Spare Parts Stories

Widespread Panic Fan's Guide To Chicago - Spring 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...

Halloween Weekend - Chicago Live Music Guide 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...

Preview: Full Court Press 4 @ Abbey Pub 10/5/12 + Pics, Video, Setlist & Lineup from FCP3

The fourth edition of the Abbey Pub Full Court Press Jam series is back next week (October 5th to be exact, click HERE for a chance to win tickets) and with it comes all the great things we love about the previous all star jam sessions.a full complement of talent from the top bands...

The Barn's Greater Chicago Festival Guide - Summer 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...

Festival Preview In Chart Form: Stranger Danger @ Abbey Pub, June 23 & 24

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...