Aug 12, 2014
Photos: Rickie KostinerRobert Randolph dropped into town for another in a series of electrifying Chicago performances and Rickie Kostiner was on hand to capture some of the exciting moments for a photo gallery for The Barn.SetlistIntro, Motions, Working Title, All That Matters, Payback, La Tormenta, Fly, Blankets, Freak OutPark West proved to be a...
Aug 3, 2014
It was a bit of a disappointment to learn that one of the top live music photographers in Chicago would be heading back east this summer, but I wished Mr. Adam McCall the best of luck as he relocated back to Maryland.Sure, we're a Chicago-based blog, but when somebody this talented offers stunning shots...
Aug 1, 2014
On a summer night in 1982, Garcia & Kahn brought their acoustic show to the grand Auditorium in Chicago.Two compact sets and a nice little "Reuben & Cherise" encore. There's not much to dislike here in this rare audience recording. Enjoy.Download Entire Show
Jul 25, 2014
Photos: Eric FischerTruly outstanding shows don't just achieve that status by virtue of a single song choice or inspired jam. The best of the best are a collection of moments -- some arising spontaneously as the music is created, some as punctuation in the continuing narrative of the band's career.Over the course of the...
Jun 24, 2014
Photos / Reporting: Heidi PetersGinger Baker's early set at City Winery on Monday was only six songs, but like a true jazz band those tunes were stretched into well over an hour of musicStarting with Wayne Shorter's classic composition "Footprints" the band dived headlong into a jazz that was dominated by percussion.After exploring many rhythmic...
Jun 24, 2014
Words & Photos: Ashley M. DowningFirstMerrit Bank Pavillion at Northerly Island has quickly become my favorite large venue in Chicago. It reopened last summer after extensive renovations and it now ranks as one of the best spots in the country to see a live show.It sits on the shore of Lake Michigan tucked away...
Jun 20, 2014
Words & Photos: Ashley M. DowningOn a brisk Friday evening in May, The Park West in Chicago kicked off its summer season with a wild, music filled event. This show was presented as the official Summer Camp Music Festival pre-party, with all of the musicians in attendance scheduled to play at upcoming fest the following...
Jun 19, 2014
You may want to sit back for this one.Let's start at the beginning. There is a band from Sweden who call themselves Goat.Why Goat? I'm glad you asked. Here's how they explain themselves:Goat are a collective who hail from a small and very remote village called Korpolombolo in deepest darkest Sweden. Legend...
Jun 11, 2014
The Growth Of Their GrooveWords: @312mrg | Photos: Ashley M. DowningSustained interest in a band is not accomplished easily. To achieve it, a band must be creative, considering the myriad of musical levers at play in a community where one size will not fit all. Tour t0 tour changes in approach or sound, setlist switch-ups, even...
Jun 9, 2014
Words / Photos: Ashley M. DowningCubby Bear has been going above and beyond to restore great live music in an unlikely neighboorhood. Despite its Wrigleyville location, The Cubby Bear is a lively venue that has all of the right amenities needed to put on a killer show and is supplementing some of its more questionable bookings...