Aug 24, 2015
Words: Mitch Osborne | Photos: Rickie KostinerJoe Hertler & The Rainbow Seekers -- a band with an upbeat party vibe that is true to its hippy-inspired name-- played to a packed Schuba's crowd on a summer Friday.The crowd sang right along with Hertler, You make me feel so goddamn, good. The rest of the set...
Aug 18, 2015
Umphreys McGee Rocks RaviniaWords: Carmel O'Farrell | Photos: Kristine CondonRavinia Festival is a summer long concert series that takes place in the hoity-toity Chicago suburb of Highland Park. Concert goers are encouraged to picnic on the lawn surrounding the pavilion as they listen to the relaxing sounds of artists like Aretha Franklin and Steely Dan throughout...
Aug 18, 2015
Hoxeyville is a festival with a charm that is completely in line with its name. After a brief flirtation with trying to grow a bit and book national acts, it seems to have embraced what it is: an annual August showcase for Michigan talent in the pristine Pure Michigan of Manistee National Forest.Of course...
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
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 18, 2015
I can only think of one other instance of a band debuting an entire album's worth of material in one show. On Halloween 2013, Phish ran down a dozen new songs as a part of the Wingsuit set, a musical costume playing "an album from the future."Of course, that was similar but not...
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
Photos / Words: Mark Gmerek | Audio: Z-ManThree glorious days of Fare Thee Well left but a few fumes in the tank, but Railroad Earth was ready to keep the party going late night across two venues and two nights.For a band that seems to be cut from the same mythic Americana cloth as the Grateful...
Jul 14, 2015
It was a busy weekend, but Leftover Salmon managed to work in some fun time. while also supplying the big fun for the assembly at Park West for a one-of-a-kind run of shows.While the July 2nd kickoff was your standard two set LoS affair, it did feature an appearance by Col Bruce Hampton early...
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 (...