We've been on top of All Things Earle lately. With JT visiting Concord in January, and a look back at one of his father's 2003 performances, we were primed and ready for the main event: a three night stand of Steve Earle, solo and acoustic, at Chicago's City Winery February 21-23.Heidi Peters was on hand...

A big welcome to our newest contributor, photographer Rickie Kostiner, who we expect some big things from.Her first contribution, however, is the classic intimate show, which we feel very lucky to be a part of. Ryan Montbleau, who is shaking things up a bit after touring for many years with his band, has boiled...

JB brought some good friends to join him for his traditional set at the Hannah's Buddies Benefit. The Barn's Florida correspondent, Rich D. was on hand and gave us some typically detailed show notes, which I'll publish here with minimal editing.. Stay tuned for some of Rich's video and whatever clarifications we can add.JB...

Day two in the books and one with plenty of segues and a few cool covers. A sweet video of the Pink Floyd encore (dedicated to South Bend, Indiana) below the setlist.Tonight is the third night of the entirely webcasted Chicago run. See you there.02.21.2014The Riviera Theatre,Chicago,IL,USASet 1:A Mild Sedative&...

Band Of Horses brought the acoustics to the Vic this week for their winter tour. With the staged dressed up like a comfortable living room, Ben Bridwell and company focussed on gentler arrangements of their original songs that get the full rock treatment in the electric setting.Here's a six song video playlist and complete...

Stephen Malkmus at Lincoln Hall was a great match, but certainly one that guaranteed a quick sellout. The capacity crowd was treated to a number of songs off of the the band's latest Wig Out At Jagbags (see our review here), but also a reach back into the bandleaders Pavement catalog and a cover of...

Umphrey's McGee kicked off a three day "hometown" stand at the Riv last night (we'll be reporting from day three) in strong fashion. After spending the afternoon at WGN with everybody's hero meteorologist Tom Skilling, the came in hot on a windy night in Chicago. The "Much Obliged" featured a vocal Stew with a "The...

Wig Out At Jagbags may be the most Stephen Malkmus has sounded like Pavement since the bands initial demise.Claiming influences like Weezer and Red Hot Chili Peppers, Malkmus obviously intended a light and fun record, and delivered just that.The songs on Wig Out At Jagbags sound more developed than those of 2011s Mirror...

Jeff Tweedy returned to the Vic for his annual solo shows to benefit charity. Hopefully we'll have more to come on this one, but for now here's the setlist via setlist.fm.Jeff TweedyFebruary 14th, 2013Vic Theater, Chicago, IL

One way for constantly gigging musicians to change the way they sound: change up their axes. But most equipment switches are subtle here's something that may be a bit more radical.The Roli Seaboard takes a traditional keyboard, eliminates the indvidual keys, and allows the user to manipulate the sound via a soft, continuous surface....