Features Stories

Review & Photos | The Zombies @ Thalia Hall 4/13/17

Words: Robin Zimmerman | Photos: Howard GreenblattIt seemed fitting that historic Thalia Hall played host to the Zombies Odessey and Oracle tour dates in Chicago. As they celebrated the 50th anniversary of this iconic album, Pilsens beautifully refurbished venue was the perfect place for a still-vibrant band to showcase their timeless masterpiece.They kicked things off...

Review / Photos / Setlist | Kishi Bashi @ Thalia Hall 4/11/17

Photos & Words: Alex Wood | Video: the1stMikeCWith an eclectic but consistently quality catalog of music and a talented, versatile band, violinist Kishi Bashi is precisely the kind of musician that keeps fans coming back with each subsequent tour.Touring in support of last years excellent Sonderlust, Kishi Bashis concert at Thalia Hall also...

Review | Elephant Revival @ Old Town School Of Folk Music 4/9/17

By: Tim Kelly A post shared by angilio (@angilio) on Apr 9, 2017 at 8:50am PDTA capacity crowd was treated to a wonderful night of folk music when Elephant Revival brought their unique style to the intimate Gary and Laura Maurer Concert Hall at Old Town School of Folk Music.While I have had the pleasure...

Five Questions With The Hip Abduction's David New

The Hip Abduction is touring behing their latest studio album Gold Under The Glow, their third since forming in Florida in 2010.  It is a recording that has propelled the group onto bigger stages, bringing music that reflects the sunny climate of their hometown -- possessing distinct pop sensibility merged with a reggae /...

Photos / Recap | Galactic & The Hip Abduction @ House Of Blues 3/26/17

Words & Photos: Michael LepekAt its core Galactic is Stanton Moore on Drums, bassist Robert Mecurio  guitarist Jeff Raines, Hammond organist Rich Vogel, and saxophonist Ben Ellman --  but it is the continuous rotating cast of vocalists and sidemen that keep this band fresh after 23 years of...

PHOTOS / SETLISTS / VIDEO | Umphrey's McGee Milwaukee Run

Milwaukee's Riverside Theater is a FOR REAL destination venue for live music.Widespread Panic's now legendary fall runs are getting a challenge from a genuine Midwestern act.  Umphrey's McGee touched down for three shows to close out March and welcome April.  It's becoming just as much a right of passageThe theater, and Jefferson...

Unconstrained: Chris Greene Embraces Boundary Issues

The Chris Greene Quartet uses an epigraph from Funkadelic in the liner notes of their latest album, Boundary Issues.  "Who says a jazz band can't play dance music?  Who says a rock band can't play funky?  Who says a funk band can't play rock?".Saxaphonist and bandleader Greene embraces the Funkadelic...

Ronnie Baker Brooks Pays Tribute To Late Father Lonnie @ Fitzgerald's

By: Howard GreenblattFitzGeralds was packed with fans who came out to pay respects for the late Lonnie Brooks, who passed away April 1st at the age of 83, and love for his son and fellow guitarist Ronnie Baker Brooks.Ronnie gave the love right back in an emotion-packed two set performance ...

Review / Photos / Video | String Cheese Plays Madison For First Time In 13 Years

Words: Nick LaMantia | Photos: Kevin Hiller | Videos: Brandon GroszMadison, Wisconsin always seems to draw a fun and boisterous crowd, and this weekends pair of String Cheese Incident performances were no exception. Two high-energy dance parties broke out at the historic Orpheum Theater.The Friday night show started off with a bang, as...

Album Reviews | March 2017 Releases

By: Alex WoodGrandaddy- Last Place [3/3]Jason Lytles Grandaddy returned for Last Place, the bands first studio album in more than a decade. The record remains within the boundaries previously established on the bands older work, with layers of keyboards, swirling effects and a keen sense of melody. Lytles lyrics are quirky throughout, but more personal...