Features Stories

REVIEW / VIDEO | Spafford & Mungion @ Bluebird Theater 4/1/17

By: Ryan MannixPhoto: Wallyography via Spafford FacebookRyan got a preview of this pairing's Chicago tour stop in Colorado.  For a chance to win a pair of tickets for Saturday's show with these two bands, check out our CONTEST PAGE.Two rising bands.One of Denvers premier venues.A sold out show.That combination doesn't...

Review / Setlist | M. Ward @ City Winery 3/27/17

By: Alex Wood | Photo: @mrsjjcreamOne of the most talented and powerful songwriters in the modern folk scene, M. Ward often feels like a musicians musician, popping up in the liner notes of your favorite records without you realizing.Despite his prolific and collaborative tendencies, the guitarist has only gained a small but dedicated following, diehards...

Review / Photos / Video | Southern Soul Assembly @ Thalia Hall 3/24/17

Words: Tim Kelly | Photos: MIchael Lepek | Video: Nunu ZomotSeveral hundred people got a real treat in Chicago at the fantastic Thalia Hall in the Pilsen area as Southern Soul Assembly performed an intimate two-hour show for the sold-out house.  Southern Soul Assembly is basically a supergroup of southern rock singer songwriting giants: &...

Taking A Punch | The Charlie Hunter Interview

By: Carmel O'Farrell - @carmelocornCharlie Hunter.  The man has been a music world game-changer and for 20 years he has crafted a meaningful career, chock-full of collaborations and improvisation. His journey began in Berkeley, California and has brought him all around the world as he has fined-tuned his vision as an artist and...

The Zombies Celebrate 50th Anniversary of Landmark Album at Thalia Hall in April

By: Robin ZimmermanIt would be easy to publish a puff piece on the Zombies' upcoming tour with a time of the season reference or two. But that would be doing the band a huge disservice. If recent reviews hold true, theyll be putting on a pair of stellar shows at Thalia Hall in April. ...

Photos / Recap | Big Sam's Funky Nation @ Martyrs' 3/17/17

By: Michael LepekNew Orleans may be a long way from the Emerald Isle, Martyrs' went the funk route with Big Sam's Funky Nation for their St. Patrick's Day celebration.Big Sam got his start as a member of The Dirty Dozen Brass Band.  With this band, Sam is always high energy with his...

18 Artists Performing 18 Different Chuck Berry Songs

Chuck Berry passed away on Saturday at age 90.  It may be easier for him to stake the claim as the "inventor of rock and roll" than any other musician.Look no further than the artists who have adopted his songs into their own repertoire.  And it's not just one tune.  Sure there...

Stream Or Download | The Dead Play Chuck Berry

Creative archive.org user Eyesoftheworld94 has uploaded another notable collection to the site with the recent news..While the Dead themselves only performed four different Berry songs publicly, he's included a soundcheck take on "Thirty Days" from 12/12/73 and selections from various solo and special projects -- Jerry Garcia Band, Kingfish, Mother...

Ravinia's 2017 Lineup, Ranked

Ravinia Festival released its schedule of shows for 2017 yesterday.  Along with its perennial classical programming, there's once again some more popular forms to supplement the symphony.  True, they tend to book acts that are past their sell-by date, but there's still some fun-in-the-park experience for a BYOB venue with a flat...

Photos / Recap / Video | Los Lobos & Ryley Walker @ Tivoli Theatre 3/14/17

By: Heidi Peters PhotographyLos Lobos had already re-scheduled a pair of show in Downers Grove once (these were originally set for mid-February), so when guitarist David Hidalgo injured himself prior to their March dates... the show must go on.Luckily Dave Alvin of The Blasters has had enough history with the band to fill in...