Mar 6, 2020
Words: Tim Kelly | Photos: Michael LepekStarting at the end? If you missed our prior coverage, check out Day One, Day Two, Day Three and Day Four.Ok, we made it.This post covers the bittersweet final day of Jam Cruise. Your mind is saying, "I can do this...
Mar 5, 2020
Words: Tim Kelly | Photos: Michael LepekOf course, this isn't the first day... Here's Day One, Day Two and Day Three.Day four was the trip's other destination day and we woke up docked in Costa Maya. The first scheduled music of the day wasnt until 6:00, so cruisers had the option of...
Mar 4, 2020
Words: Tim Kelly | Photos: Michael LepekNot caught up? Here's Day One and Day Two.Day three brought us to the first of two Days at Sea. By this time, fellow travelers are becoming familiar. You may have shared a ledge for Pigeons, or hung out next to each other on the stairs at Ivans...
Mar 3, 2020
Words: Tim Kelly | Photos: Michael LepekIn case you missed it... our story begins on Day One.Day two started with waking up docked at MSCs owned island Ocean Cay. It still seems to be a work in progress. While nothing spectacular, it gives cruisers some beachfront on which to tan and jump in the ocean....
Mar 2, 2020
Words: Tim Kelly | Photos: Michael LepekIts that magical time of the year when the musical aquatic traveling circus know as Jam Cruise sets sail for destinations that (::checks notes::) truly no one cares about when booking. I dont believe Im alone when asked where is the cruise going, and I answer Im not sure.......
Feb 26, 2020
Photos: Adam MiszewskiOysterhead was unlikely to begin with... so what does that make a reunion nearly 15 years later?Whether following along at home or packed inside in the sold-out 1st Bank Center in Broomfield, CO, it's hard not to feel nostalgic for something so fleeting, yet so singular. Listen to a few notes...
Dec 16, 2019
Words: Ryan Mannix | Photos: Billy AndresFor many in Chicagos jam scene, Dopapods return was an important night. A band that has word-of-mouth built a following by combining technical precision and explosive creativity, it had been two years since they have been in town. The band seems to like Bottom Lounge a whole lot, playing there...
Dec 16, 2019
By: Michael LepekIn a rare solo performance at the intimate Hyde Park listening room, The Promontory, James "Blood" Ulmer enchanted the audience with a 90 minute set of captivating music.Born in North Carolina as Willie James Ulmer, his career began in the 1960s, playing soul-infused jazz with progressive jazz legends such as Art Blakey, Larry...
Oct 2, 2019
By: Howard GreenblattGov't Mule stopped into an old Chicago haunt in the midst of a fall tour which showed great love for the Midwest.The Riv has a perfect rock room vibe for the blues-based grind of Warren Haynes and company.The vibes flowed through the night's setlist, including an encore that paid tribute to...
Feb 28, 2019
Words: Ryan Mannix | Photos: Faraz ChaudryMadison, Wisconsin is one of my favorite towns to visit and a phenomenal place for live music. I drove up from Chicago last Friday to see one of the great touring rock bands of our era, Dr. Dog. As I pulled up, I realized this is maybe the tiniest...