Nov 15, 2012
Every summer, interesting festivals overtake the music landscape in and around Chicago. While the festival calendar dries up after Labor Day, leave it to the area's best venues to make our holidays seem like mini-festivals of their own. And with Thanksgiving more of a homecoming style occasion, the program leans delightfully local.We've...
Nov 15, 2012
I'm trying something different for this contest to make it easier than ever to win these tickets. I've created a short entry form on this page. All you need to do is fill out your email address and which of two shows you are interested in attending:Mr Blotto and Chicago Zappa Collective...
Feb 22, 2012
This feature has been updated (February 2012) since its original publication in April of 2010. I swapped out the ninth band and added some honorable mentions. The remainder of the text remains largely untouched.We can crank up the amplifiers and layer on the production, but the acoustic guitar -- natural and authentic -- just isn't going...
Dec 14, 2011
I'd never even heard of Fanfound until recently, but based on deals they are currently offering, there appear to be many reasons to check back with them frequently.At the top of the list are discounted tickets (43% off face value) to both upcoming weekends of the Chicago Bluegrass & Blues Festival. If you missed the...
Nov 22, 2011
Months ago, I was pumped about the announcement of two night Umphrey's McGee run in Chicago over Thanksgiving weekend. Little did I know at the time, but by the time this extended weekend would arrive, that party would start in Chicago well before UM takes the stage, and continue all the way through to Thanksgiving...
Nov 7, 2011
Groupon Live is offering $40 for two tickets for Saturday ticket to the fourth installment Chicago Bluegrass & Blues Festival on January 21; a $79 face value. This year, Saturday night will be at the beautiful Auditorium Theater, and feature some of our favorite artists, including:David Grisman QuintentDel McCoury BandJoe PurdyTravelin' McCoury'sGiving Tree BandGreensky Bluegrass !Henhouse ProwlersParticularly...
Sep 1, 2011
When details started to emerge about Shoe Fest, the first year festival taking place at Stonehouse Park in Earlville, IL on September 9th - 11th, I almost had to pinch myself.There is no denying the overwhelming amount of musical talent in and around Chicago, and the quality festivals taking place all around the region...
Jun 13, 2011
It took a little while, but I'm ready comment on my experience at Summer Camp Music Festival this year. I'll withhold detailed comment on the weather or conditions, but there is enough to say about the music, even with my Sunday only pass, to get on the page. So, in keeping with The Barn's sub-theme...
Jun 3, 2011
Our Symphony Sunday features was partially inspired by Cathy Richardson telling me about this event which will be broadcast this weekendMaybe I'm Amazed - Paul McCartney is looking for the best coverOur friends in The Steepwater Band have a brand new songGet well with Widespread Panic's John Bell (Wall Street Journal)Don't tell me this...