Aug 10, 2015
Words:Joann D. Ball | Photos: Philamonjaro StudioLegendary punk rockers X returned to City Winery Chicago for three shows, and displayed a renewed sense of purpose and urgency. The band is donating part of the proceeds from the How I Learned My Lesson tour to support co-founder Billy Zoom who is undergoing chemo treatment for bladder...
Aug 4, 2015
By @WeirScrewedLollapalooza as a whole is not always our cup of tea, but its sheer volume typically brings such a varietyof acts to Chicago that it's bound to come up a big winner on at least a handful each year. Friday night at Metro brought us psychedelic country crooner Sturgill Simpson, who has been setting...
Aug 4, 2015
Stiff Little Fingers are Still BurningWords: Joann D. Ball | Photos: Philamonjaro StudioStiff Little Fingers formed Belfast in 1977, the year punk exploded in the U.K. Keen observers of their surroundings, the bands raw political and personal commentary addressed oppression and the Troubles in Northern Ireland as well as youthful rage and rebellion.Never heard of...
Jul 15, 2015
Steve Miller Band Keeps on Rockn and Bluesn with FeelingWords: Joann D. Ball | Photos: Philamonjaro StudioRavinias house lights dimmed, and the stage curtain dropped, while the familiar intro to Jungle Love fired up a near-sellout crowd. After that flashback workout, Miller told enthusiastic fans "Ooh, it's good to be back. Thanks for coming!On the...
Jul 15, 2015
Johnette Napolitano Returns with New Songs and True StoriesWords: Joann D. Ball | Photos: Philamonjaro StudioJohnette Napolitano opened with Joey, and treated City Winerys stage like a porch at her Joshua Tree, California home. She entertained guests with a blend of Concrete Blonde, solo and cover songs, plus some riveting stories from her 2010 book Rough Mix....
Jul 13, 2015
Wrapping Up Fare Thee Well: Fiya Wrappers All Star JamWords: @312mrg| Photos: Philamonjaro StuidoOn a weekend where the "music never stopped", the Concord Music Halls Fiya Wrapper All Star Jam was just filling up as Fare Thee Well came to and end. The final weekend music offering by music promotion gold standard, Silver Wrapper in (...
Jul 13, 2015
Father's Day is not always an ideal time for concerts, but the park-like atmosphere of Ravinia can make it a fine location for a family outing. I was joined by my wife, three sons (ages 8, 11 and 12) and some friends this past Father's Day -- and with that crew, the ability to shuttle between the picnic-like...
Jul 8, 2015
By @WeirScrewedRailway Gamblers are a young quartet whose debut album, Heart of the Sun, dropped this week. Fans of Americana and folk-rock, as presented through an indie-rock filter, will find something to like here.From the opening notes of She Rides, elements of all of the aforementioned genres are in play -- a deliberate and...
Jul 8, 2015
Joan Osborne Proves She's One of Us During GD50 ChicagoWords: Joann D. Ball | Photos: Philamonjaro StudioThe final day of the week long Weir World celebration at City Winery was programmed with a keen eye for how the shows might progress. Joan Osbornes Sunday brunch show on July 5 offered fans a tasty serving of sustenance and...
Jun 30, 2015
Words / Photos: Kelley Lauginiger -@peapodmcgeeI just want to share the good news about this amazing band: Analog Son. They're super funky, super cohesive, and have a fly-as-possible fashion sense to boot. Fronted by the soulful, powerful, feminine voice of Devon Parkern juxtaposed against a six-piece drums, bass, and brass combo, they produce an urgent,...