Jun 25, 2012
We've creeped past the solstice marker and are entering the heart of festival season in the Midwest. The oddest trend for 2012 seems to be festivals moving locations, which no less than five of the fests that we are tracking declaring a new home this year. Here's our roundup of the most intriguing camping and / or...
Jun 19, 2012
Words and Photos: Dave WecksteinI have arrived at two certainties today. One: I have some new favorite grub -- I write this review after having experienced for the first time the splendor that is Kitschn Diners chicken and waffles. Two: I think my breakfast choice was influenced by hearing the debut of Shoe Groove, a...
Jun 15, 2012
Both Old Shoe and Family Groove Company will both be playing next weekend's Stranger Danger Festival, which means you won't be seeing the in Chicago this week. But when a good friend of the bands has a birthday that falls a week before the fest, what can they do?Super Group!Performing live for the...
Jun 13, 2012
Welcome to summer in Chicago. Nobody denies it's the best time of year and, of course, there are tons of musical options.We are home to mega-festivals in Grant and Union Parks -- offering intriguing lineups but lacking intimacy and coming with a commiserate ticket cost. Swing a dead cat and you'll hit a street...
May 18, 2012
Words: Dave Weckstein, Images: Norman SandsWhat the world needs now is another folk hero, like I need a hole in the head is a phrase penned by Cracker on Teen Angst but in the years since they wrote it, it has been covered by the likes of acoustic artists suchThe band went on later in...
Apr 20, 2012
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...
Feb 18, 2012
Looking for some family fun this weekend? There will be plenty of bluegrass fun for kids and grown-ups alike this Sunday at one of our favorite places, Fitzgerald's in Berwyn, hosts the 5th Annual After Brunch Bash and Barn Dance with Sunnyside Up and The Teflons. The bands are led by Colby Maddox and Barb...
Feb 17, 2012
It's Mark Hague's favorite event of the year, and it's a welcome relief for those that are have the festival jones big time in the heart of this oddball winter. Hotel Blotto returns to the Best Western in LaPorte, IN on February 24th and 25th.This year's festival also features Chester Brown and Old Shoe...
Feb 8, 2012
If you thought Matt Butler and the Everyone Orchestra had cornered the market on large-band improvisational experiments, clear a spot on the calendar for Thursday, February 9th at the Abbey Pub.That marks the debut of Full Court Press, an improvisational experiment, drawing from an all star lineup of jam-friendly musicians sourced from right here...
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...