam scene as Col Bruce Hampton, Ret. A man of many talents, his role as Morrisin Billy Bob Thornton's Sling...

Those pranksters at Shoe Fest have done it again. Sure, some festivals can just announce their lineup. Shoe Fest hid the first 11 artists revealed for their Labor Day Festival in Manteno, IL via a Word Search puzzle.  What's more, the offered a free ticket to the first person to identify and tag all eleven...

Photo: Kristine Condone PhotographyFans of Umphrey's McGee really do appreciate how transparent and engaging the band members can be. The latest swing atnext-level fan interaction comes in the form of a self-produced documentary, Reel to Real, inwhich they openup the vault and tell the band's story in their own words, cultivated from hours of professional...

Words: Ryan Mannix | Photos:Kristine CondonFor a band whose best moments occur in when all of its members areon the same page, contrasting styles provide a critical part of their sound.Umphrey's McGee's Brendan Bayliss offers afluid counterpoint to fellow guitarist Jake Cinningers jaggedness, more influenced by 70s rock. His solos are characteristically rooted in...

Words: Ryan Mannix | Photos: Kristine CondonCinningers guitar technique is precise, yet expansive. Stylistically and technically, he has no boundaries. Combine amastery of jazz harmony with a love of 80s-stylemetal shreddingand he canreally open things up. Hes capable of anthemic, melodic licks, and repetitive odd-time feels.Jakes one of the most creative, and unique guitarists playing...

Andrew Bird recently performed on Ellen in support of his upcoming record Are You Serious. Fiona Apple joined the Chicago violinist for a stunning rendition of Left Handed Kisses.The duet, which also features Apple on the studio cut, is an insanely clever track, written about Birds inability to write a simple love song. The...

New Order performed at Chicago Theatre on Wednesday, touring in promotion of their latest record, Music Complete.The band offered songs from all eras of their 35-year career, giving fans a welcome variety while also debuting newer material. This was apparent from the beginning of the set, as the band performed Music Completes Singularity followed...

Earlier this month, I had so much fun summarizing new tracksthat hadn't yet made it to Spotify, I've decided to make it a regular feature. I've even named it. I'm calling it Beyondify, and hope to publish every few weeks to let you know about under-the-radar tracks that you've got to dig a little to...