RAQ had an affectionate Midwest following in the 2000s, playing some key Chicago gigs during their reign as a buzzy next generation jamband.While Chicagoans were as disappointed as any when the band suddenly called in quits in the latter part of the decade, we haven't had the pleasure of one of their sporadic "reunion"...

Whatchoo Talkin' 'Bout Wills Tower Jam?Words:@312mrg| Photos: Daniel Peterson courtesy of musicfestivalcentral.comIt takes two elevator combinations to get to the 99th floor of the Willis Tower. Somewhere around floor 40 of my first, I struck up conversation with a guy from Philly who had just arrived in Chicago on Saturday and was just...

One of the most unique events that we covered in 2013 was Otter Presents' grand experiment in venue selection married with super group curation: The Top Of The Tower Jam. Hosting a party 99 stories in the sky, essentially putting a band-for-a-night in a venue-for-a-night, makes for memories that definitely stands out.With a lineup that mixed...

Among the many things I like about Chicago is the diversity of of options on just about any night. This is amplified when Phish is in town.Case in point: not only can Phish set up shop for three big weekend shows, the city can simultaneously host a multi-band festival with some crossover appeal to...

We're staring down at a big big Phish weekend in Chicago. To celebrate, we want to get you out to a few of the aftershows to keep the party going after Phish leaves the stage.Fill out this simple form or drop us an email at info @ thebarnpesents.com with the subject line "Phish Weekend 2014"....

Words & Photos: Ashley M DowningAfter taking a hiatus and implementing some innovative adjustments, Particle is back as a musical force that cannot be ignored. They have played a handful of shows over the past few months, gearing up to fully takeover the scene that they once helped to create.Within the jam-electronica world there...

Reporting by @WeirScrewedCrafting a true "destination" event can be as risky for a promoter as the improvisational turns that performers take on stage. Stakes are higher when the music is delivered by a one time configuration, then ratcheted up another notch when the supergroup draws from a pool best known for both Grateful Dead related...

Let me take you back to September 2001. After a few smokin' Chicago appearances around town over the last few years, guitarist Steve Kimock had just announced a one-of-a-kind gig on one of the top floors of the Sears Tower (I don't even know what it was called at the time... but for a Chicagoan it'll...

Stonehouse Park came under quite a bit of fire regarding noise and crowds in the festival off-season. While the Dekalb county park will see the addition of Camp Terrapin come, Barefoot Fred Productions think they've found an even better location for their mid-July Whippersnap Music and Arts Festival.For 2012, Whippersnap moves to Lyran Park in...

UPDATE (5/22/12): The location of Whippersnap Music and Arts Festival 2012 has changed to Lyran Park, 4781 S. Bend Rd. in Rockford, ILThe Whippersnap Festival is back this year with some quality headliners, an action-packed undercard and a few more surprises in store.This year's festival will be held July 19th, 20th & 21st at Lyran Park in...