Photo via rendi.v InstagramBy the way I count, the last time Jeff Chimenti performed in Chicago, he was standing in front of 70,000 strong at Soldier Field during the final Fare Thee Well on July 6, 2015.So the cozy confines of Martyrs' probably had a bit of different feel for him.Maybe not so much for...

Yes, our Fourth Of July weekend in Chicago can get a little overwhelming (and also quite expensive). But, we're looking out for our readers and have arranged a number of great ticket giveaways for events all around the city. Free sometimes is a great way to make a decision and depending on where you're coming...

Since its opening in the mid-90's Martyrs' has always had a special place in the Chicago Deadhead world.It's where the long standing Dark Star Orchestra got their start in a Tuesday night residency. It has also been a frequent stop for Terrapin Flyer, a band who has grabbed the Chicago Dead band crown...

I have a feeling details are being finalized and then announced in real time regarding the Prankster event that I first reported on last week.Today we have some more details, including -- if you're willing to roll the dice until things are firmed up -- information on how to purchase tickets for both the...

One of the more intriguing -- and mysterious -- storylines of the Fare Thee Well Chicago Weekend involves an event known as the Acoustic Acid Test. Sometimes referred to as 50th Anniversary of the Acid Test or AT50, it certainly appears that something big is in the works, but what exactly it is takes a...

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...

John Kadlecik is no stranger to the Martyrs stage.  He played there weekly as a member of Dark Star Orchestra in the early days of that band.  Back in town for two scheduled Chicago gigs, tonight's ambitious Top Of The Tower Jam and Saturday's solo show back at the North Side club, the...

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...

If somebody suggested John Kadlecik might return for a stint with his old band while Furthur had some downtime, you might reasonably assume it'd be with Dark Star Orchestra.But, for two nights this spring, John's going waaayyy back, and reuniting with his Chicago-based squad in Hairball Willie for two gigs that should satisfy old-school...

While The Barn's recent interview with Melvin Seals intended to shed some light on the Jerry Garcia Band catalog, Melvin made it clear that the Jerry tunes weren't the only thing he's been up to lately.I took this as an open door to explore some of the other projects Melvin has been involved with,...