Jul 2, 2015
We've been adding events to our GD50 Chicago Events Grid since May. Sure, there are plenty of national headliners on the list, but probably a bunch of other names you may not recognize. Kelley Lauginiger (@peapodmcgee) was kind enough to break down a few of the acts that you can check out if you're into...
Oct 23, 2014
The first time I ventured north to Milwaukee to see a Widespread Panic show was over the Fourth of July, 1997. The band was playing a rare two night stand at a smaller stage of the city's famed Summerfest. The pair of one-setters were at the Miller Oasis Stage, which featured metal bleacher-style seats. Oddly, rather...
May 13, 2013
We had a ball at last year's Whippersnap Festival, a fine mid-summer destination which married great regional talent with an emphasis on improv with some top notch national headliners. The festival is back in 2013, though moving closer to Chicago, at HideAway Lakes campground in Yorkville, IL. The lineup was released over the weekend on their...
Apr 9, 2013
There have been hiatuses, New Year's Runs, Wood Tours, and gigs En La Playa, but there hasn't been a full on electric TOUR from Widespread Panic, since they stepped off the stage in Chicago on Halloween 2011. That changes this week in St. Louis, but the first weekend stop finds them bunking down in our city...
Oct 23, 2012
Halloween is on a Wednesday this year, and apparently that means six full days of Halloween musical goodness in Chicago. While the bulk of the "costume" shows will take place on the prior weekend and, of course Halloween night itself, there's even a few heavy-hitting shows in the "days between" that serious music fans have...
Oct 4, 2012
Words: Dave Weckstein, Images: Caitlin JefkoAs we enter the first full month of fall, I decided to immerse myself in a night at Martyrs, one of my favorite Chicago music venues. On Tuesday, October 2nd, the club played host to four talented jazz influenced acts. While changing weather may leave some longing for the warm...
Jul 30, 2012
It will be a busy August for Terrapin Flyer founder, guitarist and vocalist Doug Hagman. He'll hit the road for 9 shows in 11 days with an all-star cast in a routing that spans both Jerry Garcia's 70th birthday and the 17th anniversary of his death (including at stop at Chicago's Abbey Pub on 8/4). By the end...
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...
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...